We live in western Washington state and applied Australian Timber Oil to our deck that has not been maintained since being built about 14 years ago. Thank you . But as we all know sometimes the weather is not so predictable. (No rain in the forecast now). This post was updated on November 5, 2022. It may be possible to fix some of these blemishes with a second coat. In places where it rains frequently, a water sealer is an absolute must as it will provide a double-layer of protection both for your stain and your deck wood. A sealer can be applied within 4 hours of a stain and offers four years of protection. It was several days so I dont know what could have caused it What caused this and how do I fix it? It just couldnt happen not even in the week. Hardwood has a natural hard grain and is moisture-resistant. Oil-based stains typically dry in 12 to 24 hours and need at least 48 hours before it starts to rain. Can these spots be sanded and recoated? What happens if it rains on fresh stain? 1. More is not better. Hello! Thank you so much for your help. Wow! After being caught out with rain shortly after the decking has left a cloudy / milky look in certain areas. In average conditions, your paint or stain will be dry to the touch within 1-2 hours, but you should not walk on it for probably 4-6 hours. Some of these methods are labor-intensive, while others do not take much time. You may need to remove all and start over. In case it rains right after you apply the stain, it will peel . Never apply a deck stain to unprepped wood. He has become an authority in the deck restoration industry and has contributed to numerous wood restoration forums and informative sites. Thanks so much I never thought this would be a problem till someone said you cant get bleach on stain decks. Modified wood takes a softwood species and uses a non-toxic liquid that changes the wood cell structure to make it very dense. If they do not, then you will have to remove all and start over. Apply with a pump sprayer and let it sit for several minutes. This all depends on the brand of stain you are suing and is the wood new? Share. There was actually a grill there with wheels that they moved, so that would make perfect sense. 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. Tropical hardwood decking is so dense that it doesnt accept stain very well, but a penetrating option specifically formulated for use on hardwood decking could be considered. Advantages to Having a Two-Toned Deck in 2023. If. Does that sound right? Laurie Jones. After the brightener has done its job simply rinse the deck again for 20 minutes . Rain on a newly stained deck can ruin it. If you are staining a newly-installed deck, you probably dont need to power wash it. It might be difficult to wait to stain the deck, but it will prevent hours of extra work. You would be able to visibly see if you had an issue. Water displaces the color and soaks into the pores of the deck. Answer: Rarely do we see any issues but there is always the possibility f the weather was cold or if the stain was over-applied. The choice between hardwood and softwood is the first thing to consider. The use of a quality wood cleaner and pressure washer or scrub brush is necessary to remove all the contaminants like dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and graying. What do you suggest? Is that a problem? 2. It rained pretty steady for a few hours but never seemed to be a heavy driving rain. Southern Utah Sealcoating LLC. 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. On the other hand if the stain is still wet and sitting atop the surface, rain can cause separation circles or may completely wash the stain away. If your newly stained deck gets wet before it dries, you should follow this procedure: If all else fails, you might have to strip the stain off the deck and restain the deck. Wait for the deck slats to cool down before applying the stain. It seems so commonplace that we may feel the need to make it appear more sophisticated by adding some color. i let dry for a few days but it remained somewhat tacky. What happens if it rains on a freshly oiled deck? What should we do now? Hey Scott thnx! hey! If the surface dried enough to touch and the rain was gentle, you may not have too much of a problem, but a good downpour can spoil your handiwork. Apply a finish remover, such as ABR Fast Finish Remover. Some preparations for deck staining also require you to clean the area, so naturally, you will have a wet deck after washing as the best cleaning occurs with the use of a power-wash. Some stains can handle rain shortly after being applied better than others. Some parts are still sticky and shiny. It has been a grueling job for one woman with a power washer, a belt and palm sanders. But then is it okay to be staining in direct sun, even if the temps wont be going up higher than 64 degrees? Seems to be drying fast. Will it adhere or will it just sit on top and flake. Common hardwood species are Teak, Ipe, Cherry, Camaru, Tigerwood, Oak, and Massaranduba. If it happens to rain within 48 hours following the stain's application, the rainwater will soak into the pores of the wood and try to displace all the stain. Oil stains are easier to apply, penetrate the wood grain, and require less work when you reapply them. Thank you. If it rains right after you apply the stain, the stain will peel and flake off. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Trying to beat the rain, he waited only 24 hours before painting. A good rule of thumb is to lightly touch the portion that has been stained. Much will depend on the outside temperature, the stain being used, and decking material. It needs 12-24 hours depending on the location to dry well before it starts to rain. 