Is it better to stain a deck in the morning or evening?

Don't apply your deck stain in the direct sun; choose morning or evening hours, or a time of day when your deck has shade. Morning application can be a safer choice to help avoid any contact with dew that sets in overnight. Don't apply more stain than the wood can absorb.

What time of day is best for staining a deck?

Applying a deck stain in direct sun will cause the stain to dry to quickly and can result in premature stain failure. In the summer, stain your deck in the morning or evening so the deck surface isn't too hot. Remember, the surface temperature of the deck can be much hotter than the air temperature.

When should you not stain a deck?

You want to apply the stain when the wood surface and air are in the temperature range of 50° – 90°F. You also want to avoid the direct application of sunlight. Lastly, do not apply a stain if there is a forecast of rain in the following one to two days, or all your hard work could end up being washed away.

Is it OK to stain a deck in direct sunlight?

Whether it's warm or cool outside, never apply stain to a deck in direct sunlight. This could cause the stain to flash dry, which prevents it from penetrating the wood properly and shortens its longevity. Flash drying also causes an uneven, blotchy appearance that will make you want to redo the job.

What are the best conditions to stain a deck?

Apply stain to dry wood when it hasn't rained for several days and the forecast calls for at least two days of dry weather between 50° F and 90° F. Low to average humidity promotes faster drying. Staining in direct sunlight can also be a problem. The stain will dry too fast before the wood is able to absorb it.

Understanding the best time to stain a deck

What if it rains after I stain my deck?

If it rains within 48 hours of applying a treatment, the water will soak into the wood, and try and displace the stain. This can cause a blotchy, flaky look, rather than a smooth, even, coat. If it rains immediately after you've stained the wood, the stain will peel and flake off.

Is 3 coats of deck stain too much?

We always recommend two coats of stain for any wood project, but you should only apply as much stain as the wood can absorb. Extremely dense hardwoods may only be able to absorb one coat of wood stain. The general rule of thumb is to apply only as much as the wood can absorb.

What if it rains 3 hours after I stain my deck?

If it rains within 48 hours of applying a treatment, the water will soak into the wood, and try and displace the stain. This can cause a blotchy, flaky look, rather than a smooth, even, coat. If it rains immediately after you've stained the wood, the stain will peel and flake off.

How long does deck stain take to dry?

Depending on temperature and humidity, allow 24-48 hours of dry time before using your beautifully restored deck or porch.

How long should you let your deck stain without rain?

First, ensure the deck is completely dry. Remember, no rain 24 hours before you apply stain and no rain 24 hours after the staining project. Assuming the deck is dry and thirsty for stain, it's time to make your deck amazing. When applying stain, a pad, brush, roller, or rag can be used to apply the stain.

Is it better to brush or roll stain on a deck?

The first and most obvious reason to roll on deck stain as opposed to brushing it on is that the former allows you to cover a much larger surface area in less time. Rollers are wider, more efficient, and easier to operate. Additionally, using a roller helps you achieve a smoother finish.

Is it OK to stain a deck early in the morning?

Don't apply your deck stain in the direct sun; choose morning or evening hours, or a time of day when your deck has shade. Morning application can be a safer choice to help avoid any contact with dew that sets in overnight. Don't apply more stain than the wood can absorb.

Which deck stain lasts longest?

In general, an oil-based deck stain will last the longest, but it also depends on the type of wood, the weather conditions, and how long the deck has gone unprotected before staining.

Can you wash and stain a deck in the same day?

You should wait at least two days after pressure washing your deck before you consider staining it, to give time for it to dry.

Is 24 hours enough time for deck stain to dry?

It's safe for a water-based deck stain to be exposed to rain as long as it has fully dried, which can take one to 24 hours. However, it must cure for up to 72 hours before you can walk on it or place any furniture on it.

What size nap should I use to stain a deck?

Naps come in different lengths. A 3/16- to 1/4-inch roller cover will give smooth results on smooth surfaces. A 3/8- to 1/2-inch roller cover is best for lightly textured surfaces. When applying stain with a roller on rough surfaces, like weathered exterior wood, use 3/4-inch or thicker roller covers.

How long should you not walk on a deck after staining?

In most cases a full body stain or acrylic deck finish will be dry to touch within an hour in dry, hot weather. After two hours you could take a chance and walk on it with shoes, though I'd recommend barefoot. After about 4 hours you should be able to safely walk on your deck.

What is the fastest way to stain a deck?

Use a sprayer on the railings to make the job much faster. You can also use a sprayer on the deck surface if you prefer to go that route. I'd plan on two days to apply two coats, allowing the stain to dry overnight between coats.

How can I make my deck stain dry faster?

To make the stain dry faster, you can try to warm up the air and reduce the humidity. You can do this with a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air and a space heater to warm up the temperature of the space.

Can deck stain dry overnight?

With the temperature above 60 degrees, an oil-based deck stain typically dries in 4-24 hours. Most can take rain within 12 hours though as water will not “wash” out the oil stain from the wood. Wait 24-72 hours for full cure before walking on the deck and replacing furniture.

Can I stain my deck over 2 days?

The larger your deck is, the longer your deck staining project will take. A safe estimate for a moderately-sized deck is 1-2 days. If you have an existing deck that is in need of a good power washing, it is safe to add at least an extra day on to your total project time.

Does stain get darker with more coats?

Yes, each layer will darken your project even more. You can also start with a lighter color Gel Stain and layer on darker colors.

Can I stain over old stain?

Can I stain on top of old stain? Yes! In fact, applying stain over stain is a fairly simple process. It works especially well if you're applying a dark stain over a lighter stain.

How long should stain sit before second coat?

On average, wood stain takes about 24 to 72 hours to fully dry and cure, though you can typically add a second coat after about four hours.

How many hours does it take to stain a deck?

While having dry conditions is the best way to ensure you project finishes quickly there are stains that can be applied to a wet surface and dry in 8-12 hours.