We recommend that you use a type of hardwood for your deck. What stain brand and type did you use? For pressure treated decks, we recommend Spa N Deck from Flood or Wood RX. The best way to do this is to apply the stain to a scrap of wood left over from building the deck. All finishes, including stains and paint, have trouble drying in moist conditions. Is the best way to sand it back again to remove the stain or is there something else. Oil-stained decks are a different story since oil needs more time to penetrate the wood. Try Restore A Deck semi-transparent stains. (No rain in the forecast now). 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. It was overnight so I couldnt tell how hard it rained but there was water pooled on the deck the next morning. Deck seems to have oil mixing with the rain. My question is can I safely do a second light coat in the fall four months later? The deck stains that require you to hose off the deck after application are usually the most water-resistant. 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). Some stains can handle rain shortly after being applied better than others. You wouldn't manage your teenager the same way as your elderly parents. If it rains right after you apply the stain, the stain will peel and flake off. We recommend this type of stain because it is breathable, has a low odor when you apply it, is mildew resistant, and provides a non-slip surface. We hired a local handyman to paint our deck. 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. Rinsed it off with the hose. Driveway. If it rains unexpectedly, it can undo all the hard work you have done. Would another coat fix this? The length of precipitation determines the amount of damage your deck stain will get from the weather. If the deck was dried for 4 to 6 hours using the water-based stain, it may not get too much damage from the rain. The weather plays a significant role in how quickly the varnish dries and how its looks when it is finished. Should I hold off or go ahead and stain the deck. Use the pressure washer again at the same PSI. How to Stain a Deck: A Beginners Guide. Fortunately, you can avoid rain damage to a newly-stained deck by using a water seal in rainy climates. Make sure you use a clean brush and the same stain, both by style and manufacturer. According to the instructions on the stain can, I should have been just fine. Why does my deck paint keep peeling? Yeah it hasn't stopped raining all day except for about a half hour break in it when I ran out there and removed all the standing water on the deck and then covered it up with a tarp. Because it forms a coating, it takes several hours to dry, and during that time, the sealer is vulnerable. The contractor has agreed to come back and sand and refinish if we want, but I am wondering if that is necessary if the deck looks good when dry. A push mop with a rag tied around it with a string at each end was also used to wipe the floor of any excess stain. Thank you. If your newly stained deck gets wet before it dries, you should follow this procedure: If all else fails, you might have to strip the stain off the deck and restain the deck. We offer no guarantee of similar results. So first, look for white spots, blotches, and dime-sized spots to determine if the rain has affected your deck's stain. However, you can fix some of these damages using a second coat. 2. The end of the board, where the wood has been cut, will absorb much more stain that other areas. If it does not cure and dry on its own in a few weeks then you will have to remove it fully and start over. Would that be more washable than the Olympic stain? If. Do it all in the Spring after cleaning the deck again. I know this is most likely a start over in the spring situation but itd be nice if it wasnt sticky all winter. B4 sealing, We power washed the table & let it dry >4 days. There are one or two probes on the meter that stick into the wood to give you a reading. After a forecast of no rain, we had a random really hard 1 hour rain about 22 hours after 2nd coat was applied. Or you can use a deck stain sprayer. So obviously, I'd want to wait another week after any rain for the deck to dry, but if I am trying to plan when to clean my deck, should I try to avoid any rain between 1 and 3? Because oil and water do not mix, the stain will not be affected much by a little rain if it has already soaked into the wood. The dampness and rain will likely cause the stain to streak, fade, or provide inconsistent results. The while looks like sap leeching out. We cleaned it and pressure washed it first and allowed it to dry. After 12 hours rain started. Answer: Yes, if the stain has not fully dried or cured, it may permanently damage the deck stain. What an awesome resource to be able to ask the opinion of others to figure out what to do, thank you! Painting a deck is never a good idea unless you can paint all sides of your decking boards. Cleaning a deck via pressure washing is one of the most controversial topics in the woodworking community. Water will soak into the deck if it rains within 48 hours after painting. Although it may be challenging to establish what the previous layer is, it will help