Trex decking is a popular composite decking material made from recycled wood fibers and plastic. It is designed to be low maintenance and does not require staining or sealing to maintain its appearance. However, some homeowners may wish to stain or seal their Trex decks for added protection or to change the color. So what types of stains are compatible with Trex decking?
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Can You Stain Trex Decking?
The short answer is yes, you can stain Trex decking. However, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind:
– Trex decking has a protective polymer shell that resists stains and damage. This shell needs to be properly prepared before applying any type of staining product.
– Not all stains adhere well to Trex. Oil-based stains and semi-transparent stains tend to work better than solid color stains. Always test stain on a scrap piece first.
– Staining will alter the color of Trex decking. Make sure the final color is what you want for your deck.
– Stains can fade over time and need reapplication. This takes away some of the “low maintenance” benefit of Trex.
– Improper stain application or choice of stain can lead to uneven coloring, tacky surfaces, peeling, flaking and other issues.
How to Prepare Trex Decking for Stain
Before applying stain, the outer shell of Trex decking must be “opened up” through lightly sanding or etching. This allows the stain to properly bond with the decking material. Here are the recommended steps:
1. Clean the deck thoroughly with a deck cleaner or mild soap and water. Rinse well and allow to dry completely.
2. Lightly sand the deck using 80-120 grit sandpaper. This scuffs up the outer coating. Be careful not to over-sand.
3. Alternatively, you can use an etching solution or oxygen bleach product to etch the deck surface. Follow product instructions closely.
4. Rinse the deck thoroughly after sanding or etching. Allow to dry completely before staining.
5. Apply deck stain according to manufacturer’s instructions. Always test stain absorption and adhesion on a scrap piece first.
6. Apply an even thin coat of stain using a brush, roller or sprayer. Work in manageable sections.
7. Allow the stain to dry per product instructions before recoating or opening the deck to traffic.
8. Apply a second coat of stain if desired to achieve the right color tone.
Proper prep work is crucial to ensure the stain bonds properly with the Trex decking. Rushing this step can lead to staining failures.
Recommended Stain Types for Trex Decking
When researching deck stain for Trex, look for products specifically designed for composite decking or labeled as compatible with Trex. Some examples of stain types that work well include:
Oil-Based Stains
Oil-based stains are highly recommended for Trex decks. The oils penetrate well and provide good bonding. Leading brands like DEFY Extreme Wood Stain and Messmers UV Plus for Composite Decking are great options:
– Penetrate the decking surface well for a lasting bond
– Contain UV blockers to resist fading
– Waterproof and protect against moisture damage
– Available in semi-transparent and solid color options
Water-Based Acrylic-Latex Stains
Water-based acrylic-latex stains are easier to apply and clean up than oil-based. Top options for Trex include:
– Sherwin Williams Deckscapes Exterior Acrylic Stain
– Behr Premium Semi-Transparent Deck Stain
– PPG ProLuxe Semi-Transparent Deck & Siding Stain
Look for acrylic latex formulas that offer some penetration and bonding versus just surface coating the deck.
Semi-Transparent Stains
Semi-transparent stains add color while allowing some of the underlying deck texture and grain to show through. This gives a natural wood look on composite Trex decking. Some good products are:
– Ready Seal Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood
– Cabot Semi-Solid Deck & Siding Stain
– Armstrong Clark Semi-transparent Stain
Solid Color Stains
Solid color stains provide deeper color but fully obscure the grain pattern. Use lighter tone colors to avoid excessive heat absorption on Trex:
– Rust-Oleum RockSolid Deck Coating
– Behr Solid Color Deck & Fence Stain
– INSL-X Solid Color Acrylic Stain
Avoid any thick, film-forming solid stain that just coats the surface without penetrating.
Stain Colors for Trex Decking
When choosing a stain color for Trex decking, there are a few recommendations:
– Stick with lighter tone natural wood colors like walnut, cedar, redwood, brownstone, etc. Darker colors can get extremely hot in the sun.
– Coordinate the color with your home exterior, trim, railings and surroundings. Samples help get the right tone.
– Pick a color that complements the actual Trex color. Enhance rather than overwhelm the original decking shade.
– Consider how the color will look as it weathers and fades. Will it develop a worn antique look?
– Look at color choices specific to composite decks if staining a lighter Trex color like Foggy Wharf or Moonlight. Specialized composite stains are formulated to work with these lighter Trex shades.
Applying samples of different stain colors on scrap Trex pieces can really help visualize the final look and make the right selection.
How to Apply Stain on Trex Decking
Always follow the manufacturer’s application instructions when staining a Trex deck. Here are some general tips:
– Only apply stain in dry weather when temperatures are between 50-90°F. Avoid staining in direct sun.
– Use a brush, roller or sprayer. Brushes allow more control and minimize drips. Sprayers are faster but overspray can be an issue.
– Work in manageable sections, about 50 sq ft at a time, and maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks.
– Apply an even, thin coat of stain. Too much can puddle and become tacky. Too little leads to uneven coloring.
– Always maintain a wet edge and backbrush to spread stain evenly. Work in the direction of the wood grain.
– Let the stain dry fully before adding a second coat or walking on the deck.
– Apply a second coat if needed to achieve the desired color uniformity.
– Dispose of all oil or solvent soaked rags properly to prevent fire hazard.
Take time to fully prepare the deck, use quality application tools and work carefully to achieve the best stain results on your Trex decking.
How to Maintain Stained Trex Decking
Any stained surface requires proper maintenance to keep it looking its best. Here are tips for caring for stained Trex decking:
– Allow the stain to fully cure per the manufacturer’s instructions before placing any furniture on the deck.
– Inspect the condition of the stained deck regularly and reapply stain as needed, usually every 1-3 years depending on wear.
– Regularly cleaning the deck with a composite deck cleaner removes dirt and debris that can accelerated weathering of stain. Avoid using a pressure washer.
– Use extreme caution with reapplication if the deck become very hot in direct sunlight. Stain can become gummy and tacky if applied in extreme heat.
– Test stain compatibility and prep a small area if applying a different brand or type of stain for reapplication.
– Apply fresh stain soon after any signs of fading to preserve the color and avoid graying of the wood.
– Don’t use abrasive cleaners, bleach or acid based products on stained Trex. This can damage the finish.
With proper prep, application and maintenance, you can achieve long lasting, great looking stain results on your Trex decking.
Conclusion
Staining a Trex composite decking can enhance its appearance and provide added protection. Oil-based stains generally work best to penetrate the decking surface and achieve a lasting bond. Proper cleaning and surface preparation before staining is crucial for success. Trex can be stained in semi-transparent or solid colors but light, natural wood tones are recommended. Maintaining the stained deck with regular cleaning and reapplication as needed will keep it looking like new. With some care taken in product selection and application, staining allows you to customize the look of your Trex decking.