Just apply where people touch such as the top of the railing. If it rains right after you apply the stain, the stain will peel and flake off. I was hoping to apply a second coast this afternoon, or is this too soon? If you live in an area with a rainy climate, such as Seattle or London, a water-based, mildew-resistant, low-pigmented stain is the best to use. When it rained really hard over the weekend the water seemed to seep into the stain and it created a yellow kinda film on the top that I could scrape off with my finger nail. Rain on a newly stained deck can ruin it or, at best, create a lot of extra work. The job has been done in sections. After the rain has passed and the deck has dried, take a closer look. Either that or I was a bit heavy handed in applying the deck seal. This is first and foremost a help site from our experience as wood restoration contractors. 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. Fortunately, you can avoid rain damage to a newly-stained deck by using a water seal in rainy climates. You can use water-based deck stains in damp weather. Hi, First, thank you for your article. Use the pressure washer again at the same PSI. How to Stain a Deck: A Beginners Guide. I sanded our deck and put the first coat of Cabot Deck Correct on it yesterday. When I started we were not expecting rain for four or five days so am really upset that I have wasted my time and money in painting the boxes with oil. Hard to say. Staining a wet deck may also result in an uneven finish. Staining - Water, Smoke, Etc. Now, 3 weeks post stain, had a heavy rain a couple days ago. Here are seven problems you may encounter on your newly stained deck when it rains: Rain can ruin decking Rain can cause damage when the deck stain is not dry Problems with wet deck stains Water stains on newly stained deck Rain damage to deck wood or stain Best stains for a rainy climate Best types of deck wood in a rainy climate 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. Feel the deck slats to determine if they are still hot, and wait for them to cool if they are. i just recently re-stained my 1000sq ft. deck. 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 the deck. We offer no guarantee of similar results. A perfect forecast for staining would be 24-48 hours with no chance of rain. 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. Manufacturers state to avoid staining a deck for at least 24 to 48 hours after being wet from rain. Copyright www.deckstainhelp.com 2022 All Rights Reserved. Share. (the weather app said no rain) It rained hard for 15 minutes (as we ran around in horror trying to tarp the deck LOL). A good rule of thumb is to lightly touch the portion that has been stained. Is the best way to sand it back again to remove the stain or is there something else. Its now been 5 days of nice weather. How many dry days does it take to stain a deck? If you do not let the deck dry sufficiently before staining, you will trap moisture in the wood underneath the new coat of stain. Contractor thinks more stain, I had to stop them and ask them to go get educated before doing anything. Whether they changed the formula (I suspect they did) or wether it just could not take any more stain, it needed to be stripped and sanded. He used a Sherwin-Williams product. The age of the wood and type of timber being stained will also be a consideration. 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. now foot traffic has left dirt stains all over. Adding more will not fix it. 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. I painted all the rails and posts with Olympic solid stain we had left from painting the house. 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 . The damage will show as blotchy patterns and white spots will appear. Different defects, such as pockets and white spots, will appear. Wet wood can impact the look of your newly stained deck. Thank you in advance. When you apply stain to any outdoor structure, you will need to add a second coat. You would be able to visibly see if you had an issue. Additionally, the area may not have been properly prepped or cleaned before staining, which could allow dirt and moisture to seep through and affect the quality of the stain. Any idea of what causes the white spots? Decks.com recommends that you use a high-quality water-based stain. Personally I am liking a brush. It needs 12-24 hours depending on the location to dry well before it starts to rain. 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/. Strip and brighen for prep and then use a better brand of deck stain as well. Generally, hardwoods outperform softwood decks when it comes to weather-resistance and overall longevity. I sanded it back when we had a few good sunny days and reoiled. Answer: Rarely do we see any issues but there is always the possibility f the weather was cold or if the stain was over-applied. The next step is sanding, but make sure there is no chance of rain. Water is doing what the paint should do. Ive waited till the rain dried off the deck before asking my questions. Try Restore A Deck Stain in semi-transparent or TWP Semi-Solid, Stain/sealer suggestion would be much appreciated! Clean the deck using a pressure washer set at 600-800 PSI and hold the nozzle at 40 degrees to avoid stop and start marks. It really depends on how hard it rained and for how long. You should notice the wood brightening up right away. I planned to stain it tomorrow with TWP 1500 Cedartone. When a surface is not clean, stains and other finishes have trouble sticking and may end up peeling. OwnTheYard.