Save Time with Proper Deck Stain Preparation

Some pros steer clear of staining decks because the prep work is laborious, and the condition of wood surfaces varies greatly. With our tips and premium exterior stain products that speed up preparation, you can deliver finished decks that are both beautiful and profitable.

A painting contractor power washing a deck.

The Right Tools for Better Stained Deck Results

When staining a deck or porch, it’s critical that you don’t underinvest in preparation. Many contractors invest in high-quality stains but make the mistake of bypassing prep products. While they may spend less money on products, the labor costs quickly add up as their team struggles to get exterior wood surfaces stain-ready.

Woodluxe^® prep products—Wood Restorer, Wood Stain Remover, Wood Brightener & Neutralizer and All-in-One Wood Cleaner—are formulated for specific applications. As an added value, they are concentrated formulas, so a small amount mixed with water goes a long way and you can adjust the strength of the solution. Dealing with lots of mildew? Use a stronger mix of Woodluxe All-in-One Wood Cleaner to save time. Trying to remove light water stains? Use a weaker solution to save materials. After applying these highly concentrated prep products, use a premium-quality exterior wood stain like Woodluxe for the best results.

Save Time and Money by Investing in Deck Stain Preparation Concentrates

A one-gallon plastic container of Woodluxe® All-In-One Wood Cleaner.

1

Clean Off Stains from Mold and Mildew

Woodluxe All-in-One Wood Cleaner is a maintenance cleaner that safely removes stains from mold as well as water stains. Plus, it is multipurpose and effective on siding, shakes, outdoor furniture and more.

For maximum-strength cleaning, mix 1 gallon of All-in-One Wood Cleaner with 7 gallons of water for up to 2,400 square feet of coverage.

A one-gallon plastic container of Woodluxe® Wood Brightener and Neutralizer.

2

Brighten by Removing Tannin and Rust Stains

Woodluxe Wood Brightener & Neutralizer is used to break the shiny, tough-to-penetrate “mill glaze” on new wood and ensure deck stain adhesion. It also removes tannin and rust stains. Are you staining a tannin-bearing wood? Wood Brightener & Neutralizer counteracts the darkening effect of Woodluxe Wood Restorer and Wood Stain Remover by neutralizing the pH of those formulas.

Wood Brightener & Neutralizer rinses easily with water, and only 1 gallon of concentrate is needed to mix with 8 gallons of water for up to 2,400 square feet of coverage.

A one-gallon plastic container of Woodluxe® Wood Restorer.

3

Restore Severely Weathered Wood

Woodluxe Wood Restorer is a gentle, bleach-free formula that quickly restores severely weathered and grayed wood decks to their natural color. It prepares the deck’s surface for recoating by removing tannin bleeding, discolored surface fiber and stains from mold or mildew.

For maximum strength, mix 1 gallon of Woodluxe Wood Restorer with 8 gallons of water for up to 2,400 square feet of coverage.

A one-gallon plastic container of Woodluxe® Wood Stain Remover.

4

Remove Latex and Oil Finishes

Woodluxe Wood Stain Remover  is a fast-acting formula for peeling oil or latex stain, varnish, and clear wood finishes. It also removes damaged and discolored wood fibers to prepare the surface for recoating.

Wood Stain Remover may darken some types of wood. If desired, use Woodluxe Wood Brightener & Neutralizer to restore the deck’s wood to its natural color. Do not dilute Wood Stain Remover on surfaces with multiple coats of any stain or with solid or semi-solid stain.

Follow this guide based on your customers’ wood conditions:

Weathered surfaces: Mix 1 gallon of Wood Stain Remover with 1 gallon of water.

Semi-Transparent stains: Mix 1 gallon of Wood Stain Remover with 2 gallons of water.

Transparent stains: Mix 1 gallon of Wood Stain Remover with 3 gallons of water.

Clear finishes: Mix 1 gallon of Wood Stain Remover with 4 gallons of water.

Need more deck staining tips? Learn how to stain a deck with Woodluxe Exterior Stains.

Pro Tip Spotlight:

Maintenance cleaning can extend the life of your customers’ exterior wood stain. We recommend using Woodluxe All-in-One Wood Cleaner approximately once a year. Certain environmental conditions may require more frequent cleaning.

Pro Tip Spotlight:

Maintenance cleaning can extend the life of your customers’ exterior wood stain. We recommend using Woodluxe All-in-One Wood Cleaner approximately once a year. Certain environmental conditions may require more frequent cleaning.