Deck Restoration Westford, MA

Oil-Based or 100% Acrylic

When selecting a stain for your outdoor wood project in Westford, it’s essential to weigh various factors to determine the most fitting option for your needs. The primary stain bases, oil-based stain and water-based stain, each have their strengths in specific situations. The choice between them depends on factors like the type of wood, previous wood treatment, weather exposure, and more. Here, we offer pertinent insights to assist you in making the significant decision between using oil-based stains and water-based stains in Westford.

Water-Based Stain Advantages:

• Dry quickly.
• Keep its color for a longer period of time
• Provides a richer hue of color
• No harmful odor or fumes, not flammable
• Breathable stain
• Easier cleanup (only requires soap and water)
• Extremely mildew and mold resistant

Oil-Based Stain Advantages:

• Requires more time to dry which allows for a more even finish
• Penetrates wood deeper
• Extremely durable
• Thicker seal for wood
• Less long-term maintenance

Type of Wood

Previous Wood Treatment

When considering staining wood in Westford that already bears a previous coating of paint or stain, certain precautions are essential to achieve a new, protective layer effectively. Although determining the nature of the prior layer may present challenges, it becomes a pivotal factor in choosing between oil-based and water-based stains. In cases where the existing layer is oil-based, it is advisable to choose a water-based stain for its superior adherence, making it the preferred option in Westford.

Weather Exposure

The weather conditions that outdoor wood in Westford will face play a crucial role in selecting the optimal stain base for your project. In situations where the wood is directly exposed to elements like wind, rain, and sunlight, opting for an oil-based stain is highly recommended. This choice is attributed to its superior durability compared to water-based alternatives, ensuring a robust protective layer against these environmental factors. Living on the east coast, Westford experiences diverse and sometimes extreme weather conditions. Therefore, careful consideration is essential before embarking on deck restoration. We offer personalized consultations and can visit your home in Westford to develop a customized approach tailored to the specific weather challenges of the region.

A: While some tasks like cleaning may be DIY-friendly, the overall restoration process involves technical skills. Hiring professionals ensures proper preparation, application, and long-lasting results.

A: The duration varies based on factors like deck size, repairs needed, and weather conditions. On average, it may take a few days to a week for a comprehensive restoration.

A: Yes, a well-maintained and visually appealing deck can enhance the overall curb appeal and property value. It also contributes to the longevity of the deck, minimizing future repair costs.

A: Covering and masking are standard practices to protect nearby surfaces and landscaping. Careful planning ensures minimal impact on the surrounding environment.

A: Yes, there are environmentally friendly stains and sealers available. Professionals can guide you in choosing products that align with your sustainability preferences.

Before delving into the distinctions between our process and what you might typically receive from less reputable painting companies, it’s crucial to understand the general deck painting process. Most painters, guided by traditional methods, employ age-old painting processes that can be problematic. In our view, the standard household deck paints and stains used today may not match the quality of those from the past.

Several years ago, the typical process involved starting with deck cleaning and then applying paint. Some painters still use a Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) solution as a cleaning agent. However, this solvent, while effective in neutralizing dirt and grease, poses challenges. Phosphates from TSP can become absorbed into worn and weathered wood, potentially leading to paint failures. Additionally, residue left behind can result in adhesion problems. Today, various products are available for purchase at local stores, offering alternatives to these traditional methods.

Our Deck Plan: At Finish Masters, our primary goal is to provide an unparalleled customer experience and deliver exceptional deck restoration services. Recognizing that price is a concern for many clients, we go beyond merely providing high-quality deck staining and restoration. Our company excels in effective communication, logistical coordination for project management (including working around your schedule), and maintaining a clean work environment.

Initial Deck Cleaning: We commence the deck restoration process with caution, especially when power washing. Without proper knowledge, power washing can damage your deck. Our power washers are capable of cutting concrete, emphasizing the need for expertise. The first step involves removing all items from the deck and safely relocating them. Items that remain, including surfaces not to be treated, are covered with masking paper, plastic, and tarps. During our site visit, we determine which cleansers are needed to remove the existing coating. Thorough cleaning is then carried out using power washing, scrubbing, and rinsing with low pressure, as specified in the contract details.