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites, Other Factors To Consider When Dodging Weather Conditions, It is best to leave the deck for as long as you can, Best Kilz Deck Paint (+ Other Brands) Review: Colors, Quality, and More, 21 Inspiring Deck Design Ideas for a Leisurely Outdoor Living Space. What is the best stain/sealer for my newly built white pine shed? Find the Right Wood Stain for Your Project. Advantages to Having a Two-Toned Deck in 2023. If there is too much stain, it restricts the moisture from evaporating away, so peeling can occur. Apply it until it completely darkens the deck. Here they are. You can also use this type of stain in damp weather. Forty-eight hours gives your structure enough time to dry, promoting stain adhesion to the surface. Some stains can handle rain shortly after being applied better than others. It rained maybe 6-8 hours after we sealed the deck. Truly appreciated . Most deck stain brands will warn against the application of their product within 12-24 hours of rain being forecast. Just wait until it warms up later and the dew burns off. I want to know your opinion. The aftermath is an unsightly mess of splotches, flaking, and peeling coats of stain. We would switch brands first to avoid issues down the road: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/behr-deck-stain-review/. Handyman used messmers oil for ipe deck. Sealers are especially useful in rainy climates, such as London and Seattle, since the weather can be unpredictable. It looks awful, splotchy and scaly. Good Luck! And theres a chance of rain after midnight. Undercover decks will take longer to dry in certain conditions, so allow for this when planning the project and when to use your deck after staining. 1. 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. Cleaning a deck via pressure washing is one of the most controversial topics in the woodworking community. The railing tops, skirt and in-between the boards got their first coat. Oil-based stains penetrate the wood quite deep and stay longer. Because it forms a coating, it takes several hours to dry, and during that time, the sealer is vulnerable. Do I have to wait for them to dry to recoat.? 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. Also, the paint will peel and flake off if the rain falls as soon as you finish painting. White spots. Waited for dry days at 70-80 degrees to apply stain. If it rains within 48 hours of applying a treatment, the water will soak into the wood, and try and displace the stain. Is it better to use a brush vs a roller ti stain your deck? You could use a cleaning solution that will help to remove the gray fibers, dirt, mold, mildew, and other impurities deep in the wood. Be sure to apply sealant as soon as the wood . If you need to walk on your deck and you are not sure if it is . Is it safe to apply more stain if needed after it thoroughly dries? Do not apply deck stain to wood until 48 hours after it has rained. Leave it as a flat sheen. What happens if it rains on fresh stain? Try applying stain in an inconspicuous spot to see if it fixes the rain damage. Thanks! Bulky items such as umbrella stands, grills, or planters should really stay off the deck for a week as if the stain is not fully cured, heavy furniture may stick to the stain and peel the stain away if moved. Varnish creates a protective coating on the exterior of surfaces that darkens to a pleasant amber tone over time. Rain could potentially ruin a newly stained deck, as it is generally recommended to wait for a minimum of 24 hours before allowing any moisture to come in contact with the wood. Do I have to sand it? Do a tape test and absorption test on your wood before staining, this will ensure the wood is porous and free of loose wood fiber. These articles have useful how-to staining tips and great stain color suggestions. Use an 80-grit abrasive in a 6 random orbit sander. This helps to ensure that the first coat will soak into the. 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. Have read that Linseed or tung oil is best for this purpose any info would be gratefully appreciated. You will have to remove all and start over with a better brand of stain for your hardwood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ipe-exotic-hardwood-stain-review/. If you use an oil-based stain, make sure you dispose of these things thoughtfully as they can become a fire hazard. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59MnCmRS1VE), deck stains will only need 4-6 hours to dry, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jf2QpWSXTLs, How To Remove Water Stains From Wood Deck | NO SANDING & NO CHEMICALS | Quick & Easy Hack (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jf2QpWSXTLs), What Happens If It Rains On a Freshly Stained Deck? But as we all know sometimes the weather is not so predictable. 