What to Use to Clean Deck Before Staining, Behr Premium Waterproofing Stain and Sealer. 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. When your deck stain does not dry, it probably was misapplied. Answer: This varies based on stain brand, type of stain, and weather conditions. Rain damage to your newly-stained deck is easily avoidable. Then we had a hard rain about 3 weeks after staining and now have water spots. The 100% acrylic finish formula can be applied in just one day, and the end result enhances the wood's natural beauty while providing extra durability. The type and brand of stain can make a difference as well. If it feels tacky to the touch (a little sticky but not wet), then you can apply the second coat. What should we do next? If any rainy weather occurs during this period you might need to wait another 24 hours after rain until the deck dries completely. But this also assumes optimal drying conditions, such as a sun-facing deck. What happens if it rains on fresh stain? Disclaimer If your stain has been drying for close to 48 hours, this may not happen. I am new to garden boxes so not sure what to use to waterproof the inside of the boxes. Sap seeping out has nothing to do with the rain. Just let it dry for 48 hours after rain before staining. There was actually a grill there with wheels that they moved, so that would make perfect sense. Moisture can settle into the pores of even treated wood. You cannot do much until it stops raining once it starts. These pocks and white spots will affect the appearance of your deck. My name is Hubert Miles. Scott, I know this isnt the right thread but you were so helpful with my rain questions, I have one more. The choice between hardwood and softwood is the first thing to consider. New Product Alert TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series! Staining A New Deck: Best Brands for 2023 Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain Review 4.7/5 (47). The pictures are from 1:00 today, they show the edge of the stain that was painted last (Id run out of stain) and the decks entire surface. The deck stains that require you to hose off the deck after application are usually the most water-resistant. Stain becomes sticky on a wooden surface because it doesn't have a binder, such as you find in paint or varnish. 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. I will do that (pressure wash then recoat). It might be difficult to wait to stain the deck, but it will prevent hours of extra work. This can cause a blotchy, flaky look, rather than a smooth, even, coat. Water beading and drying on the deck will cause these marks. Southern Utah Sealcoating LLC. It dried in some areas but is super shiny in others and seems sticky still in the shiny areas. My deck has milky places all over it after the first rain after staining So, finally, what happens if it rains on a freshly stained deck? Is that a problem? Guess I dodged a huge problem. Water pooled on the wood. You should be fine. Fortunately, most of this damage can be avoided by simply staining the deck when there is no rain in the forecast. You cannot spot fix, you would have to remove all and start over. Some stains can handle rain shortly after being applied better than others. Thank you for the speedy reply and helpful information! Here they are. We had some dew drip down from an overhang the night we stained and found this the next morning. Truly appreciated . I'm a licensed Home Inspector, Certified Master Inspector (CMI), and FHA 203k Consultant. This is not the right answer. Thanks! Stain penetrates wood best when the wood is cool and dry. It became very foggy and had tons of moisture on it. Avoid high humidity when applying stain. Strip and brighen for prep and then use a better brand of deck stain as well. Now, 3 weeks post stain, had a heavy rain a couple days ago. Thank you . The knots always stain lighter in color and that is normal as well. We offer no guarantee of similar results. Use extra fasteners to hold it before removing the clamp.". Class Action Lawsuit Against Olympic Rescue It, Choosing the Best Deck Stain Stripper: Tips and Reviews, Wood and Deck Stain Review Videos Deck Stain Help, Best Deck Stain & Prep Videos Deck Stain Help, Prepping a Wood Deck Videos Deck Stain Help, Restore-A-Deck Stain & Prep Videos Deck Stain Help. 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. 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. 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/. I power washed rails/ privacy feature deck and let it dry 48 hr. I think you are fine and it just has not fully cured yet. You should notice the wood brightening up right away. Reddish, brown (or sometimes black) stains appearing as blotches or streaks on surface or paint (see also Tannin Staining). Nothing you can do right now. You cannot top coat it. The average is 4-12 hours but can be longer. 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. Their stain is poor so it may not cure correctly before the rain. The type and brand of stain used can make a difference as well. Photos attached. 