decide whether to choose an oil-based or water-based stain. Rain on Deck Stain Issues It is best to never stain any exterior wood when inclement weather is forecasted, especially rain. Thanks for any advice. Water beading and drying on the deck will cause these marks. Contractors cleaned and re-stained our deck with Sherwin Williams SuperDeck semi-transparent oil based stain. More is not better. Wood stains are probably most commonly used on pine boards and plywood. If this happens, the moisture in the wood stops the stain from sticking to the deck properly. Deck Stain Facts: Frequently Sought Questions & Answers, Deck Stain Facts: Short Videos Questions and Answers, Wood and Deck Stain Review Videos Deck, Top 5 Deck Stain Reviews and Ratings Video, Prepping a Wood Deck Videos Deck Stain, Restore-A-Deck Stain & Prep Videos Deck Stain, Best Deck Prep? Will hit the deck work on a stained deck with black mould on it. Now the forecast has changed, and rain is expected about 36 hours after staining. Started to rain as he was finishing up and now have some white bubbly patches on fence and decks looks unevenly stained. He used Thompsons Water Seal on the fence and Cabots Australian Timber Oil on the decks. my time is limited to have time. It just couldnt happen not even in the week. That depends on the brand of stain and if you or cannot apply another coat after it has cured. We are in Australia and weather is cool. If they do not, then you will have to remove all and start over. Can anyone suggest a remedy for thisthis is the second coat of Cabot deck correct and it rained 10 after applying. Good Luck! 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 . Copyright www.deckstainhelp.com 2022 All Rights Reserved. Hey! Thus it is best to apply stain when it is overcast but not rainy. The kind of weather the outdoor deck will be exposed to also plays a factor in determining the best stain-base for your project. Stain penetrates the wood best when the wood is cool and dry. Is it safe to apply more stain if needed after it thoroughly dries? You cannot spot fix this and you will need to add some gutters or it will continue. 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? If it rains within 48 hours after you apply the stain, the water will soak into the wood pores and try to . I used Cabot semi solid stain on my deck yesterday with rain in the forecast for tonight. Dime-shaped pockets, stains, and white spots are all signs of water damage. According to stain manufacturer Behr Corporation, you should avoid staining a deck for at least 24 to 48 hours after the deck gets wet. Decks can be built out of a variety of different materials. Stain, therefore, lasts for a long time if it is appropriately applied. 1. Apply stain only at the proper temperature. This will result in a splotchy surface rather than an even tone. Use an 80-grit abrasive in a 6 random orbit sander. Do you have questions about staining your wood deck or other wood surfaces? Before it rains, your freshly stained deck needs at least 24 to 48 hours to dry completely, whereas latex or water-based stains will dry in approximately 4 to 6 hours. It rained day before yesterday ( a midnight torrent), was dry yesterday and today (sunny) do you think Im good to go? Try a gallon of the same color in another brand of quality solid stain. Forty-eight hours gives your structure enough time to dry, promoting stain adhesion to the surface. How many dry days does it take to stain a deck? It was several days so I dont know what could have caused it This will result in a splotchy surface rather than an even tone. Some of these methods are labor-intensive, while others do not take much time. If it rains 12 hours after staining your deck, it is important to take immediate action. Post some pics in the comments. Will chlorine affect the color of used on gutters? Hard to say. This will no doubt depend on your experience, the size of the deck, and the tools you have available for use. See pictures attached. It is best to leave the deck for as long as you can, but at least wait 12-24 hours and test the deck with bare feet first. Were debating putting treads on the steps. Seriously, lots of time here. I oiled our new deck last month with Intergrain universal timber oil. Then, use a push broom to spread the sealer. But this also assumes optimal drying conditions, such as a sun-facing deck. Supporters of this cleaning technique say it is the best way of reaching deep into the wood, allowing you to remove stubborn stains and dirt . For some regions, this could mean waiting several months until you can stain the deck. Fortunately, most of this damage can be avoided by simply staining the deck when there is no rain in the forecast. Hello, similar story to others here: I think unexpected rain might have messed up the deck seal we applied. When considering what happens if it rains on a freshly stained deck, you will have to keep in mind that there may be some reparations to make. washed it down with deck cleaner, scrub brush, and power washer, then applied semi-transparent deck stain (sikkens srd) over old stain. Thank you. Photos attached. 