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. Thank you. Stains and oils penetrate wood best when it's cool and dry. But this also assumes optimal drying conditions, such as a sun-facing deck. I didnt see your recommendations till after I purchased & applied 4 gallons of the Cabot and it had rained on the newly stained deck brining me to your site. Answer: 90% of the time there would be no issues. Some woods like Cedar, Cypress, and Redwood have a natural resistance to rotting and therefore are better suited to a water-based stain. Manufacturers state to avoid staining a deck for at least 24 to 48 hours after being wet from rain. Some of the most popular choices for decking boards are pressure treated woods or modified wood. You will have to remove all and start over with a better brand of stain for your hardwood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ipe-exotic-hardwood-stain-review/. Spray a small section of deck railing and balusters with deck cleaner, using the garden sprayer. Generally, hardwoods outperform softwood decks when it comes to weather-resistance and overall longevity. This proved to be very time-consuming because I wanted to make sure all the nail holes and cracks were filled. Wait for the deck to dry completely and the forecast to indicate no rain before refinishing or touching up the stain on the deck. We would switch brands first to avoid issues down the road: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/behr-deck-stain-review/. See pictures attached. If this happens, it ruins the appearance of the deck and damages the stain. Is it safe to apply more stain if needed after it thoroughly dries? Wood stain essentially cures itself. It was overnight so I couldnt tell how hard it rained but there was water pooled on the deck the next morning. The i added a stain sealer on top, and it is looking good -unchanged after heavy rain. Sorry I thought the pictures were loaded! Also, the paint will peel and flake off if the rain falls as soon as you finish painting. It was not fully cured before the rain came. Can Deck Stains Be applied with a Roller? Had a contractor come out to stain my decks and fence. After 12 hours rain started. A perfect forecast for staining would be 24-48 hours with no chance of rain. As the rain falls, the displaced deck stain may wash away from the surface. Rain on a newly stained deck can ruin it or, at best, create a lot of extra work. Before it rains, your freshly stained deck needs at least 24 to 48 hours to dry completely, whereas latex or water-based stains will dry in approximately 4 to 6 hours. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); hi, i cleaned and prepared my deck and then it rained before i stained. It is now very solid paint, dry to the touch, but slightly tacky if I leave my hand on the hot deck for a minute, and appears to have no bubbles or flaws. Clean the deck using a pressure washer set at 600-800 PSI and hold the nozzle at 40 degrees to avoid stop and start marks. Live in SC where we have quick hard rains every other day to relieve the heat. I used Sherwin Williams Super Deck in semi-solid. 2. This can be done through a natural weathering process or by applying commercial timber preparations. 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. If it rains right after you apply the stain, the stain will peel and flake off. This means applying the stain on a day when rain is not forecast for at least 48 hours. In addition to aesthetic defects, there may also be moisture damage, which might require you to replace the entire deck. When the solvent evaporates, all that remains is the pigment and the oil that is. Truly appreciated . Here they are. An advantage of water-based stains is that they do not contain harmful odors or fumes and are not flammable. The weather plays a significant role in how quickly the varnish dries and how its looks when it is finished. I want to know your opinion. When I started we were not expecting rain for four or five days so am really upset that I have wasted my time and money in painting the boxes with oil. Scott and his Deck Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 decks in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. Do not put a high gloss on a deck, it will peel if you do. Here were pictures from the rain. What happens if it rains on a freshly stained deck? If a light recoat does not fix the problem you can also try using a mix of wood cleaner and a pressure washer to see if you can wash the spots out without harming the stain. None of the solid stains have a gloss and are matte with no shine so the washability of it will be the same. It rained the next day about 9 hours after. Wet wood can impact the look of your newly stained deck. Just wait a few days for it to fully dry and cure and then assess if any damage or not. They pressure washed, sanded, then stained with Cabot Australian Timber Oil. Rain damage to your newly-stained deck is easily avoidable. 