2. If I keep the porch wet can I clean my house around it with water & bleach? None of the solid stains have a gloss and are matte with no shine so the washability of it will be the same. Because it forms a coating, it takes several hours to dry, and during that time, the sealer is vulnerable. If you are unable to fix the problem with washing or sanding and recoating, you may have to strip off the stain with a deck stain stripper and start over again. Answer: 90% of the time there would be no issues. Should I be worried? If it happens to rain within 48 hours following the stain's application, the rainwater will soak into the pores of the wood and try to displace all the stain. I am in a timeframe to get this done. 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. Do you have questions about staining your wood deck or other wood surfaces? I have been successfully maintaining it for thirty years with CWF-UV recoating every 2-3 years. Do not let cleaner dry on the wood. Is the best way to sand it back again to remove the stain or is there something else. The water sitting on the deck made the area under it look pinkish when the sun hits it (first picture) but looks perfectly fine when dry (third picture). Use an 80-grit abrasive in a 6 random orbit sander. When can I apply the recommended second coat.? But the downside is it takes quite a long time to dry. Dime-shaped pockets, stains, and white spots are all signs of water damage. 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. We cleaned it and pressure washed it first and allowed it to dry. All the products he suggests through this site are sold through online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. 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. It rained the next day about 9 hours after. I did 2 coats of Behr premium waterproof 100% acrylic which says rain resistant in 4 hours. Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993, (as we ran around in horror trying to tarp the deck LOL). The use of a quality wood cleaner and pressure washer or scrub brush is necessary to remove all the contaminants like dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and graying. The length of time needed to ensure a stain is dry before using the area cannot be easily answered without first outlining the number of variables in the equation. 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? In cooler weather or during periods of high humidity, you will need to wait even longer than this. Happy decorating! 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. However, you can fix some of these damages using a second coat. will I need to re prep again? Deck stains are generally used for preserving and protecting exterior wood. 2. Answer: Yes. If it rains within 48 hours of applying a treatment, the water will soak into the wood, and try and displace the stain. 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. I oiled our new deck last month with Intergrain universal timber oil. 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 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. Either that or I was a bit heavy handed in applying the deck seal. They pressure washed, sanded, then stained with Cabot Australian Timber Oil. No, it does not go away. Rainfall will harm the finish of any kind of wet sealer with linseed oil or mineral oil in it. Thank you. Waited for dry days at 70-80 degrees to apply stain. Im so afraid of the latter. This means applying the stain on a day when rain is not forecast for at least 48 hours. However, it rained Sunday night or Monday morning (at . What if it rains within 24 hours of staining a deck? Softwoods are typically treated with preservative chemicals and are a more economical choice initially though they will need annual maintenance to maximize the life of a softwood deck. Dew, rain, or very high humidity penetrated after latex paint drieda common problem if the latex paint was of lower quality or if the substrate surface preparation was inadequate. Most deck stain brands will warn against the application of their product within 12-24 hours of rain being forecast. My question is can I safely do a second light coat in the fall four months later? 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. 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 Do not cover it. If you have to apply deck stain, do it after the sun has passed over your deck and is no longer directly beating on it. I woke to very chilly temps, 36 degrees and dew all over the deck. No, you would have to remove it and then use a proper stain. Not all stains and not all woods respond in the same way. Do I have to sand it? Hi Scott, I used Thompsons wasterseal stain and sealer all in one semi-transparent for a deck. Here were pictures from the rain. Clean, Strip, or Sand the, Deck Stain Calculator How Much Deck Stain. How Many Days After it Rains Should You Apply Deck Stain? Pressure wash off the blotches and then lightly recoat all. 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. Does he need to come back out to reapply? Its a new deck and we used Behr transparent deck seal. You assess it then if it needs to be fixed or not. Different defects, such as pockets and white spots, will appear. 