DIY Deck Waterproofing
- 1). Spray your deck with water from a garden hose. Inspect the wooden surface for beading. If the water fails to penetrate, the surface of your deck may be coated with wax or mill glaze applied during the cutting process or while the wood was being stored at the lumberyard. If so, allow a few weeks to pass until the coating wears down on its own. If the coating fails to wear down or if you need to apply the sealer right away, sand the surface with a light-grit sandpaper before moving ahead.
- 2). Inspect older decks for splintering or other rough patches that can detract from the overall appearance and reduce the effectiveness of a sealer. Use medium- to heavy-grit sandpaper to remove these patches. Use the garden hose to thoroughly water any plants or other vegetation near the deck surface. After watering, cover the plants with a plastic drop cloth.
- 3). Apply sealer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Each brand and type of sealer may require a slightly different approach, but most can be applied in a single coat. Use a paint roller to apply the sealer to the top of the decking, and use a paintbrush to reach the surfaces between the boards and around the edges. Sealers are available in combination with stains, or as a waterproofing clear coat. Whichever you choose, make sure the treatment is recommended for use with the wood your deck is made of, as well as any stains that may already be on the surface.