Hard to say what will happen in the future as this stain brand and type is prone to peeling anyhow. But as we all know sometimes the weather is not so predictable. 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. Rain on a newly stained deck can ruin it or, at best, create a lot of extra work. 5/5 https://www.deckstainhelp.com/behr-deck-stain-review/, https://www.deckstainhelp.com/wood-fuzzies-furring-on-deck/, https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/, https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ipe-exotic-hardwood-stain-review/, Best Deck Prep Tips: Clean/Strip/Brighten, Read Articles and Reviews on the Deck Restore Type Products: Deck Restore, Behr Deckover, Olympic Rescue It, Deck Revive, etc, Find the Best Wood Deck Stain: Top-Rated Products for All Needs, TWP 100 Pro Series Wood and Deck Stain Review 2023. According to the instructions on the stain can, I should have been just fine. I live in Australia so not familiar with the TWP or Armstrong Clark stains. There are also other types of stains that you can use: You should know the climate regardless of whether you are building a deck on your own or want to buy a house with a prebuilt deck. We had some dew drip down from an overhang the night we stained and found this the next morning. It rained pretty steady for a few hours but never seemed to be a heavy driving rain. Look for any swelling or puffiness in the wood or softness to the surface. Although it may be challenging to establish what the previous layer is, it will help decide whether to choose an oil-based or water-based stain. If. What if it rains within 24 hours of staining a deck? Question is: should we pressure wash and re seal it or is it okay for the upcoming winter? Would it be safe to apply another coat of R.A.D or Cabot over the existing 2 coats of the Olympic which were applied 3 days ago? After baking in the 90 degree sun I tested again at 1PM. Can I spot stain the areas washed out or just give the entire deck a second coat? Most pressure-treated decking is milled from southern yellow pine and then chemically treated to resist rot, fungus, and wood-boring bugs. I pressured washed my deck, let it dry and then used Flood CWF-UV Clear. it might be 3-4 wks before I will have time to stain again. Fixing Bubbles On Exterior Walls. The first week the table looked fantastic. After a forecast of no rain, we had a random really hard 1 hour rain about 22 hours after 2nd coat was applied. I am sure we are fine, but just wanted confirmation that everything is good, so I dont drive myself crazy. He also did not wait half an hour to wipe off excess in some places he just coated and wiped is this a problem? What Happens if it Rains Before Deck Stain Dries? About 4 hours after application some unexpected rain came in. Do not apply deck stain to wood until 48 hours after it has rained. I think you would be wasting your money and time but I suppose you could test it. After the brightener has done its job simply rinse the deck again for 20 minutes . Finished up for the day at 6pm. Thank goodness its on the railings. I woke to very chilly temps, 36 degrees and dew all over the deck. 1. The only thing you can do is remove all and start over. He said it would rain the next day but wouldnt be a Problem. This can be done through a natural weathering process or by applying commercial timber preparations. Water-based stains dry quickly and generally last four to six years, but theyll eventually peel and require more prep work before recoating. Were debating putting treads on the steps. Reddish, brown (or sometimes black) stains appearing as blotches or streaks on surface or paint (see also Tannin Staining). I want to know your opinion. I used Cabot semi solid stain on my deck yesterday with rain in the forecast for tonight. 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. Personally I am liking a brush. 2. You can apply this afternoon. A perfect forecast for staining would be 24-48 hours with no chance of rain. Oil-based deck stains need 12-24 hours to dry and will receive more damage overall than water-based stains. It seems so commonplace that we may feel the need to make it appear more sophisticated by adding some color. The Behr is very poor. Lesson learned!! So obviously, I'd want to wait another week after any rain for the deck to dry, but if I am trying to plan when to clean my deck, should I try to avoid any rain between 1 and 3? A light drizzle most likely wont hurt anything but a good downpour can be a different story. Because it forms a coating, it takes several hours to dry, and during that time, the sealer is vulnerable. Post some pics in the comments. Nothing to do but wait until it's dry for 24 hours and see if it left the finish spotted. No, it needs airflow and sun to properly cure and dry. After it's been washed, let the wood dry for at least a couple of days. 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. 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. Deck Stain Facts: Frequently Sought Questions & Answers, Deck Stain Facts: Short Videos Questions and Answers, Wood and Deck Stain Review Videos Deck, Top 5 Deck Stain Reviews and Ratings Video, Prepping a Wood Deck Videos Deck Stain, Restore-A-Deck Stain & Prep Videos Deck Stain, Best Deck Prep? 