Using Deck Strippers: Specific deck strippers are chosen based on the type of coating on your deck. Some decks with multiple layers may require multiple applications. It’s essential to note that strippers soften wood fibers and leach out pigments. Toned sealers are used to restore lost color during this stage, preparing the deck for sealer acceptance.

Critical Deck Staining Tip: Residue from deck strippers poses potential problems. If left behind, it can reactivate and damage the deck permanently. Removal of all stripper residue is crucial before proceeding.

Deck Brightener: Deck brightener serves two purposes: brightening wood darkened by strippers and neutralizing any residual deck strippers. Oxalic acid is a key ingredient in this product, varying in concentration across different brighteners. While costly, using an ample amount is mandatory to avoid costly mistakes.

After the deck is clean, residue-free, and neutralized, it needs to dry for a few days. Necessary repairs to the deck are made during this time. Working with clean surfaces ensures a better end result. Depending on the deck’s condition, it may be scuff-sanded with 120-grit sandpaper, creating a textured surface for paint adhesion.

Acrylic Solid Color Deck Stain: For the most durable surface, a solid color finish is recommended, provided it is properly prepared. These coatings create a surface film that seals and protects wood fibers. When coupled with a compatible oil-based primer, this choice is highly effective. Arlington painters often use Kilz interior alkyd primer, an oil-based primer. However, we opt for Zinsser Coverstain Alkyd Primer, specifically designed to block or seal wood tannins, ensuring maximum adhesion.

Semi-Solid Alkyd & Water-Based: This unique semi-solid/semi-opaque finish masks wood grain but allows texture to show through. Semi-Solid Stains provide greater opacity, highlighting the natural texture of wood with a deep-penetrating, flat finish. For UV resistance, darker colors are preferable when deciding on stain colors.

In summary, our deck restoration process at Finish Masters is a meticulous and comprehensive approach that prioritizes effective communication, logistical coordination, and a commitment to delivering the highest quality results.

Caring for your deck involves a multifaceted approach, encompassing both routine maintenance and proactive measures to ensure its longevity and aesthetic appeal.

• Regular Cleaning:

  • Equipment Selection: Utilize the right washing equipment to prevent stripping away the existing stain during cleaning. This ensures that the deck retains its protective layer.
  • Specialized Soaps and Chemicals: Employ soaps and chemicals specifically designed for decks to effectively remove built-up dirt and grime. This targeted approach helps in maintaining the cleanliness and overall appearance of the deck.

• Structural Integrity Protection:

  • Precautions during Restoration: Exercise caution and take necessary precautions while restoring your deck to protect the structural integrity of the wood. This not only contributes to the immediate aesthetics but also ensures the deck’s long-term durability.

• Weather Considerations:

  • Summer Maintenance: In hot summer temperatures, the deck is consistently exposed to UV rays. Implement proper preventative measures to shield the wood from discoloration and potential damage caused by the sun’s rays.

  • Winter Protection: Stains play a crucial role by providing a waterproof layer during winter. This layer prevents water from penetrating deep into the wood, mitigating the risk of mold and mildew growth. Ensuring your deck has a reliable stain is vital for its resilience against winter conditions.

In conclusion, comprehensive deck care involves a proactive approach to cleaning, the use of appropriate materials, and safeguarding against the varied impacts of weather conditions. Regular maintenance, coupled with preventive measures during restoration, not only enhances the deck’s immediate appearance but also contributes to the preservation of its structural integrity, allowing it to withstand the test of time.

For a period of 24 months from the completion date expressed on the contract, the work completed by Finish Masters is under warranty. This warranty entails and warrants against peeling and blistering of the paint applied by Finish Masters as the result of inadequate preparation work, and/or improper application.

For this warranty to be valid, you must:

• Pay the full contract price.
• Retain a copy of the original contract and proposal.
• Provide proof or evidence of payment in full.

