Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home, and paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to change up your space that can have a dramatic impact. Giving your home a fresh coat of paint can completely transform its look and feel. Whether you want a subtle update or a complete makeover, scheduling a paint color consultation with Color Wheel can help simplify the process and ensure stunning results.

What Is a Professional Paint Color Consultation?
Choosing the right paint colors can be overwhelming, even for those with an excellent eye for design. With countless shades, tints, and finishes, it’s easy to feel lost in a sea of possibilities.

This is where a professional paint color consultation comes in. Color Wheel’s experienced consultants guide you through the selection process, helping you choose colors that complement your home’s architecture, furnishings, and style.
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Our expertise ensures that the final result not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also adds value to your home.

Benefits of a Professional Consultation
There are so many benefits of getting a professional color consultation before starting a painting project, including:

• Access to years of experience and an eye for design from professionals, ensuring smart decisions.

• Avoid mistakes and endless color swatches by getting it right the first time with expert guidance.

• Get curated color schemes that reflect your personal style, but consider your home’s broader aesthetic.

• Stay ahead of the curve with advice informed by the latest trends in interior design and color theory.

Popular Colors for Spring Painting Projects
There are so many colors to choose from, but your final decision really depends on your personal preference and your goals for the space. Some popular colors people choose in spring include vibrant greens, soft pinks and yellows, airy purples, and calming blues.

If you’re thinking of going bold, rich sapphires and corals are trending, which add drama and personality to a space. These shades work particularly well for accent walls or unique spaces like home offices or reading nooks.

Don’t Wait—Book Your Color Consultation Today
If you’re ready to refresh your home with new paint this spring, schedule a professional color consultation with Color Wheel. We book up fast for appointments, so contact us today or call us at (703) 356-8477 x 3 to secure your spot and let’s transform your home with the perfect color!

As spring approaches, homeowners often look to spruce up their exteriors with fresh paint. However, many contractors tend to fill up their schedules once the weather warms, making it difficult to find a time for your project.
But what if there was a way to get your exterior painting done much earlier in the season? The answer lies in choosing the right paint—one that can be applied in winter conditions.

The Perfect Solution: Element Guard® Exterior Paint
If you’re eager to get ahead of the spring rush, consider using Element Guard® Exterior Paint from Benjamin Moore. This innovative paint is specially formulated to perform exceptionally well in challenging weather conditions, including high moisture and colder temperatures. Unlike traditional paints that can only be applied in optimal temperatures and low humidity, Element Guard® allows you to have more flexibility when you paint.

Why Act Now?
Winter is a great opportunity to rethink and refresh your home’s exterior. By using Element Guard®, you can ensure that the weather won’t hinder your paint job and jumpstart your project before the inevitable spring rush begins.
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As soon as the temperatures rise and the flowers begin to bloom, many homeowners will be searching for contractors to refresh their exteriors. By painting now, you can avoid the long wait times that come with a crowded calendar.
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Benefits of Early Planning

1. Availability. Many contractors will already be booked once the season is in full swing. By scheduling your project during the winter, you’ll have a wider selection of contractors to choose from.

1. Quicker completion. Beat the rush and complete your painting project earlier in the season, allowing more time for you to enjoy your refreshed home.

1. Superior finish. Element Guard® Exterior Paint not only ensures durability but also a smooth, even finish that will stand the test of time.
2. Market-ready. If you plan on selling your home during the busy spring and summer real estate seasons, painting now ensures you can get your home on the market as soon as you’re ready without contractor delays.

Tips to Ensure a Successful Painting Project
Before you dive into your project, be sure to:

• Plan your colors. Take some time to choose a color scheme that will elevate your home’s exterior curb appeal and protect its value.

