Wait 24 to 48 Hours
According to stain manufacturer Behr Corporation, you should avoid staining a deck for at least 24 to 48 hours after the deck gets wet. Otherwise, moisture in the wood will prevent the stain from adhering correctly to the deck.
In this regard, what happens if it rains after you stain your deck?
If it rains within 48 hours after you apply the stain, the water will soak into the wood pores and try to displace the stain. This will result in a splotchy surface rather than an even tone. If it rains right after you apply the stain, the stain will peel and flake off.
Likewise, can I stain my deck if it is damp? You need to avoid staining your deck for at least 24 to 48 hours if it gets wet. Moisture present in the wood prevents the stain from correctly adhering to the deck, resulting in a thinner coat which will result from washing off after a few rainstorms.
how do I know if my deck is dry enough to stain?
One way to measure if the deck is dry enough for staining is by using a moisture meter. A moisture meter measures the amount of moisture in the wood. There are one to two probes on the meter that stick into the wood to give you a reading. If using this method, be sure to check the moisture level in several spots.
How long should you let deck stain dry?
For best results, avoid staining at midday or in direct sunlight. If a second coat is required, wait 4 hours between applications. Depending on temperature and humidity, allow 24 – 48 hours of dry time before using your beautifully restored deck or porch.
12 Related Question Answers Found
What happens if you stain wet wood?
no. Most wood stains are oil-based and therefore will not bond well to a wet surface. If applied to wet woods, the stain will be thin and will eventually wash off after a few sizable rains. Certain water-based stains will be more effective but will produce inferior results when compared with stain applied to dry wood.
Is it OK if it rains after staining deck?
Ok, your deck is cleaned, brightened, and ready to be stained. First, ensure the deck is completely dry. Remember, no rain 24 hours before you apply stain and no rain 24 hours after the staining project. Assuming the deck is dry and thirsty for stain, it’s time to make your deck amazing.
What happens if you stain wet pressure treated wood?
Recently pressure treated lumber will have a high moisture content and may take several weeks to dry. Staining pressure treated wood is ineffective if the wood is still wet. Pressure treated wood that contains a water repellant will not absorb a water-based stain as well as an oil-based exterior stain.
Does a deck need two coats of stain?
The general rule of thumb is to apply only as much deck stain as the wood can absorb. Typically this will be 2 coats, unless your dealing with extremely dense hardwoods which may only be able to absorb 1 coat of wood stain. Watch this video to see more tips on how many coats of stain to apply.
How long after pressure washing deck Can you stain?
48 hours
Can you stain a deck at night?
The best time to stain your deck is either the spring or the fall. Applying a deck stain in direct sun will cause the stain to dry to quickly and can result in premature stain failure. In the summer, stain your deck in the morning or evening so the deck surface isn’t too hot.
What happens if it rains after applying Thompson’s Water Seal?
Rain will damage the finish of any wet sealer with linseed oil or mineral oil in it. Because it forms a coating, it takes several hours to “set up” (dry) and during that time the sealer is vulnerable. If the surface dried enough to touch and the rain was gentle, you may find no problem at all.
How long does it take stain to dry outside?
Stains and Drying Times In general, for a penetrative stain, allow one to two days drying time, and then test. Alternatively, thinner, non-penetrative stains can take weeks to fully dry against the wood. For these non-penetrative stains, leave for a week or more before applying a second coat.
Which deck stain lasts the longest?
Solid stains last the longest. Most last at least three years. One by Behr was by far the longest-lasting. It’s the Solid Color Deck, Fence & Siding Wood Stain from Home Depot.
Do I need to seal my deck after staining?
Most are designed to penetrate into the wood or at least adhere to bare wood in the case of film forming stains. Applying a clear sealer over a deck stain is never a good idea. It really won’t help the deck stain or give any added protection more than the deck stain already is.
What happens if you paint treated wood too soon?
And it’s wrong. The truth is as soon as the wood is dry enough, it is ready to be stained. There is no waiting period for today’s pressure treated wood to let chemicals leach out. Waiting too long to stain and protect your deck means the wood loses more of its ability let the stain adhere.
How often should you stain your deck?
Most pros recommend you restain a horizontal surface every two to three years. That said, properly preparing, cleaning and drying the surface before applying a stain will yield the best results for the stain to last at least that long. You want to make sure there are no traces of sealant present on the deck.