Throughout our extensive DIY journey, we’ve dabbled in various projects, yet solid stain had always remained uncharted territory for us. That is, until a recent endeavor presented the perfect opportunity to give it a try. A professional house painter recommended it, specifically highlighting its suitability for our outdoor shower. Little did we know that this simple suggestion would lead to a game – changing discovery.
The Canvas: Our Outdoor Shower
Our outdoor shower has been a beloved feature of our home since we moved in. We gave it a quick makeover initially, but we were well aware that over time, it would need more substantial attention. The thought of stripping and restaining it was daunting, considering all the nooks and crannies that would require painstaking work. However, the solid stain option turned out to be a far more manageable solution.
The shower, when we first saw it, was in a rather sorry state. It looked so bad that our contractor even suggested ripping it off the house. But we were determined to revive it. A pressure washer helped clean it up, and we’ve been using it annually to prevent it from getting too dirty. We also tried oiling the wood to protect it, which gave it a weathered and time – worn look that we actually quite liked. However, recently, we had to face the fact that some of the cedar boards had become spongy, rotten, and broken, and needed to be replaced.
The Need for a Long – Term Solution
After replacing the damaged cedar boards, the shower had a rather mismatched appearance. There were new, brighter boards among the older, sun – bleached ones. Many seams and holes had to be filled with wood putty or outdoor caulking, resulting in a patchy look. We knew we needed to seal the new cedar, but a regular stain wouldn’t be able to hide the color differences effectively. This is when solid stain came into the picture.
The Solid Stain Experience
Applying the solid stain was a breeze. We chose Behr Premium Solid Color Stain in the shade Tugboat. The entire project took just two afternoons, and we could use the shower again the very next day. What’s more, it provided excellent coverage, far better than we had expected. The process was painless, and the best part? There was no need for sanding.
Not only was it easy to apply, but solid stain also offers enhanced durability. We realized that we should have used it years ago. It will require much less maintenance in the long run and will prevent more boards from rotting like the ones we had to replace.
The Before and After Transformation
The before and after pictures truly tell the story. Before applying the solid stain, the shower had a rather disjointed look with the new and old boards standing out starkly. The repaired areas, with their wood putty and caulking, added to the patchiness. But after applying the solid stain, the shower took on a uniform, sleek appearance. The color of the stain not only hid the differences in the boards but also gave the shower a fresh, new look.
In conclusion, our experience with solid stain has been nothing short of amazing. It has transformed our outdoor shower from a dilapidated and mismatched structure into a durable and aesthetically pleasing feature. If you have an outdoor project that requires a long – lasting and easy – to – apply finish, solid stain might just be the perfect solution for you. What kind of outdoor projects do you have in mind where solid stain could be used?
