When I purchased the house in 2013 I received a can of BEHR semi transparent weather proofing all-in-one wood stain & sealer (100% acrylic), which I assume was applied over a solid color paint. I had a stairway added half a year ago. The deck was otherwise in good shape with just some very minor chipping in a small area from dog’s nails. Last week I asked contractors to paint/stain for maintenance and to protect the new wood used for the stairs. I meant for them to use the same product which seemed to be holding up OK, but they used BEHR Transparent penetrating oil wood finish. It took long to “dry,” looks splotchy and feels dangerously slippery over previous layers and doesn’t visually match where used over new wood. I could use some expert advice – HELP!?
411.66 sq feet - I think.
L-shaped deck; 2 rectangles:
11'9"x26'8"8'1"x12'2"
52'8" of railings...
California SF East Bay
Thank you ordjen. The previous homeowner had applied the acrylic stain over something else (I assume but don't know for sure if it was paint, definitely a solid color), probably as a protective glaze as you say - no peeling during the 3 years I've lived there. The contractors then applied the oil-based finisher on top of both previous layers (acrylic stain and whatever solid color product).
If they now apply a solid hide acrylic decking stain as you suggest, will it adhere to the oil-based finisher below, and will the oil-based finisher adhere to the acrylic stain underneath? These are my main concerns.
If doing so means certain failure, I'd insist the contractors start over from bare wood. But ideally I'd like to avoid stripping chemicals mainly because deck is surrounded by "organic" shrubs and fruit trees and I have pets and a young child.
May I ask why oil-based is your preference? Thank you very much for your help. Single mom, confused by conflicting advice on the wwwebs, and interested in making this a long-lasting investment :)