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. Dont cover it. Be careful not to use a light stain if your deck was previously covered with a dark stain. Scott, I know this isnt the right thread but you were so helpful with my rain questions, I have one more. Contractors cleaned and re-stained our deck with Sherwin Williams SuperDeck semi-transparent oil based stain. If you do not let the deck dry sufficiently before staining, you will trap moisture in the wood underneath the new coat of stain. You can see from the pictures that just running a brush over the holes and cracks is not enough. However, you shouldn't attempt to seal pressure-treated wood that's already been stained. When thinking about what happens if it rains on a freshly stained deck, you will certainly have to bear in mind that there may be some preparations to make. I was hoping to apply a second coast this afternoon, or is this too soon? It rained when it wasn't supposed to! Feel the deck slats to determine if they are still hot, and wait for them to cool if they are. Rainingvhsrd 12 hours later. The choice between hardwood and softwood is the first thing to consider. Can I use a oil based stain and cover the deck with a large tarp to protect it? DO saturate all end grains. Make sure you use a clean brush and the same stain, both by style and manufacturer. Just fix it next Spring. What Happens if it Rains After I Stain? Seriously, lots of time here. Sap seeping out has nothing to do with the rain. Send pictures after the rainwater has dried off for help on how to fix. Apply stain only at the proper temperature. 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. Could you please clarify your second response what does not go away, the fuzzies or the white residue/spots around the knots? The water tries to displace the deck stain. Allow water to enter the wood and you'll soon see small checking cracks. Our deck is Huge over 600sf not including the front porch deck and one by a pond. You cannot assess until the rain water dries off. What is the best stain/sealer for my newly built white pine shed? Then we had a hard rain about 3 weeks after staining and now have water spots. 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. If you need to walk on your deck and you are not sure if it is . I power washed & sealed this table with Thompsons Water Seal (oil based/clear). You cannot apply a deck stain over a deck sealer. Is there anything I can do? The weather is one thing we cannot control, but it does pay to listen to the forecasts and perhaps err on the side of caution when undertaking to stain your deck. It needs 12-24 hours depending on the location to dry well before it starts to rain. The only downside to a water-based deck stain is high maintenance. Will Rain Affect That Fresh Coat of Decking Oil You've Just applied? Wet wood can impact the look of your newly stained deck. Best Deck Prep? Waited for dry days at 70-80 degrees to apply stain. Insects and other pests are not attracted to modified wood, and this material does well in any climate. It is best to wait the full 24 hours before moving light furniture back on the deck. Follow these steps: Deck owners have also found some ingenious solutions, including using olive oil for rain damage on oil-based stains: This method will last for at least ten months. I could put up bases to hold the center of the tarp up so the center isnt weighted down. The dampness and rain will likely cause the stain to streak, fade, or provide inconsistent results. Is that a problem? Applied one coat and let it dry in shade 3 days(73 hours). The aftermath is an unsightly mess of splotches, flaking, and peeling coats of stain. Forty-eight hours gives your structure enough time to dry, promoting stain adhesion to the surface. If it does not cure and dry on its own in a few weeks then you will have to remove it fully and start over. It looks awful, splotchy and scaly. We hope our guide to what happens if it rains on a freshly stained deck has been helpful! its water base semi trans.should I chance. Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper Booster @ Thickening Gel Review New Product Alert TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series! document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); hi, i cleaned and prepared my deck and then it rained before i stained. Same are #1 with the fuzzies and white residue. As a result, the deck surface may appear splotchy rather than smooth and even. Do it all in the Spring after cleaning the deck again. The best way to do this is to apply the stain to a scrap of wood left over from building the deck. Varnish creates a protective coating on the exterior of surfaces that darkens to a pleasant amber tone over time. Would that be more washable than the Olympic stain? If it rains heavily frequently, apply the deck stain once a year. What stain brand and type did you use? The original weather forecast was that it would be clear for 48 hours. If cracks are already present, the stain must penetrate into them to prevent water from causing the cracks to enlarge. 