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 . When to Stain a New Deck: How Long Should You Wait? Despite the rain, the deck hasn't come out too badly. Once you are within the time frame recommended for a second coat try applying the stain in an inconspicuous spot to see if it fixes the rain damage. When contaminants are left in the wood pores and stain is applied a whole host of problems can occur. Thanks! I started staining my deck rails and spindles today. My name is Hubert Miles. Water seeped into the wood, no beading. Best Types of Deck Wood in a Rainy Climate, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59MnCmRS1VE, Oiling A Deck? What happens if it rains on a freshly stained deck? Thank goodness its on the railings. Read the instructions on the stain can for recoating or adding a second coat. Live in SC where we have quick hard rains every other day to relieve the heat. Sealers are especially useful in rainy climates, such as London and Seattle, since the weather can be unpredictable. Finish the first coat and then apply another coat to all wood. A real down pour all day. Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993, (as we ran around in horror trying to tarp the deck LOL). https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/. I put down a Thermory kiln dried spruce deck, and am ready to coat it with their Cutek wood protecting oil. I think I managed to get a fair bit of oil into it - the first coat of oil was almost completely dry before the second went on, the second was fairly dry before the third went on, and the third was partly dry before it started raining (~2.5 hours drying time - surface still quite oily / tacky). This is more frequent to those living in humid areas or timed with the weather. The choice of stain will also be influenced by the preference for an oil-based or water-based stain. 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. Deck Stain Essential#2: Prepare new wooden decks differently than old ones before finishing. If it rains within 48 hours of applying a treatment, the water will soak into the wood, and try and displace the stain. If it rains immediately after you've stained the wood, the stain will peel and flake off. Hardwood has a natural hard grain and is moisture-resistant. Will it effect it right away or will it take days to show up? Thanks! You should apply stain to your deck when there is no rain in the forecast. Is there a more washable option for me? Rain will damage the finish of any wet sealer with linseed oil or mineral oil in it. Wait for the deck slats to cool down before applying the stain. Would it be safe to apply another coat of R.A.D or Cabot over the existing 2 coats of the Olympic which were applied 3 days ago? Will Rain Affect That Fresh Coat of Decking Oil You've Just applied? You cannot do much until it stops raining once it starts. This proved to be very time-consuming because I wanted to make sure all the nail holes and cracks were filled. How long does wood stain take to dry? We like brushes or stain pads but it does speed on the stain brand and type of stain. Not sure if any of this might be related). If you are located in a high rainfall area, it is sometimes a matter of taking the opportunity to stain in a shorter dry period than would be ideally expected or preferred. Hired a company to paint house and stain deck. Oil stains are easier to apply, penetrate the wood grain, and require less work when you reapply them. Mineral spirits didnt work. The best thing to do is to contact the manufacturer of the product and ask them what they recommend you do. Share. The type and brand of stain used can make a difference as well. One of my favorite parts of my job is inspecting decks and patios. First, if it ever rained on your deck just after sealing it, then you know the symptoms of weather damage. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. help please - dirt marks on freshly stained deck. 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 was applying the stain in partly-cloudy conditions (sometimes sun, sometimes cloud), temps in the high 70's (mid-20's in metric), humidity probably around 50-60% as is typical all spring/summer/fall long here. My questions; How do I know its fine or needs to be stripped? Allow a week for the deck to dry; Apply sealant; The way I am thinking of timing it, there's a chance it may rain between 1 and 3. 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 . Fortunately, there are many different ways to avoid and fix this problem. I was planning to apply the 2nd coat of stain sealer today but now itsraining. From a purely technical perspective, the process that occurs through staining is more of a curing process than an actual drying process. If any rainy weather occurs during this period you might need to wait another 24 hours after rain until the deck dries completely. The spots appear to be gone but of course not the marks on the steps. What Happens if it Rains Sooner? We stained our new cedar deck a few days ago with Olympic Semi Transparent Semi Solid Atlas Cedar Oil Stain and it rained about 12 hours after we attempted to tarp and dry the rain as it happened then it rained again about 12 hours after that. 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