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. No. The job has been done in sections. Behr Corporation, a stain manufacturer, also recommends that you leave your deck to dry within 24-48 hours following the rain. It still has patches and now has white marks on some boards. I painted all the rails and posts with Olympic solid stain we had left from painting the house. No. According to stain manufacturer Behr Corporation, you should avoid staining a deck for at least 24 to 48 hours after the deck gets wet. But as we all know sometimes the weather is not so predictable. That depends on the brand of stain and if you or cannot apply another coat after it has cured. 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. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. The pics show it several days after staining was done. If a bubble remains after the surface dries, however, you'll need to scrape it off and repaint. My can of stain got water in it sitting on the porch is it still good?? However, if rain was unexpected or purely unavoidable, there are ways you can manage the effects. Scrape away blistered paint, and sand to bare wood. Hey Scott I just stained my deck w Cabot Australian. So what happens now.? Decks can be built out of a variety of different materials. Rain will damage the finish of any wet sealer with linseed oil or mineral oil in it. 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. It needs 12-24 hours depending on the location to dry well before it starts to rain. 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? When applying stain, a pad, brush, roller, or rag can be used to apply the stain. It rained pretty steady for a few hours but never seemed to be a heavy driving rain. Apply it until it completely darkens the 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. If you wait more than 2 weeks, you should redo the prep. It looks awful, splotchy and scaly. Sorry but we do not understand your comment. It became very foggy and had tons of moisture on it. 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. The knots always stain lighter in color and that is normal as well. washed it down with deck cleaner, scrub brush, and power washer, then applied semi-transparent deck stain (sikkens srd) over old stain. Hired a company to paint house and stain deck. Telltale signs are a damaged appearance and discoloration. It seems so commonplace that we may feel the need to make it appear more sophisticated by adding some color. Could I put a clear sealing coat over the whole thing and then it will all just be shiny : ). The result will be a splotchy surface and not an even one. 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. Rain Can Cause Damage When the Deck Stain is Not Yet Dry, 7. Be careful not to use a light stain if your deck was previously covered with a dark stain. I know this is most likely a start over in the spring situation but itd be nice if it wasnt sticky all winter. will the stain color last? This can be done through a natural weathering process or by applying commercial timber preparations. 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. 15 Ways to Add Privacy to Your Deck Using Lattice Walls, Build Deck Footers that Last: 5 Steps You Should Know, 4 Tips to Remove Peeling Paint on a Deck Before Painting, 13 Effective Ways to Clean & Prevent a Slippery Deck, 12 Ways to Keep Raccoons Away from Your Deck. I was going to put on 2nd coat today but then it will only be about 36 hours before it might get rained on. Wet wood can impact the look of your newly stained deck. It really depends on how hard it rained and for how long. I think you would be wasting your money and time but I suppose you could test it. Will chlorine affect the color of used on gutters? Oil-based stains penetrate the wood quite deep and stay longer. 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. What to do about the fuzzies and white residue Will this go away on its own in a few weeks? Then we had a hard rain about 3 weeks after staining and now have water spots. We had some dew drip down from an overhang the night we stained and found this the next morning. Your customer may insist on a re-do before he pays. If it rains right after you apply the stain, the stain will peel and flake off. Because it forms a coating, it takes several hours to dry, and during that time, the sealer is vulnerable. If the stain is peeling or flaking off because of rain, you will have to sand the deck to remove the peeling stain and begin the entire process again. 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 . These different options will provide different results and will require variations in handling. Use TWP or Armstrong Clark stains. I put down a Thermory kiln dried spruce deck, and am ready to coat it with their Cutek wood protecting oil. We started using the table. Is it safe to apply more stain if needed after it thoroughly dries? After a forecast of no rain, we had a random really hard 1 hour rain about 22 hours after 2nd coat was applied. 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. Stains in the paint surface caused by virtually anything that would bleed, leak, or stick to the paint film Fortunately, you can avoid rain damage to a newly-stained deck by using a water seal in rainy climates. If none is available, purchase a small piece of the same type of lumber, or simply test the stain in a small, hidden area. 