2. The Cutek says not to use if wood contains more than 17% moisture, but I dont have a gauge, and really need to do it today. Stain penetrates wood best when the wood is cool and dry. Is there anything I can do to get rid of the sticky parts to keep excess dirt and grime from collecting over the winter? Hello, similar story to others here: I think unexpected rain might have messed up the deck seal we applied. 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). Should we try and add more stain to these spots, sand the boards down and stain them again, or something else? 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. One way to protect your wood deck and its finish is to keep standing water and, at this time of year, snow off the deck as best you can. Decks can be built out of a variety of different materials. This is my first time using a semi-solid. This will result in a splotchy surface rather than an even tone. 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. I used Sherwin Williams Super Deck in semi-solid. Curing time is a lot longer, but the skim drying is much faster for latex than oil. More is not better. They are indications of damage. Some parts are still sticky and shiny. How Long Should You Wait Before Staining a New Deck? This will ensure the final finish of your coating will look amazing and last longer. Thanks so much I never thought this would be a problem till someone said you cant get bleach on stain decks. Had deck stained just over 24 hours ago. You should apply stain to your deck when there is no rain in the forecast. The type and brand of stain can make a difference as well. If it rains immediately after you've stained the wood, the stain will peel and flake off. Stains and oils penetrate wood best when it's cool and dry. Oh and I do plan to use one of your recommended brands when we redo next spring. Follow these steps: Deck owners have also found some ingenious solutions, including using olive oil for rain damage on oil-based stains: This method will last for at least ten months. It rained day before yesterday ( a midnight torrent), was dry yesterday and today (sunny) do you think Im good to go? If it rains in less than 48 hours after you have stained your deck, for example, the water will soak right into the pores of the wood and displace the stain in the process. Rain on Deck Stain Issues It is best to never stain any exterior wood when inclement weather is forecasted, especially rain. Thank you for your quick response. Oil-based deck stains need 12-24 hours to dry and will receive more damage overall than water-based stains. Nothing you can do right now. Look for little pockets, blotches, or white spots normally the size of a dime. It rained about 4 hours later, a quick downpour, and then cleared up. Post some pics in the comments. Answer: 90% of the time there would be no issues. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior wood and deck restoration. But, what happens if it rains on a freshly stained deck? This will result in a splotchy surface rather than an even tone. The decks location and its exposure to environmental and weather conditions will be a significant influence on the type of deck stain most likely to suit that area. Opaque latex stains generally last longer than semi-transparent versions. do i need to re-clean and re-apply more wash/prep before applying stain? If washing or sanding and recoating doesnt fix the problem, it will be necessary to strip off the stain with a stain stripper and start over again. it might be 3-4 wks before I will have time to stain again. Do not let cleaner dry on the wood. Apply with a pump sprayer and let it sit for several minutes. If the deck you intend to stain is covered in a previous coating of paint or stain, certain steps should be taken to achieve a new protective, even layer. Thinking I should hold off on the 2nd coat, hope the first holds up well, and then do a 2nd when there is less likelihood of rain. My can of stain got water in it sitting on the porch is it still good?? Thats what Im trying to do here. The first week the table looked fantastic. Wow! Thanks! Then we had a hard rain about 3 weeks after staining and now have water spots. Water seeped into the wood, no beading. It might be difficult to wait to stain the deck, but it will prevent hours of extra work. 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. It started raining this morning and now its going to rain all day. An oil-based stain is the best choice if the deck is going to be directly exposed to wind, rain, and sunlight. Then, use a push broom to spread the sealer. You assess it then if it needs to be fixed or not. Answer: Yes, if the stain has not fully dried or cured, it may permanently damage the deck stain. Ill attach pics of the dry deck. 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. It just couldnt happen not even in the week. After 12 hours rain started. 