If the paint adheres without bleed-through, you can paint without priming. If, however, you notice streaks, prime with a bonding, stain-blocking primer such as Valspar’s primer/sealer.

Coating end grain is especially important. 6 Repeat as necessary. In fact, two coats of stain or paint protects wood for up to twice as long as a single coat.

Follow those exactly. One final note: If you paint or stain your deck, and decide to refinish it in the future, the paint or stain may interfere with the new finish adhering to the deck.

How to Stain Wood Like a Pro—and Get It Right the First Time A bit of stain can revive almost any wood item—whether that's a beloved vintage dresser or your deck—but doing it right takes a ...

The paint and stain color options are literally endless, and selecting just one is a big commitment! The right deck color should complement your home’s exterior, creating a sense of harmony.

Sheen, or paint finish, is a measure of how much light reflects off a painted surface, resulting in gloss or a lack thereof, said Mike Mundwiller, senior manager at Benjamin Moore.