NEW LOOK.
SAME BEST-IN-CLASS PRODUCTS.
We are very happy to announce that Storm, our industry-leading line of exterior stains, has a brand new look. The same advanced formulas, now with packaging to match.
PREVIOUS LABEL
NEW LABEL
PACKAGING HIGHLIGHTS
Click on the circles below to explore the new product packaging features.
Logo updated from “Storm System” to “Storm Stain” to better represent the brand.
PREVIOUS LOGO:
NEW LOGO:
More emphasis on transparency level and formula
Product features to help in choosing the right product for the project
Transparency level represented as a background image
Transparency level explanation
Previous design shown on the side of the label
FULL LINE PACKAGING UPGRADE
The new Storm packaging makes it easier for users to navigate through offerings and to better identify which product is best suited for specific applications. While packaging designs are new, the product formulas have not changed. Click the link below to see the full line!
LEARN MORE
PROJECT TIPS
Looking to start a new project using Storm stains? Click below for some project tips!
info@icpgroup.com | www.icpgroup.com
Professional Wood Staining Tips
Deck Restoration
Deck Staining Tips
Deck Staining Tools
Oil-Based Stains vs. Water-Based Stains
How to Apply Primer
Check us out on facebook!
FIND A DEALER
HOME
When it comes time to stain your deck, fence, or other outdoor wood surface, it is important to catch up on some “wood finishing 101,” by becoming aware of potential dilemmas you may run into if the wood is not prepared and maintained properly. From oil-based vs. water-based (latex; acrylic) stains, to deck stain color ideas, all these wood staining tips should be taken into consideration before you start your project to achieve a perfectly stained finish!
PROFESSIONAL WOOD STAINING TIPS
Choosing the Correct Stain
1.
When it comes to your outdoor wood-staining project, it is important to make sure you choose the best type of stain for your wood. Some key ideas that should be taken into consideration when choosing a stain are: “Is the wood new or existing?” “What level of protection does the wood need from outdoor elements (UV, rain, etc.)?” “Do I want a color or clear stain?” “Has the wood been treated previously (how will this interfere/effect the stain)?” Once these questions have been answered regarding your specific project, it will give you a clearer idea of the type of stain to utilize and then you can decide where to buy it from a local retailer. Whether its clear, transparent, semi-transparent, semi-solid or solid, choosing the right stain is a vital part of the process.
If the piece of wood you are applying stain to already has a coat of varnish on it, it will hinder the stain’s ability to penetrate the wood properly, as it acts as a barrier between the two. Varnish protects against water and moisture, thus will not allow the stain to set properly on the wood’s surface and will lead to it flaking off. To avoid this problem, it is necessary to sand the wood so that the varnished coat is removed completely before you get started with applying the new stain. Whenever sanding wood before treatment, always sand with the grain as even minor scratches will be highly visible after staining!
VARNISHED SURFACE
2.
One common wood staining issue comes about when the wood is holding moisture and is not completely dry. It is imperative to make sure the wood has dried inside and outside before starting the process of staining. If this is not taken into consideration, the applied layers will likely flake off and will no longer be protecting the wood’s surface. When it comes to treated wood and holding moisture, one deck-staining tip is to wait 6 weeks to allow for a thorough dehydration of the wood and also it is recommended to stain on a warm, dry day.
HUMIDITY AND MOISTURE
4.
Wood must be fully dry before treating it!
When wood is cut and manufactured, it is often covered in a layer of sawdust. It most likely still contains this coating when you receive it, and this will prohibit a proper stain application. To remove this covering from the surface, you will need to use cloths that have some stick in their surface and wipe the wood down thoroughly. For large projects, you will likely want to use a power washer to prepare your surfaces instead. Regardless if you are chipping off old paint, or simply rinsing, give the wood surface a full day of sun to dry out before continuing to treat it. If this step is not done before the stain application, sawdust blocking the wood’s pores will result in an appearance that is uneven and blotchy.
SAWDUST LAYER
5.
When assessing your potential gallery of color ideas for your choice of stain, it is important to consider if you will go the route of oil or water-based stain. Water-based color stains generally provide a much richer color than oil-based stains. Water-based stains provide better UV resistance than oil-based stains. Water-based stains also do not emit the fumes that oil ones do. Oil-based stains are more efficient at penetrating wood, which allows for a high level of protection. In addition, they are more durable and do not need to be maintained nearly as much as water-based stains. (With advancements in water-based technology, they are about the same as oil-based for durability. Any stain needs to be maintained, regardless of what its base is.) Water-based stain is applied the in the same way as oil-based, although your brush choice should be different. For water-based wood stains, a synthetic brush (such as nylon or polyester) is best. For oil-based wood stains, use a natural bristle brush. In either case, plan to spend a little extra for a good-quality brush, which will lay coatings on the wood smoothly and will leave fewer stray bristles in your coatings.
