A. after all this, stay off the deck until the stain dries thoroughly. b. before doing anything, put tape on anything you don't want to paint. c. with that done, you're ready to paint the surface of the deck. d. then apply a coat of stain to the railing.. a. after all this, stay off the deck until the stain dries thoroughly. b. before doing anything, put tape on anything you don't want to paint. c. with that done, you're ready to paint the surface of the deck. d. then apply a coat of stain to the railing.