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. Some stains can handle rain shortly after being applied better than others. 2. The weather plays a significant role in how quickly the varnish dries and how its looks when it is finished. This helps to ensure that the first coat will soak into the. Wait for the deck to dry completely and the forecast to indicate no rain before refinishing or touching up the stain on the deck. Do you have questions about staining your wood deck or other wood surfaces? It was not fully cured before the rain came. The effect is worse if it does rain shortly after you apply the wood stain. Other mitigating factors include: In general, you should follow the following guidelines to avoid rain damage to your deck stain: As long as you stick to these general guidelines, the weather will not damage your deck, your deck will not trap moisture, and you will not have to replace your deck wood because of rot. Do not let cleaner dry on the wood. Apply with a pump sprayer and let it sit for several minutes. Is there anything I can do to get rid of the sticky parts to keep excess dirt and grime from collecting over the winter? i let dry for a few days but it remained somewhat tacky. Roughly 24 hours after application, I noticed the deck was still wet and unfortunately it started to rain heavily. Do not apply deck stain to wood until 48 hours after it has rained. Its behr semi Do you think I can chance it if the rain is supposed to start about 10 to 12 hours from now? 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. Stain becomes sticky on a wooden surface because it doesn't have a binder, such as you find in paint or varnish. I think you are fine and it just has not fully cured yet. Most deck stain brands will warn against the application of their product within 12-24 hours of rain being forecast. Thank you so much! Im get overwhelmed with all the information Im reading. Oil based really needs 12 to 24 hours to set up depending on the temp. live in midwest and cold weather weather next . When can I apply the recommended second coat.? What happens if it rains on fresh stain? Adding more does not always work as well and can create issues with over-application. Can Deck Stains Be applied with a Roller? Thank you for the speedy reply and helpful information! Their stain is poor so it may not cure correctly before the rain. It diaries and seems to have cured although there are a couple of washed out/ faded spots. 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. Work one of the stops into the gap between two straight boards and place the other stop on the edge of the warped board, then tighten the clamp to draw the warped board into place. Wood stains are probably most commonly used on pine boards and plywood. It is best to never stain any exterior wood when inclement weather is forecasted, especially rain. Hello, similar story to others here: I think unexpected rain might have messed up the deck seal we applied. We used Messmers UV+. If you are using latex, if you can get it on for 4 to 6 hours before a light rain, it will have dried enough to survive without spotting. 1. Hi! The key to coating new timber is ensuring the tannins and oils have been removed. Due to the windows of weather opportunities between rains and needing the boards dried before sanding, I could only manage one coat on each section. Ask Deck Help Questions & Post Product Reviews! Wait for the deck slats to cool down before applying the stain. Any idea of what causes the white spots? Stains and oils penetrate wood best when it's cool and dry. Decks.com recommends that you use a high-quality water-based stain. 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. Oil-based stains typically dry in 12 to 24 hours and need at least 48 hours before it starts to rain. The lighter spots are where the yellow film forms when its wet. What happens if it rains on a freshly oiled deck? Look for little pockets, blotches, or white spots normally the size of a dime. Seems to be drying fast. I used Cabot semi solid stain on my deck yesterday with rain in the forecast for tonight. You cannot assess until the rain water dries off. Flaking and peeling may occur if over-application of the stain occurs. I stained in the evening when the sun was not on the deck, weather was in the 80s, paint had just been mixed at Lowes, deck was properly power washed and dried, and no product was applied to the deck surface before staining. 2. Remember, no rain 24 hours before you apply stain and no rain 24 hours after the staining project. 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. Having rain stained on your newly varnished deck is unfortunate, although this can be a typical encounter. 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. If it rains immediately after you've stained the wood, the stain will peel and flake off. I took your advice and tested the Cabot solid stain in white over the existing stain. Deck Stain Essential#1: Sand or pressure wash-and-sand before applying anything. Great! How long does wood stain take to dry? Let it dry out after the rain and then assess any issues. Have read that Linseed or tung oil is best for this purpose any info would be gratefully appreciated. Apply stain with a pad or brush (do not use a roller) by back brushing with the grain. I used Sherwin Williams Super Deck in semi-solid. 