Behr Deck Over

Dan lives in Norwalk, CT.

He emailed me overnight and needed immediate help.

His question was so good, and I happened to have a photo I took three years ago, that I decided to publish it. Here’s what he sent:

“Wondering if Behr Textured Deck Over stain would be recommended on a freshly sanded 24-year-old pressure treated deck here in southeastern CT?  Some new, non-pressure treated boards were just added. Basically all the prior stain either peeled off or was sanded off with rented large sander.

We already bought the stain (Behr DeckOver), but I guess it could be returned.  I just read some poor reviews on Behr deck stain.  The contractor will start painting tomorrow.  Also, should the deck be treated with anything (i.e., cleaner) before painting if the top surface was sanded off?”

Here’s Dan’s deck. Yes, the wood is different color, but he can get the old to look much like the new cleaning it with Stain Solver. © Copyright 2016 Tim Carter per the AsktheBuilder.com Terms of Service

Here’s the first thing that you and Dan need to know about Behr DECKOVER.

I attended the first-ever Behr Editors Conference about two years ago. They demonstrated this product in one of the workshops and asked for volunteers to apply it to wood. I jumped up like I was sitting on a spring.

Before I put the roller in my hand, I knew this product would be an issue for many homeowners.

It was thick, very thick. It was like applying a very thick applesauce to the surface.

I knew it would FAIL at some point because it was a film-forming product meant to completely cover the wood much like a clown applies makeup to completely hide their face / skin.

ALL FILM FORMERS eventually FAIL. They fail because of what’s known as the adhesive chain. CLICK HERE to read a column I’ve written about this unavoidable phenomenon. 

As you read that column about adhesive chains, realize there’d be only ONE LINK in the chain between Dan’s deck and the Behr DeckOver product.

A few months later, I had to move my daughter from an apartment she was renting down in Providence, RI. Guess what was on the steps of the small back deck? It was either the Behr product or some similar product - there’s at least one other one just like it out there in the marketplace.

I’d NEVER install a film former like this on any wood I own.

There’s a very good chance Dan can get the color of the old wood to MATCH the new boards by deep cleaning the wood with my Certified organic Stain Solver oxygen bleach. It always returns old wood to its original color. The sun’s UV rays discolors wood.

That’s my left foot you see in the lower-left corner. See how this thick coating over the wood deck is peeling? What a mess! Once this happens, what do you do? Rip off all the wood? Do you think you can sand this mess? No way. © Copyright 2016 Tim Carter

Article source Behr Deck Over