Washing Down

• Cleanliness is vital to all wooden furniture staining projects. Place the garden furniture on a solid concrete base such as a patio. Use a pump sprayer with clean water to wash furniture thoroughly and remove dust, cobwebs and dirt. Ensure the ground underneath the furniture remains wet. This will help to disperse any stain spills later in the task.
  
  

Soaking the Wood

• Remove all traces of ingrained dirt. Mix five liters of clean water with deck cleaning solution, using mixing ratios recommended by the manufacturer. Add the solution to the pump sprayer and apply to the furniture. Allow the solution to penetrate the wood for a few minutes so it removes any ingrained dirt and restores the original color. Use a stiff scrubbing brush to lift any stubborn marks and rinse down the furniture with clean water. Leave the furniture to dry completely.
  
  

Finishing the Preparation

• Carry out a visual inspection of the furniture and complete any repairs before staining. Rub down any grained areas that have lifted as a result of deck cleaning solution application with P100-grit sandpaper. Remember to rub down hard-to-reach areas such as slat tops and legs wherever necessary. Use a can of compressed air to remove all traces of sawdust.
  
  

Applying the Stain

• Stir or shake the tin of gel stain and add the required quantity to a clean, empty metal tin. Use a paintbrush to apply the stain to tight spots and hard-to-reach areas first so that only flat, reachable surfaces remain. Take an applicator pad and dip it into the gel stain. Run the applicator pad over all flat surfaces to ensure an even distribution of product. Remember to work in the direction of the wood grain at all times. Check for runs and drips before leaving the furniture to dry in a cool area for two hours.
  
  

A Second Coat

• Wet the concrete floor underneath the furniture again. Add a second coat of gel stain, remembering to complete hard-to-reach areas such as slats and legs before moving on to flat surfaces. Check for runs and drips once the furniture has been completely stained. Leave the furniture dry overnight before returning to service.