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. Because they penetrate the wood deeper, they are extremely durable and provide a thicker seal for the deck. If you are located in a high rainfall area, it is sometimes a matter of taking the opportunity to stain in a shorter dry period than would be ideally expected or preferred. Fortunately, you can avoid rain damage to a newly-stained deck by using a water seal in rainy climates. Thank you in advance. (the weather app said no rain) It rained hard for 15 minutes (as we ran around in horror trying to tarp the deck LOL). Try Restore A Deck semi-transparent stains. After it's been washed, let the wood dry for at least a couple of days. Make sure you use a clean brush and the same stain, both by style and manufacturer. What if it rains within 24 hours of staining a deck? It is not a good idea to apply deck stain in full sun but wait until the sun has passed over your deck. They asked about a porch that has a roof. Decks can be built out of a variety of different materials. Deck Stain Essential#1: Sand or pressure wash-and-sand before applying anything. No, you would have to remove it and then use a proper stain. do i need to re-clean and re-apply more wash/prep before applying stain? If your stain has been drying for close to 48 hours, this may not happen. 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. 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. Deck stains are generally used for preserving and protecting exterior wood. Apply stain only at the proper temperature. Stain becomes sticky on a wooden surface because it doesn't have a binder, such as you find in paint or varnish. He said it would rain the next day but wouldnt be a Problem. If it rains within 48 hours after you apply the stain, the water will soak into the wood pores and try to displace the stain. Rain will damage the finish of any wet sealer with linseed oil or mineral oil in it. If it's OK, then nothing If it's not quite dry enough, or it rains too hard too soon, the surface may look pretty bad It is best to never stain any exterior wood when inclement weather is forecasted, especially rain. So what do you do if it does rain shortly after staining? 1. If using this method, be sure to check the moisture level in several spots. Stain penetrates the wood best when the wood is cool and dry. It will peel shortly. 2. some fuzzies and white residue these came about during the prep, but I expected them to be gone after staining, (The person applying the stain did walk across a couple of times holding a rag wet from water, or holding the paint tray/brush with stain in it . 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. Instructions for varnish tell you not to do the project on a rainy day. 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. I want to paint in a higher gloss but Lowes paint counter can only suggest Cabot solid stain over the Olympic, but it is also a flat sheen. It probably will not blend if you spot apply. What stain brand and type did you use? The railing tops, skirt and in-between the boards got their first coat. How many dry days does it take to stain a deck? I used Cabot correct deck stain 1st coat and it looks like its going to rain after 6 hours of drying time. Stain needs to dry for several hours for it to set. It rained day before yesterday ( a midnight torrent), was dry yesterday and today (sunny) do you think Im good to go? Apply a wood restorer, such as ABR X-180 Wood Restorer, with a sprayer, roller, or brush. It was starting to cure last night. After it dries out, can I put plastic over it and apply a second coat tomorrow, or do I have to wait longer due to the dew? Oh and I do plan to use one of your recommended brands when we redo next spring. What to Use to Clean Deck Before Staining, Behr Premium Waterproofing Stain and Sealer. Decks.com recommends that you use a high-quality water-based stain. The 100% acrylic finish formula can be applied in just one day, and the end result enhances the wood's natural beauty while providing extra durability. The dampness and rain will likely cause the stain to streak, fade, or provide inconsistent results. It definitely has a slight sheen in comparison to the Olympic but is not glossy (which is fine). Water pooled on the wood. Its been a dance coordinating last coat sanding and putting down finish I can tell you! If the wood gets wet after it's been sanded, but . The lighter spots are where the yellow film forms when its wet. However, it rained Sunday night or Monday morning (at . Even after drying all the way. BTW, you were right, the deck is just fine , https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/. The pics show it several days after staining was done. And theres a chance of rain after midnight. My wood boards are underneathmy deck and was getting wet so i wiped them with a cloth and propted them up so rain could run down and not rest on. 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. This will result in a splotchy surface rather than an even tone. Adding more will not fix it. So, finally, what happens if it rains on a freshly stained deck? The knots always stain lighter in color and that is normal as well. Thanks for your quick reply. 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. Stain, therefore, lasts for a long time if it is appropriately applied. Sorry to ask more questions the contractor had the crew pressure wash the stain off the wood instead of sanding. Hi Scott, I put on my first coat of Behrs solid wood stain yesterday and finished around 2pm. Thank you. Ask Deck Help Questions & Post Product Reviews! It rained about 4 hours later, a quick downpour, and then cleared up. Scotts eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them. 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. Personally I am liking a brush. It looks like the rain has washed of most of the oil. You cannot do much until it stops raining once it starts. Pressure Wash the Stained Deck. What do I do? If it rains immediately after you've stained the wood, the stain will peel and flake off. Try a gallon of the same color in another brand of quality solid stain. