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Staining, wood finishing & power washing
Staining, wood finishing & power washing in New Hampshire
Stain and finish for decks, siding, doors and other wood surfaces, and power washing before painting or as a service on its own. Handled by JT Paint since 2017.
What is included
What does staining and wood finishing include?
Wood staining is a finishing process that colors wood and protects it while letting the grain show through. Unlike paint, which sits on top of the surface as an opaque film, stain soaks in and keeps the natural character of the wood.
Wood finishing covers the whole process around it: cleaning the surface, preparing it so the stain takes evenly, applying the stain and adding a protective finish. Power washing is often the first step, and it is also a service by itself.
- Staining and wood finishing
- Decks, railings and fences
- Wood siding, doors and trim
- Power washing before painting or staining
- Power washing as a stand-alone service
- Wood and metal coatings
Step by step
How does a staining project run?
Clean wood, prepared wood, then the finish. Show up when expected, communicate clearly, protect the property and finish with attention to the details.
Look at the wood
What it is, how old the current finish is and what condition it is in. This decides how much work comes before the stain.
Power wash and protect
The surface is power washed to remove dirt and loose finish. Plants, siding, glass and everything near the work is protected.
Let it dry and prepare
Wood has to dry before it is stained. Then it is sanded or spot repaired so the stain goes on evenly.
Stain, finish and check
Stain and protective finish are applied, then the details are checked: edges, corners and the spots people touch most.
Choosing a stain
Which type of stain works best for your project?
Stains range from nearly clear to almost paint-like. The more pigment, the more protection from sun and weather, and the less grain shows. The right choice depends on the wood and on how much of it you want to see.
The table is general guidance. The product and opacity are part of the estimate conversation.
| Type | Look | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Clear or transparent | Shows all of the grain, little color | Least pigment, so less protection from sun |
| Semi-transparent | Shows grain with a tint of color | A balance of grain and protection |
| Semi-solid | Most color, some grain visible | Hides more of the wood's natural look |
| Solid | Opaque, closest to paint | Hides the grain and can mask wood variation |
Power washing
When does a surface need power washing?
Power washing is a cleaning method that uses pressurized water to remove dirt, mildew, algae and loose coating from a surface. It is a normal first step before painting or staining, because new finish needs a clean base to bond to.
It also stands on its own. Siding, decks, walkways and fences collect dirt over time, and washing can bring them back without any painting at all.
Pressure has to match the surface. Wood and older siding can be damaged by too much force, so the method is chosen for the material in front of us. After washing, wood needs time to dry before it gets stained or painted.
- Before exterior painting, to remove dirt and loose finish
- Before staining a deck or fence
- When siding looks dull, dirty or green
- As maintenance on surfaces you do not plan to repaint
Planning
What affects the scope of a staining project?
Stained wood outdoors takes sun, rain and snow, so the finish wears down with time and the surface eventually needs attention again. How soon depends on the wood, the exposure and the product, which is why we look at the surface before talking about the work.
A few questions shape the estimate:
- The size of the surface and how much of it is in direct sun
- The condition of the current finish and how much has to come off
- The wood itself, including any repairs or boards that have weathered
- The look you want, from clear to solid color
- Access to railings, steps and tight spots
FAQ
Staining and power washing questions
Do you offer power washing on its own?
Yes. Power washing is a service by itself, not only a step before painting. Tell us what you want cleaned when you request an estimate.
Can you stain over an old finish?
It depends on the finish. Old coatings usually have to come off or be prepared first so the new stain can soak in evenly. We look at the surface and tell you what it needs.
Can you stain interior wood as well?
Staining and wood finishing are part of our work. For doors, trim and built-ins, see interior painting and cabinet painting and refinishing.
Do you paint after washing?
Yes. Washing and painting often go together. See exterior painting for the full sequence.
Page updated October 11, 2026.