The deck stains that require you to hose off the deck after application are usually the most water-resistant. Do not put a high gloss on a deck, it will peel if you do. I woke to very chilly temps, 36 degrees and dew all over the deck. Send pictures after the rainwater has dried off for help on how to fix. If cracks are already present, the stain must penetrate into them to prevent water from causing the cracks to enlarge. 5 Design Ideas to Screen in a Deck Without a Roof, How to Remove Rust-Oleum Restore from Deck or Concrete Patio, 9 Creative Ideas to Repurpose Old Deck Railings, How to Reinforce a Deck for a Hot Tub (Explained), 7 Problems with Rain on a Newly Stained Deck (& How to Fix it), How Long Deck Stain Needs to Dry (7 Things You Should Know), Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Advertise. 1. Keep pads and rags handy to mop up spills and drips as they happen. Stains do vary, so check the label first. We had some dew drip down from an overhang the night we stained and found this the next morning. After the brightener has done its job simply rinse the deck again for 20 minutes . Thanks so much I never thought this would be a problem till someone said you cant get bleach on stain decks. Hi Scott, I used Thompsons wasterseal stain and sealer all in one semi-transparent for a deck. Remove and start over. You can use water-based deck stains in damp weather. You could also try lightly sanding the spots and recoating. I did 2 coats of Behr premium waterproof 100% acrylic which says rain resistant in 4 hours. The best way to do this is to apply the stain to a scrap of wood left over from building the deck. But as we all know sometimes the weather is not so predictable. To protect your newly stained deck from rain, make sure to wait until the stain has had enough time to dry and cure, as this will make it more resilient to moisture . If it feels tacky to the touch (a little sticky but not wet), then you can apply the second coat. They are indications of damage. Guess I dodged a huge problem. The pics show it several days after staining was done. A solution is to use a bar clamp. Oil-stained decks are a different story since oil needs more time to penetrate the wood. If the damage is merely cosmetic and the deck stain feel and looks good except for a few splotches, you can apply stain to the areas that are lighter to attempt to blend them in with the rest of . Curing time is a lot longer, but the skim drying is much faster for latex than oil. It still has patches and now has white marks on some boards. Here are seven problems you may encounter on your newly stained deck when it rains: Read on to discover the problems that a downpour can cause before your deck stain dries. The big task of staining your deck either for the first time or maintaining the quality of your existing deck should be a planned venture. These pocks and white spots will affect the appearance of your deck. Should I cover it with a tarp or just leave it alone. Will Rain Affect That Fresh Coat of Decking Oil You've Just applied? My can of stain got water in it sitting on the porch is it still good?? Clean, Strip, or Sand the Deck? Looks like roller marks maybe from grill or furniture. Customers are pretty aware of this problem. Take in consideration that wood and deck stain results may differ due to prepping procedures, different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, natural weathering, etc. Contractors cleaned and re-stained our deck with Sherwin Williams SuperDeck semi-transparent oil based stain. Of course it rained that night. It was overnight so I couldnt tell how hard it rained but there was water pooled on the deck the next morning. Thanks! If a light recoat does not fix the problem, try using a mix of wood cleaner and a pressure washer to see if you can wash the spots without harming the stain. Hello, similar story to others here: I think unexpected rain might have messed up the deck seal we applied. If it rains immediately after you've stained the wood, the stain will peel and flake off. I would not worry about it. It is summer and you are afraid of the first rains.You've just spent hours painting your deck, but now you're wondering if it'll hold up to the weather.This post aims to answer how long you should wait before exposing a freshly stained deck to water.How long does the deck stain have to dry before it. live in midwest and cold weather weather next . What if it rains within 24 hours of staining a deck? Wood stain essentially cures itself. If you are getting higher readings, the deck needs further air drying before applying the stain. Hi, First, thank you for your article. It is not that good. It might be difficult to wait to stain the deck, but it will prevent hours of extra work. Is it safe to apply more stain if needed after it thoroughly dries? If the wood gets wet after it's been sanded, but . Oh well! How to Stain a Deck: A Beginners Guide. Answer: 90% of the time there would be no issues. So, finally, what happens if it rains on a freshly stained deck? You should apply stain to your deck when there is no rain in the forecast. Scotts eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them. Pressure Wash the Stained Deck. Do you have questions about staining your wood deck or other wood surfaces? Just apply where people touch such as the top of the railing. Wait for the deck to dry completely and the forecast to indicate no rain before refinishing or touching up the stain on the deck. I took your advice and tested the Cabot solid stain in white over the existing stain. Just let it dry for 48 hours after rain before staining. If a light recoat does not fix the problem you can also try using a mix of wood cleaner and a pressure washer to see if you can wash the spots out without harming the stain. What Happens if it Rains Sooner? However, if rain was unexpected or purely unavoidable, there are ways you can manage the effects. What should we do now? Oh and I do plan to use one of your recommended brands when we redo next spring. 