Staining your deck will keep it looking good - it will restore its natural oils and protect it from ultraviolet rays and water damage. Here's how to apply deck stain. Steps: 1. Choose a wood stain in your desired color. 2. Thoroughly clean the deck. Use deck cleaner or a pressure washer - which uses forcefully ejected water to clean surfaces - for this. 3. Let the deck dry completely. 4. Fill a small bucket or rolling pan with the stain. 5. Immerse a brush or long-handled roller into the stain. Absorb only enough stain for a few strokes. 6. Roll or brush stain deck. Make sure you apply the stain evenly. 7. Wipe excess stain or dark spots with rags. 8. Let stain set for 24 hours. Tips: Use a paintbrush for hard-to-reach places. Avoid staining the deck in extreme (hot, cold, windy) weather. Warnings: Use extreme care when using a pressure washer - the force of the water can cause injury to people and animals. Follow all the rental company's instructions when using this piece of equipment. Wear safety glasses and rubber gloves. Dispose of stain according to disposal rules listed on the container or disposal sites in your area. Call Decked Out for Your Next Project - (269) 267-7952 This article, compliments of ehow.com