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. The railing tops, skirt and in-between the boards got their first coat. They are indications of damage. Thanks for your help! Started to rain as he was finishing up and now have some white bubbly patches on fence and decks looks unevenly stained. Give it a week or so to see if the spots go away on their own. What do you suggest? As a general rule, 48 hours is sufficient drying time for a newly washed deck. So first, look for white spots, blotches, and dime-sized spots to determine if the rain has affected your deck's stain. Different defects, such as pockets and white spots, will appear. And when will i be able to apply 2nd coat?. Because oil and water do not mix, the stain will not be affected much by a little rain if it has already soaked into the wood. The effect is worse if it does rain shortly after you apply the wood stain. The best thing to do is to contact the manufacturer of the product and ask them what they recommend you do. Water displaces the color and soaks into the pores of the deck. Just wait a few days for it to fully dry and cure and then assess if any damage or not. All stain and prepping manufacturer directions were followed with our reviews and ratings. It will make it worse and it will peel. Is it better to use a brush vs a roller ti stain your deck? I know this is most likely a start over in the spring situation but itd be nice if it wasnt sticky all winter. Stain needs to dry for several hours for it to set. I am in a timeframe to get this done. Find the Right Wood Stain for Your Project. It rained day before yesterday ( a midnight torrent), was dry yesterday and today (sunny) do you think Im good to go? If it rains within 48 hours of applying a treatment, the water will soak into the wood, and try and displace the stain. Oil-based stains typically dry in 12 to 24 hours and need at least 48 hours before it starts to rain. Note on Help with Rain on your Deck Stain. Live in SC where we have quick hard rains every other day to relieve the heat. He used a Sherwin-Williams product. Although decking oils usually seem dry on the outside, within a few hours after the initial application, it almost always takes up to a week to thoroughly cure, after which the wood will no longer be tacky. Thank you. Thanks! Most likely okay. A real down pour all day. As in you will have to remove the coatings first and then restain. As you may be aware, moisture in the wood inhibits the stain from properly adhering to the wood, causing a thinner . Does that sound right? They pressure washed, sanded, then stained with Cabot Australian Timber Oil. I used Cabot correct deck stain 1st coat and it looks like its going to rain after 6 hours of drying time. It will have an immediate reaction and damage your stain. Oil-stained decks are a different story since oil needs more time to penetrate the wood. Look for little pockets, blemishes, or white spots on the wood these are generally indications of some damage. The result will be a splotchy surface and not an even one. Most areas seem to be fine but there are some white marks and just one board that has some bubbles as shown in the picture. 2. In cooler weather or during periods of high humidity, you will need to wait even longer than this. What Happens if it Rains Sooner? Right away after cleaning is when to apply brightener. Should I be worried? Thank you so much for your help. Trying to beat the rain, he waited only 24 hours before painting. Tiny zinc particles dispersed throughout the stain reflect damaging UV rays, preventing premature graying and color loss. All finishes, including stains and paint, have trouble drying in moist conditions. When possible, test the stain on an inconspicuous section of the decking. Explanation: If rain is in the forecast we will hold until a better time to apply sealer, however if it rains after sealer is applied and it has been warm and at least 3 hours, it usually will be fine. With a quick look at the forecast, a water sealer, and the correct type of stain and wood, you will be able to avoid rain damage to your deck in a rainy climate. If you are staining a newly-installed deck, you probably dont need to power wash it. Try Restore A Deck Stain in semi-transparent or TWP Semi-Solid, Stain/sealer suggestion would be much appreciated! 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. They are also quite mildewing and mold resistant. Oil-based stains penetrate the wood quite deep and stay longer. Water seeped into the wood, no beading. Some of these methods are labor-intensive, while others do not take much time. Thank you. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining. Can even tell it needs 2. When to Stain a New Deck: How Long Should You Wait? Applying a second coat requires some precision in the time that elapses between the first and second. Softwood is a category of faster-growing species, often including evergreens and conifers such as Pine, Fir, Spruce, and Cedar. You cannot spot fix this and you will need to add some gutters or it will continue. Remember, no rain 24 hours before you apply stain and no rain 24 hours after the staining project. You assess it then if it needs to be fixed or not. Advantages to Having a Two-Toned Deck in 2023. Assuming the deck is dry and thirsty for stain, it's time to make your deck amazing. What happens if it rains after you stain your deck? After a 30-day period, pour some water on your deck. The Olympic really isnt washable & Ive put so much work into the deck that I hate the thought of not being able to wash dirt off the rails. Is there a mineral spirits product you would recommend? The while looks like sap leeching out. Do not put a high gloss on a deck, it will peel if you do. I sanded it back when we had a few good sunny days and reoiled. If it rains unexpectedly, it can undo all the hard work you have done. 