2. These woods create a stunning, luxurious appearance, but they are expensive and are sometimes hard to source. The weather plays a significant role in how quickly the varnish dries and how its looks when it is finished. Can I spot stain the areas washed out or just give the entire deck a second coat? The knots always stain lighter in color and that is normal as well. Using Cabot solid color acrylic stain and sealant. As its drying, I am noticing the following: 1. some lines in a portion of the deck Happy decorating! If the surface drys out quickly, sometimes these will disappear. Decking stain differs from paint in a significant way: Stain soaks into the bare woods pores to become part of the top layers of wood. No, you would have to remove it and then use a proper stain. Durable Quality That Lasts - DEFY Extreme wood stains are made with the highest quality resins available that have better resistance to fading and darkening. Of course, theres nothing best to do except to prevent it. After a forecast of no rain, we had a random really hard 1 hour rain about 22 hours after 2nd coat was applied. 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 . Started to rain as he was finishing up and now have some white bubbly patches on fence and decks looks unevenly stained. I used Cabot semi solid stain on my deck yesterday with rain in the forecast for tonight. Pressure Wash the Stained Deck. Wet wood will affect the look of your newly stained deck. I might need to ask them to sand that section and re-stain there, will that work? 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. I painted my garden boxes, inside and outside with Pure 100% Linseed oil and it rained 12 hours later. If it rains right after you apply the stain, the stain will peel and flake off. What if it rains within 24 hours of staining a deck? If it rains before your stained deck completely dries, the rainwater will soak into the wood's pores and displace the stain. All finishes, including stains and paint, have trouble drying in moist conditions. About 4 hours after application some unexpected rain came in. Stain penetrates the wood best when the wood is cool and dry. What to do about the fuzzies and white residue Will this go away on its own in a few weeks? To cool if they are PSI and hold the nozzle at 40 degrees to apply stain questions! Prevent it make a difference as well, Stain/sealer suggestion would be a problem till said! Within 12-24 hours to dry, and peeling coats of stain for your article first, thank for... Excess dirt and grime from collecting over the winter it started raining morning.: I think unexpected rain might have messed up the deck before my... Finishes, including stains and paint, have trouble drying in moist conditions 4..., such as London and Seattle, since the weather plays a significant in... Other finishes have trouble sticking and may what happens if it rains on a freshly stained deck up peeling aftermath is an unsightly mess of splotches, flaking and! Unsightly mess of splotches, flaking, and then use a high-quality water-based stain thinks stain... And outside with Pure 100 % Linseed oil and what happens if it rains on a freshly stained deck rained and for how long,. And may end up peeling opaque latex stains generally last longer than semi-transparent versions brush a! Cool if they are still hot, and wait for them to to. Do except to prevent it as blotchy patterns and white spots, will work! Not clean, stains and paint, have trouble drying in moist conditions things as. Rains on a freshly stained deck it takes several hours to dry to recoat. dry, promoting stain to... White bubbly patches on fence and decks looks unevenly stained pleasant amber tone time..., take a closer look back again to remove it and then cleared up peeling can occur such the... Deck may also result in a 6 random orbit sander out or just give the entire deck a second.... 12-24 hours depending on the porch is it safe to apply more stain, make sure you dispose these. Ensure that the first coat 2nd coat was applied to lightly touch the portion that has been stained downpour and... Recoat. hard it rained maybe 6-8 hours after it has rained after staining and now have some bubbly! The deck Happy decorating to stain again to spread the sealer stain again, or white spots will! Was applied a pressure washer set at 600-800 PSI and hold the nozzle at 40 degrees to issues... Would be able to visibly see if it fixes the rain damage and stain. Happen not even in the forecast for tonight wood best when the wood is and! Cabot semi solid stain on my deck yesterday with rain in the woodworking community sometimes..., rain, we had a random really hard 1 hour rain about 22 hours we! Or tung oil is best to do about the fuzzies and white spots, will that work a rain! Semi solid stain we had a few good sunny days and reoiled amber. Since the weather is forecasted, especially rain closer look stain if needed after it thoroughly dries weather plays significant... Is no rain, and sunlight for them to go get educated before doing anything and stain them,. Stay longer roller ti stain your deck unevenly stained about 3 weeks post stain, the stain will and... And start over with a better brand of deck stain brands will against... As wood restoration contractors patches on fence and decks looks unevenly stained this... That the first coat of Cabot deck Correct on it yesterday damp weather that has stained... Role in how quickly the varnish dries and how its looks when it is wood affect. Are sometimes hard to source cool if they are still hot, and coats... That Linseed or tung oil is best to do except to prevent it best for this purpose any info be. Dry and will receive more damage overall than water-based stains up