Is Your Deck Summer-Ready? How to Clean, Stain, and Maintain with Pro Deck Staining Tips

Backyard cookouts, patio parties, morning coffee on the deck—summer in Northern Indiana is best enjoyed outdoors. But after harsh winter weather and a messy spring, your deck may be looking less than its best. How do you know when it’s time to consider staining your deck?

At Matthews’ Painting Company, we’ve spent over 25 years helping homeowners across Warsaw, Syracuse, Columbia City, and surrounding areas clean, restore, and protect their decks. Whether your surface is wood, composite, or vinyl, we know how to make it shine—and how to keep it safe from the elements.

Serving Northern Indiana with Professional Deck Staining Expertise

When Matthews’ Painting Company started 27 years ago, our primary focus was interior and exterior painting of residential homes. Over time, we expanded to include professional deck staining, sealing, and pressure washing, serving most of Northern Indiana and the Northern Indiana lake areas. We’ve completed over 1,000 homes and outdoor projects. Our crew members are courteous, detail-oriented, and committed to providing the highest level of customer service and satisfaction.

See some of our deck staining jobs here:

Deck Staining and Door Painting in Columbia City Indiana

Deck Staining and Sealing in Syracuse, Indiana

Deck Staining and Sealing in Warsaw, Indiana

Step One: Clean the Deck—Without Causing Damage

Proper cleaning is the foundation of any successful deck maintenance plan. Unfortunately, we’ve seen too many decks damaged by DIY attempts or inexperienced contractors. Our skilled pressure washing crews are trained in-house and follow strict procedures, including:

• Pre-rinsing and protecting plants and foliage
• Carefully covering or removing screens
• Washing with the correct pressure, distance, and fan tip for the surface
• Applying solutions bottom-to-top to prevent staining
• Post-wash hand cleaning of windows and re-installation of screens

We apply custom cleaning solutions depending on the deck material, breaking down dirt and killing mold, mildew, algae, and bacteria.

Our deck cleaning and pressure washing services include:

• Wood decks: Removes UV damage, mill glaze, and mold buildup
• Composite decks: Followed by a composite deck-approved post-treatment to prevent future growth
• Vinyl decks: Lifts oxidation and treats against algae and mildew regrowth

Step Two: Stain or Seal for Long-Lasting Protection

Decks exposed to sun and rain are at risk for gray UV damage, mold, algae, cracking, and rot. Our professional deck staining team at Matthews’ Painting Company knows the right approach for each deck surface.

Our Recommended Staining Process for All Deck Types

For Wood Decks:

• Step 1: Apply cleaner and pressure wash to prep the surface
• Step 2: Moisture test to ensure wood is below 15%
• Step 3: Apply 1 coat of tinted translucent stain or sealer by brush and roller (or 2 coats of a longer lasting solid stain).

Maintenance Tip:

• Semi-transparent coatings: Reapply every 2–3 years
• Solid stains or porch paints: Reapply every 3–5 years

Note: You don’t need to “wait a year” to stain new decks. This common myth can lead to premature graying and wood damage. Sealing your new deck early helps prevent warping and splitting. With the above process, a 90 day waiting period is typically long enough.

For Composite Decks:

• Pressure wash with mildew-killing solution
• Apply mold and mildew inhibitor OR a translucent or solid stain (if the composite is deteriorated with permanent color loss) approved for composite decking
• Re-wash every 2–3 years or re-stain every 3-5 years.

For Vinyl Decks:

• Pressure wash to remove chalking and buildup
• Apply post-treatment mildew inhibitor
• Maintenance every 2–3 years or sooner as needed

Step Three: Maintain It Year-Round

Want to extend the life of your deck and protect your investment? These easy habits can help:

• Sweep your deck regularly to prevent buildup
• Move potted plants occasionally to prevent mildew
• Avoid dragging heavy furniture or grills
• Schedule cleaning and staining every few years based on surface type
• Do not try to pressure wash yourself

These small steps—combined with professional cleanings—can add years of life to your deck and preserve its beauty.

Why Choose Matthews’ Painting Company?

With over 25 years of trusted service in Northern Indiana, Matthews’ Painting Company is proud to deliver exceptional deck staining and sealing backed by experience. All of our painters and power washers are fully trained, uniformed employees—not subcontractors—ensuring consistent quality and professionalism on every job.

We provide expert-level care, including free moisture testing before every stain or seal to ensure lasting results. From our courteous crews to our knowledgeable customer service team, we’re here to offer guidance, honest advice, and free quotes to help you protect and enjoy your outdoor spaces. Whether your deck needs a simple refresh or a full restoration, our team is here to help.

Proudly Serving Northern Indiana

Matthews’ Painting Company provides professional residential and commercial painting services in Albion, Atwood, Bourbon, Bremen, Burket, Churubusco, Claypool, Columbia City, Cromwell, Culver, Elkhart, Etna Green, Fort Wayne, Goshen, Kendallville, Kimmel, Larwill, Leesburg, Ligonier, Mentone, Middlebury, Milford, Millersburg, Nappanee, New Paris, North Manchester, North Webster, Pierceton, Plymouth, Rochester, Silver Lake, South Whitley, Syracuse, Wakarusa, Warsaw, Wawaka, Winona Lake.

Need a Professional Painter or ready to get your Deck ready for all your summer plans?

We specialize in interior and exterior painting, drywall repair, ceiling texture matching, and more. From pressure washing to staining and sealing, Matthews’ Painting has you covered. Contact us today at 574-834-3575 or book an estimate online 24 hours a day. Let’s get your outdoor space ready for unforgettable memories.