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It’s important to let the wood dry thoroughly so none of the water that soaked into the wood gets trapped under the stain. In perfect drying conditions, 48 hours is enough for the wood to get to where it needs to be before staining. Decks that don’t get much sun should be given an extra day to dry out.
How do I know if my deck is dry enough to stain?
Three Ways to Know Your Deck is Dry Enough to be Stained One way to clear way to check if the deck is dry enough for staining is by using a moisture meter. A second way to test lumber for dryness is put the edge of the wood into a black garbage bag and leave it in the sunlight for an hour or two.
What happens if 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. Staining a wet deck will result in an uneven finish. Try to stain your decking on a dry, warm day.
What happens if you stain a deck before it dries?
But consider this, if you do not let the deck dry sufficiently prior to staining, you can actually trap moisture in the wood underneath the new coat of stain. Then the wood is prone to mold and mildew problems, which can lead to rot and decay.
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 my deck if it rained the night before?
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. When applying stain, a pad, brush, roller, or rag can be used to apply the stain.
Should I pressure wash my 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 a deck over multiple days?
Ultimately you want two set aside at least two days. If you need to power wash your deck or replace any boards it may take you an extra day or two. It is ideal to stain your deck in a season that experiences mild temperatures. Extreme heat or sun can work against you when you are staining your deck.
What if it rains 12 hours after staining deck?
It Rained Shortly After Staining my Deck It is best to never stain any exterior wood when inclement weather is forecasted, especially rain. Most deck stain brands will warn against the application of their product within 12-24 hours of rain being forecast. You cannot do much until it stops raining once it starts.
Is it better to sand or power wash a deck?
DO sand your deck before sealing. At that point, lightly sand the surface to remove splintery or fuzzy patches caused by pressure-washing the deck. A pole sander with 80-grit sandpaper will suffice; a power sander is overkill. Then seal the deck to protect from cracking, cupping, and warping.
How many coats of deck stain should I use?
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.
What is the best temperature for staining deck?
Apply stain only at the proper temperature. For most stains, 70 degrees Fahrenheit is the optimum, with the safety range from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Stains do vary, so check the label first. Avoid high humidity and staining on hot surfaces.
Can you use a roller when staining a deck?
You should use a roller brush or sprayer to apply a steady coat of quality stain, such as Olympic Elite stains or Olympic MAXIMUM stains. PRO TIP: Back brushing your stain will help the stain soak into your deck boards, allowing better, long-lasting results.
Is it better to stain deck in fall or spring?
Because stain requires a dry deck for a secure application, a week of dry fall weather is ideal for staining your deck than in summer or spring humidity. More specifically, the moderate temperatures of early fall are optimal for staining, as the later fall weeks may bring colder days that are too chilly for your stain.
Can I stain deck without sanding?
Do I need to sand the deck before staining? The answer to this is “it depends.” You won’t hurt the deck by applying a light sanding. It really depends on the age of the decking and it’s condition. Sanding is more for the feel of the deck than to prepare it to accept a new stain.
