Talk to me about decking stain/paint

[saxendaqs]

I'm under the impression the majority of them are terrible. Am I right?

Used the Cuprinol decking oil in natural about 2 years ago but sprayed it on with one of those pressure sprayers which wasn't very good. It didn't last very well and probably could have done with being redone last year but I just couldn't face it.

Want to keep it a light oak colour, so a stain would be ideal. Don't want it to look to orangey. Do you have any recommendations?

I've seen the paint pads you can use. Are they any good?

Much appreciated!

It needs to be done every year. Oil is better than stain because stain coats rather than penetrates and can need to be stripped off before re-doing. A wallpaper brush or decking brush works best for application but it's a tedious job. Cuprinol UV Guard decking oil is the best that I've used. I'd change the decking for paving/cobbles/anything else in a heartbeat.

Ok I'll get the culprinol again then. It was ok but the pressure sprayer was awful so it might be better with a pad/brush.

Do I do it today when it's sunny, that's the question!!!

We use oil and a sweeping brush to apply and it's so fast.

@MrsPerfect12 which oil do you use?

we've used a few but last time was screwfix clear so it didn't give that orange tinge.
This year we've been looking at osmos it comes in various shades.

Why don't you just let it go Grey? So natural and beautiful. The oil is the better choice and quick and easy if mopped on and not too big a job if you don't have stairs and railings . But you do have to do it every year, including a prep of power wash beforehand.

@Whataretalkingabout because I thought if I didn't protect it it would rot!?

@saxendaqs Well not necessarily! It does depend on where your deck is located whether or not it really needs protection from standing water.