• Hire the right contractor. Do your research and find a contractor who has experience working with cold-weather paints and conducting necessary repairs before painting to bring your vision to life.
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Find Your Paint at Color Wheel
Why wait for brighter days when you can schedule your project today? If you’re ready to take the plunge and give your home a fresh look, contact Color Wheel to discuss your painting project. Let us help you ensure your home is ready to shine when spring finally arrives!

Transforming your living space with color can breathe new life into your home, making it feel vibrant and inviting. Whether you prefer bold hues or subtle tones, incorporating color creatively can elevate your home’s aesthetic.

But what is the best way to add color to your home? Let’s explore various ways to add color through paint, wallpaper, fabrics, and rugs, along with some design tips to help you get started refreshing your living spaces this year.

Paint: The Foundation of Color
One of the most effective and impactful ways to introduce color into your home is by using paint. A fresh coat can change the entire mood of a room. When choosing paint colors, consider the room’s purpose and the atmosphere you want to create. Darker colors make a room feel cozy, while lighter shades enhance openness and brightness.

Benjamin Moore Color Trend 2025 Palette
Discover the beauty in undertones and the possibilities they can bring to a design. This palette of foundation colors transitions gracefully from room to room.

Wallpaper: Adding Dimension and Style
Wallpaper has made a strong comeback in recent years. From botanical prints to geometric designs, wallpaper can serve as a bold statement piece.

With an array of patterns and colors available, wallpaper can add depth and character to your space. Consider using wallpaper for an accent wall or even a ceiling to create a dramatic effect.
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For example, a floral wallpaper in the dining room can create an inviting atmosphere, while a geometric pattern in a hallway adds a modern touch.

Fabrics: Infusing Color With Textiles
Fabrics are an underappreciated tool for adding color in home decor. From curtains and cushions to throw pillows and blankets, textiles can transform any space. When choosing fabrics, consider the following:

• Color palette. Select fabrics that complement your chosen wall colors. For example, if you have painted your walls in a teal color, consider soft white or golden yellow textiles to create a balanced look.

• Textures. Different textures can add layers to a room. Mix and match materials such as velvet, linen, or cotton to create an inviting and dynamic atmosphere.
  

Imagine vibrant emerald green cushions against a neutral gray sofa or bold orange curtains framing your windows—these elements can emphasize your color scheme and enhance your home’s aesthetic.

Rugs: Grounding Your Color Palette​
Rugs serve a dual purpose—they provide comfort and help to anchor your room’s color scheme. A colorful area rug is an easy and effective way to bring together various design elements in a space.

Look for a striking patterned rug that contains colors echoing your walls or fabrics. A Moroccan or Persian rug can serve as a visual anchor for a room.
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You can also consider layering rugs for added dimension. For example, a neutral base rug can create a contrast with a patterned accent rug on top.

Begin Your Color Journey With Color Wheel
Adding color to your home is an exciting journey that can reflect your personality and style. If you’re ready to incorporate color into your living spaces, contact Color Wheel for expert advice and personalized suggestions. Our team is here to help you choose the perfect colors and finishes to make your home uniquely yours. Don’t wait—your colorful oasis awaits!

Custom furniture represents the perfect blend of personal style, quality craftsmanship, and functionality. At Color Wheel, customers have the opportunity to discover endless possibilities where their furniture dreams become reality through expert guidance and premium materials.
When considering custom furniture for your home or office space, here’s everything you need to know about creating your perfect piece.

Why Choose Custom Furniture?
When you invest in custom furniture, you’re not just buying a piece to fill space—you’re creating an heirloom that perfectly matches your vision. Custom pieces allow you to select every detail, from the frame style to the fabric and color choice, ensuring your furniture complements your existing décor and style while meeting your specific needs for comfort and durability.

The Color Wheel Difference
Color Wheel offers an impressive selection of customization options. Our private line of custom furniture offers high-quality without the higher price of a designer brand.  We also partner with renowned furniture makers with unique styling.  Our designers utilize an extensive fabric library, including sought-after performance fabrics that combine style with practicality. These innovative materials resist stains, wear, and fading while maintaining their luxurious look and feel.

