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 labour 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 3.79 L plastic container of Woodluxe® All-In-One Wood Cleaner.
1

Clean Off Stains from Mould and Mildew

A 3.79 L plastic container of Woodluxe® All-In-One Wood Cleaner.
Woodluxe All-in-One Wood Cleaner is a maintenance cleaner that safely removes stains from mould as well as water stains. Plus, the multipurpose formula is effective on siding, shades, outdoor furniture and more.

For maximum-strength cleaning, mix 3.79 L of All-in-One Wood Cleaner with 7 x 3.79 L of water for up to 223 square metres (2,400 sq. ft.) of coverage.
A 3.79 L plastic container of Woodluxe® Wood Brightener and Neutralizer.
2

Brighten by Removing Tannin and Rust Stains

A 3.79 L plastic container of Woodluxe® Wood Brightener and Neutralizer.
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 3.79 L of concentrate is needed to mix with 8 x 3.79 L of water for up to 223 square metres (2,400 sq. ft.) of coverage.
A 3.79 L plastic container of Woodluxe® Wood Restorer.
3

Restore Severely Weathered Wood

A 3.79 L plastic container of Woodluxe® Wood Restorer.
Woodluxe Wood Restorer is a gentle, bleach-free formula that quickly restores severely weathered and grayed wood decks to their natural colour. It prepares the deck’s surface for recoating by removing tannin bleeding, discoloured surface fibre and stains from mould or mildew.

For maximum strength, mix 3.79 L of Woodluxe Wood Restorer with 8 x 3.79 L of water for up to 223 square metres (2,400 sq. ft.) of coverage.
A 3.79 L plastic container of Woodluxe® Wood Stain Remover.
4

Remove Latex and Oil Finishes

A 3.79 L plastic container of Woodluxe® Wood Stain Remover.
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 discoloured wood fibres 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 colour. 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 3.79 L of Wood Stain Remover with 3.79 L of water.
  • Semi-Transparent stains: Mix 3.79 L of Wood Stain Remover with 2 x 3.79 L of water.
  • Transparent stains: Mix 3.79 L of Wood Stain Remover with 3 x 3.79 L of water.
  • Clear finishes: Mix 3.79 L of Wood Stain Remover with 4 x 3.79 L of water.
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Need more deck staining tips? Learn how to stain a deck with Woodluxe Exterior Stains.


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