Even in the event that you build your deck using a rot-resistant species like redwood or cedar, then you are going to get many more years of use from it by occasionally sealing the wood against moisture. The most elementary waterproofing products consist of little longer than paraffin dissolved in a solvent, and the easiest way to spread them is using a sprayer. You don’t have to break the paint spraying equipment, however — a garden sprayer will do the job, even in the event that you choose an oil-based pigmented stain rather than a transparent sealer. You’ll get the best results if you wash out the deck.
Sweep the deck using a broom and clean sticks and leaves out from the gaps between boards using a paint scraper. Any debris you depart there may stop the liners from penetrating the borders of the decking boards.
Wash the deck using a power washer. Not only does the high-pressure water remove dirt, in addition, it eliminates a thin layer of timber in the surfaces of their boards and restores their natural shade. Allow the deck dry for at least 48 hours.
Cover any shrubbery or furniture underneath the deck using plastic sheeting to protect it from falling paint. If the deck is attached to a building, cover the side of this construction with masking paper and masking tape.
Shake a can of waterproofing sealer or stain and pour it directly to your garden sprayer canister. Do the transfer over a drop cloth. Close the canister and pump the handle to pressurize it.
Start spraying at the corner of this deck farthest from the stairs or exit. Cover a part approximately two feet square, then roll over the region you just covered using a medium-nap paint roller to soak up any stain sealer that has puddled. Roll parallel into the decking boards and then wash out the roller on a paint strainer placed in a rolling tray.
Work toward the exit and finish the job by spraying the staircase.