Premium Partner Brands
Thibaut Fine Furniture
Thibaut Fine Furniture offers heirloom elegance, bench-made by American craftsmen. Thibaut Fine Furniture pieces are defined by pleasing proportions and elegant details that add architectural interest. Each silhouette begins with a traditional hand sketch, resulting in a timelessly stylish finished piece that can be enjoyed for generations.

Olivia + Quinn
Known for their fashion-forward designs, Olivia + Quinn creates  leather furniture that makes a statement while maintaining comfort and functionality. Their pieces often feature unique silhouettes and unexpected details that set them apart.

Fabricut
With over 60 years of excellence in the design industry, Fabricut’s furniture collection showcases exceptional quality and attention to detail. Their pieces range from timeless classics to contemporary statements, all crafted with superior materials.

Kravet
As a fifth-generation family business, Kravet brings over a century of expertise to their furniture line. Their pieces exemplify sophisticated design and superior craftsmanship, with options spanning traditional to modern aesthetics.

Understanding Your Options​
Creating custom furniture requires attention to detail and expert guidance. Our design professionals walk you through each step, from initial concept to final delivery.

When designing custom furniture at Color Wheel, you’ll explore these essential elements:

• Frame styles and finishes
• Fabric types, patterns, colors and textures
• Cushion fill options
• Trim selections
• Size specifications
• Design details

We understand that choosing the right pieces involves more than just style. It’s essential to consider room dimensions, traffic patterns, and lifestyle needs when investing in custom furniture.

Making the Investment
Custom furniture represents an investment in your home’s comfort and style. While the initial cost may be higher than mass-produced pieces, the value lies in the quality, longevity, and perfect fit for your space. Color Wheel offers various price points to accommodate different budgets while maintaining our signature commitment to quality.

Start Your Custom Furniture Journey Today
Ready to begin your custom furniture journey? Contact Color Wheel today to schedule a consultation with one of our designers. We help our customers navigate the vast selection of options to create beautiful, functional, and meaningful pieces crafted to last generations.

Painting cabinets is an excellent and cost-effective way to refresh your kitchen or bathroom. However, cabinet painting can also be challenging as a DIY project.

As cabinets experience frequent use and exposure to moisture, grease, and heat, it’s crucial to choose the right products to ensure a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish when applying a fresh coat of paint.
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Here are our top tips for selecting the best products for painting your cabinets that deliver a great finish and resist scratching for long-term beauty and durability.

Choose the Right Type of Paint​
The type of paint you use on your cabinets is arguably the most critical decision you’ll make when refreshing your cabinets. For high-traffic areas like kitchens, consider using Benjamin Moore’s Advance, which is a Waterborne Alkyd. Waterborne Alkyds are Oil-based paint that is carried in a water soluble liquid. So clean-up is easy with just water and a little soap. You’ll achieve better durability and a smoother finish. Drying time takes 16 hours between coats but slower drying-time allows the paint to level out beautifully.

Look for Cabinet-Specific Products
Cabinet-specific paint, like Advance, are specially formulated to withstand the environments and everyday wear that cabinets face. These paints help cabinets weather moisture, heat, and cooking oils. Products labeled as “cabinet paint” or “furniture paint” usually feature waterproofing properties and enhanced adhesion to prevent chipping and scratching from daily use.

Consider the Finish​
The finish of your paint can dramatically affect the final look and durability of your cabinets. Common finishes include:

• Satin. This option offers a slight sheen andis easy to clean. Satin is the most popular choice for kitchen cabinets.
• Semi-gloss or gloss.These finishes are highly reflective, offering excellent durability and resistance to moisture and stains, making them ideal for cabinets in high-traffic areas.

Your choice of finish will depend on your aesthetic preferences, location and use of the cabinets, and your durability requirements.

