New deer stand-should be painted ?

timandkimandshea

timandkimandshea

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
172   0   0
Location
Ontario
Built a skookum new tree stand, freshly sawn wood. Should i try to paint it, its pretty white. Was thinking of a light spray with what we used to call creosote, a mix of diesel and basement tar. Think brown/black. Or just let it age naturally? Wood is basswood, its from a log I had lying around. Not sure how it is going to hold up to the elements, i guess we'll see.
Stand is in mixed hardwood, beside a cedar gut. Southern Ontario. What do you guys think ?
T
 
Get a penetrating transparent oil based stain, like you would use on a deck. Anything opaque, like paint, will flake off in two years. The penetrating stains do offer some protection against wood rot, and come in various tints.
 
Build a few wooden "lock on " style stands outta wood over the years i always camo paint them to keep other hunters from seeing them just keep in mind wood stands weaken over time and can become unsafe after a few years in the bush
 
cosmic said:
Get a penetrating transparent oil based stain, like you would use on a deck. Anything opaque, like paint, will flake off in two years. The penetrating stains do offer some protection against wood rot, and come in various tints.
Click to expand...

This is a good idea. Don't be afraid to buy extra stain so you can recoat it in a year or two.
 
If you're worried about water damage, Thompson water seal is a solid option. It's what we used for our blind.

My $0.02: Just best to do it sooner rather than later. If you're still setting it up at home (vs. where you're going to place it) it will help to add the stain/sealant/paint at home and let it air out first. The deer and wildlife will get used to it visually once its out there regardless - but the smell can travel and that may weird them out longer than intended.
 
why are you paining it?

1) to make it last longer - what would you use on a deck? Does it have a roof? that makes a big difference.
2) hide from deer - they don't care. as long as its there a while they will get use to it
3) hide from hunters - the camo mentioned by others but i think there are other solutions as well.
 
1ABNDT said:
This, Biodegradable is best.
Click to expand...

Only if he plans to leave it there forever and let it fall apart with time. If he plans to have it last a long time and remove it when its done for, then doing something to protect the wood and make the whole thing last longer is a good idea.
 
If you plan on hunting it this season, you are probably too late to paint and get rid of the smell. However, the deer will probably adjust to the smell, if you get it done pronto.
I think I'd leave it and paint or stain it next year if at all. None of mine have any kind of coating, all raw wood. Some are several decades old. But none are made of Basswood. All have roofs. Be sure to inspect your stand thoroughly every season, every wind storm, and a quick check every day you use it.
 
Don't paint it this year. Wait till next spring and then only latex based paints. Oil base stinks.
The deer will be used to the stand this nov and if you change it they might notice.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom