Why can't you paint pressure treated wood right away?

Pressure treated wood needs time to dry out before it's primed or painted. You can expect 3-4 months before the moisture levels fully go down. If moisture beads up on the surface, it's still too damp. You'll know the treated wood is ready to paint when it absorbs water instead of repelling it.

Can pressure treated lumber be painted right away?

Yes, the short answer is absolutely you can paint pressure treated wood easily using high quality exterior primer and latex paint, but you should wait until it dries first, wash and scrub off all the excess treatment chemicals that seep out, then after it dries once more it's ready for primer and paint!

Can you paint directly on pressure treated wood?

Pressure-treated wood can be painted using a brush, roller, or sprayer. Before painting, the wood must be dry both on the surface and internally. A high-quality, water-based exterior latex paint, along with a corresponding primer, is the best paint to use on pressure-treated wood.

Can you stain or paint pressure treated wood right away?

Don't Stain Fresh Pressure-Treated Wood Straight Away

As most pressure-treated lumber acquired from home improvement stores is still quite wet from its recent treatment, homeowners are forced to wait for the wood to dry. This wait can be anywhere from a few weeks or a few months, depending on climate conditions.

Does pressure treated wood need to be primed before painted?

Once the wood absorbs water on the surface, it's ready for paint. It's important to use the correct type of paint and primer on pressure-treated wood. Our experts recommend priming with a latex primer and a compatible exterior latex paint, also known as water-based paint. We recommend you avoid oil-based paint.

Paint Treated Wood--Tips and Tricks

What paint will stick to pressure treated wood?

The exterior latex paint (also known as water-based paint) is the only paint that is perfect for pressure-treated wood. Due to the challenges of painting treated wood, it is recommended to purchase the highest quality exterior latex paints.

How long does it take pressure treated wood to dry?

If you buy ordinary pressure-treated lumber from a home center, however, you'll have to wait anywhere from two to three days for the wood to dry sufficiently before you can apply a water-based semitransparent protective stain.

What happens if you don't wait to paint pressure-treated wood?

Your Board Will Warp

If you paint treated lumber before it's dry, you cause the non-painted side to dry faster. And when one side dries faster than the other, you get warping. You're better off waiting until the wood is dry; otherwise, you'll end up with warped wood, peeling paint, and a big project.

What happens if you don't wait to stain pressure-treated wood?

Without stain, any type of paint or sealant, rainwater, dew or snow can easily penetrate the decking. The wood will then swell until it dries when it will shrink again. This pattern of swelling and shrinking can cause damage to the wood such as splits, checks, splinters, cracks, and other blemishes.

What happens when you paint pressure-treated wood?

The chemical preservatives used to produce pressure-treated wood minimize the wood's natural vulnerability to insects and rot, but they also leave the wood rather wet, a state that could lead to your coat of paint eventually peeling.

How do you know if wood is dry enough to paint?

Wood is dry enough for painting if it can absorb water. Simply sprinkle some water on the surface of the wood. If the water is being absorbed right away then the wood is ready to be painted. But if the water beads up then the wood is too wet to be painted.

How can I dry treated wood faster?

Can I stain my pressure treated deck right away?

Kiln dried pressure-treated lumber: Dry treated wood is ideal because you can confidently stain it right away with either oil- or water-based exterior stains. To recognize it, look for a tag or stamp that says KDAT (kiln-dried after treatment) or ADAT (air-dried after treatment).

How long will pressure treated wood last if not sealed?

How Long Does Pressure-Treated Wood Last? It depends on the climate, the type of wood, its uses, and how well it's maintained. While pressure treated poles can stay up to 40 years without any signs of rot or decay, decks and flooring might only last around 10 years.

How long does unstained pressure treated wood last?

In general, pressure-treated wood can last anywhere from nine to 40 years, depending on a few factors. Keep reading to learn more about pressure-treated lumber, its lifespan, and how to extend it as long as possible.

How long do chemicals stay in pressure treated wood?

Containing a greater amount of chemical treatment, these wood products can last much longer than aboveground lumber, and up to 40 years, in some cases.

How long does it take for pressure treated wood to shrink?

Over time, most treated lumber will shrink slightly across its width as it dries out. Take this small amount of shrinkage into account when laying decking or fence boards. After being outdoors for six to 12 months, treated lumber will develop cracks, called "checks," along the surface of each board.

Should I wait for pressure treated wood to dry?

The first tip for working with pressure-treated lumber is to let it dry before using it. Other woods such as redwood and cedar are dry when you buy them. But lumber that has been treated has been injected with massive amounts of chemicals and water.

Can you leave pressure treated wood outside in the rain?

While the chemicals in pressure treated lumber prevent rot and ward off insects, they don't prevent moisture from seeping into the wood. On a deck that's going to be directly exposed to rain, water can seep into the boards and cause them to swell.

How long should you wait to water seal pressure treated wood?

On new pressure treated lumber, please allow 30 days before applying Thompson's WaterSeal Wood Sealers. Always perform the splash test before sealing wood. If water absorbs within 5 seconds after you've sprinkled it on the surface, the wood is porous and considered ready to be sealed.

Does pressure treated wood need to be sealed or painted?

Although treated wood is protected against decay and termite attack, the application of a water-repellent sealer to all exposed wood surfaces is recommended upon completion of construction. This sealer will help control surface checking (splitting or cracking) and provide an attractive appearance.

Can you stain deck after 24 hours?

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.

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 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.

Does staining pressure treated wood make it last longer?

Staining pressure-treated lumber prevents cracks and splits caused by seasonal changes, prolongs its life, and preserves its natural beauty. Enhance the appearance of your deck, fence, picnic table, or other exterior wood structure by adding fade-resistant color for a finished look you'll enjoy for years.