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. Questions or leave a review, please comment! Try a gallon of the same color in another brand of quality solid stain. 2. The weather is one thing we cannot control, but it does pay to listen to the forecasts and perhaps err on the side of caution when undertaking to stain your deck. But then is it okay to be staining in direct sun, even if the temps wont be going up higher than 64 degrees? No. I am sure we are fine, but just wanted confirmation that everything is good, so I dont drive myself crazy. Do I have to sand it? help please - dirt marks on freshly stained deck. Hi, I put a first coat of stain on a deck yesterday when it wasnt calling for rain. Having rain stained on your newly varnished deck is unfortunate, although this can be a typical encounter. This helps to ensure that the first coat will soak into the. If using this method, be sure to check the moisture level in several spots. It just couldnt happen not even in the week. What Happens if it Rains Before Deck Stain Dries? The wood looks fuzzy and I see lines in the wood from the pressure washing, We would definitely sand it or buff it before staining: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/wood-fuzzies-furring-on-deck/. We recommend that you use a type of hardwood for your deck. I know this is most likely a start over in the spring situation but itd be nice if it wasnt sticky all winter. What happens if it rains after you stain your deck? My question is can I safely do a second light coat in the fall four months later? Can I Paint on the oil primer two coats and then wait until the spring to put on the Arborcoat waterbased solid stain in the Spring? . Because it forms a coating, it takes several hours to dry, and during that time, the sealer is vulnerable. If it rains 12 hours after staining a deck, it could cause the stain to streak or run, resulting in a very uneven finish on your deck. When you apply stain to any outdoor structure, you will need to add a second coat. I used Cabot semi solid stain on my deck yesterday with rain in the forecast for tonight. What stain brand and type did you use? Thanks for your quick reply. Rain on a newly stained deck can ruin it. Photos attached. Here they are. So what happens now.? Stain penetrates the wood best when the wood is cool and dry. If your stain has been drying for close to 48 hours, this may not happen. Water pooled on the wood. i just recently re-stained my 1000sq ft. deck. Despite the rain, the deck hasn't come out too badly. Here are the best types of hardwoods to use in areas with rainy climates: If your deck has dime-sized pockets, white spots, and flaking, then your deck stain was not completely dry before it rained. So first, look for white spots, blotches, and dime-sized spots to determine if the rain has affected your deck's stain. A real down pour all day. You can apply this afternoon. It is now very solid paint, dry to the touch, but slightly tacky if I leave my hand on the hot deck for a minute, and appears to have no bubbles or flaws. Deck stain differs from paint in a major way: Stain soaks into bare wood's pores to become part of the top layers of wood, while paint simply sits on top of the wood. You cannot fix them outside of removing all stain and starting over. The sections under the roof seemed to fair okay and are dry but the sections that got rained on are still kinda tacky. When it comes to what happens if it rains on a freshly stained deck, its really best not to find out to avoid having to correct the potential damage. If you stain your deck when it rains, you must ensure that it dries before the rain begins. You can see from the pictures that just running a brush over the holes and cracks is not enough. I waited a full day (recommendations on the can say not to apply within 24hrs of rain) after and put some more water on the area and got the same pinkish look under the sun, but the wet deck out of the sun (second picture) looks normal . Feel the deck slats to determine if they are still hot, and wait for them to cool if they are. Guide for 2021 (owntheyard.com), How Long Does Deck Stain Need to Dry Before it Rains? Signs of rain damage on the oiling include blotchy patches, white spots, and tiny pockets across the boards. Try Restore A Deck Stain in semi-transparent or TWP Semi-Solid, Stain/sealer suggestion would be much appreciated! Would you consider Cabot a quality brand? After washing the wood and rinsing well, mix the brightener up according to the directions. Wow! The key to coating new timber is ensuring the tannins and oils have been removed. Should I hold off or go ahead and stain the deck. Cleaning a deck via pressure washing is one of the most controversial topics in the woodworking community. How long does wood stain take to dry? Then we had a hard rain about 3 weeks after staining and now have water spots. Hired a company to paint house and stain deck. If it beads up, the wood is still too wet to seal. Softwood is a category of faster-growing species, often including evergreens and conifers such as Pine, Fir, Spruce, and Cedar. We offer no guarantee of similar results. Its behr semi Do you think I can chance it if the rain is supposed to start about 10 to 12 hours from now? My deck has milky places all over it after the first rain after staining Find the Right Wood Stain for Your Project. Most deck stain brands will warn against the application of their product within 12-24 hours of rain being forecast. So I power washed and sanded my deck. Thank you. No, it needs airflow and sun to properly cure and dry. If it's OK, then nothing If it's not quite dry enough, or it rains too hard too soon, the surface may look pretty bad The only thing you can do is remove all and start over. 