Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site. Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site. Water takes a toll on a wood deck’s finish, ...

Next time you've got a painting project, give gel stains some consideration. Like traditional wood stains, it's oil-based and will absorb into unfinished wood, but gel stains won't put the grain on ...

Q: How should I protect my wood deck in advance of Seattle’s wet-weather seasons? A: This is a great question, especially since we (hopefully) have a few warm, sunny and dry weekends left to tackle ...

You can get at least two types of deck stain or sealer. One type is a penetrating finish that is designed to soak into dry wood. Other deck stains are formulated to perform much like varnishes or ...

You might think to switch out light fixtures or upgrade your entryway when you’re planning home improvements, but another way to update your deck, railings, and ...

Have you ever used a stain to change the appearance of a piece of bare wood in your home? Did the job turn out like the finish you see on high-end stained cabinets or other furniture? My guess is that ...

Wipe down a sanded piece of furniture with a damp cloth before you stain. Let it dry naturally. The moisture will raise the grain of the wood and allow you to sand it down before you start staining.