Popular Mechanics: Home Improvement

Stencilling Adds Interest to Bland Decks

By Roy Berendsohn

This project idea from The Flood Co. caught our eye: stenciling decks and gates using solid and semitransparent deck stains. We hadn’t thought of it, nor have we seen the idea implemented anywhere, but it seems to have merit. Take some heavy-duty paper and cut out some stencils or buy them at a crafts store. Tape them in place, then apply a solid-color stain when you want an effect similar to paint, or use semitransparent stain when you want some wood grain to show through.

It’s important to use exterior wood stains for these projects because they are formulated with chemicals that help them resist ultraviolet light damage and tough resins that make them stand up to the elements. In this case, Flood solid and semitransparent stains cost from $22 to $26 per gallon at paint stores and home centers. Contact The Flood Co., P.O. Box 2535, Hudson, OH 44236; 800-321-3444. Or visit the company’s web site at www.floodco.com.

Copyright © Popular Mechanics 2001. Reprinted by permission.

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