Should You Pressure Wash a Deck Before Staining?

Should You Pressure Wash a Deck Before Staining?

It is fairly common for people to perform deck staining on their home decks to prevent wood damage from water, moisture, mold, mildew, and rot. Deck stains generally have added pigments that give the stain a slight tint to prevent wood graying and sun damage. But before applying a stain, it is important to adequately prepare the wooden surface for stain application, as dirty decks will result in shorter stain life and potential wood damage in the future.

Should I Pressure Wash My Deck Before Staining?

For the best results, it is a good idea to thoroughly clean a deck before applying a stain. The presence of any of the following can interfere with the stain’s ability to penetrate the wood and may even cause early peeling:

  • Dirt
  • Mildew
  • Grease
  • Dust
  • Other fibers on the surface

Pressure washing is a highly effective cleaning technique that is perfect for thoroughly cleaning the deck before applying a stain. While using only water can still be beneficial with pressure washing, utilizing an effective cleaning solution or surfactant while pressure washing will add to the effectiveness of the technique and make the cleaning process much easier and quicker.

Additionally, when attempting to eliminate problems like mold, mildew, and grease, specific chemicals need to be used to either kill fungus and mold from the root or dissolve stubborn greases and oils. Ideally, the wood will also be thoroughly dried after pressure washing to ensure that no moisture is trapped beneath the stain.

Benefits of Pressure Washing Before Deck Staining

  • Ensures longer stain preservation
  • More effective staining process
  • Prevents premature peeling
  • Prevents damage to wood
  • Eliminates contaminants like mildew and mold
  • Saves time and money in the future

Interested in Effective Pressure Washing Chemicals?

Tidal Washers offers industrial-strength chemicals for various cleaning applications. Whether you need to clean a truck, RV, wooden deck, or shingles, we have the perfect solution for your business needs.

Feel free to browse our wide selection of cleaning chemical products here, or reach out to our expert staff with any special requests or help to find the best product for your needs!