Staining Your Deck and Fence in the Illawarra: How Often, and Why the Coats Matter

Timber out here takes a hammering. Between the sun, the rain and the salt air, an untreated or under-done deck or fence goes grey and starts splitting faster than most people expect. After 35+ years working around Wollongong and the Illawarra, here’s how we approach staining — and why it lasts when we do it.

How often to re-stain. We like to re-stain timber every year or two. It sounds often, but timber that’s exposed to full sun and coastal weather is much easier to keep on top of than to rescue once it’s already grey and cracking. Staying ahead of it protects the wood and keeps the whole area looking sharp, rather than letting it get to the point where the only option is a full sand-back or replacement.

Why the number of coats matters. This is the part that makes the difference. We put on plenty of coats — usually three or four — so the stain really soaks in and the timber is properly quenched. A single thin coat might look okay for a few months, but it sits on the surface, and before long you’re back to square one. Those extra coats are what let the stain penetrate and actually last through a coastal season.

Prep still counts. Even with staining, we clean and prepare the timber first so the stain can grab. Skipping that is how you end up with a patchy finish that lifts.

If your deck or fence is looking tired, the best time to sort it is before it goes grey and starts splitting — it’s a much smaller job to maintain than to bring back.

Colourland Painting is a local, second-generation painting business serving Wollongong and the Illawarra, with over 35 years of combined experience. Learn more at colourlandpainting.com.au.