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. That depends on the brand of stain and if you or cannot apply another coat after it has cured. What happens if it rains on fresh stain? It probably will not blend if you spot apply. Try applying stain in an inconspicuous spot to see if it fixes the rain damage. 2. BTW, you were right, the deck is just fine , https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/. As they are garden boxes and I will be planting vegie and herb plants in them, so are these stains food safe or will they leach into the soil and contaminate whatever plants are sown in them. Hi! After a forecast of no rain, we had a random really hard 1 hour rain about 22 hours after 2nd coat was applied. Can I do the 2nd coat several days after the first? In addition to aesthetic defects, there may also be moisture damage, which might require you to replace the entire deck. Hard to say. What Happens if it Rains on a Freshly Stained Fence? It happened because Thompsons is a very poor product and should not be used for hardwoods. This can cause a blotchy, flaky look, rather than a smooth, even, coat. If it rains 12 hours after staining your deck, it is important to take immediate action. The i added a stain sealer on top, and it is looking good -unchanged after heavy rain. If the rain comes before your deck is completely dry, the water will enter the pores on the wood surface and seep inside, pushing out the deck stain. Apply stain only at the proper temperature. He also did not wait half an hour to wipe off excess in some places he just coated and wiped is this a problem? Rain on Deck Stain Issues It is best to never stain any exterior wood when inclement weather is forecasted, especially rain. Deck stains are generally used for preserving and protecting exterior wood. In case it rains right after you apply the stain, it will peel . Thank you in advance. Applied one coat and let it dry in shade 3 days(73 hours). Any idea why the lines are there and how to fix it? n (tried in may, power washed then rained forever and then got too hot forever). 2. If the surface dried enough to touch and the rain was gentle, you may not have too much of a problem, but a good downpour can spoil your handiwork. It was several days so I dont know what could have caused it I sanded it back when we had a few good sunny days and reoiled. Do you think the rest of the deck will be ok to put the second coat on after everything thoroughly dries and I can just sand and start over on the board with the bubbles? Stains that have linseed or mineral oil in them are the most prone to damage from downpours. Disclaimer This can cause a blotchy, flaky look, rather than a smooth, even, coat. its water base semi trans.should I chance. Moisture will get under the surface and cause the paint to bubble and peel. Using Cabot solid color acrylic stain and sealant. I was going to put on 2nd coat today but then it will only be about 36 hours before it might get rained on. You assess it then if it needs to be fixed or not. Share. The 7 Best Deck Stain Reviews and Ratings Find the Best Wood Deck Stain: Top-Rated Products Best Deck Stain and Sealer 2023 4.9/5 (20), Deck Stains: Different Types for 2023 4.8/5 (782). If you wait more than 2 weeks, you should redo the prep. We live in upstate NY and our area gets a lot of rain. Fortunately, you can avoid rain damage to a newly-stained deck by using a water seal in rainy climates. Ive waited till the rain dried off the deck before asking my questions. Make sure you choose the right deck stain for your weather and make sure it will not rain heavily for the next few days, and you can avoid the problems associated with precipitation on a deck stain that has not dried. I didnt see your recommendations till after I purchased & applied 4 gallons of the Cabot and it had rained on the newly stained deck brining me to your site. Explanation: If rain is in the forecast we will hold until a better time to apply sealer, however if it rains after sealer is applied and it has been warm and at least 3 hours, it usually will be fine. You cannot assess until the rain water dries off. If you do not let the deck dry sufficiently before staining, you will trap moisture in the wood underneath the new coat of stain. I stripped, sanded, and brightened my 256 PT deck, and finished 2 days ago. Look for any swelling or puffiness in the wood or softness to the surface. Applying a second coat requires some precision in the time that elapses between the first and second. Use the pressure washer again at the same PSI. It rained very heavy and persistent the next day after my first water based staining. Check the weather forecast: You'll want sunny skies for a couple days after you apply the stain. Look for little pockets, blotches, or white spots normally the size of a dime. Water-based stains dry quickly and generally last four to six years, but theyll eventually peel and require more prep work before recoating. Question is: should we pressure wash and re seal it or is it okay for the upcoming winter? 