Tips on selecting a stain to protect your deck

(NC) – Whether it’s where you sip your morning coffee, host a family gathering, or spend time relaxing, a wood deck can extend your living space to the great outdoors and into the fresh air.

However, keeping a deck in shape and inured to weather’s wear can be a challenge.

“It’s a matter of protecting the wood, not just beautifying it,” said Carl Minchew, director of product development for Benjamin Moore Paints. He says to look for a stain product that can effectively guard against the two major culprits affecting wood decks—water and UV rays.

According to Minchew, the newest stain from Benjamin Moore, Arborcoat, not only is an advanced technology for preserving wood, it also is exceptionally “green” and qualifies as an innovation coup.

“It just makes good sense that if you’re staining your outdoors deck or the exterior siding of your home, to use a product that’s respectful of the environment,” said Minchew.

What distinguishes this newest generation of stain product is the use of a proprietary waterborne colourant technology. The waterborne formulation was developed by Benjamin Moore and has been incorporated over the past three years into the company’s low and zero-VOC paints. Even the tints that the company makes are VOC-free.

For those who prefer to have the natural colour and texture of the wood showing through, Minchew recommends transparent, semi transparent or a protective clear coat. The acrylic protective clear coat can help defend against scuffs, scratches and the punishing conditions of the outdoors.

For those wanting to completely mask the wood grain but retain the textural qualities, there is a choice of semi solid or solid finishes. Semi solid is available in 75 popular colours; solid in any of Benjamin Moore’s 1,800 hues.

Minchew also cautions that proper preparation is the ultimate determinant of how long the beauty of a staining job will last. Also remember that the natural colour or grain pattern of the wood itself can greatly influence the final colour.

For the best advice on selecting an exterior stain and preparation appropriate for the type of wood on your deck or exterior of your home, speak to an experienced paint and decorating store professional.

You can also learn more online at benjaminmoore.com.

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