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After a deck has been power washed it will have some retained moisture within the wood. 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.
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 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.
Should you pressure wash your 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.
What is the best time to stain a deck?
The best time to stain your deck is either the spring or the fall. If you stain your deck in the summer, make sure you do it out of the direct sunlight. Applying a deck stain in direct sun will cause the stain to dry to quickly and can result in premature stain failure.
What happens if I stain pressure treated wood too soon?
Staining too soon can lead to the stain not being absorbed by the wood and result in a patchy and failed upgrade for your deck. Make sure the wood has dropped all of the excess moisture before trying to apply stain. Test to make sure that water is absorbed by the wood which ensures this drying process is done.
How long should pressure treated wood dry before staining?
If you buy ordinary pressure-treated lumber from a home center, however, you’ll have to wait anywhere from two to three days for the wood to dry sufficiently before you can apply a water-based semitransparent protective stain.
How long does it take to pressure wash a deck?
When pressure washing, saturate the deck with deck detergent, give it 15 minutes to work, then begin power washing. Follow the operating directions for your power washer. 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.
What if it rains after I stain my 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.
How long after pressure washing can you stain?
After a deck has been power washed it will have some retained moisture within the wood. 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.
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.
Why you shouldn’t powerwash your deck?
Wood decks are especially vulnerable to power washing, because the pressure exerted by the power washer can lead to splintering. If there is any area on the deck where the wood is already beginning to split apart, power washing it will exacerbate the problem and cause the split area to expand.
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.
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.
Do you seal a deck after staining?
Most of the time, stains also contain a protective sealant. It’s a good idea, though, to re-seal your deck (or check that it needs to be re-sealed) once a year. Water-based stains can adhere to water or oil-based coatings already present on the wooden surface.
What is the green stuff on pressure treated wood?
Why is some treated wood green? The green color you see on treated wood is caused by chemical reactions that take place between the preservative components and the wood. Copper is still the most widely used element in wood preservatives and creates a green color on the wood.
Should I use Thompson water Seal on pressure treated wood?
Although the wood is resistant to rot and insect attacks because of the pressure treatment, it can warp, split and develop mildew if not protected from the effects of water. The directions for some, such as Thompson’s Water Seal, specify pressure-treated wood as a suitable use.
What’s the best stain for pressure treated wood?
An oil-based stain is the best for pressure-treated wood. Some manufacturers have created stains specially designed for staining treated wood.