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. It rained day before yesterday ( a midnight torrent), was dry yesterday and today (sunny) do you think Im good to go? Laurie Jones. . It depends on how hard it rained and for how long. Ive waited till the rain dried off the deck before asking my questions. Thank you for your quick response. If it rains before your stained deck completely dries, the rainwater will soak into the wood's pores and displace the stain. Answer: Yes, if the stain has not fully dried or cured, it may permanently damage the deck stain. Do not put a high gloss on a deck, it will peel if you do. Water beading and drying on the deck will cause these marks. Do it all in the Spring after cleaning the deck again. Most pressure-treated decking is milled from southern yellow pine and then chemically treated to resist rot, fungus, and wood-boring bugs. I'm a licensed Home Inspector, Certified Master Inspector (CMI), and FHA 203k Consultant. 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. Please help. We are in Australia and weather is cool. Hello! It was starting to cure last night. Just apply where people touch such as the top of the railing. They are indications of damage. Avoid painting within four hours of a rainstorm; high humidity often causes blisters (sometimes water-filled) to form. 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. Question is: should we pressure wash and re seal it or is it okay for the upcoming winter? With a moisture meter, you are looking for a reading between 12-15% or less. Opaque latex stains generally last longer than semi-transparent versions. The choice of stain will also be influenced by the preference for an oil-based or water-based stain. 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 you need to walk on your deck and you are not sure if it is . You cannot top coat it. Dime-shaped pockets, stains, and white spots are all signs of water damage. Not sure if any of this might be related). Also there are marks on the steps where our dogs go up and down the steps. Some of the most popular choices for decking boards are pressure treated woods or modified wood. Thanks for any advice. Is there anything I can do? Thats what Im trying to do here. If you are getting higher readings, the deck needs further air drying before applying the stain. Apply a wood restorer, such as ABR X-180 Wood Restorer, with a sprayer, roller, or brush. Just wait a few days for it to fully dry and cure and then assess if any damage or not. 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. The only downside to a water-based deck stain is high maintenance. Rain damage to your newly-stained deck is easily avoidable. Contractor thinks more stain, I had to stop them and ask them to go get educated before doing anything. If it rains within 48 hours after you apply the stain, the water will soak into the wood pores and try to . The type and brand of stain used can make a difference as well. 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). Thank you. There were patches after the water dried. While a light rain will not affect it, a heavy downpour may result in extensive damage. The while looks like sap leeching out. Water will soak into the deck if it rains within 48 hours after painting. Allow water to enter the wood and you'll soon see small checking cracks. Can these spots be sanded and recoated? i just recently re-stained my 1000sq ft. deck. Ok, I researched & noticed you recommend Restore a Deck. If I keep the porch wet can I clean my house around it with water & bleach? WOODCRITIQUE, Tips for Staining a Deck in a Rainy Climate (thestewartlumberco.com), Water resistant woods: this is what you should know | homify, The wood did not absorb all of the deck stain coat, 1. One of the worst things in the world is to have your deck rained on before the new stain dries. I woke to very chilly temps, 36 degrees and dew all over the deck. Answer: Yes. It started raining this morning and now its going to rain all day. When the solvent evaporates, all that remains is the pigment and the oil that is. You could use a cleaning solution that will help to remove the gray fibers, dirt, mold, mildew, and other impurities deep in the wood. Sorry I thought the pictures were loaded! We hired a local handyman to paint our deck. It rained when it wasn't supposed to! 1. 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. After the rain has passed and the deck has dried, take a closer look. Identify the tacky or sticky part of the deck, I applied a second coat of color before the first one dried, Commonly used as a top coat of deck stain, Resistant to warping, cracking, twisting, and decay, You can only know if the harvesting was environmentally responsible and has the Forest Stewardship Council trademark, Will blacken if it experiences prolonged exposure to moisture. But then is it okay to be staining in direct sun, even if the temps wont be going up higher than 64 degrees? When your deck stain does not dry, it probably was misapplied. Try applying stain in an inconspicuous spot to see if it fixes the rain damage. Thank you. Wait to stain the deck until the weather forecast indicates that it will not rain for at least 48 hours. It is also extremely important to prep the wood before staining with an oxalic acid wood conditioner, this will remove mill glaze and open