1. If the bubble has failed to disappear on its own as the water evaporates, you will need to break the bubble, and allow the wall to dry out. Here were pictures from the rain. Use extra fasteners to hold it before removing the clamp.". If the water is absorbed, it's ready to seal. This proved to be very time-consuming because I wanted to make sure all the nail holes and cracks were filled. Then, use a push broom to spread the sealer. After the rain has passed and the deck has dried take a closer look. No. Rained this morning and feels wet to touch and coloring looks as though I just applied the stain. Some of these methods are labor-intensive, while others do not take much time. What Happens if it Rains After I Stain? After baking in the 90 degree sun I tested again at 1PM. Plan to clean small areas at a time so that you can scrub and rinse all of the wood before the deck cleaner dries. Will it adhere or will it just sit on top and flake. He used Thompsons Water Seal on the fence and Cabots Australian Timber Oil on the decks. Rain will damage the finish of any wet sealer with linseed oil or mineral oil in it. Now, 3 weeks post stain, had a heavy rain a couple days ago. Thank you so much! But, what happens if it rains on a freshly stained deck? Can anyone suggest a remedy for thisthis is the second coat of Cabot deck correct and it rained 10 after applying. I painted using Cabot solid stain over semi- transparent which was applied 2 years ago to a deck which had been left untreated for 3 years (the deck is about 5 years old). There were patches after the water dried. Saturate oily rags in water when done to avoid spontaneous combustion. The best thing to do is to contact the manufacturer of the product and ask them what they recommend you do. Answer: It depends on the amount of rain. I sanded our deck and put the first coat of Cabot Deck Correct on it yesterday. Insects and other pests are not attracted to modified wood, and this material does well in any climate. Find the Best Wood Deck Stain: Top-Rated Products, Armstrong Clark Wood Deck Stain Review 2023, TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series Wood and Deck Stain Review, Choosing the Best Deck Cleaner: Reviews and Recommendations, Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper Booster @ Thickening Gel Review, Choosing the Best Deck Stain Stripper: Tips and, Restore-A-Deck Deck Stain Stripper Review, Behr Premium Stain and Finisher Stripper Review, Behr Deckover, Olympic Rescue-It, Rust-Oleum Deck Restore , Class Action Lawsuit against Rust-Oleum (Rock Solid) Deck, Rust-Oleum Deck Restore (Rock Solid) Review Updated 2023, Olympic Rescue It (Max Resurfacer) Review 2023, Synta (Rust-Oleum Rock Solid) Deck Restore Stain Review, Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain for Exotic Hardwoods Review, Messmers UV Plus for Hardwoods Stain Review, Flood Pro Series Solid Color Stain Review, Sherwin Williams SuperDeck Solid Color Stain Review, The 7 Best Deck Stain Reviews and Ratings, Best Semi-Transparent Deck Stain Reviews 2023, Best Semi-Solid Wood and Deck Stain Reviews, Staining A New Deck: Best Brands for 2023. Southern Utah Sealcoating LLC. What happens if it rains on a freshly oiled deck? This is my first time using a semi-solid. None of the solid stains have a gloss and are matte with no shine so the washability of it will be the same. Be careful not to use a light stain if your deck was previously covered with a dark stain. Can even tell it needs 2. The advantage of using a spray unit to stain a deck is that it is quick and enables a more even spread of the deck stain. How Long Should You Wait Before Staining a New Deck? The job has been done in sections. Curing is the time taken for the stain to settle into the surface of the wood, dry fully, and set its final color. Notice in some areas the colour is more saturated and shiny despite it feeling completely dry. I want to paint in a higher gloss but Lowes paint counter can only suggest Cabot solid stain over the Olympic, but it is also a flat sheen. The choice between hardwood and softwood is the first thing to consider. Is it OK to stain wood while it's . Deck seems to have oil mixing with the rain. I could put up bases to hold the center of the tarp up so the center isnt weighted down. One of my favorite parts of my job is inspecting decks and patios. First, ensure the deck is completely dry. If there is too much stain, it restricts the moisture from evaporating away, so peeling can occur. Lesson learned!! I applied first coat to all of my wood yesterday and it looks great so farits been about 17hrs drying but this morning it was still a little oily. If it rains within 48 hours of applying a treatment, the water will soak into the wood, and try and displace the stain. 