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After completing the deck power washing, wait 24 to 36 hours before applying sealer. If the weather is cool or humid, wait 48 to 72 hours. The deck must be thoroughly dry to ensure deep penetration of the sealer.
Do I have to seal my deck after pressure washing?
If your deck is in a great condition and you’re simply pressure washing it to remove dirt, dust or mold build up then there’s no need to seal your deck after pressure washing. As long as you don’t use too much pressure, washing won’t cause any damage to the surface of your deck.
How long should deck dry before sealing?
Allow the deck to dry for at least two days before applying a sealer.
Should I power wash my deck before sealing?
Pressure washing is the best way to prepare your deck for sealing. This is necessary to remove any splinters or fuzzy patches that pressure washing can cause. The easiest way to do this is to use 80-grit sandpaper attached to a pole sander.
Can you stain a deck 24 hours after power washing?
After a deck has been power washed it will have some retained moisture within the wood. 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.
What to do after Powerwashing a deck?
After you’ve power-washed the entire deck, rinse all of the wood with plain water to dilute and neutralize the stripper. If there’s still debris trapped between deck boards, such as leaves or twigs, remove it now (Photo 3).
Does jet washing damage decking?
Typically, we’ll only recommend pressure washing your deck as a last resort – once all other options have been exhausted. The reason is pressure washing a deck may damage it. If you pressure wash and then put a sealant on before the wood is dried it can seal in moisture which will lead to rot and other problems.
Is it better to stain or seal a deck?
Sealing a deck is best for cedar, teak, mahogany, or other quality woods as it enhances the wood grain and natural color. Staining a deck protects the wood from mold, mildew, moisture, and rot, and UV rays and sun damage.
What if it rains after I power wash my deck?
If it looks like rain, cover the deck in a tarp to avoid extra seepage. If standing water is left after you power wash and scrub the deck, squeegee it off the surface of the wood or soak it up with towels to avoid soaking into one place.
How soon can you seal pressure treated wood?
A newly built deck that uses pressurized wood will need time to dry completely before a sealer can be applied. The chemicals used to treat the wood leave moisture behind, and depending on the climate, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months until it’s dry enough to seal.
Is it OK to power wash a wood deck?
Ideally, power washing a wood deck will not ruin the wood and etch or erode the softwood fibers. However, when wood gets wet, the fibers may become raised, creating a rough surface. This is a particular problem on handrails, where the raised fibers can lead to splinters. Make sure the wood is dry before sanding.
How often should a deck be power washed?
Most home maintenance contractors recommend power washing your deck once a year. An annual wash will keep your deck in optimal condition, cutting down on accumulation of dirt, mildew, or algae growth.
How long does decking take to dry after jet wash?
It depends on the weather conditions, but the average drying time for a jet washed wood is 48 hours. If you want to be extra sure it’s dry enough to stain, you can wait 72 hours before staining. Always inspect the decking before applying the stain.
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.
How long do I need to wait after washing my deck to stain it?
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 PSI is needed to power wash a deck?
For cleaning a wooden deck, you’ll be best served by using the lowest pressure setting that’s still effective. For soft woods like cedar or pine, this is usually about 500 to 600 psi. For harder woods, it can go up to 1200 to 1500 psi. Choose the right tip to use as well.
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.
Should you seal a deck?
You should reapply wood sealer at least every three years. In many cases, you need to seal a wood deck once a year. The more foot traffic and sun exposure your deck gets, the more often you need to apply deck sealant.
