How to Prevent Puddling When Staining Deck: A Soft Bristle Brush

When applying stain to an outdoor deck, you want to avoid allowing the stain to puddle. Puddles of stain can cause an uneven finish once the stain dries. The best way to prevent puddling is to have an assistant back-brush the stain with a soft bristled paintbrush as you apply the stain with a roller.

• 1

  Screw the long handle into the paint roller. Using a roller on a long handle will allow you to stand while applying the stain so you can apply a more even layer to the deck.

• 2

  Pour the stain into the paint tray. Dip the roller into the stain and move it back and forth to coat the roller.

• 3

  Begin applying the stain at one end of the deck. Press the roller into the deck and paint on an even layer of stain to three deck slats at a time. Walk backwards, continuing to paint the stain onto the first three deck slats. Dip the roller into the stain whenever it begins to dry.

• 4

  Have an assistant follow behind you with a soft bristled paint brush. Tell the assistant to brush over the stain you just applied to ensure the layer is even. The back- brushing will distribute any puddles that may begin to form as you apply the stain.

• 5

  Repeat this process on the entire surface of the deck.