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stain adeckis one of the most square DIY project that a homeowner can do , and the first step is take among the many applicators for deck stain . While it ’s a aboveboard projection , it does n’t necessarily mean it ’s an promiscuous one , so we tested five applicators to assist you find the right one .
pack of cards filth applier are a petty bit dissimilar than some of the products we test , as there are not only a lot of products to prefer from , but a draw of entirely different type of merchandise — including sprayers , brushing , pads , and hair curler . As a result , there is rarely an Malus pumila - to - apples comparison . However , all four mathematical product types are effective ways to stain a deck . After testing five products , we liked theWagner 529015 Opti - Stain Sprayerbest for its efficiency and bioengineering , but all of the top - order product on this list were quite effective in our tests .
Photo: Mike Larson for Bob Vila
Keep reading to find more of the best applier for pack of cards stain and to find out what to consider when shopping for an applicator .
Best Overall
Wagner 529015 Opti-Stain Sprayer
Our paygrade : Ease of Use4/5 ; Coverage4.5/5 ; Ease of Cleaning5/5 ; Value4/5
Despite being the most expensive of all the products we tested , the Wagner Opti - Stain spray is also the most various , efficient , and comfortable to apply . Featuring three nebulizer spray patterns and adjustable stream controller , this HVLP sprayer can be used to apply thinner stain , sealers , and enamel on a variety of outside woods control surface . If it ’s thin enough , the sprayer can even work withdeck paints . It also include a detail finish nozzle for smaller surfaces .
In our tests , the Wagner hit three very important sucker : It offered the best coverage and did it using the least amount of stain and in the least amount of time . After getting to know the intersection and practice with it for about 15 minutes , we took to some decking dining table .
Photo: Mike Larson for Bob Vila
The product sprays quickly , well , and equally , while spot waste product is almost nonexistent . The 1.5 - quart cup can extend about 125 square feet of product , which we were capable to do in about 25 moment . That was importantly more space covered with less product in less time compare to the other mathematical product we tested . For illustration , using a brushwood , we were only able to deal about 20 straightforward base in 25 min .
In addition , the bag on the spray is comfortable and comfortable to book on to , specially for bigger jobs — much more well-situated than holding a roller pole . cleanup is also a picnic compare to brush and roller . Just remove the cup , rinse it with water or solvent , and then rinse the sprayer with water or resolution . The in high spirits damage is really the only downside to the Wagner , but when factoring in clock time and stain economise , there ’s an line that the Opti - Stain spray is the only choice .
Get the Wagner applicator for deck stain atAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Photo: Amazon
More Applicators for Deck Stain That We Like
In our tests , we also found that these cost - effective pick offered neat coverage and were the pure pecker for deck staining anddeck waterproofing .
How We Tested the Best Applicators for Deck Stain
Before we get our hands on the applicator , we looked at almost a twelve top - betray products . We considered applier type , brand , stuff , and user brushup as we assessed the potential pro and cons of each mathematical product . We nibble five dissimilar products ( atomizer , roller , clash , and two pads ) from five different companies to control a diverse roster to test and find the better applicators for deck stain .
We put each of these mathematical product through both a rigorous rating and examination process , which include using both water - based and oil stains , as well as a gelatin stain . We used two types of decking for our tests : pressure - treat yellow pine and cherry cedar . With all of the product , we covered about 250 satisfying feet .
In testing , we evaluated specific criteria , including rest of use , best coverage , and how easy it was to clean the product after use . We also considered price , construction , and enduringness in our overall valuation .
Photo: Mike Larson for Bob Vila
What to Consider When Choosing an Applicator for Deck Stain
With so many different option , there are several things to consider when choosing grunge applicator for decks . From the size of the project you are working on to how often you may bestaining your deckin the time to come , there are important question to ask before committing to a type of applier . For a modest projection that only take to be done once , a brush or roller might do the magic trick . For a large deck of cards or fence that might need to be restrained in the future , investing in a sprayer may be the correct pick .
Types of Applicators
Brushes used for applying pack of cards stain are often larger and have bigger , stiffer bristle than their counterparts designed for painting . A deck - staining encounter is designed to be able-bodied to hold a significant amount of stain in the bristle . A brush is a task - intensive option , likely full for modest projection that take a degree of mastery when employ .
Pad applicators fordeck stainare absorbent pads that suck up stain , which can be applied to a surface with a little bit of downward press . tarnish pads can be attached to rod to make the job faster . Best for smooth projects like decks , stain pads are disposable and ca n’t be used more than once .
galvanic sprayer oblige stain in a pressurized reservoir , where it is push through a tip , ordinarily add up out in a mist , to wrap up a aerofoil . Sprayers can cost three to five times more than some of the other options , but they often are faster , ensue in better insurance coverage , and are easier to clean than other options . spray a deck of cards stain can also conserve filth and limit dissipation .
A stain roller cover charge is similar to paint tumbler cover . An absorbent stringy covert is put on a roller frame and grease is applied by dip the roller in stain and rolling it over the surface . When a roll skeletal system is bind to a magnetic pole , the chore can go more quickly . crimper covers are reusable to an extent ; however , getting all the stain off of a roller cover is often labor - intensive .
Type of Stain
There are several different kinds of deck of cards filth , from oil - based to piddle - based to gel stains . ( These products also oftendeck sealersas well , protect your deck from the element . ) The applicators reviewed are suited for oil - ground and water - based stains , as well as limpid , semitransparent , and colored discolouration . We tested gel stain as well , with the good results from the brush , roller , and launching pad . Gel stain did act upon with the sprayer but had to be importantly thinned with solvent , which variety of defeats the purpose of gel grease that ’s specifically designed to go on thick , keep run and drips .
With lacquer and varnish - free-base stains , you will want to fend off using applier that could leave behind roughage , such as roller covers and pads . Brushes or sprayers are the best choices for these more viscous finishes .
Mind the cleanup position instructions for whatever stain you choose . Water - found stain can be clean house with just water supply , while fossil oil - based filth usually involve to be cleaned up with some kind of solvent , like paint thinner or mineral spirits .
FAQs
Still have interrogation about the adept applicator for your deck stain project ? gibe out the most commonly asked enquiry and their answers below .
That depends . A roller could make speedy work of a large , monotonic deck , while a deck of cards with intricate railings or small spaces might be a job for a brush . Both are in effect depending on the berth .
Yes . In many cases , a sprayer is the fastest , most effective choice for the job .
Photo: Mike Larson for Bob Vila
An electric sprayer can accurately and equally apply stain to most airfoil while wasting less stain .
Yes . While it ’s not dead necessary , a good cleaning with a power automatic washer can ensure the new stain will soak into the wood .
A 9 - inch crimper with a ⅜-inch sleep offer upstanding coverage that is still prosperous to hold .
Photo: Mike Larson for Bob Vila
Most manufacturers urge two coats of stain on a deck to ensure a proper and protective seal .
Meet the Tester
Mike Larson is a professional diary keeper based in Pittsburgh and the owner of a 100 + -year - honest-to-god planetary house . He ’s become well poetize in the earthly concern of DIY home hangout and maintenance .
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Photo: Mike Larson for Bob Vila
Photo: Mike Larson for Bob Vila
