How to Get Rid of Burn Stains on a Deck

Strategically positioning a piece of furniture, plant or small rug only hides the stains. Repairing the burn marks is a permanent solution that will keep your deck looking neat and tidy.

Surface Burn Stains

1. Sweep the deck with a push broom to remove the dirt.

2. Mix a 1 teaspoon of grease-fighting liquid dish soap with 1 gallon of water in a bucket. Wet the deck with the spray from a garden hose. Submerge a stiff-bristled scrub brush into the soapy water and scrub the stained area of the deck. Rinse the deck with water and let it dry.

3. Cover a sanding block or an orbital sander with 120-grit sandpaper. Sand the burn stain on the deck following the grain of the wood until the burn mark disappears.

4. Sweep the sanding dust with a small broom and collect the debris in a dustpan.

5. Paint on a coat of penetrating sealer to the repaired section with a paintbrush if the rest of the deck has a coating of sealer.

Deep Burns

1. Sweep the deck with a broom.

2. Wash the deck with grease-fighting dish soap and water. Rinse the soap residue off the deck with water and let the deck dry.

3. Hold a butt chisel at a low angle to the burn stain with the cutting end facing the stain. Lightly tap the handle of the butt chisel with a mallet or tap it with the heel of your hand to shave the stain out. Continue to chisel the burnt wood until you reach bare wood.

4. Dip a paintbrush into penetrating wood sealer and apply a coat over the chipped-out area. Let the wood sealer dry for about six hours.

5. Mix two-part epoxy putty, according to the putty manufacturer's directions. Scoop up repair putty on a putty knife and press it forcefully into the chipped-out wood until the putty is flush with the surrounding deck. Let the repair putty dry for about six hours. Cover a sanding block with 120-grit sandpaper and sand the putty surface smooth. Apply penetrating wood sealer around the repair.