Oil-Based vs. Water-Based Stains (Latex/Acrylic)
6.
Don’t forget you are protecting your wood! Be sure that all the exposed surfaces are protected (not just the top!)
When a deck is constructed, the wood needs to be sized, which lead to saw cuts. Saw cuts expose the end grain of the pieces of wood, which can potentially allow for a major entrance of moisture. One deck-staining tip that allows for proper care of these cuts is to stack them with spacers so that the air can move through the wood and thoroughly dry it. Once the wood has been provided the proper time to completely dry out, a sealer should be applied to the saw cuts and also the backside of the wood (if not, it can cause cupping) to ensure all surfaces are protected once the deck is built!
SAW CUTS
7.
USING MULTIPLE BUCKETS
8.
If you are attempting to stain a large wooden surface that requires multiple buckets of stain, one way to stain your deck like a professional is to combine all the buckets into one mixture. Although the stains are all supposed to be the same color, occasionally they can vary slightly, so mixing them all together will prevent uneven color appearance over the entire area.
An even application will be crucial for uniform appearance (and weathering).
BACK TO PROJECT TIPS
DECK RESTORATION
Adding a deck to your home can be a great way to increase its overall value, but careful maintenance is pertinent in keeping the value of the home high. While the extent of the frequency of upkeep to your deck depends entirely on the weather conditions, foot traffic and wood materials, it is important that preservation especially to the wood is not neglected. When it comes to restoring your deck, there are many things to consider. Deck Staining is key in terms of providing that finish of grain that you love as well as the protection to preserve your wood. Depending on what details you are looking for, Deck Stains offer protection from ultra-violet rays, mold, mildew, water and more. Adding Deck Stain to a wooden deck can add years to its expected lifetime and is not just an aesthetic measure to your home, but a preventative one as well. Deck Restoration also includes annual maintenance cleaning. It is essential to have and use the right washing equipment so that it does not strip away the preexisting stain or damage the wood. Additionally, there are certain soaps and chemicals that are designed specifically for decks, which are used to get the deck washed while removing all of the built-up dirt and grime. Taking precautions while working to restore your deck can protect the structural integrity of the wood so it can last longer. Additionally in terms of weather conditions, depending on your location, your deck and the wood used to build the structure can face harsh weather conditions. During the summer, the deck is constantly exposed to the hot summer temperature. Without proper preventative measures, UV rays from the sun can discolor the original wood as well as seep into it causing unforeseen damage. In the winter, Stains provide the wooden deck with a waterproof layer so water cannot go deep into the wood, which can result in the growth of mold and mildew. It takes time and patience to restore a deck to make it look like it first did when it was installed. Doing the job right the first time as well as regular maintenance is important to the life of the wood and stain. It also helps to determine how well it will look in the future despite usage, foot traffic and weather conditions. Without Deck Restoration encompassing things like staining and cleaning, the value of your home decreases as well as the deck not being utilized to its potential.
DECK STAINING TIPS
Decks are a wonderful place to gather, whether it is for a family dinner or a backyard barbeque. To get the maximum lifespan, decks must be treated with care. The stain on a deck can be as important as the deck itself. Staining a deck protects the wood from moisture and damaging UV rays. A good stain will make your deck stay beautiful longer. Allow Storm System to offer some helpful deck staining tips for deck-owners everywhere:
Wait!
When was your deck built? If the answer is very recently, you may need to wait a few months for the wood to dry out before staining it. If you applied a stain stripper, you must wait for the product to break down the previous stain before you wash the deck down. Patience is a virtue during this process. (Do the water absorption test…Pour a little water on the deck and if it absorbs it can accept a coating…if it beads up or does not absorb the deck wood will need to be properly prepared.)
It is essential that you check the forecasts before you begin and ensure that it will be a week with good weather. Stain requires multiple days to fully absorb into the wood and dry. A downpour or a layer of snow can ruin all your hard work. Choose your week carefully!
