Now that the intense summer heat and rain spells have ended, you are probably standing on your wood dock and wondering how to restore its shine. While wood is one of the best materials for a dock, it often loses its polish due to the changing weather.
The good news is that you can buff it up in just a few simple steps.
Before we get down to it, let’s discuss a little bit about some of the problems behind a poorly stained dock.
A Sticky Dock
Keeping your wood boat dock in good condition to ensure you don’t find yourself calling a decking professional for repairs. A common problem that many dock owners face is a stick dock. This usually happens when you have applied too much oil on the dock.
The thicker the layer, the dirtier the dock will get by building on dust. Apart from over-application, some other reasons for a sticky dock include non-compatible products, insufficient preparations, and oiling too early.
Steps to Clean and Stain Your Dock
Step #1
Pressure Wash the Dock
You won’t be able to sweep away the caked dirt of summer and the other seasons with a broom. The loose leaves and wrappers will brush off easily, but you don’t need to get down on your knees and scrub it all off. The best option here is to pressure wash the dock.
Make sure to use low pressure, so you don’t chip the planks. If you don’t have the time to do this yourself, you can hire a pressure washing service, which will cost you around $300.
Step #2
Apply a Cleaner
A cleaner helps remove stubborn stains from your dock. This step will take a little time because you must brush the dock with the cleaner. Let it sit for 20 minutes, and you will see bubbles forming, which means the cleaner is working. Hose off the dock and inspect. Repeat this step if you see still see stains.
Step #3
Apply the Stain
Stains come in various finishes, including semi-transparent and transparent. You also need to ensure the stain you buy is for the type of wood your dock is made of. The better the stain’s quality and the more lasting its results, the more expensive it will be.
Choose a stain that will give your wood boat dock a thin coat and restore its natural beauty. Use a brush to push the stain into the grains. This might take a couple of hours, but the result will be worth your efforts.
After applying the first coat, let the stain dry. If you see any dull areas, apply a second coat and ensure the next layer is light.
Staining suits woods, such as pine, cedar, and redwood. This doesn’t mean if your dock is made of another wood type, you can’t stain it. Consult a professional before buying a product to ensure you won’t damage your dock.
Isn’t it easy? Yes, the process is time-consuming, so we suggest you book this weekend to give your dock a little TLC.
Looking for quality boat docks in Texas? Visit the EZ Dock Texas website and explore their range of dock designs, including floating docks, kayak docks, canoe docks, etc. For more information, call (800) 654-8168.