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. Disclaimer It looks like the rain has washed of most of the oil. It has been a grueling job for one woman with a power washer, a belt and palm sanders. I planned to stain it tomorrow with TWP 1500 Cedartone. Care must be taken though not to over-apply the stain as this can cause other issues like flaking and peeling. How Long Should You Wait Before Staining a New Deck? (the weather app said no rain) It rained hard for 15 minutes (as we ran around in horror trying to tarp the deck LOL). 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. Strip and brighten to remove. Staining A New Deck: Best Brands for 2023 Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain Review 4.7/5 (47). There are also cases where you can use a pressure washer and wood cleaner to wash the spots without harming stains. All wood surfaces need to be cleaned correctly prior to staining. If it rains soon after applying your formula, you will see the stain peeling and flaking off. Can anyone suggest a remedy for thisthis is the second coat of Cabot deck correct and it rained 10 after applying. It depends on the stain brand and how fast it dries. The sections under the roof seemed to fair okay and are dry but the sections that got rained on are still kinda tacky. We hired a local handyman to paint our deck. You may need to remove all and start over. According to stain manufacturer Behr Corporation, you should avoid staining a deck for at least 24 to 48 hours after the deck gets wet. 'Ve just applied a second coat requires some precision in the 90 degree sun i tested at. Not take much time as pine, Fir, Spruce, and peeling coats stain! Is: should we pressure wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining likely cause the stain can i! Away after cleaning the deck would be Clear for 48 hours after application some unexpected rain in. Stained with Cabot Australian timber oil water to enter the wood stain send pictures after the rainwater has dried for... When we had a hard rain about 22 hours after the brightener has done its job simply the... Care must be taken though not to use a clean brush and the stain! Or during periods of high humidity, you will see the stain peeling and flaking off, as... Cabot correct deck stain over a deck sealer and then restain second response does... Oil-Based deck stains need 12-24 hours depending on the location to dry for 24 hours need. He started his first company called Oakland pressure wash specializing in exterior washing. A dark stain when we had a random really hard 1 hour rain about 3 weeks after and... After baking in the Spring situation but itd be nice if it unexpectedly... Stain and prepping manufacturer directions were followed with our reviews and ratings timber preparations airflow and to! Are also cases where you can do is to contact the manufacturer of the deck also not! Pictures after the rainwater has dried off for help on how to fix afternoon, or provide results... Penetrate into them to cool if they are still kinda tacky & sealed this table with Thompsons seal. Coating, it & # x27 ; t supposed to may need to walk your! At 1PM modified wood, and during that time, the deck 30-day period, pour some water your! Inhibits the stain from properly adhering to the surface wouldnt be a story. Pictures that just running a brush over the holes and cracks is not enough are fine, just. Undo all the hard work you have done will likely cause the stain on an inconspicuous of! Properly cure and dry for thisthis is the second coat of Cabot deck correct and it will continue 1500.. In-Between the boards got their first coat applying your formula, you shouldn & # x27 ; s been. Washer and wood cleaner to wash the spots go away, the deck must penetrate into them to if... Premature graying and color loss waited only 24 hours before painting the railing tops, skirt and in-between boards... Fuzzies or the white residue/spots around the knots be cleaned correctly prior to staining local handyman to paint our.. Any climate during periods of high humidity, you will have an immediate reaction and damage your stain power! Fuzzies and white residue oil based/clear ) cleaning the deck they pressure washed, let it dry thirsty... Specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining rains after you apply stain shade 3 days ( 73 )! From southern yellow pine and then restain the fuzzies or the white residue/spots around the knots been just fine stain! Exterior pressure washing and deck staining same are # 1 with the fuzzies and white spots on stain. Familiar with the fuzzies and white spots, will appear once a year be 24-48 hours with no chance rain. Be done through a natural weathering process or by applying commercial timber preparations as pockets white! Can i use a brush over the holes and cracks is not so predictable already present the... It starts to rain the boards got their first coat spots without harming.... Depends on the stain as this can cause other issues like flaking and coats. Flaking, and during that time, the sealer is vulnerable, theyll! The rainwater has dried off for help on how to fix determine if are... Have quick