Rain, Rain, Go away
As with any coating, longevity depends on good surface preparation and application. Whether this is the first or 10th coat of stain for you, it’s imperative that you correctly prep the wood surface before re-staining. Stain adheres to the wood through penetration, and any dust, debris, or mill glaze (residue from the lumber mill) reduces this penetration. In fact, improper prep work is one of the major causes of premature stain failure. First, the existing surface needs to be prepared properly in order for the new stain to achieve maximum performance. Surface preparation goes beyond the typical clean, dull and dry. Depending on what type of stain or coating is on the surface and how long it’s been exposed to the elements will determine what surface preparation is needed. To achieve the longest lasting finish, the existing coating must be completely removed, either mechanically or chemically. This is to allow the proper amount of penetration necessary and achieve the uniform recommended amount of product on the surface. Studies have found that a combination of mechanically and chemically preparing the surface developed the greatest absorbency and most durable finish. Make sure to read and follow the directions on the container or from the Technical Data Sheet to ensure proper safety precautions, mixing ratios, application and neutralizing processes. Mechanically sand the surface with 60 or 80 grit sandpaper to remove any remaining coating as well as any loose, fuzzy, dead, grayed wood fibers. You want to have a sound, solid wood surface for the new coating to penetrate and adhere properly too. Once the cleaning is complete, allow the surface to dry out over the course of several dry, low-humidity days. Any water from the cleaning process that is retained in the wood will eventually work its way out during warm, dry weather. If a stain is applied too soon the moisture from the wood will be pushing out the stain with it. An easy way to test the moisture content is to sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface; the faster it’s absorbed into the wood, the dryer the surface. Apply the new coating as directed.
PREPARING YOUR DECK FOR STAINING
When picking a stain, one must consider the type of wood, the desired color, and the geographic location of the deck. Someone living in Boston during the winter needs a different stain than someone living in Arizona in the summer. Make sure that you are choosing your stain based on the level of opacity, the degree of UV protection, and the typical longevity of the finish.
Eenie, meenie, minie, mo!
Test your stain in a small area and allow it to dry before applying it to the rest of the deck to ensure that you have picked a color that you like.
TESTING 1,2, 3
While there are many ways to apply deck stain, you always want to have a paintbrush handy. This brush will allow you to work the stain deep into the porous wood and reach holes that your stain pad, garden sprayer or other staining applicators may not reach.
BRUSH STROKES
When staining, over-application can slow the drying process and cause the stain to crack or peel when exposed to inclement weather conditions. You do not want to under-apply, as this will not protect the wood, but over-application can be just as dangerous!
LESS IS MORE
Apply stain from the back of your deck to the front and do not change directions to avoid painting yourself into a corner!
Nobody puts baby in a corner
After you are done staining, consider what your deck will require to maintain its current look. Washing the deck down every few months, removing debris, and applying a wood brightener will keep your deck looking immaculate all year long.
Upkeep
Having a deck is a wonderful thing. All this work will pay off when you and your loved ones are able to congregate on your masterpiece and enjoy a meal or bask in the sunshine together. Make sure to appreciate your deck by using it as often as possible!
ENJOY!
For the most complete preparation system the following is recommended,
Storm System Wood Stripper, for the removal of existing coating. Storm System All Surface Mold & Mildew Stain Remover. Storm System Wood Brightener / Neutralizer.
DECK STAINING TOOLS
When it comes to staining exterior wood, it is important to have the right deck staining tools to get the finish you are trying to achieve. Without the proper maintenance, care and tools, you could end up with an uneven finish or excess stain on the wood where it shouldn’t be. Each exterior finish job is different. From spraying a large deck to brushing stain onto a wooden Adirondack chair, just keep in mind that while you might wonder if using a roller would be more effective and efficient, it is not always the best option. Rollers can push the stain off the wood and into the cracks, which can drip down, onto the ground, wasting the stain that didn’t get absorbed by the wood. Start by using the sprayer and applying a light coat parallel to the deck board from the corner of the deck. You typically want to work your way from inside to outside. When spraying on the first coat, be mindful of how quickly the wood is absorbing the stain. To avoid spreading the stain onto unwanted areas, use a piece of cardboard to act as a spray shield and prevent the stain from appearing on anything but the wood. If an area appears to have more stain than the surrounding area, use the brush to remove the puddles and apply it to not yet exposed grain. Or use the cloth to wipe away any excess stain that may appear on the wood as well as removing it from unwanted parts of the house. Keep in mind that you may want to add additional coats to your surface when using oil finishes. Subsequent coats should be applied while the first coat is still wet or a few entire lengths of boards at a time. Always read the specifications for re-coating instructions for each product. Also consider additional coats to areas of your deck that are exposed to high foot traffic. It is essential to have the appropriate deck staining tools and products to stain a deck because without it, your deck will not have that grain of finish that you are looking for, and severe weather conditions could potentially ruin the deck altogether.
