We have five beautiful cedar columns on our back patio — and over time, weather and wear have taken their toll. A few years ago, I refinished the first three columns, and they’ve held up great. This spring, I finally tackled the last two! In this post, I’m breaking down the exact steps I followed to refresh the wood, the products I used (that I absolutely swear by), and a few lessons learned that will help you avoid mistakes on your own outdoor refinishing project.
🧰 Materials + Tools I Used
- Miracle Mist Mold & Mildew Stain Remover
- Electric Sander
- Pressure Washer
- Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner
- Paintbrush
- Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck Stain in Canyon Brown
📝 Tip: I already had most of these on hand from the last round, so it was very budget-friendly for me. But even if you’re starting from scratch, this is a fairly low-cost project with a big payoff.
🪵 Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Clean the Wood
I sprayed the columns with Miracle Mist and let it work its magic on all the mildew and buildup. After that, I used a pressure washer to rinse it off thoroughly and allowed the wood to dry completely before moving on.
Step 2: Sand Everything Down
Once dry, I used my electric sander to smooth out the surfaces and remove any leftover debris or uneven spots. This step is crucial for getting an even finish. Remove any remaining sawdust by wiping down the columns or using a blower.
Step 3: Apply Pre-Stain Conditioner
This step is not optional! I skipped it years ago and regretted it. It helps the stain absorb evenly, prevents blotchiness, and makes the finish last longer.
Step 4: Stain
I used a high-quality paintbrush to apply Sherwin-Williams Canyon Brown exterior stain. One coat was enough in my case, but depending on your wood, a second coat might help deepen the color.
⏱ Timeline + Effort
The actual hands-on work took a few hours — minus drying time between cleaning and staining. It’s a doable weekend project, especially if you’ve already got the tools on hand like I did.
💡 Lessons Learned
- Don’t skip the pre-stain conditioner!
- Make sure the wood is fully dry between each step — otherwise the finish won’t hold.
- Use painter’s tape around the base or trim if you want super clean lines.
📸 Before + After
🛒 Shop the Post
Everything I used is linked here:
- Miracle Mist Mold & Mildew Stain Remover
- Electric Sander
- Pressure Washer
- Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner
- Paintbrush
- Stain: Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck in Canyon Brown
🏡 Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about bringing wood back to life. Whether it’s the first time or the fifth, this process always leaves me feeling accomplished — and makes a huge difference in our home’s curb appeal. If you’re thinking about tackling a similar project, go for it — and let me know how it goes!
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