Much to be said on Deck Stains and Finishes, typically two forms of deck stains I'll mention. Either Semi-Transparent or Solid Body. Both have their pros and cons. However, if maintained in either case, both will protect and last for your outside enjoyment.
Semi-Trans allows the beauty of the wood grain to show through, and typically oil based, however many come in a Greener type, water based. Both equally good in today's research. Semi-Trans will never peel, crack, and flake, but tends to dry out more quickly, until you have several coats applied over the years. Most good oil stains have a Linseed Oil base, and ones that have the most, tend to be the best in protection; Such as Super Deck, sold by Kwal-Howell. Ones to stay away as far as you can is Thompsons Water Seal, with little to no protection values. I've personally seen decks that had Thompsons applied 3 months before, looked like barn wood.
Solid Body Deck Stains are exactly what they do, having 50% stain, and 50% paint body or mill left on top. Very durable, and long lasting, it covers up the wood grain, as a paint would. Benefits include not having to power wash so extensively before product is applied. It covers up wood imprefections very well, making a "Like new" finish. Another benefit is, when it's time, never having to power wash before additional coats, except only to lightly rinse off, getting dirt and debris off.
Solid Body Stains, once used is very difficult to go back to Sem-Trans, as every bit of SBDS has to be removed. Think about it. Semi-Trans does not cover, and you would see every bit of SBS if not removed, if left under a Semi-Trans.
There is one more type, leaving last to mention, that is the best in the industry, which I personally have on mine now, having expereinced both others over the years. It is called Translucent. Even having the best still requires some maintaince, as nothing will last forever, especially horizontal surfaces such as decks and handrails. I must say that after two coats of Sikken's Deck Stain, the following applications took very little coating, making it simply exquistite and extraordinaire. When explaining to customers what Sikken's is like, I refer to Baby Grand Pianos attached to the exterior. A deep luxurious finish as if a laquer finish was put over stain. This Translucent makes for a slick finish that during snow falls, the snow cannot grab, therefore can easily be pushed off the deck floor, adding to the longevity and durability, as snow is any stains worst enemy. After several years and several additional coats, this stain makes the deck surface bullet proof so to speak, as Creosotes would do. Creosotes for those not familiar are products applied to telephone poles. Sikken's only comes in a limited number of color choices (I think 15-20) as it cannot be tinted to an exact match as the two mentioned above, but if can use it, it's well worth the extra effort. Sikkens also is about 3-4 times the cost of typcial deck stains, but as additional coats are applied, cost drops below 50% of other deck stain applications. Reason for this is Sikkens has to be brushed on. Not back-rolled, nor sprayed, as others can be, it must be worked into wood with several brush strokes on every square inch of surface. Once applied, second and subsequent coats require less product. I just re-coated my deck last summer, having two prior coats of Sikkens before. My deck has appox. 500 square feet of surface, and third application only took 1/2 gallon!!!
Having extensive knowledge of deck finishes, we at Eco Paint Specialist's can bring your deck back to life, protecting from the climates and elements for years to come.
Cal Phillips/Eco Paint Specialist's/303.591.4978
Showing posts with label deck finish. Show all posts
Showing posts with label deck finish. Show all posts
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Cedar Siding Replacement
This past year my neighbor requested 3 sides of their home replaced with the same 1 X 6 beveled lap siding originally used when our homes were built. However, the thinnest portion at the top was only 1/16" thick, and had newer material specially milled with that same end 1/4" thick. This may sound picky, but giving that extra amount at the top, and underneath lap, material would be less likely to crack/split and curl.
Once old cedar siding was removed, we called out utility company alerting them we were pulling back breakerbox from siding. This did not cost any additional expense, and seemed to be happy we included them in our construction operations. Once removed from siding (home still had power) we installed vapor barrier Tyvek before new cedar went up. This product is great, sealing out wind, moisture, still allowing to only breathe outward. This helps the R factor, especaially in our weather conditions and climate changes.
Once Tyvek was installed horizontally, overlapping from top to bottom, cedar was ready to go up. We fastened with very few galvanized 8 penny nails, say 1%, using primarily 1 1/2" galvanized screws from a squarehead Senco screw gun. This way as the wind may kick up on occassions, and temperture changes occur, and any movements to siding will be very less likely, fastening down with screws instead of nails. I know ring shank nails work ok, but nothing like screws!