Stain/finish Rubber Gloves Paint Brush – Synthetic, Nylon, or Polyester Roller – Synthetic Fiber Airless Sprayer – .017 to .019 Tip Rags and Drop Cloth Piece of Cardboard
Storm STAIN recommends the following materials:
When choosing a stain for your outdoor wood project, there are several factors to consider in choosing the kind that is best suited for your needs. The two main stain bases are either oil-based stain or water-based stain and there are certain situations where one is better to use than the other. Oil and water-based stains provide different levels of protection and coverage depending on factors such as type of wood, previous wood treatment, weather exposure, etc. Below we’ve provided some context for your important decision of using oil-based stains versus water-based stains.
Water-Based Stain Advantages:
Dry quickly Keep its color for a longer period of time Provides a richer hue of color No harmful odor or fumes, not flammable Breathable stain Easier cleanup (only requires soap and water) Provide mildew and mold resistance to the dried paint film
Oil-Based Stain Advantages:
Requires more time to dry which allows for a more even finish Penetrates wood deeper Extremely durable Thicker seal for wood Less long-term maintenance
When choosing a stain to apply to your wood, it is important to first identify the correct stain base. In the debate between oil-based stains vs. water-based stains, if you are coating a wood that has a natural resistance to rotting, a water-based stain is the better option. Some examples of this kind of wood are cedar, cypress, and redwood.
TYPE OF WOOD
If the wood you are intending to stain is covered in a previous coating of paint or stain, certain steps should be taken to achieve a new protectant, even layer. Although it may be difficult to establish what the previous layer is, it will be helpful in your choice of oil-based vs. water-based stains. If the previous layer is oil-based, a water-based stain will adhere better and should be used.
Previous Wood Treatment
The kind of weather the outdoor wood will be exposed to also plays a factor in determining the best stain-base for your project. If the wood is going to be in direct exposure to wind, rain, and sunlight, an oil-based stain is the best choice. This is because it is more durable than a water-base and will provide a more complete protective layer against these elements.
Weather Exposure
Primers & Solid Stain: How to Apply For Extreme Weather Conditions
Whether your home braves the icy winters of New England, the endless Midwest snow or blizzard storms in Alaska, it is essential to protect the wood outside your house. If you have wood siding, a deck or wood paneling, there are some vital steps you should take before the weather takes a turn for the worst. Based on the level of opacity, degree of UV protection and typical longevity of each finish, Storm Stain has made it easy for you to choose the most appropriate wood stain for the job. Based in New England (Andover, MA), Storm Stain truly understands how important primers and solid stains are for deck and siding come wintertime, so below you’ll find some helpful tips for how to apply primer and solid stains.
PRIMERS
As you may know, primers are preparatory coatings that should be used before painting or staining with a solid color. Whether it’s wood, metal or plastic, primers increase the durability of the paint or stain to ensure better adhesion to the surface. It is key to note that primers are not a necessity for a wood stain treatment, especially when the desired finish is meant to show the actual wood grain. Storm Stain features two wood primers: an acrylic latex primer and an alkyd primer. Whether the surface that needs to be finished is in extremely weathered, distressed condition, or if the surface is going to be exposed to extreme weather or high traffic & wear, look no further than these two primers. Depending on the severity of the impending weather, you’ll need to use a solid stain or semi-solid stain to complete the job and leave a professional-looking finish for years.
As we mentioned above, once you have applied a primer to your exterior wood, the best way to ensure a “job well done” is to use a solid stain. Solid stains provide a completely opaque, paint-like appearance on your wood. Storm Stain offers two solid stains: Storm Solid Color Acrylic Stain + Sealer with Enduradeck® Technology makes finished surfaces appear to have a flat color when viewed directly and a soft luster when viewed at an angle. Made with state-of-the-art technology for a long-lasting, freshly stained look. Solid Color Acrylic Siding Stain is formulated to provide a rich matte finish, which is often the preferred look for siding. Not for use on decks.
SOLID STAIN
