Wood

Siding and Trim/Bare Wood/To Be Stained

a. Surface Preparation:

• new wood should be painted promptly (within a few weeks) because weathering of the wood will reduce adhesion of the stain
  
• however, moisture in treated wood left from the treatment process should be allowed to dry prior to painting; once constructed, two weeks’ exposure to the weather should be adequate for most siding materials; thicker timber may take longer
  
• dull any shiny (mill glazed) areas with fine grit (#220) sandpaper
  
• treat any mildew with a 3:1 water:household bleach mixture, leaving it on for 20 minutes and adding more as it dries; wear eye and skin protection; rinse thoroughly;
  
• refresh the surface of any weathered wood by sanding with medium grit (#120) garnet paper, sanding in the direction of the grain

b. Priming:

• primers are generally not used with semi-transparent stains
  
• for solid color stains: apply exterior stain blocking wood primer if recommended by stain manufacturer
  
• do not leave a primer unstained

c. Staining:

• use top-quality exterior 100% acrylic latex or oil-based solid color or semi-transparent stain
• latex types will resist mildew better in solid color and semi-transparent types, and resist flaking better in solid color types
  
• oil-based will apply with less lapping and will stand up longer in semi-transparent formulas