Another good idea, is after new cedar is insalled, allow it to dry out from the mill a couple weeks before any stain is applied. Most painting companies will not want to do this, as it holds up completion, but lumberyards will tell you different. Treating each job as if were our very own, you cannot go wrong choosing Eco Paint Specialist's for your painting and siding needs.
additional info.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Another painting season is upon us.
Exterior paint job in Ken Caryl Colorado. 
We also stained this home's new deck in the back with Sikken's Dark Mohagany translucent deck stain, brushing 2 coats using a wet on dry application.
Painting Denver
Painting Interior
Painting Exterior
Eco Paint Specialists
additional info.
http://www.merchantcircle.com/blogs/MerchantCircle.Marketing.Advisor.Cal.Phillips.Aurora.CO..303-591-4978
http://www.ecopaintspecialists.com/
We also stained this home's new deck in the back with Sikken's Dark Mohagany translucent deck stain, brushing 2 coats using a wet on dry application.Painting Denver
Painting Interior
Painting Exterior
Eco Paint Specialists
additional info.
http://www.merchantcircle.com/blogs/MerchantCircle.Marketing.Advisor.Cal.Phillips.Aurora.CO..303-591-4978
http://www.ecopaintspecialists.com/
Sikken's Deck Stain Project
A few people in this world know the qualities of Sikken's products, as the Sikken's Company spends the least amount in marketing, knowing they have the best products hands down, while others spend millions each year, having the worst, not even lasting 6 months, such as Thompson's Water Seal Deck products.
Most deck stain products are of an average quality, and a medium price, say around $25.00 a gallon, depending on what part of the country you live. Not wishing to disscredit Thompson's, I'm just giving an example of what I've seen as the worse, also working wtih the best as Sikken's. Sikken's products typically cost anywhere from $50-75.00 a gallon depending on exact product choice, and location.
Price in one of the major items that drives up the cost of deck stain job, but not the only one. On the back of the can, detailed instructions are given, explictely stating all material must be hand brushed. Not rolled, not sprayed, and not ragged. A fine oil finish brush should be used, and can clean up with Mineral Spirits or Laquer Thinner. Large sufaces such as floors, I would strongly recogmend a 4" wide brush, cutting down the stroke time. Speaking of strokes, the amount of brush strokes will make you go crazy if very large. Each sq. inch should be brushed 3-4 times, working product in to a smooth consistant level. Better to go thin, and apply several wet on dry coats, than to overload one, risking a default in adheasion. Just plan on getting use of that elbow, like you've never done before. My trick on brush storage is using a new empy plastic Maxwell House coffee container with built in handle, cutting an X in the middle of the lid. Pouring solovent a few inches into container, and when brush is finished for the day, place the brush in the can, running handle through X, snapping lid shut. Still store container safely away from animals, and small children, as this can be quite harmfull, if not fatal is induced. Great thing is brush will not harden up, and be ready when you are. This technique also saves and conserves solovents to properly dispose. (Talk to your local waste management site for exaxt instructions)
Sikken's products are made in Sweden, developed for extreme climates as in the Alps. Sikken's have coined the word unlike any otther deck stain out there, either being "Solid body" or "Semi-transparent" Sikken's word is "TRANSLUCENT". Which I describe as a deep varnished finish, the more coats that is applied over the years. Mine looks like a baby grand piano attached to our home. Protection is second to none, providing a hard finish, that makes all wood surfaces slick and bullet proof. A cryesoak without the smell. Noticed I said slick, and can be dangerous with ice or snow on it. In Denver, and getting a few feet sometimes, I like the slick surface for removal purposes. I can take a shop broom out and sweep 1 foot at a time, with the upmost ease. However, with a lot of foot traffic from either animals or man during ice and snow, this would not be recogmended.
Sikken's comes in 15-20 color choices that cannot be tinted, which is a good thing in a sence. Remembering which shade used, you can always get more later on in a select few places in town. Typically Ben Moore Paint locations carry, but you may need to check with your local paint companies.
