Tips for Staining Your Home’s Wood Siding

22 Apr 2021 Painting Services

When it comes to staining wood siding for your home, there are many factors and techniques to consider. Understanding these considerations and knowing which techniques to use will help ensure quality results and consistent stain coverage. Stain offers great protection against moisture, rot, and sun damage if it is applied correctly. A messy or inadequate application can leave the wood exposed or lead to uneven colouration, so it is important to get the details right. As specialists in wood siding, wooden doors, and wooden window frames, Dunbar Painting offers complete staining services. That is why their team has provided some tips for staining your home’s wood siding.

Learn more about how stain protects wood.

Wood Siding Staining Tips and Considerations

There are many considerations to keep in mind while applying stain. Understanding them will help you determine if staining is a job you can attempt by yourself or if you need to hire a professional.

Staining Rough-Cut Wood

The type of wood you are working with has a significant impact on the staining process. When staining rough-cut wood, you cannot sand off a previous layer of stain and have to work with the product that is already there. To stain rough-cut wood, you will need to clean it thoroughly and then directly apply the stain coats.

Staining Smooth Wood

For smooth wood, the process begins with sanding the wood back to its natural base. Sanding also opens up the wood grains on smooth lumber, allowing for more efficient absorption of stain. From here, the wood needs to be conditioned, stained, and then protected with 1-2 clear coats. An extra clear coat offers enhanced protection and appearance, so 2 coats is highly recommended. The Sansin coating system (foundation, stain coat, clear topcoat) is often a great choice for staining smooth wood. If the wood is in good shape or is just being maintained, a light sanding and application of a clear coat may be the only required steps.

Maintain the Clear Coat

Proper maintenance and reapplication of the clear coat is the most effective way to protect your wood siding. Bear in mind that the location of the siding (north vs. south side of the house) can affect how fast the wood can become damaged. Some areas of your wood siding may require more frequent maintenance than others as a result. As a general rule, aim to reapply the clear coat every 3-5 years.

Proper Application Methods

Unlike paint, stain must be brushed for it to absorb into the wood. To ensure the best possible results, brush the foundation and stain on. The clear coat can be sprayed on if desired, but you will need to ensure that all applicable areas are properly masked first.

To learn more about staining wood siding or to ask for assistance from a professional, reach out to the team at Dunbar Painting through their online contact form. Their staining specialists will work with you to get the job done right.