How to Stain a Shed
Whether it’s lovingly handcrafted or delivered prefab from the local outdoor store, your shed is a vital part of the place you call “home.” It might be a workshop, garden tool depot, man cave, or she shed. Whatever its function, that backyard structure reflects you, and needs to look great and last for years to come. Staining your shed with a premium deck stain is easy with this wood staining advice step-by-step guide.
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Step 1
Choose Your Wood Stain
Whether it’s a she shed, man cave, or a place to park the riding mower and power tools, your shed is sure to make a statement to friends and neighbors, so choosing the right stain color is important. It can also boost your home’s overall appeal as an eye-catching asset.
With so many wood stain colors to choose from, here are some suggestions on how to show off your shed:
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Complement your home’s other exterior wood surfaces
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Match surrounding floral arrangements
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Use a neutral shade that looks good with any background or décor
Step 2
Brush Your Shed
Starting with clean surfaces is the key to all wood preparation and preservation. Mold, rust, leaves, dust, chemicals, and anything that might be blown in on the wind will accumulate in and on your shed's wooden surfaces. Debris left behind may attract insects or retain moisture, potentially causing mold or wood rot.
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Sweep or brush away loose particles inside and out, from cracks and crevices, or between boards
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Use a small brush or hand broom to sweep down any nooks or crannies of vertical surfaces, inside and out
Step 3
Clean Your Shed
A pressure washer and heavy duty cleaning solutions may cause damage to the shed’s delicate wood or finish. Instead, use Olympic Premium Deck Brightener & Wash to remove mildew, rust and tannin stains on wood or composite materials.
Use a soft-bristled cleaning brush and garden hose to gently scrub and rinse away any surface stains that were not removed by sweeping or brushing.
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Please refer to the Product Label, Technical Data Sheet (TDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for safety and detailed application instructions.
Step 4
Repair Your Shed
Check for structural soundness of your shed:
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Look for loose boards, nails, or railings
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Inspect the wood for damage from insects or rot
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Check posts and beams for splitting, warping, or twisting
Make appropriate repairs.
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Olympic Staining Tip
Always test a small, hidden area, using the same number of coats you will be using on the siding and let it dry so that you can be sure to get the wood stain color you want.
Step 5
Stain Your Shed
Stain walls before the floor. For darker wood stains, it is especially important to work from the top down and protect your floor from drips.
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For clear, toner and semi-transparent stains, apply a thin coat with a high-quality brush, roller, paint pad, or spray.
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For solid stains, apply two thin coats of deck stain with a brush, roller, or paint pad.
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To avoid lap marks, apply to a few boards at a time, keeping a wet edge.
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For best results, backbrush into the surface to work finish into the wood and ensure the coating is even.
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Treat all areas of the wood, including joints, edges and ends.
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Let dry thoroughly before replacing furniture or walking on stained floor boards.
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Please refer to the Product Label, Technical Data Sheet (TDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for safety and detailed application instructions.