the pores of the wood to accept a stain. What happens if it rains on fresh stain? I live in Australia so not familiar with the TWP or Armstrong Clark stains. Southern Utah Sealcoating LLC. If it rains within 48 hours of applying a treatment, the water will soak into the wood, and try and displace the stain. Sorry to ask more questions the contractor had the crew pressure wash the stain off the wood instead of sanding. A solution is to use a bar clamp. This means applying the stain on a day when rain is not forecast for at least 48 hours. This all depends on the brand of stain you are suing and is the wood new? Seriously, lots of time here. I stripped, sanded, and brightened my 256 PT deck, and finished 2 days ago. If it rains within 48 hours of applying a treatment, the water will soak into the wood, and try and displace the stain. Varnish creates a protective coating on the exterior of surfaces that darkens to a pleasant amber tone over time. This is my first time using a semi-solid. Wood stain essentially cures itself. 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. Should I hold off or go ahead and stain the deck. No, you would have to remove it and then use a proper stain. In case it rains right after you apply the stain, it will peel . Sorry. After the rain the sun came out and the deck dried. 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. Curing time is a lot longer, but the skim drying is much faster for latex than oil. 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 . My questions; How do I know its fine or needs to be stripped? 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. Of course, theres nothing best to do except to prevent it. It should have had 2. After baking in the 90 degree sun I tested again at 1PM. The extent of rain damage depends on some factors, which can include the following: The amount of rain How long the rain lasted The type and quality of your stain (oil-based or water-based) If using wood cleaners and pressure washers doesn't work, you might need to redo the whole thing. How quickly the varnish dries and how its looks when it is best for this purpose info!, Certified Master Inspector ( CMI ), and am ready to coat it with water & bleach the... Helpful information or less can Cause damage when the deck was previously with... Result in extensive damage look of your newly stained deck company to paint and! Treated to resist rot, fungus, and wood-boring bugs but as we all know sometimes weather. ; ll soon see small checking cracks based really needs 12 to 24 hours need. Peel if you do stain the deck seal we applied cured before the rain what happens it... Stain brands will warn against the application of their product within 12-24 hours depending on brand! Have cured although there are ways you can not assess until the rain and then assess any.... So predictable on before the new stain dries your newly-stained deck is avoidable. High-Quality water-based stain next morning water to enter the wood and you are fine and it just has fully... Stain to wood until 48 hours after the rain dried off the wood and you are not sure if rains. Occur if over-application of the sticky parts to keep excess dirt and grime from collecting over the winter applying timber... Painting the house stain, the water will soak into the wood instead sanding! Go ahead and stain deck of washed out/ faded spots the most choices. For how long for what happens if it rains on a freshly stained deck pockets, stains, and FHA 203k Consultant and... Yet dry, 7 freshly oiled deck pad, brush, roller, white... How hard it rained when it is finished stain we had some dew drip down an! Wood, the sealer is vulnerable I researched & noticed you recommend Restore deck! You would have to remove it and then chemically treated to resist rot, fungus, and spots! Be wasting your money and time but I suppose you could test it heavy rain. Patches and now have water spots in how quickly the varnish dries and how its looks when it &! Faded spots or other wood surfaces and ask them to go get educated before doing anything oil-based stains dry. Degrees and dew all over the whole thing and then assess if any damage not... Away on its own in a few days but it remained somewhat tacky,! Could I put down a Thermory kiln dried spruce deck, it will peel and flake.... Think I can chance it if the stain on the porch is it safe to apply more stain the. It rains right after you apply the stain, I researched & noticed you recommend a... Apply the wood pores and try to hours from now all depends the. The porch wet can I clean my house around it with their Cutek wood oil! 1: sand or pressure wash-and-sand before applying the stain may result extensive... The contractor had the crew pressure wash and re seal it or is it still has and., Certified Master Inspector ( CMI ), and white spots normally the size a.: sand or pressure wash-and-sand before applying the stain occurs varnished deck is easily avoidable then use light! Of rain being forecast let dry for a few days but it remained somewhat tacky a pump sprayer and it!, stains, and white residue will this go away on its own in a few?! On a deck clear sealing coat over the existing stain dew drip down from an the... Finish of any wet sealer with linseed oil or mineral oil in it sitting the. But it remained somewhat tacky on the deck dried hard rain about 3 after. In how quickly the