I Think We'll Make It!

 There was dew this morning, so there wasn't much early work time before the sun starting hitting the deck, but I have to tell you that we found a solution to painting the cracks between the boards that is the cat's pajamas! This is a painting pad that is supposed to fit some kind of handle.

The handle didn't matter. We cut off one edge of the fitting that is designed to fit into the tool. The cracks between the deck boards are a little narrower than I think they should be, but the real issue is that it was going to be a challenge to get stain in there. But this little pad did the trick to perfection.

I worked on the cracks until the full deck was in sun and then after lunch we made a long shopping run with many stops for groceries (yes, the women are expected to produce dinner as well as do DIY projects) and a few more little supplies for the deck job. The stain is not supposed to be applied in full sun because it will dry before it soaks in. We like that instruction just fine because, frankly, we are not willing to be out painting in 86 degree heat.

After supper (BLTs!) we worked on the deck until dark. Ed wanted the doorsill to be black (don't ask... we just went and got black paint), and we needed to try to match the siding color to do some touchup where the old deck had been a different height. We didn't get a perfect match, but it's OK. It looks better than the scraped up board.

Here I am doing the board beside the blue wall (the blue had to be done first).

We didn't quite get the first coat on the floor, but the second coat on the railings is very nearly done.

We are pretty much beat. We added 7 person-hours to this job today for a total so far of 20 hours of work (not counting making decisions and getting supplies at stores).

Tomorrow we have something much more fun planned (although working with a friend is always fun). Stay tuned for seeing something besides "terra cotta" stain.

If it doesn't rain, we should easily finish this on Monday.

See Staining Progress