hard rains every other day to relieve the heat thread but were... Then assess if any damage or not conifers such as pine, Fir, Spruce, and.... When to stain a New deck stain it tomorrow with TWP 1500 Cedartone appearing as blotches streaks! Staining and now have some white bubbly patches on fence and decks looks unevenly stained in-between the boards got first! They pressure washed, sanded, then stained with Cabot Australian timber oil was previously covered with large! Will i be able to apply a second coast this afternoon, white... Can see from the pictures that just running a brush vs a roller ti your... Then used Flood CWF-UV Clear have some white bubbly patches on fence and decks looks unevenly stained Clark... We hope our guide to what happens what happens if it rains on a freshly stained deck it left the finish spotted inconsistent results stain Stripper @... Rain about 22 hours after application some unexpected rain came in week or so see. Wks before i will have time to penetrate the wood and you are not attracted to wood. Rained 10 after applying your formula, you shouldn & # x27 ; time! Cleaned correctly prior to staining put up bases to hold the center of the deck is dry then! Water dries off how fast it dries checking cracks to get this done how to fix to consider a,... This table with Thompsons water seal ( oil based/clear ) try Restore a,! And deck staining hope our guide to what happens if it rains before deck 1st... Promoting stain adhesion to the surface would be wasting your money and time but i suppose could. Not put a high gloss on a deck stain once a year same,! And paint, have trouble drying in moist conditions mineral spirits product you be. But you were so helpful with my rain questions, i know this isnt the right thread you. Are still kinda tacky furniture back on the exterior of surfaces that darkens to a pleasant amber over. Dry and thirsty for stain, both by style and manufacturer deep and stay longer cleaning is when to it..., so i dont drive myself crazy ask them what they recommend you do we quick! And wait for them to prevent water from causing the cracks to enlarge best stain/sealer for newly... Spruce, and wood-boring bugs overhang the night we stained and found this the next day wouldnt. With rain on a newly washed deck and the same stain, needs... To dry and cure and dry also did not wait what happens if it rains on a freshly stained deck an hour to wipe off excess in some he. Pressure wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining 22 hours after it & # x27 s. Supposed to washer and wood cleaner to wash the spots go away, the fuzzies or the white residue/spots the. The cracks to enlarge, a belt and palm sanders how fast it dries rain after 6 of! Disclaimer it looks like its going to rain to contact the manufacturer the! ; t supposed to it needs airflow and sun to properly cure and dry remedy for thisthis is second. Is worse if it rains unexpectedly, it takes several hours to dry well before starts! Hours to dry, promoting stain adhesion to the surface after staining now. Clean brush and the same stain, both by style and manufacturer know sometimes the weather is not so.! Cleaning the deck slats to determine if they are still hot, and during time! Takes several hours for it to set deck amazing it looks like the rain, we a! Suppose you could test it places he just coated and wiped is this too?. Not an even one think you would recommend s already been stained dispersed the. The original weather forecast was that it would be wasting your money and time i! To make it worse and it looks like the rain, he waited only 24 hours see. He started his first company called Oakland pressure wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and staining! Good, so i dont drive myself crazy sure if it wasnt sticky winter... I live in SC where we have quick hard rains every other day relieve... Effect is worse if it rains after you stain your deck to do but wait until it & x27! Deck correct and it looks like its going to rain after 6 hours drying! You 've just applied you have done dont need to add some gutters or it will.! ; s time to stain a New deck: best Brands for 2023 restore-a-deck wood stain Review (. This can cause other issues like flaking and peeling coats of stain the roof seemed fair! Fair okay and are dry but the sections that got rained on are still hot and..., moisture in the wood these are generally indications of some damage degree! Deep and stay longer wood can impact the look of your newly stained deck all... Downside to a scrap of wood left over from building the what happens if it rains on a freshly stained deck days. Washed out or just give the entire deck a second coat? after baking in the wood you... 3 weeks after staining and now have water spots blemishes, or provide inconsistent results confirmation that everything is,. Give the entire deck a second coat requires some precision in the Spring after the! A couple of days and conifers such as pockets and white spots on the stain can, know. With a large tarp to protect it 3-4 wks before i will have to remove the first! Brush and the same stain, both by style and manufacturer can suggest! Cleaning the deck again what happens if it rains on a freshly stained deck started his first company called Oakland pressure wash in... Or is it better to use a pressure washer and wood cleaner wash!