Revamp Your Deck with a New Coat of Varnish: Tips and Tricks

Your deck is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, but it can look worse for wear after a few years. This is where applying a new coat of varnish from time to time comes in handy. It is a great way to protect your deck from the elements and extend its lifespan while making it look new again.

However, if you have never varnished a deck, it can be a daunting experience. In this article, we will share some tips and tricks on revamping your deck with a new coat of varnish. Before we get into the details, let us find out why you should use varnish for your deck flooring.

Why You Should Use Varnish for Your Deck Flooring

Varnish is a clear, protective coating applied to wood to help protect it from damage. It can also help to make your deck look more finished and polished. Here are some of the reasons why you should use varnish for your deck flooring:

Water Resistance

Varnish is water-resistant, which means that it can help to protect your deck from water damage. This is important if you live in an area with heavy rain or snow. Water can cause the wood in your deck to swell and warp. Varnish can help to prevent this by forming a water-resistant barrier between the wood and the water.

Ultraviolet (UV) Protection

Varnish can help to protect your deck from the sun’s harmful UV rays. This can help to prevent your deck from fading or discolouring. As mentioned earlier, UV rays can cause the wood in your deck to fade and crack. Varnish can help to prevent this by absorbing the UV rays and preventing them from reaching the wood.

Easy Maintenance

Another advantage of using varnish is its low-maintenance nature. Once applied, varnish forms a protective layer that makes cleaning your deck a breeze. Regular sweeping or gentle washing with a mild soap solution is usually sufficient to keep it looking pristine. Additionally, varnish touch-ups or reapplications can be done quickly.

How to Revamp Your Deck with Varnish

Revamping your deck with varnish can be done in three steps:

Prepare Your Deck for Varnish

Prepare your deck for varnish by sweeping or blowing off any loose dirt or debris. Afterwards, wash the deck with a mild soap and water solution, rinsing the deck thoroughly with water and allowing the deck to dry completely.

Apply Varnish to Your Deck

Second, apply the varnish in a thin, even coat, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next coat. While many varnishing options are available, including acrylic and polyurethane, we suggest opting for an oil varnish like the OSMO Decking Oil due to its durability and affordability.

Reapplying a fresh coat of Decking Oil after the first 6-8 months is recommended to lock in the initial coat applied upon installation. After that, maintenance every 1-2 years is sufficient to extend the life of your deck wood flooring.

Maintain Your Varnished Deck

Lastly, maintain your outdoor deck varnish by cleaning it regularly with a mild soap and water solution and reapplying the varnish as needed. Once the deck flooring is severely greyed, try the OSMO Wood Reviver Power Gel.

Troubleshooting Common Varnishing Problems

While varnishing a wood deck is a great way to protect it from the elements and extend its lifespan, some common problems can still occur. Here are a few tips on how to troubleshoot the most common varnishing problems:

Blisters

Trapped air bubbles in the varnish cause blisters. Ensure the wood is completely dry before applying the varnish to prevent blisters. You can also try using a roller instead of a brush, as this will reduce the number of air bubbles.

Cracking

Cracking can be caused by several factors, including using the wrong type of varnish, applying the varnish too thickly, or not allowing the varnish to dry properly between coats. To prevent cracking, use a high-quality varnish designed for outdoor use. Apply the varnish in thin coats, and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

Faded colour

The colour of the varnish can fade over time due to exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors. To prevent fading, make sure to use a varnish that has UV inhibitors. You should also reapply the varnish every few years to maintain the colour.

Looking for a Wood Supplier for Your Outdoor Deck Varnish Needs in Malaysia?

Revamping your deck with a new coat of varnish is a transformative process that breathes new life into your outdoor space. As a leading wood supplier in Malaysia, Netwood understands the importance of maintaining and beautifying your deck flooring.

We offer a variety of outdoor deck varnish and other wood finishes. If you want to revamp your deck with a new coat of varnish, we can help you choose the right products and provide the expert advice you need to get the job done right. Contact us today!