Use Quality Primer
Applying a good primer is essential for achieving a professional finish on your cabinets. We recommend Benjamin Moore Fresh Start. A high-quality primer ensures better paint adhesion, helps prevent stains, and provides a more uniform surface.

Look for a bonding primer, especially if you’re painting over a glossy or previously stained surface. Consider sanding off the surface to help the primer stick better, particularly with oil-based paints.

Invest in Quality Tools
The tools you use for your cabinet painting job are important, as they’ll impact how your paint goes on and the results.

Be sure to purchase high-quality brushes and rollers. Synthetic brushes work well with water-based paints, while natural brushes are better for oil-based products. For larger areas, such as a large standing cabinet, a short napped roller can help you achieve a smooth finish without brush strokes.
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For those more experienced with DIY projects, a paint sprayer can provide an even finish . If you go this route, practice first to ensure you’re confident in your technique.

Find All the Cabinet Painting Products You Need at COLOR WHEEL
Are you ready to refresh your home’s cabinets with a new coat of paint?

Contact Color Wheel for all your cabinet painting supplies and expert advice. We’re here to help you get the best results for your home with the right tools and techniques!

Painting your home’s interior is the perfect way to give it a fresh look and feel while improving its brightness and neatness. Fresh paint can cover scuff marks, transform your home’s look, and improve its value.

However, selecting the appropriate supplies and accessories is crucial to achieving a professional finish. Here are some essential tips for choosing the right tools and materials for your interior painting project to ensure a successful outcome.

Choose Quality Paint
The foundation of any painting project is the paint itself. It’s essential to choose high-quality paint that’s appropriate for your specific needs by looking at a few factors:

• COLOR WHEEL carries two brands of quality paint.  Benjamin Moore Paints, an industry leader for color selection and various product to suit all needs. Farrow & Ball Paints, featuring unique pallet of colours with exceptional finishes.

Invest in Quality Tools​
Using the right tools can make all the difference in your painting project. Here’s what you’ll need before you get started painting your home’s interior:

1. Brushes. Invest in a variety of brushes, as different tasks require different types. Synthetic brushes are suitable for latex paints, while natural bristles work best with oil-based paints. A two- or three-inch angled brush is ideal for cutting in edges and corners.
2. Rollers. Select a roller with an appropriate nap length for your walls. A three-eighth-inch nap is suitable for smooth walls, while a half-inch nap is better for textured surfaces. Don’t forget to get a roller frame for your roller.
3. Extension poles. If painting ceilings or high walls, an extension pole attached to your roller will save you from climbing up and down a ladder.
4. Paint trays and screens. Screens are ideal if you’ll be using paint directly from a five-gallon bucket, but if you’re using a smaller amount, you’ll need paint trays to use with your rollers.

Proper Surface Preparation
When painting, preparation is key to achieving a flawless finish. As such, it’s imperative to have a few supplies on hand to properly prepare your walls, ceilings, and trim for new paint.
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These supplies include sandpaper to remove imperfections, and drywall compound, for patching holes. You’ll also need cleaning supplies, like soap, water, and cloths, to remove dust and dirt from walls to ensure a smooth finish and proper paint adhesion.

If your drywall needs significant repairs, it’s best to call in a professional. Remember that paint won’t cover everything!

Protective Gear and Clean-Up Supplies
Protective gear will protect you and your home from paint splatter and spills while allowing you to get the job done. You’ll need:

• Drop cloths
• Painter’s tape
• Protective gear like gloves and dust masks

You’ll also need clean-up supplies like paper towels or cloths to clean paint from around bucket lids and a rubber mallet to properly seal containers after use to prevent paint from drying out.

Find All Your Paint Supplies at COLOR WHEEL in McLean and Merrifield, VAWith these tips in mind, you’ll be able to choose the right supplies and accessories to transform your home into a beautiful, refreshed living space with new paint. Find all the paint supplies and tips you need at Color Wheel—contact us or stop by and see us today!

