Solid stain on deck

[Uncle B]

Ok, so there I was, working hard to restore my customers deck
when this painter that was working across the street decides to stroll over and begin trying to sell my customer a house stain.
Mind you I was standing right there talking with my customer
at the time. I resisted the urge to step down and blacken his eye
when he asked her what we were going to cover the deck with.
We both replied a solid deck stain, he then went on about how you cannot use a solid stain on a deck because the wood will
not be able to breath. After I picked myself up off the deck I just had to wonder, I've been doing this for 18 years and have never ever heard such an absurd statement. So, my question, just for giggles is Has anyone anywhere ever heard that a solid stain cannot be used on a deck? I know, I know, it was a silly painter and
I'm bored.

Any thoughts are welcome as is painter/I do decks too, jokes.

 

[Gwas]

I try to sell it all the time. My painter recommends it highly !!!!

 

[Mikespowrwash]

Todays solid deck stains are good. Maybe ten years ago when the technology wasn't there they were no good and failed easily. I use solid stains and have had excellent results.

 

[earlboogie]

After working in a paint store for the last 4 years I know that some solid stains aren't made to be used on horizontal deck surfaces(the portion you walk on), never heard that the reason is because the wood won't breathe but the product manufactured by the company I work for shouldn't be used on a deck surface. If anyone has any paint questions feel free to let me know and I will help if possible.

 

[Uncle B]

Just on add on: I am referring to Fence and Deck solid stains which are readily available. I do know that house stains such as Woodscapes (tm) and the like can NOT be used on a deck

 

[Craig Knight]

I would have to disagree that the wood can not breath with a solid stain, unless you coat all four sides. I have used all types of stains/sealers during my short 7 years, and i believe that there would be plenty of access for the wood to breath from the sides of the boards as well as the bottom. I have done maintenance on decks i have sealed for the last 5 years and have seen no deteriation or proof that what the man said is true.

 

[reedsterstl]

I think that "painter" was rather gutsy to stroll over when you are there. I hope you set the lady straight?

Reed

 

[Deck Works]

Did you knock him out?

Was there a previously applied solid on the deck? If not why did you sell a solid job - there a pain in the A$$....

 

[Uncle B]

Originally posted by reedsterstl
I think that "painter" was rather gutsy to stroll over when you are there. I hope you set the lady straight?

Reed

Boy and how. I did attempt to set her straight but I thought
I would get some opinions from you guys before I dwelled on the subject.

 

[Uncle B]

Originally posted by Deck Works
Did you knock him out?

Was there a previously applied solid on the deck? If not why did you sell a solid job - there a pain in the A$$....

No unfortunately I was attempting to act mature and professional.
Besides, I think he is doing a fine job of knocking himself out.
BTW He is finished across the street and never did return to give her a quote on the house stain.

Actually the deck had been painted. It is a 400,000 house and
prolly had a solid on it when the owner purchased it.
He thought it was paint so when it needed maintenance he just
repainted it. I tried to sell her my company's preferred semi-trans
but she really wants solid. So, as they say, the customer is
always right. actually when I get requests for a solid I have
been using Cuprinol and has been very painless in application.
The total tab for this deck will be over $3,000 so I'll put on whatever the lady wants.

 

[Sammy]

Originally posted by Uncle B
The total tab for this deck will be over $3,000 so I'll put on whatever the lady wants.

Amen !

 

[Deck Works]

$3K - good work...you stripped first I assume?

I'll never take a job that had solid and they want semi - transparent. You'll find yourself renting a floor sander and hitting the rails with a dremel tool.

I've had painters pull the same b.s. with me in the past and when the homeowner isn't looking I'll pull them aside and give them words. They don't realize how much work I refer to painting contractors. No, I don't paint foyers or ceilings!!!!

 

[Uncle B]

Originally posted by Deck Works
$3K - good work...you stripped first I assume?

I'll never take a job that had solid and they want semi - transparent. You'll find yourself renting a floor sander and hitting the rails with a dremel tool.

I've had painters pull the same b.s. with me in the past and when the homeowner isn't looking I'll pull them aside and give them words. They don't realize how much work I refer to painting contractors. No, I don't paint foyers or ceilings!!!!

No. I just sealed it with the solid and I'll strip the paint off later.

Actually your assumption is correct, I did strip it first.
This is my only my second painted deck that I have ever done.
Believe it or not the last job the guy wanted my Semi-trans
applied and it worked out great. As for hitting it with a floor
sander and Dremel is concerned I came out lucky but this
job will require a little sanding here and there. I found a particularly
good stripper that will take off every remnant
of paint and leave a beautiful substrate to work with.
Of course it requires a neutralization process to balance out the
pH level off the wood.

I planned to pull this guy aside as well but have not seen
him return.


As for painting, I can't charge enough to make it worth my
while, although, a few customers have ponied up the cash
and paid my price and in the end were extremely happy
with the outcome.