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. The best thing to do is to contact the manufacturer of the product and ask them what they recommend you do. I sanded it back when we had a few good sunny days and reoiled. Forty-eight hours gives your structure enough time to dry, promoting stain adhesion to the surface. If it rains soon after applying your formula, you will see the stain peeling and flaking off. It seems so commonplace that we may feel the need to make it appear more sophisticated by adding some color. I know this is most likely a start over in the spring situation but itd be nice if it wasnt sticky all winter. 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. 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. Thank you Try Restore A Deck Stain in semi-transparent or TWP Semi-Solid, Stain/sealer suggestion would be much appreciated! Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper Booster @ Thickening Gel Review New Product Alert TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series! All finishes, including stains and paint, have trouble drying in moist conditions. I might need to ask them to sand that section and re-stain there, will that work? Is it safe to apply more stain if needed after it thoroughly dries? What do you recommend? Staining a wet deck may also result in an uneven finish. There are also cases where you can use a pressure washer and wood cleaner to wash the spots without harming stains. The stickiness could have happened for many reasons: If you remember doing any of these, you can take the following steps: Rain will damage your deck and alter the stain if the stain does not have enough time to dry. He said it would rain the next day but wouldnt be a Problem. Tannins can cause the timbers appearance to look patchy and discolored once coated. Some woods like Cedar, Cypress, and Redwood have a natural resistance to rotting and therefore are better suited to a water-based stain. Oh well! This post was updated on November 5, 2022. Of course it rained that night. It also pays to factor in the drying time between a first and second coat and of course, how long it is likely to take to apply the stain. Then, use a push broom to spread the sealer. When contaminants are left in the wood pores and stain is applied a whole host of problems can occur. If they do not, then you will have to remove all and start over. All wood surfaces need to be cleaned correctly prior to staining. Oil stains are easier to apply, penetrate the wood grain, and require less work when you reapply them. Can I use a oil based stain and cover the deck with a large tarp to protect it? Give it a week or so to see if the spots go away on their own. How to Stain a Deck: A Beginners Guide. Check the weather forecast: You'll want sunny skies for a couple days after you apply the stain. If it rains within 48 hours after you apply the stain, the water will soak into the wood pores and try to . B4 sealing, We power washed the table & let it dry >4 days. Ask Deck Help Questions & Post Product Reviews! So I cleaned and brightened my deck but the last week has had some random light showers, so I havent had the 72 minimum window to let the deck dry, stain and cure before more rain comes. Do I have to wait for them to dry to recoat.? Hi! Scrape away blistered paint, and sand to bare wood. If you are staining a newly-installed deck, you probably dont need to power wash it. There is nothing you can do about it until the rain stops and dries off. Our deck is Huge over 600sf not including the front porch deck and one by a pond. Repair and Prevention . Durable Quality That Lasts - DEFY Extreme wood stains are made with the highest quality resins available that have better resistance to fading and darkening. It will have an immediate reaction and damage your stain. Unfortunately I came across your website after the fact! its water base semi trans.should I chance. Wet wood can impact the look of your newly stained deck. Thats what Im trying to do here. Some stains cannot be sold legally because of varying state laws. House moisture escaped through the walls due to improper house ventilation. Could you please clarify your second response what does not go away, the fuzzies or the white residue/spots around the knots? 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. It depends on the stain brand and how fast it dries. If the surface drys out quickly, sometimes these will disappear. Even after drying all the way. The key to coating new timber is ensuring the tannins and oils have been removed. Thank you so much! There are a number of other factors to consider when considering the best type of stain for a particular deck. In addition to aesthetic defects, there may also be moisture damage, which might require you to replace the entire deck. Should I cover it with a tarp or just leave it alone. It then rained 12 hours after he finished. It looks awful, splotchy and scaly. 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. When possible, test the stain on an inconspicuous section of the decking. If you do not let the deck dry sufficiently before staining, you will trap moisture in the wood underneath the new coat of stain. One more question if I may, could something else have caused this condition or is it rain water for sure? My thought was it would match nicely however with 10 people living here it became very obvious that the flat stain holds fingerprints very very well.