Stainability of a drum sanded deck

[Tronman 14]

Just wondering about the difficulty in staining a deck that had to be sanded with 60 grit sand paper to remove a blistered marine finish. The wood is smooth. Do we have to let it weather for a few months or can we just put several coats of oxalic acid to open up the pores. I am afraid that the wood pores are now filled and the wood is non-pourous and the stain will either not be absorbed or it will just turn out very very light.

[PressurePros 249]

As long as you don't go any finer than 60 grit you will be fine. Blow it off with a leaf blower and go to town.

[acegot 14]

It was was sanded flat you should be fine, If not sure, brighten, light rinse, let dry & stain.

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

Water drop test!

If it absorbs, you can apply, if it doesn't then you have to either sand deeper or apply another strip.

Rod!~

[Tronman 14]

Thanks i'll post when done.

[RPetry 564]

Ken,

You did not say what kind of wood you were drum sanding. Pressure treated SYP will probably be OK. Western Red Cedar, on the other hand, may not stain very well due to "burnishing" or burning the wood.

Some woods have natural extractives that will form an uneven film on or near the surface from a hard, heat generating sanding. This can make stain look uneven.