Off the Wall
Edition 17: 12 November 2009
Two exterior decorating tips ...
In this issue of Off the Wall, we focus on two exterior painting tips.
Question: Should I paint or stain my deck?
Regardless of whether you stain or paint your deck, you will need to re-stain or re-paint every 12 to 18 months. The reason for the short life-span is due to the high traffic and exposure to the weather elements that decks endure.
In our minds, the two key factors to consider are:
- Aesthetics; and,
- Ease of re-application. If you would like to do this yourself, there is time and effort to consider. If you choose to outsource this, the more time and effort required, the higher the labour investment.
| Staining your deck | Painting your deck |
| Stain soaks into the wood and so is less likely to peel. | Paint sits on top of the wood and can peel. Light colours are less likely to peel but they show dirt. Dark colours hide dirt but they absorb heat, meaning they are more likely to peel. |
| If you choose to paint your deck in the future, it will take less effort, as long as the stain has worn off. | If you choose to stain your deck in the future, all existing paint must first be stripped off. This is a laborious exercise. |
Question: What is the best way to minimise the risk of tannin stains?
Tannin resides in timber. However, at times, tannin may emerge from within the timber to form a brown or tan discolouration on the paint surface.
It is virtually impossible to ascertain when tannin stains may emerge through the paint film. However, these stains are more prevalent on untreated timber that has never been painted.
On such timber, normal undercoats are ineffective to block the stains from migrating through the paint film. The only way to rectify the situation is to apply a special undercoat, Dulux Silvasheen or equivalent.
Dulux Silvasheen is silver in colour, as the name implies. This is a difficult colour to cover.
If the topcoats of paint are white or a light colour, consider applying one coat of normal undercoat (usually white colour) over the silver. Then apply two topcoats of paint. This process will take more time and effort. However, it is the only way to prevent tannin stains.
Readers’ poll. Did you find this information helpful?
Click on your choice below and type in 'yes' or 'no' in the subject line. It will come back to us as return mail. Of course, please feel free to share your comments with us.
- Yes, I have forwarded these tips to my friends.
- No, I was hoping you'd cover other topics. (Please let us know what they are.)
Next edition
The next edition of Off the Wall will be published on 4 February 2010. Until then, ask us a painting related question. Give yourself the opportunity to WIN enough paint to recoat the walls within an average sized room.
About Wall Treats
Wall Treats is the 2009 Master Painter of the Year. We go the extra mile to ensure all our clients receive a blue chip service.
We are registered Master Painters who promise you a stress-free and enjoyable painting experience.
Many of our clients have either introduced us to others or invited us back because of the peace of mind we provide them.
About this newsletter
Off the Wall is a two-monthly newsletter that Wall Treats puts together.
Off the Wall aims to share information about painting and home and décor.
If you like what you have read, you are welcome to subscribe to Off the Wall.
Our privacy policy
We appreciate and recognise your right to receive only information that you want to receive. We promise never to rent, sell or trade your personal or contact details.
To ensure you receive up to date information from us, we encourage you to advise us when your contact details change. At any time, you can choose to de-register your interest.
We will respect your wish and will do everything within our control to ensure you do not receive further correspondence from us.
Regards,
Daniel and Ashley
