Deck Stain · log home maintenance ·

The Key to a Perfect Wood Deck Finish | Preparation

The best way to achieve a long-lasting, beautiful deck finish starts with proper preparation and expert application techniques.  Lovitt's Professional Coatings offers premium products tailored for exterior wood like decks, including their flagship Emerald Gold (an advanced "oil-based waterborne" penetrating stain with low VOCs at less than 119 g/L).  This hybrid formula provides deep penetration, excellent UV protection, mold resistance, and easy water cleanup—making it ideal for decks in various climates while aligning with environmental standards. 

Lovitt's Deck Beast in Natural tint color

Lovitt's products comply with national and state VOC regulations for architectural coatings, including those set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Clean Air Act. For context, the EPA's National Volatile Organic Compound Emission Standards for Architectural Coatings (Subpart D of 40 CFR Part 59) establish VOC limits for various categories, such as stains (e.g., clear and semitransparent stains at 550 g/L, opaque at 350 g/L, and low-solids at 120 g/L). Emerald Gold's low VOC content (<119 g/L) falls well below typical limits for penetrating stains and supports reduced emissions that contribute to better air quality and ozone reduction. 

Relevant government sources on VOC regulations, wood finishes, and safety: 

Step-by-Step Deck Staining Preparation Using Lovitt's Products 

Proper prep ensures maximum absorption and longevity. Skipping steps can lead to uneven color, peeling, or reduced durability. 

  1. Inspect and Repair the Deck 

Check for loose boards, protruding nails/screws, rot, or damage. Tighten fasteners, replace bad boards, and sand rough spots smooth. 

  1. Clean Thoroughly 

Remove dirt, mildew, old finish residue, and graying with a compatible wood cleaner or brightener. Power wash at low pressure, then allow full drying (wood moisture <20%, ideally ≤15%). Emerald Gold tolerates up to 21% moisture in some scenarios, but drier wood enhances results. 

  1. Remove Old Coatings if Needed 

Strip thick, film-forming, or peeling finishes. Emerald Gold bonds well over compatible penetrating stains without stripping. 

  1. Brighten and Open the Grain (Recommended) 

Use a brightener to restore pH balance and improve stain absorption for uniform color. 

  1. Protect Surrounding Areas 

Mask plants, siding, and concrete. Emerald Gold's low-odor, low-VOC profile makes it safer and easier to use. 

For prep details, see:  

Best Staining Techniques with Lovitt's Emerald Gold 

Emerald Gold's hybrid technology penetrates deeply like oil while offering water-based benefits—resisting dirt, mildew, and heat evaporation. 

  • Choose the Right Tint — Test samples (e.g., Natural, Honey, Cedar) for natural grain enhancement. 

  • Application Method — Spray and back-brush for even penetration. Apply wet-on-wet for multiple coats. 

  • Number of Coats — 1–2 max; only what the wood absorbs to maintain breathability. 

  • Weather Conditions — 50–90°F, no direct sun or rain for 24–48 hours post-application. 

  • Coverage and Tools — 250–500+ sq ft/gallon; use synthetic brushes or sprayers. 

  • Maintenance — Gentle annual wash; recoat as needed (no stripping required). 

Shop Emerald Gold:  

These visuals highlight the rich, penetrating finish Emerald Gold delivers on decks—enhancing grain while providing protection. 

Commonly Asked Questions (FAQ) About Deck Staining with Lovitt's Professional Coatings 

  1. What makes Emerald Gold different from traditional deck stains? 

It's a low-VOC (<119 g/L) hybrid blending oils and acrylics for deep penetration, UV/mold resistance, and water cleanup—exceeding many EPA VOC guidelines for reduced emissions. 

  1. Can I use Emerald Gold on my deck? 

Yes—ideal for decks with its breathable, non-film formula that handles horizontal exposure well. 

  1. How many coats should I apply to a deck? 

1–2 coats max, applied wet-on-wet; over-application reduces performance. 

  1. Do I need to strip old stain before applying Emerald Gold? 

No for compatible penetrating stains; strip film-formers or peeling layers. 

  1. What's the best way to apply it? 

Spray and back-brush for optimal penetration and uniformity. 

  1. How long does it take to dry? 

Touch-dry in hours; full cure in days. Avoid traffic/rain for 24–48 hours. 

  1. Can I apply it over pressure-treated wood? 

Yes, after full drying (3–6 months for new PT); test absorption. 

  1. Is it eco-friendly? 

Low VOC, nationwide compliant, renewable ingredients, low odor—aligns with EPA efforts to cut emissions from coatings. 

  1. How long does it last on a deck? 

3–5+ years; wears gradually (lightens) for easy refresh recoats. 

  1. What prep cleaner should I use? 

Wood cleaner/brightener; gentle power wash followed by brightening. 

  1. Can Emerald Gold be used on vertical vs. horizontal surfaces? 

Versatile for both; excels on decks with strong moisture/UV resistance. 

  1. How do I clean up tools? 

Soap and water—simpler than oil-based alternatives. 

  1. Will it prevent graying? 

Yes—strong UV blockers and tints slow graying significantly. 

  1. Is back-brushing necessary? 

Yes—ensures deep pore penetration and even results. 

  1. Can I tint it myself? 

Use factory HD-tinted options for consistency. 

  1. What's the coverage rate? 

250–500+ sq ft/gallon, varying by wood porosity. 

  1. How do I maintain the deck long-term? 

Annual mild wash; recoat faded areas first (south/west sides wear faster). 

  1. Is it mildew-resistant? 

Yes—resists mold, mildew, and algae. 

  1. Can kids/pets be around during application? 

Low odor/VOC makes it safer; keep off wet areas until dry. 

  1. Where can I buy samples or full buckets? 

From lovittscoatings.com or ilovitt.com — or logstains.com -check for sales/free shipping. 

For the latest, visit Lovitt's sites or EPA resources linked above. Using compliant, high-performance products like Emerald Gold protects your deck and supports cleaner air! 

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