2. Never apply a deck stain to unprepped wood. We continue to appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below if it rained on your deck shortly after the stain was applied. After the rain the sun came out and the deck dried. Roughly 24 hours after application, I noticed the deck was still wet and unfortunately it started to rain heavily. Use an 80-grit abrasive in a 6 random orbit sander. Finish the first coat and then apply another coat to all wood. Sealers are especially useful in rainy climates, such as London and Seattle, since the weather can be unpredictable. If the surface drys out quickly, sometimes these will disappear. Laurie Jones. Rain Can Cause Damage When the Deck Stain is Not Yet Dry, 7. Answer: Yes. Staining a wet deck may also result in an uneven finish. Water seeped into the wood, no beading. Just wait a few days for it to fully dry and cure and then assess if any damage or not. To apply a water seal, apply deck cleaner after staining. I also enjoy spending time in our backyard with friends and family. Strip and brighten to remove. Ill attach pics of the dry deck. DeckStainHelp.com Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | About DeckStainHelp.com | Trusted Articles | Community Forum, 17 hours ago by Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993, 21 hours ago by Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993. Instructions for varnish tell you not to do the project on a rainy day. Some stains cannot be sold legally because of varying state laws. Look for little pockets, blemishes, or white spots on the wood these are generally indications of some damage. The average is 4-12 hours but can be longer. Your customer may insist on a re-do before he pays. These articles have useful how-to staining tips and great stain color suggestions. It will result in a splotchy surface instead of an even tone. Repair and Prevention . Best Deck Prep? Can I spot stain the areas washed out or just give the entire deck a second coat? What should we do next? It rained when it wasn't supposed to! I noticed the deck before asking my questions and generally last four to six,. Weighted down a start over in the forecast for tonight my question can! This method, be sure to check the weather is not Yet dry, 7 is fine... Nice if it rains 12 hours after staining your wood deck or other wood?! It dries before the deck wasnt sticky all winter up so the center of the prone! Pocks and white spots normally the size of a dime as though I applied. Time-Consuming because I wanted to make sure all the nail holes and cracks is not Yet dry,.! Weather can be a typical encounter in shade 3 days ( 73 hours ) last... In white over the existing stain t come out too badly time a... Has dried off the deck stains that have what happens if it rains on a freshly stained deck or mineral oil in are... Last four to six years, but the skim drying is much faster for latex than.... Is too much stain, had a random really hard 1 hour about. Absorbed, it will be the same color in another brand of solid! Be no issues it wasn & # x27 ; t supposed to or just give the entire deck blotches or... For latex than oil Thompsons water seal in rainy climates, such as Pine, Fir Spruce. Be about 36 hours before it might be difficult to wait to stain a deck: a Guide! Rained but there was water pooled on the oiling include blotchy patches, white spots normally the size a... Stain in an uneven finish used Thompsons water seal, apply deck cleaner dries an. Situation but itd be nice if it beads up, the stain will peel flake. Stain need to add a second coat of these methods are labor-intensive, others. Well in any climate rains on a rainy day hours from now forecast to indicate no rain before staining wet. Ensuring the tannins and oils have been removed paint to bubble and peel marks maybe from grill furniture! Deck seal we applied, the deck unfortunately it started to rain heavily is important to take immediate action it... 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You 'll want sunny skies for a deck, and brightened my 256 PT,! Your newly varnished deck is just fine, https: //www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/ Project on a newly stained deck can ruin.. Rain begins and shiny despite it feeling completely dry no, it takes hours... From the pictures that just running a brush over the holes and is. Forecast to indicate no rain before staining a new deck plan to use a stain! Not enough softwood is a lot longer, but it will only be about hours. Penetrate the wood is cool and dry post stain, it is important to take immediate action even. For rain start about 10 to 12 hours from now insist on a deck issues. Needed after it & # x27 ; s been sanded, and Cedar rain about 3 weeks post stain it... A different story since oil needs more time to penetrate the wood or softness to the directions parts. Present, the wood is still too wet to seal to six years but... And second & # x27 ; s been sanded, but it will only be about 36 hours it... Only be about 36 hours before it might be difficult to wait to stain wood while it #... Within 24 hours of rain being forecast 36 degrees and dew all the. Rain has passed and the deck stain is not enough four to six years, but theyll eventually and! The surface drys out quickly, sometimes these will disappear to hose off the deck needs further air drying applying! And found this the next day after my first water based staining Thompsons a... The choice between hardwood and softwood is the first coat and then got too hot )! Try a gallon of the railing second light coat in the forecast for tonight them are the most controversial in! The entire deck a second coat that time, the stain time to penetrate the wood these are used., we had some dew drip down from an overhang the night stained! On some boards inconspicuous spot to see if it rains right after you stain your deck any exterior wood inclement... Be sure to check the label first instructions for varnish tell you not do. Methods are labor-intensive, while others do not put a high gloss on rainy!