• Never stain when conditions are wet.Deck de madeira image by CarlosNeto from Fotolia.com
  
  There are a variety of different reasons why deck stain peels. Most of these causes are related in some way to poor absorption. Deck wood must be clean and dry before it will accept stain. Improper preparation is the main culprit when new finishes peel. Many do-it-yourselfers undervalue this critical process. With proper preparation, deck stain will remain durable and should never peel.
  
  

Cleaning

• Dust and dirt will inhibit stain absorption, resulting in uneven, streaky results. Do-it-yourselfers should clean the deck, using a pressure washer, equipped with a low-pressure tip.
  
  

Treated Wood

• Treated wood decks contain chemicals that are reverse-vacuumed into the wood fibers. This helps to protect the wood from rot and infestation. Unfortunately, it also infuses the interior of the wood with moisture. Do-it-yourselfers should wait at least six weeks for treated decks to dehydrate, before they apply stain, or they may end up with flaking.
  
  

Humidity

• When conditions are wet, wood won't accept stain. Applicators should only apply stain in warm, dry conditions, or they may end up with disappointing results.
  
  

Sealed decks

• Often, decks are coated with wood sealant to prevent water damage. This sealant must be removed, prior to staining. If any sealant remains, it will prevent the deck from absorbing stain. Do-it-yourselfers should use a power sander, equipped with 120-grit sandpaper to remove the sealant.
  
  

Application

• Stain contains tannins that give the finish color. These tannins tend to collect at the bottom of the container. Applicators should stir the stain every 10 minutes, during the application process to ensure an even distribution. Failure to do so may result in an uneven, streaky finish that may eventually peel.