Reupholstering furniture is a fantastic way to breathe new life into beloved pieces while changing the overall aesthetic of your space. With a little creativity and the right materials, even tired and outdated furniture can become stunning focal points in your home.

But what types of furniture can you reupholster, and is it worth the effort and investment? Here, we look at the most popular pieces of furniture people reupholster and whether they are worth considering.

Types of Furniture Suitable for Reupholstering
Sofas and Couches
Sofas and couches often endure significant wear and tear, and the original fabric can become faded, stained, or damaged over time. Reupholstering a sofa or couch can completely transform its appearance and comfort without the need to buy new furniture.

Chairs
Dining chairs, accent chairs, armchairs, and rocking chairs are all candidates for reupholstering. Chairs are often subject to heavy use, and their fabric can quickly show signs of wear. Refreshing a chair can elevate your dining space or living room, providing comfort and style.

Ottomans and Footstools
Ottomans are functional as footrests or extra seating and can also serve as additional storage. A simple change of fabric can make them a stylish accent piece. Given their simpler design, these items are often easier and cheaper to reupholster than other pieces.

Headboards
An upholstered headboard serves as a striking focal point in the bedroom. Reupholstering allows for customization in color, texture, and style, allowing you to create a serene or vibrant bedside atmosphere that matches your personal style and décor.

Cushioned Benches and Loveseats
These versatile pieces often see heavy use but can be expensive to replace, especially if they have high-quality original construction. Reupholstering can give them a fresh look and enhance comfort.

Recliners
Recliners are cozy favorites in many households but can start to look dated with heavy use or as your décor style changes. Instead of buying new furniture, reupholstering gives recliners a modern twist while preserving their comfort.

Is Reupholstering Worth It?
Considering the price and quality of new furniture, reupholstering is absolutely worth considering, especially if:

• The piece has sentimental value or is a family heirloom.
• The furniture is made from solid wood or high-quality materials that would be expensive to replace.
• You love the furniture but not the cushioning, fabric color, or pattern.
• The piece is unique and irreplaceable.
• You want to extend the life of your furniture and prevent it from ending up in a landfill.
• The piece matches other furniture in your home.

Explore Your Reupholstering Options at Color Wheel
Reupholstering can be a fabulous way to personalize your living space, update your décor, and maximize your investment in beloved furniture. With the right pieces, thoughtful design, and quality materials, the effort is often well worth it.
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If you have beloved furniture that needs a refresh, explore your reupholstering options at Color Wheel. Our reupholstery team can help you choose the perfect new fabric, cushioning, and color to rejuvenate chairs, sofas, and more!

Looking for a way to keep out the harsh sun and reduce heat in your home during the hot summer months? Look no further than custom window shades and shutters.

These versatile window treatments not only provide practical benefits but also add a touch of style to any living space in your choice of color, material, and design.

Here, we explore how custom window shades and shutters can help keep out the sun, lower the heat, and make your home more stylish.

Protecting Your Home From Harsh Sunlight
Sunlight brings warmth and brightness into our homes, but at times, it can become overwhelming. Direct sunlight can cause glare on your TV or computer screens, fade your furniture, flooring, and artwork, and create uncomfortable hot spots in your living areas.
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By incorporating custom window shades or shutters into your home’s design, you can control the amount of sunlight that enters each room, ensuring a more comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere. Shades and shutters can also protect your most-loved items, like treasured photographs, art prints, or upholstery, from fading.

Maintain Cooler Indoor Temperatures
One of the major advantages of custom window shades and shutters is their ability to regulate the amount of heat that enters your home. During the scorching summer months, these window treatments act as a barrier, preventing excess heat from infiltrating your living spaces.
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With less heat entering your home, your air conditioning system won’t have to work as hard to maintain a cool temperature, ultimately reducing your energy consumption and lowering your utility bills during the warmer months.