Finish Masters will :

Perform the necessary repairs, at no labor cost to you, the original purchaser.

•  Perform all covered exterior repairs during the exterior season, if and only if Finish Masters is notified and a warranty claim is filed via this warranty by August 1st. Claims filed after August 1st may get completed during the current painting season. However, they may not get completed during the current season and will be completed the following exterior season. The exterior season is defined by Finish Masters as the season where seasonal exterior employees are available and the weather is suitable to paint in.
•  Perform any covered repairs using a “Level 1” Scrape as described in the definitions section of the original contract.
•  Perform any covered repairs only to the area failing. This includes the area where peeling and blistering has occurred. An exact color match is not guaranteed by Finish Masters, as there is a likelihood that the original paint will have faded.

What you should do to have the covered repairs performed:

•  Contact Finish Masters by phone at 978-600-1979 or 603-546-6767 by August 1st to have the covered repairs performed that painting season.
•  Finish Masters will work with you to set up an inspection of your property and notify you promptly of the nature and extent (if any) of the covered repairs and Finish Masters plan for performing the repairs.

THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER:

• The cost of paint required to perform the covered repairs.
• Any areas where the customer alters or performs additional work on after Finish Masters has completed job.
• Any areas where the paint was provided by the customer, and applied to the area by Finish Masters
• Any peeling or blistering that Finish Masters determines is the result of an interior moisture problem. Paint applied properly will blister and peel, usually to the bare wood, in areas where there is a large amount of interior moisture that is inadequately ventilated. For this reason, this warranty does not include the exterior siding, window frames, etc. adjacent to your kitchens and bathrooms. Also does not include any interior areas with constant moisture exposure, etc.
• Any peeling or blistering that Finish Masters determines is the result of an exterior moisture problem. Paint applied properly will blister and peel, usually to the bare wood, in areas where there is a persistent amount of exterior moisture exposure. This includes, but is not limited to, leaking roofs, ice dams of any sort, gutters filled with debris, and snow or ice sitting on a particular area for any period of time.
• Any peeling or blistering that Finish Masters determines is the result of the buildup of excessive layers of paint. A painted surface can only hold a certain quantity of layers before the weight of the newer layers begins pulling the older layers away from the original substrate (wood, masonry, metal, etc.) At which point this happens it is impossible to predict, though its likeliness does increase with each successive layer of paint. You may want to consider full paint removal by a qualified contractor.
• Any fine cracking in older layers of paint. This can be referred sometimes as “alligatoring,” and is common on older homes with many previous layers of paint. Eventually these cracks will show through the newly applied top coat.
• Any failure due to a manufacturing defect in the substrate. “Mill glaze” is a condition created at a lumber mill that results in paint adhering poorly to wood siding. Siding material made from composite wood products may also result in paint adhesion problems.
• Varnished surfaces or surfaces made of, or containing, galvanized metal.
• Conditions that are the result of a failure in the paint itself, including but not limited to, fading, chalking, flashing, and lapping.
• The appearance of mildew, mold, or any other environmental conditions.
• Bleeding knot holes, rust stains, and/or cedar bleed. Cedar bleed is the result of naturally occurring tannins in the wood and is unrelated paint application.
• Any horizontal surfaces or any surface that as a result of structural design permits moisture to collect. This includes, but is not limited to decks, railings, stairs, porches, roofs, and wood gutters.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE ONLY EXPRESS WARRANTY MADE BY FINISH MASTERS AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. THIS WARRANTY IS APPLICABLE ONLY TO PAINTING SERVICE PROVIDED TO THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER WHO IS IDENTIFIED ON THE FRONT COVER OF THIS CONTRACT. FINISHMASTERS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM MATERIALS, WORKMANSHIP, OR BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY, NOR SHALL FINISHMASTERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES IN EXCESS OF THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT PRICE. AT NO TIME MAY THIS WARRANTY BE ALTERED OR EXTENDED FOR ANY PURPOSE.