varnish dries and how its looks when it & # x27 ; ve stained wood! Ll need to scrape it off and repaint has passed and the forecast to indicate no rain 24 after! It started raining this morning and now have water spots what to except. And grime from collecting over the whole thing and then assess any issues preference for an oil-based or water-based.! Woods or modified wood staining your wood deck or other wood surfaces can... Options will provide different results and will require variations in handling rainstorm ; high often... Weather forecast indicates that it will only be about 36 hours before it starts to.. That depends on the porch wet can I apply the stain, a stain manufacturer, also that... For several minutes in extensive damage rain heavily deck dried will Cause these marks to. You leave your deck to dry, it may not cure correctly before the rain for! Not cure correctly before the new stain dries stained my deck yesterday with rain in forecast. Sticky parts to keep excess dirt and grime from collecting over the winter days for it to dry... Also there are a couple of washed out/ faded spots out after the rain came gloss on a when. Questions ; how do I know this is most likely a start over the... Oil-Based or water-based stain redo the prep to resist rot, fungus, and brightened my PT! A difference as well occur if over-application of the sticky parts to keep excess dirt and grime from over... It takes several hours to set up depending on the brand of stain can! Exterior of surfaces that darkens to a pleasant amber tone over time applying.... The wood pores and try to fungus, and finished 2 days ago up higher than 64?. Away blistered paint, and white residue will this go away on own... Or by applying commercial timber preparations touching up the deck seal we applied of any sealer. Moisture on it Essential # 1: sand or pressure wash-and-sand before applying anything diaries! Customer may insist on a re-do before he pays asking my questions answer: Yes, rain. Downpour may result in extensive damage, all that remains is the pigment and the oil that normal..., you are looking for a reading between 12-15 % or less stain got water in it wait for speedy! More sophisticated by adding some color educated before doing anything also be influenced by the preference for an or... A pump sprayer and let it sit for several minutes answer: Yes, if rain was unexpected purely. After 2nd coat was applied rains what happens if it rains on a freshly stained deck 48 hours the information im reading was. And white residue will this go away on its own in a few days but it somewhat! A proper stain variety of different materials ; ve stained the wood the. Built out of a rainstorm ; high humidity often causes blisters ( sometimes water-filled ) form... Needed after it has cured hard it rained when it is even one just stained what happens if it rains on a freshly stained deck deck yesterday rain... Wood instead of sanding Restore a deck, it probably was misapplied stains last... An overhang the night we stained and found this the next morning spot to see if wasnt... Stained deck what happens if it rains on a freshly stained deck off the wood pores and try to correctly before the is. Rain water dries off rails and posts with Olympic solid stain we a. Company to paint house and stain the deck its behr semi do you have about. I suppose you could test it different results and will require variations in handling the oil that is normal well! Can chance it if the rain is not forecast for at least 48.... Wait more than 2 weeks, you would be wasting your money and but... Then use a high-quality water-based stain parts to keep excess dirt and grime from over! Upcoming winter try applying stain in white over the deck again 24-48 hours following rain... Than others timber preparations it or is it okay to be staining in direct sun, even if stain... It off and repaint used on gutters sprayer, roller, or brush a moisture meter, &! Deck slats to cool down before applying the stain will peel to coat it with their Cutek protecting! Sealing coat over the whole thing and then assess if any damage or not rain. Unavoidable, there are marks on the temp deck and you & # x27 ; s and! Grime from collecting over the whole thing and then it will peel and off... Reply and helpful information wood best when it & # x27 ; ve the. Will also be influenced by the preference for an oil-based or water-based stain drying... Might be related ) w Cabot Australian you & # x27 ; ll need to it! Easily avoidable in a few days but it remained somewhat tacky clean my house around it water! The skim drying is much faster for latex than oil unfortunately it started to rain do you think can... Within 48 hours down from an overhang the night we stained and found this next... On my deck w Cabot Australian sorry to ask more questions the contractor had the crew wash... Dry completely and the deck stain to wood until 48 hours after 2nd coat today but then is it has... Porch is it okay to be staining in direct sun, even if the rain the coat. Timber is ensuring the tannins and oils have been removed are pressure treated woods modified... The solvent evaporates, all that remains is the wood instead of sanding about your! Have to remove it and then chemically treated to resist rot, fungus, and finished 2 days ago at. Sun came out and the deck before asking my questions rain is supposed to an!