Having used a solid body, semi-trans, and now Sikken's for the last 6-7 years, I can honestly say I would not put nothing else on my persoanal deck than Sikken's. When I re-coat, which I did this past summer 08', I was shocked how little I used coating twice, two different days. Looked like a millon dollars without having to powerwash. Just a light rinse is needed if you maintain it, catching before it degrades beyond repair. On a deck that takes 3 -4 gallons first coat, second application may only take 2-3. Third application only takes 1-2. I was on my 4th. and used a 1/2 gallon!!! You can see it pays for itself in the long run, not having to use near as much, but labor is the same, whether you do it, or hire it out, on any product your choosing. Hiring out, labor is typically 4-5 times as more than spray method, brushing till the cows come home, but is well worth the added expense for duration, and enjoyment. When we have friends over, out on our deck, everyone notices what a fine looking finish it is, but has no idea what was used.
Most deck stain products are of an average quality, and a medium price, say around $25.00 a gallon, depending on what part of the country you live. Not wishing to disscredit Thompson's, I'm just giving an example of what I've seen as the worse, also working wtih the best as Sikken's. Sikken's products typically cost anywhere from $50-75.00 a gallon depending on exact product choice, and location.
Price in one of the major items that drives up the cost of deck stain job, but not the only one. On the back of the can, detailed instructions are given, explictely stating all material must be hand brushed. Not rolled, not sprayed, and not ragged. A fine oil finish brush should be used, and can clean up with Mineral Spirits or Laquer Thinner. Large sufaces such as floors, I would strongly recogmend a 4" wide brush, cutting down the stroke time. Speaking of strokes, the amount of brush strokes will make you go crazy if very large. Each sq. inch should be brushed 3-4 times, working product in to a smooth consistant level. Better to go thin, and apply several wet on dry coats, than to overload one, risking a default in adheasion. Just plan on getting use of that elbow, like you've never done before. My trick on brush storage is using a new empy plastic Maxwell House coffee container with built in handle, cutting an X in the middle of the lid. Pouring solovent a few inches into container, and when brush is finished for the day, place the brush in the can, running handle through X, snapping lid shut. Still store container safely away from animals, and small children, as this can be quite harmfull, if not fatal is induced. Great thing is brush will not harden up, and be ready when you are. This technique also saves and conserves solovents to properly dispose. (Talk to your local waste management site for exaxt instructions)
Sikken's products are made in Sweden, developed for extreme climates as in the Alps. Sikken's have coined the word unlike any otther deck stain out there, either being "Solid body" or "Semi-transparent" Sikken's word is "TRANSLUCENT". Which I describe as a deep varnished finish, the more coats that is applied over the years. Mine looks like a baby grand piano attached to our home. Protection is second to none, providing a hard finish, that makes all wood surfaces slick and bullet proof. A cryesoak without the smell. Noticed I said slick, and can be dangerous with ice or snow on it. In Denver, and getting a few feet sometimes, I like the slick surface for removal purposes. I can take a shop broom out and sweep 1 foot at a time, with the upmost ease. However, with a lot of foot traffic from either animals or man during ice and snow, this would not be recogmended.
Sikken's comes in 15-20 color choices that cannot be tinted, which is a good thing in a sence. Remembering which shade used, you can always get more later on in a select few places in town. Typically Ben Moore Paint locations carry, but you may need to check with your local paint companies.
Having used a solid body, semi-trans, and now Sikken's for the last 6-7 years, I can honestly say I would not put nothing else on my persoanal deck than Sikken's. When I re-coat, which I did this past summer 08', I was shocked how little I used coating twice, two different days. Looked like a millon dollars without having to powerwash. Just a light rinse is needed if you maintain it, catching before it degrades beyond repair. On a deck that takes 3 -4 gallons first coat, second application may only take 2-3. Third application only takes 1-2. I was on my 4th. and used a 1/2 gallon!!! You can see it pays for itself in the long run, not having to use near as much, but labor is the same, whether you do it, or hire it out, on any product your choosing. Hiring out, labor is typically 4-5 times as more than spray method, brushing till the cows come home, but is well worth the added expense for duration, and enjoyment. When we have friends over, out on our deck, everyone notices what a fine looking finish it is, but has no idea what was used.
addtional info.
Eco Paint Specialist's Inc.
Just had 5" of snow today here in Denver. Not all that bad, as we need the moisture, not getting that much in December. Hopefully everyone had a joyous Christmas holiday season, with family and friends. This was a time for us to construct a new audio file on our website http://www.ecopaintspecialists.com , that we may also use on radio this year. May change it up to fit the season, as Spring is quickly approching. The current audio feed is generic in nature. Hope you enjoy sight and now SOUND!
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