What temperature is too cold to stain a deck?

Avoid the Cold

If you're staining your deck in the spring or fall, wait for a day with highs above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, make sure freezing temperatures aren't in the forecast for that night. If it drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit before the stain has thoroughly dried, it can hinder the curing process.

Can you stain in 40 degree weather?

“Staining wood usually works between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit,” says Phillip Ash, the founder of Pro Paint Corner, “but the best temperature would be at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.” Some brands or types of stains may work outside that range, but it's the generally accepted best temperature for staining wood.

Can you stain a deck in 45 degree weather?

To be safe apply deck stain in temperature ranges of 45-95 degrees so you'll get a beautiful long-lasting finish.

What happens if you stain in cold weather?

If it's too wet or cold, the drying time for stains can easily double. In extreme cases, the product will just stay wet until the humidity decreases or the temperatures rises. Oppositely, if it's too warm, the stain will dry very quickly and could lead to lap marks or uneven penetration.

Can you stain a deck in the winter?

Most deck stains should not be applied in temperatures below 50 or above 90. Winter may fall below 50 in your area and for most regions in the country, summertime can see temperatures above 90. Deck stain should never be applied during the heat of the day or in direct sunlight. Spring is an option if you have time.

Ideal Conditions to Stain Your Deck

Is November too late to stain a deck?

Fall is the perfect time to take on the task of staining your deck. Not only will you not roast in the sweltering summer temperatures, but the cooler fall weather is ideal for staining. Most deck stains recommend that they be used when outdoor temperatures are above 50 and below 90.

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.

Whats the lowest temperature you can stain wood at?

Most stains can be applied from about 50° F to 90° F — but many people don't realize this range refers to the temperature of the wood surface, not the air. A day that's 70°F and sunny can push deck surface temperatures above 90°F leading to application challenges and shortened open times.

How do you stain wood in the winter?

If you can't avoid staining wood in cold weather, “Apply the stain in a heated garage and give the wood a bit of time to warm up,” Ash recommends. Keep wood stain away from any flames. An unheated attached garage might still be warmer than the outdoors. Keep an eye on the weather, too.

What happens if wood stain freezes?

Most stains will be fine because freezing doesn't affect color. Some of the dyes will coagulate. The best advice... don't let water finishes freeze. Once frozen, most water based finishes such as General Finishes High Performance Water Base Topcoat are no longer useable.

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 does deck stain take to dry before rain?

Ok, your deck is cleaned, brightened, and ready to be stained. 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.

Is it too late to stain my deck?

The effects that can occur due to a lack of treatment are aesthetic in nature. After 6 months, the wood will start to lose its color and will begin to fade. Ultimately it will fade to grey or silver.

What happens if I stain my deck and it rains?

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.

Can you oil a deck in winter?

A winter coat (or recoat)

CUTEK® oils penetrate deep into the wood core upon application, protecting it from the damaging effects of water and significantly increasing the life of your deck. You can allow the wood to age gracefully into a beautiful silver patina on exposure to sunlight.

Can you paint a deck in cold weather?

If applied in cold weather, it tends to crack and chalk, allowing moisture in that does damage to the wood underneath. New paint technology is now making it possible to paint in cold weather that reaches nearly freezing conditions. This new type of acrylic-based paint allows for paint application down to 35 degrees.

Can you stain a deck 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.

Can you seal a deck in cold weather?

Don't seal a deck below 50 degrees.

You don't want to begin the sealing process until you can safely guarantee the temperature will remain above 50 degrees for at least 48 hours.

How long does Behr deck stain need to dry?

1-2 hours before recoat. Wait 24-48 hours before light foot traffic. 72 hours for full cure. Additional dry time may be needed in cooler temperatures and higher humidity.

How long does it take stain to dry on wood?

You should also consider the type of wood you are staining, amount of stain you're applying, and weather conditions, like humidity, temperature, and air circulation. 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.

Does wood stain dry faster in heat or cold?

In any case, putting your stained piece in a warm environment will allow the stain to cure faster than in a humid environment. The warmth causes the solvents in wood stains to evaporate quickly, leaving the wood surface dry in fewer hours compared to colder weather.

What is the best time of day to stain 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.

How many coats of stain should you put on a deck?

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.

How do I know if my deck is dry enough to stain?

Another way of checking if your wood is ready for stain is to pour a little water on the wood. If the water beads up, the lumber still too wet to be stained or painted. If the water is absorbed into the wood easily, it's ready to be sealed or stained.

What is the best month to stain a deck?

Because stain requires a dry deck for a secure application, a week of dry fall weather is ideal for staining your deck than in summer or spring humidity. More specifically, the moderate temperatures of early fall are optimal for staining, as the later fall weeks may bring colder days that are too chilly for your stain.