Enhance Your Home’s Look and FeelIn addition to their practical advantages, custom window shades and shutters can transform the aesthetics of your home.

These window treatments come in a wide range of colors, textures, and designs, allowing you to find the perfect match for your interior design scheme. Whether you prefer a sleek and modern look or a more traditional and elegant style, there are options available to suit every taste.

You have the option to choose from:

• Cellular shades for enhanced energy efficiency.
• Metal blinds for durability.
• Roller shades for a minimalist and contemporary feel.
• Roman shades for ultimate privacy and light control.
• Vertical blinds for large windows and glass doors.
• Wood shutters for a traditional look and charm.
• Woven shades for an elegant and refined style.

Increase Privacy and Safety
Window shades and shutters allow you to customize your level of privacy. Some window treatments allow for maximum privacy, such as Roman shades, while others allow for minimal privacy and maximum light filtering, such as sheer shades.

Contemporary shades and shutters also come with features that enhance safety, such as cordless and motorized options, which allow for easy operation and child safety. With the touch of a button or a gentle tug, you can effortlessly adjust the amount of light and heat that enters your home, providing convenience and peace of mind.

Explore Custom Window Treatments With Color Wheel​
Custom window treatments help you make your home more efficient, comfortable, and stylish, so why wait? Explore your options for custom shades and shutters and control sunlight, lower heat, and compliment your home’s interior design—contact Color Wheel today to get started!

Your front door is the centerpiece of your home’s exterior, and a fresh coat of paint can give it a new life. Whether you want to switch up the color or simply freshen up the existing one, painting your front door is a great DIY project.

However, to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish, it’s crucial to follow a few essential steps. Here are our top tips for painting your home’s front door, including how to prep, when you can close it after painting, and how long it takes for the paint to dry.

Prepping Your Front Door
Before you dive into painting your front door, thorough preparation is key. Follow these steps to ensure the best possible results:

1. Clean the door. Start by cleaning the door thoroughly with mild soap, water, and a sponge. Remove any dirt, grime, or grease that may interfere with the paint’s adhesion. Rinse well and let the door dry completely.
   
2. Remove hardware. Take off all hardware, such as doorknobs, locks, and hinges, to make painting easier and prevent accidental paint drips. If removing the hardware is not an option, cover it with painter’s tape for protection.
3. Sand and smooth. Use sandpaper to lightly sand the door’s surface. This will create a rough texture for the paint to adhere to. Sanding will also smooth out any imperfections, such as chipped paint. Wipe away any dust left from sanding when you’re done.
4. Patch and repair. Inspect the door for any cracks, holes, or dents. Fill them with a wood filler or an appropriate patching compound. Once dry, sand the patched areas to ensure they are even with the rest of the door’s surface.
   
5. Prime the door. To enhance paint adhesion and improve the overall durability of your paint, apply a thin coat of primer. Pick a primer compatible with the door’s material (wood, metal, or fiberglass). Let the primer dry completely before painting.

Choosing the Right Front Door Paint
Now that you have properly prepped your front door, it’s time to paint! Choosing the right paint is a crucial step to ensure the results you want.

Choose high-quality paint in a color that will complement your home’s siding, garage doors, porch, or any other elements you’d like to consider. You’ll need weatherproof exterior paint that can handle the daily use that front doors typically experience, so it should be resistant to scratches, scuffs, and fading.
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Semi-gloss paints are most popular for front doors, but it all depends on your unique style. Just remember that flat or eggshell paints can be less durable and show more damage.

When Can I Close the Front Door After Painting?
It’s important to allow the paint plenty of time to dry before closing the front door. Closing the door too soon can cause the paint to smudge, stick, or pull away from the surface, ruining your hard work.

The exact drying time will vary depending on humidity, temperature, and the type of paint used. As a general rule, wait at least two to three hours before gently closing the door.
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However, you may need to leave your door open overnight or for at least 24 hours to ensure complete drying and prevent damage to your new paint job.

