What Happens If You Stain A Wet Deck

Wet wood can impact the look of your newly stained deck. 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.

What happens if you stain wood that is wet?

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.

How do I know if my deck is dry enough to stain?

One way to clear way to check if the deck is dry enough for staining is by using a moisture meter. A moisture meter measures the amount of moisture within the wood itself. When using a moisture meter to inspect your deck lumber be sure to check in several spots along the board.

How long does deck have to dry before staining?

Always make sure the deck is clean and dry before you begin staining. Wait at least 24 hours after washing your deck to apply stain. Also, try to avoid staining your deck right before it rains. Most stains require at least 2-3 hours for drying.

What if it rains within 24 hours of staining a deck?

Splotchy Appearance 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.

What happens if you seal a wet deck?

Applying sealant to a damp or frosty deck will lead, at best, to an uneven, splotchy seal that can’t effectively protect your deck. Always allow the surface to dry for at least 24 hours after a rainfall before sealing a deck.

Can water based stain go on wet wood?

While waiting is better, yes, you can apply oil based finishes (as well as water based finishes) to wet wood. Some folks like to wet wood for applying water based stains for evenness of application.

Can you stain a wet deck?

It is not recommended to stain a wet deck. You should remove the old stain before pressure washing the decking to ensure the new one has a good surface to stick to. Let the deck dry for at least 48-72 hours before staining. Staining a wet deck will result in an uneven finish.

Can you pressure wash and stain a deck in the same day?

DPI Pressure Washing recommends you wait 72 hours following cleaning to stain your deck. Always inspect the wood before staining it. If you see moisture or some swellings still apparent in the fibers, wait another day or two. Remember that staining a wet deck will result in an uneven finish at best.

Can you stain a deck in the evening?

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.

Can I stain deck after morning dew?

Don’t apply your deck stain in the direct sun; choose morning or evening hours, or a time of day when your deck has shade. Morning application can be a safer choice to help avoid any contact with dew that sets in overnight. Don’t apply more stain than the wood can absorb.

Can you power wash a wet deck?

Once wet, you can apply a cleaning solution that is designed for pressure washers and wooden surfaces using a low-pressure soap nozzle. Once you have cleaned all of the spots and stains from the deck, rinse with clear water on a medium- to high-pressure setting. You should always spray with the grain of the wood.

Should you pressure wash a deck before staining?

There is a common misconception that just pressure washing a deck prior to staining is all you need to do in order to prep your deck for stain. Pressure washing can help, but if you want your stain to last, using a good deck cleaner and brightener on the deck prior to pressure washing will provide you the best result.

Can you stain after rain?

Applying Stain 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. A second coat may be necessary, especially if you’re staining an older deck.

What deck stain can be applied to damp wood?

Thompson’s^® WaterSeal^® Waterproofing Stains can be applied to damp wood, so you only have to wait about two hours to begin applying stain. Some of our other products require that the wood dry for 48 hours before applying a deck coating.

Can I oil a wet deck?

Wet the deck with water. This is perfect as you can apply your decking oil without worrying about it blackening the timber. If however, the timber has gone dark grey or black when wet, much like a power pole does, then it has weathered.

Should you wet wood before staining?

Wet the wood with water before applying the stain to raise the grain and leave a rougher surface for more pigment to lodge. This adds an extra step because you have to let the wood dry for this trick to work. Don’t try to sand the stain smooth or you will most likely sand through in places.

How long does it take wood to dry out after rain?

Mostly wood takes no more than one week to dry after rain. Normally moisture content of the wood will increase around 30% after exposure to rain and once moisture content reaches 15%, we can consider the wood is dry.