Exterior Wood Care on Fire Island
by Robert Fasciano
The staining of your home is a process that requires a few simple but
sound decisions, and a decent investment of money. It is the professionals
job to help make the process as easy as possible.
Nature's elements are ruthless on your home's exterior. Water, heat, cold,
and sunlight are the main culprits on Fire Island. Proper surface
preparation is the key. Mildew, mold, algae, dirt, and sea salts must be
removed by power washing and/or wood cleaner. Any loose peeling spots must
be scraped and sanded.
Deciding the look you want is critical. Untreated wood looks
beautiful new, but it will soon weather and decay. To preserve it's
splendor, it must be protected from nature's punishing punches. Cabot's
Stain is one of the high quality products that can be used for this kind
of application. They offer several different looks.
- The "Clear" finish keeps the natural look and is
water repellent, mildew resistant, and protects against the suns
damaging ultraviolet rays.
- Semi-Transparent Stains are deep penetrating, lightly
tinted, water repellent and mildew resistant. They enhance the natural
beauty of the wood grain.
- Semi-Solid Stains bridge the gap between
semi-transparent and solid color stains. They have twice the color of
Semi-Transparent, yet still highlight the woods natural grain. Semi
Solid is water repellent, mildew resistant, and will not peel.
All of the afore mentioned Stains should be applied by brush
for a uniform, deep penetrating drip free finish.
- Solid Color Stain is richly pigmented, fade
resistant, water repellent, mildew resistant, long lasting flat, opaque
finish that will not peel. For a superior job, the use of a stain primer
before solid stain application will enhance the durability and
performance of the finish coat.
- Decking Stains are very durable. The alkyd resin
bases provides a tough finish that is water repellant and mildew
resistant. They are available in clear, semi-transparent, or solid
color. Many houses and decks can be stained in one coat. Some jobs
require two coats. Samples should be done. Extra coats will drive the
price of the job up. When picking the colors, they should not only
reflect your personal taste, but also the location and landscaping.
One important aspect of the job is to find the right contractor
or painter. Most often than not neighbors can help with a referral and
tell you about their experience with a particular contractor. Or, if you
see a house that's done well, walk up to the home-owner and ask. Look for
a full time, experienced, licensed painter. Someone who is punctual;
someone who is responsible; someone who has an experienced crew to work as
a cohesive unit to finish the job in a neat and timely fashion; someone
who will be on the job full-time until completion.
Robert Fasciano-Housepainter (631) 583-7030 P.O. Box 186,
Ocean Beach, Fire Island, N.Y. 11770
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