How Long Does It Take for a Front Door to Dry After Painting?
While you can usually close the front door after a few hours, remember that it will take longer for the paint to fully cure and harden. This curing time depends on the type of paint used.

For example, latex or water-based paints typically dry faster, taking around one to two days to dry completely. On the other hand, oil-based paints require more time to dry, often needing two to three days or even longer.

To prevent damage to your door’s fresh coat of paint, avoid touching or placing objects against the door until the paint has fully cured.

Find Your Perfect Paint at Color Wheel​
Is it time to paint your home’s front door for a fresh look? Find your perfect paint at Color Wheel. Our team can help you find the right exterior paint brand, color, and finish to refresh your door and make a great first impression. Stop by and see us today!

If you have a deck on your home, it’s essential to maintain it to keep it looking great and protect it from the elements. Part of deck maintenance is staining it every few years or as needed.
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However, before you apply that fresh coat of stain, it’s crucial to properly prep and clean your deck to ensure the best results. Here’s how to prep and clean your deck before staining to streamline the process.

Clear All Items From the Deck
Before getting started, remove any furniture, plants, grills, or other objects from the deck surface. It’s important to have a clear area to work on and protect these items from getting stained or damaged.

Do a Thorough Cleaning
With a clear deck, it’s time to clean! Start by sweeping the deck thoroughly to remove any loose dirt, debris, leaves, or twigs. Pay special attention to the areas between boards where dirt tends to accumulate.

Once you’ve swept, use a pressure washer or hose for a deeper clean. Depending on the size of your deck and the level of dirt and grime, you can choose between a pressure washer or a standard garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle attachment. Begin by thoroughly wetting the deck, then apply a deck cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  Use  Benjamin Moore’s Woodluxe prep products to properly clean, brighten, and restore your decks surface.

Apply the cleaner evenly to the wet deck surface, starting from one end and working in small sections. Allow the cleaner to sit for the recommended time to loosen dirt and grime. Depending on the product you use, you may also need to scrub the deck with a stiff-bristle brush to remove stains, dirt, and mildew, especially in high-traffic areas.

After scrubbing, rinse the deck thoroughly using a pressure washer or hose. Be sure to rinse away all the cleaning solution and residue to avoid potential problems with the staining process.

Inspect and Sand the Deck If Needed
Before proceeding to the next step, allow the deck to dry completely. Depending on the weather, you may need to let it dry for up to 48 hours before continuing the process. Looking at the weather forecast can help you decide the best day to start your deck prep work.

After the deck is dry and clean, it’s time to inspect it. Take a close look at the deck surface and check for any signs of damage, such as loose boards, splinters, or cracked wood. Repair or replace any damaged sections before proceeding with the staining, as this will ensure your stain lasts for as long as possible.

If your deck has rough spots, splinters, or previous stain or paint that has flaked off, you may need to sand the surface to create a smooth and uniform base for the new stain. Use a medium-grit sandpaper or an electric deck sander, working in the direction of the wood grain.


Protect the Surrounding Area
Now that your deck has been cleaned, dried, inspected, repaired, and sanded, it’s time to protect the surrounding area before staining. Ensure that anything near the deck—such as house siding, windows, and landscaping—is protected during the staining process.

You may need to use drop cloths or plastic sheeting to cover and secure these areas until the stain is dry. Once the surrounding area has been protected, you’re ready to start staining!

Color Wheel Has Everything You Need for Your Deck Staining Project
By properly cleaning and prepping your deck before staining, you’ll create a gorgeous surface with a long-lasting finish. When it’s time to revitalize your deck with new stain, Color Wheel has everything you need. Benjamin Moore’s Woodluxe innovative formulas deliver superior durability and protection, while also offering a range of gorgeous opacities and colors. Stop in and see us to get all your staining supplies and enjoy a freshly stained deck this summer!