How to Stain the Exterior of a House

Preparation

• 1

  Use the sanding block and medium-grit sandpaper to sand the wood siding that you will be staining. Pay close attention to feathering pieces and chipped sections of previous stain.

• 2

  Use the sanding block again, with fine grit sandpaper, to sand the wood siding until it is smooth to the touch.

• 3

  Rinse the entire exterior using the water hose to remove sanding dust and dirt. Allow the siding to dry for at least two days.

• 4

  Inspect your siding to check for areas that you may have missed and go back and sand them, if necessary. Make sure that you rinse the area again and allow it to dry.

Staining

• 5

  Use the painter's tape and plastic drop cloths to cover any areas that you won't be staining or that you want to protect from accidental dripping.

• 6

  Stir the stain thoroughly using the paint stir stick to distribute pigments and oils evenly.

• 7

  Pour some stain into the paint tray. Use the paint brush or an old rag to wipe the stain off the rim of the can.

• 8

  Dip the paint brush into the stain and wipe the excess stain on the sides of the tray.

• 9

  Apply the first coat of the stain, using the paint brush, to the siding in even lines, following the grain of the wood. Maintain a wet line end to slightly overlap your additional lines with to avoid streaking. Apply the stain from top to bottom or side to side, depending on the direction of your siding.

• 10

  Apply more coats of stain until you reach the desired color, allowing one coat to dry before adding another.

• 11

  Remove the painter's tape and plastic drop cloths when you have applied the final coat and it has dried completely.