Frequently Asked Questions
What should I choose Staining Solutions of Oklahoma?
We have over 8 years in the construction industry. We are a professional company with strong sense for customer satisfaction and we are fully insured for your protection. We use the best products and equipment in the industry. Thats why when you go with Staining Solutions of Oklahoma you will get the added benefit of the best customer care program in the industry. The Staining Solutions of Oklahoma Advantage! Our staff is here to meet your needs and provide you with a level of customer satisfaction you deserve!
FENCE STAINING
I know your wondering just how much does it cost...right?
Well it hard to put a price tag on the beauty your stained wood exterior will bring to you or the savings you will incur by keeping your wood investment protected through the harsh Oklahoma weather. When you set on your back patio and look at this beautiful stained fence, the feeling of pride you will have. Just look at the fences around you, do you really want something that looks gray and weathered? You will be surprised at just how affordable fence staining can be. We keep our overhead low enough that we are the most cost effective staining provider around.
Can you stain my weathered fence and deck?
Older and unprotected wood can become gray, green or even black. This color change represents natural aging of wood and the possible growth of mold, mildew, and/or algae. In order to achieve the best effect, the wood surface area needs to be cleaned prior to applying stain. Depending on the severity of the wood we on occasion will use bleach or pressure wash our wood surfaces. If the customer would prefer we can use deck brushes, non-pressurized water and an acid free, solvent free, chlorine free formula to deep clean without damaging the wood's cell structure nor leaving a bleached out look. Most importantly, the solution is 100% biodegradable and will not harm grass or surrounding plant life.
If I am not ready for staining, are you willing to simply clean the wood?
Although we highly recommend staining after we clean, we would be more than happy to provide two separate services at your request. On all of our estimates, the price for cleaning and staining are provided separately.
How long would it take to stain my fence or deck?
On a low wind day and few obstacles, the average 250' fence should take around three hours. If cleaning is required, it will take an additional day for drying. The average deck usually takes around two hours also depending on weather conditions and preventive measures required prior to staining. This includes moving furniture, applying painters tape and plastic to concrete, siding, windows and covering plants with cotton cloth. However, an additional day may also be required if the deck also requires cleaning.
Does staining a fence or deck last forever?
No. However, Wood Defender® fence and deck stains lasts around five years.
How does the stain work once applied?
By saturating the surface of the lumber, the catacomb nature of the wood allows the Wood Defender® product to penetrate deep and uniformly throughout.
What happens after the warranty wears out and the fence needs re-staining? Do I have to strip it or can it be simply be re-stained?
Wood Defender™ stains modified oil formula enhances penetration and does not leave a surface film. The lack of a film on the surface of the wood makes re-coats a snap. This characteristic eliminates the need for caustic strippers or high-pressure power washing that can damage wood before a re-coat. In many circumstances if the stain is in good condition, there will be absolutely no prep work required before a re-spray. The ease of re coats allows us to establish a maintenance program of two to three years depending on the type of stain used.
What if stain gets on my house or windows?
No problem. Wood Defender™ stains wipe off most metal, glass and non-porous surfaces with a simple rag. However, in an attempt to limit getting stain on surface areas not intended to be stained, our professionals will cover house siding; assist in moving lawn furniture; cover or move plants; drench rocks and concrete surfaces in order to achieve the best possible protection.
Should stain get on other than intended surfaces, our professionals will remove it using our specially formulated Wood Defender™ EZ Clean. The cleaner was designed to remove over spray off windows, air conditioners, gutters, brick, cars, garage doors and pool equipment. We take pride in knowing that our jobs and the area around them are as clean or cleaner after we are finished.
What is in the Wood Defender™ stains you use?
Some of the materials that make up Wood Defender™ stains include:
• High quality, deep penetrating natural oils used to replenish and revive the composition of the wood. Highest quality trans-oxide and finely ground iron oxide pigments that lessen the damaging affect of harsh UV rays while providing ample color choices for consumers.
• UV inhibitors to further lessen the effects of harmful UV rays and keep the color consistent through the duration of the warranty.
• Synthetic resins designed to promote maximum adhesion and penetration to the wood while beautifying the finished appearance of the wood structure.
• The latest available mildewcides and fungicides to repel the growth of harmful mildew and fungus spores that decay wood and turn the fence gray in appearance.
• Water-repellent silicone to repel water, decreasing the damage associated with warping, swelling and cupping.
• Unique dispersants and anti-settling agents used to keep the product consistent in its container and lessen the amount of stirring required prior to application High quality, deep penetrating natural oils used to replenish and revive the composition of the wood.
What effect does colder temperatures have on staining?
We are lucky to live in a state that has a nice climate year round. We will stain any exterior surface as long as the wood isn't wet or frozen. With that said, we can stain in temperatures above 34 degrees.
When applying stain to a substrate (wood), situations of entrapped moisture, decreased penetration or poor color development could occur. Since wood is a cellulose material made up of a "honey comb" matrix, the matrix is very fine fiber (varies with species of wood) and can be swelled in the presence of moisture, causing it to become more rigid (non-flexible) in colder temperatures.
All Liquids perform in varying degrees with temperature, like motor oil when heated up the thinner it becomes, when cold the thicker it becomes. Stains perform very much in the same manner, the warmer it is the thinner it becomes and the greater the opportunity for penetration which is the desired effect. In addition, the colder the stain (liquid) the more problems can be associated with color development, which has everything to do with flow and leveling of the stain (liquid). Additionally, some liquids in the stain, namely solvent and vehicle evaporate more evenly at elevated temperatures as opposed to cooler temperatures causing drying/curing issues, taking much longer to dry/cure in cooler temperatures that can also contribute to color development.
I noticed on the Color Chart listed here on your website there are Semi-Transparent and Transparent stains listed. What is the difference?
Semi-Transparent- Utilizes opaque pigmentation at a reduced rate to achieve a stained appearance. The unique pigment combination has been tested to prove its unparalleled U.V protection. Offers a 3 year manufacturers warranty. This is our most popular formula. It works extremely well on new cleaned structures and typically lasts between 3-6 years. Our most popular colors in this formula are Sable Brown, Sierra, and Rustic Oak.Semi Transparent Fence Stains.
Transparent - Utilizes ultra fine Trans Oxide pigments to highlight and reveal all of the wood grain while staining the fence. Trans Oxide pigments are ground so fine they are very resistant to Ultra Violet Rays. The Transparent fence stain is commonly desired on a new Cedar or Redwood fence where the customer is striving to highlight and glorify the existing wood beauty. The Transparent Fence Stain is backed by a 2 year manufacturer’s warranty and typically lasts between 2-4 years. Our most popular color in this formula is Cedar Tone.Transparent Fence Stain
In conclusion, both stains have their place and serve a purpose. The Semi-Transparent stain is more widely used because of its “heavy duty” formula, offering a universal product for multiple uses, new and aged wood alike. Transparent stains work well in the Southeast and allow the natural wood grain to be highlighted; however, re-applications will be required more often versus those that are stained using Semi-Transparent stain.