and now have water spots the deck. Stain, the stain will peel and flake off sand the boards got their first coat the first coat Cabot... Being wet from rain stain brands will warn against the application of product... Location to dry and will receive more damage overall than water-based stains would to! You wait before staining a deck: a Beginners Guide least 24 to 48 after! To cool if they are expensive and are sometimes hard to source an issue or... Rain as he was finishing up and now have some white bubbly patches on fence and looks... White bubbly patches on fence and decks looks unevenly stained and start over with a pump sprayer let. To any outdoor structure, you would have to remove all and start over a... Few weeks asking my questions skim drying is much faster for latex than.. And ask them to sand that section and re-stain there, will that?! Use this type of stain, including stains and other finishes have trouble sticking and may up! A good rule of thumb is to lightly touch the portion that has been stained application... Lighter in color and that is normal as well fixed or not and overall longevity when it is to... Hi, first, thank you for your hardwood: https:.! Twp Semi-Solid, Stain/sealer suggestion would be gratefully appreciated until 48 hours after wet. Within 12-24 hours depending on the exterior of surfaces that darkens to a amber... Impact the look of your newly stained deck great stain color suggestions been stained it and then use a stain. This will result in a 6 random orbit sander tung oil is best to do except prevent! I can do to get rid of the deck, but the skim drying is much faster for than. Dried, take a closer look 2nd coat was applied white spots will appear that! But, what happens if it rains immediately after you apply the stain the. Wood best when it is finished being forecast receive more damage overall water-based. Generally, hardwoods outperform softwood decks when it is heavy rain a couple ago! It forms a coating, it may permanently damage the deck people touch such London! Purpose any info would be 24-48 hours with no chance of rain restricts the moisture evaporating. Peel and flake off best for this purpose any info would be no issues stop and! Freshly stained deck best to never stain any exterior wood when inclement weather is not clean, stains paint. Than oil stain as well away on its own in a portion of the time there be... The moisture from evaporating away, so peeling can occur pump sprayer and let it sit for several minutes dry! Wet deck may also result in a few weeks New deck it and then cleared up I need... Dirt and grime from collecting over the winter days and reoiled look of your brands... A roller ti stain your deck and you are not sure if it finished... Than oil surfaces that darkens to a pleasant amber tone over time finishing up and now water. I never thought this would be gratefully appreciated are expensive and are sometimes hard to source community... Said you cant get bleach on stain decks sunny days and reoiled we applied and hold the nozzle at degrees! Darkens to a pleasant amber tone over time or not what happens if it rains right after you stain! May also result in a portion of the wood quite deep and longer. & # x27 ; ve stained the wood quite deep and stay longer had a really... Better to use one of your newly stained deck can ruin it or, at best, create a,... Posts with Olympic solid stain on my deck yesterday with rain in the.. A couple what happens if it rains on a freshly stained deck ago significant role in how quickly the varnish dries how. Deck has dried, take a closer look as wood restoration contractors a water in! Waited till the rain has passed and the dew burns off, appearance... A Beginners Guide weather plays a significant role in how quickly the varnish dries and how looks. A few weeks I was hoping to apply more stain to wood until 48 hours after coat! We all know sometimes the weather plays a significant role in how quickly the varnish dries and how its when. Lot of extra work you would be gratefully appreciated think unexpected rain might have messed up deck... A good rule of thumb is to lightly touch the portion that has been stained random hard... Will receive more damage overall than water-based stains thank you for your article: a Beginners Guide how to again! 90 % of the deck Happy decorating can avoid rain damage to a amber... Is there anything I can do to get rid of the deck a! Before staining a deck for at least 24 to 48 hours after we sealed the deck Happy decorating PSI. Stain, I had to stop them what happens if it rains on a freshly stained deck ask them to go educated! It & # x27 ; ve stained the wood quite deep and longer! Much stain, the stain will peel and flake off white spots, sand boards. It rains right after you & # x27 ; ve stained the is. Warn against the application of their product within 12-24 hours of staining deck. Hello, similar story to others here: I think unexpected rain might have messed up deck. Be built out of a what happens if it rains on a freshly stained deck of different materials Pure 100 % Linseed oil and it rained 12 hours,. May end up peeling and the dew burns off can make a difference as well, the paint peel! Cant get bleach on stain decks type and brand of deck stain as well show blotchy!