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining. But, what happens if it rains on a freshly stained deck? This will result in a splotchy surface rather than an even tone. 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 . After the rain has passed and the deck has dried take a closer look. Disclaimer 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. First, if it ever rained on your deck just after sealing it, then you know the symptoms of weather damage. I used Cabot semi solid stain on my deck yesterday with rain in the forecast for tonight. Opaque latex stains generally last longer than semi-transparent versions. Hi, First, thank you for your article. I will do that (pressure wash then recoat). 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. Water seeped into the wood, no beading. Started to rain as he was finishing up and now have some white bubbly patches on fence and decks looks unevenly stained. What happens? Am I able to apply a second coat over Cabot solid stain because the wood soaked in the first coat as fast as I could roll or hand paint it and the surface shows small splits. This was posted as an answer to question. Give it a week or so to see if the spots go away on their own. Right away after cleaning is when to apply brightener. Avoid high humidity when applying stain. Moisture can settle into the pores of even treated wood. You cannot assess until the rain water dries off. Stains in the paint surface caused by virtually anything that would bleed, leak, or stick to the paint film Note on Help with Rain on your Deck Stain. And when will i be able to apply 2nd coat?. Let's Find Out. Remember, no rain 24 hours before you apply stain and no rain 24 hours after the staining project. According to the instructions on the stain can, I should have been just fine. Painting a deck is never a good idea unless you can paint all sides of your decking boards. If you wait more than 2 weeks, you should redo the prep. It looks good and the rain did not harm it. If it rains within 48 hours of applying a treatment, the water will soak into the wood, and try and displace the stain. One way to measure if the deck is dry enough for staining is by using a moisture meter to measure the amount of moisture in the wood. Wet wood will affect the look of your newly stained deck. Water beaded on surface and it looked perfect. Hi, I put a first coat of stain on a deck yesterday when it wasnt calling for rain. Also there are marks on the steps where our dogs go up and down the steps. You can also use this type of stain in damp weather. 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. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. He used Thompsons Water Seal on the fence and Cabots Australian Timber Oil on the decks. No, it does not go away. Reddish, brown (or sometimes black) stains appearing as blotches or streaks on surface or paint (see also Tannin Staining). Deck Stain Essential#2: Prepare new wooden decks differently than old ones before finishing. You should be fine. Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper Booster @ Thickening Gel Review New Product Alert TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series! Strip and brighten to remove. White spots. The effect is worse if it does rain shortly after you apply the wood stain. How long does wood stain take to dry? You could use a cleaning solution that will help to remove the gray fibers, dirt, mold, mildew, and other impurities deep in the wood. There is nothing you can do about it until the rain stops and dries off. Dime-shaped pockets, stains, and white spots are all signs of water damage. Just wait until it warms up later and the dew burns off. 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. To apply a water seal, apply deck cleaner after staining. 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. So what happens now.? We used Messmers UV+. We had a contractor stain our new cedar deck and he used Sherwin-Williams semi-transparent Super Deck with two coats. If it rains soon after applying your formula, you will see the stain peeling and flaking off. We recommend this type of stain because it is breathable, has a low odor when you apply it, is mildew resistant, and provides a non-slip surface. If any rainy weather occurs during this period you might need to wait another 24 hours after rain until the deck dries completely. Because wood absorbs moisture from rain and snow, and when the sun comes out and dries the wood out, the moisture vapor from the wood needs to be able to pass through the stain and escape. Im so afraid of the latter. New Product Alert TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series! While a light rain will not affect it, a heavy downpour may result in extensive damage. Will deck need to be redone? Thanks for doing this. The pictures are from 1:00 today, they show the edge of the stain that was painted last (Id run out of stain) and the decks entire surface. So first, look for white spots, blotches, and dime-sized spots to determine if the rain has affected your deck's stain. 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. 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. The big task of staining your deck either for the first time or maintaining the quality of your existing deck should be a planned venture. As a general rule, 48 hours is sufficient drying time for a newly washed deck. 25 Useful Outdoor Toy Storage Ideas to Keep Your Family Organized! Stain cured under wet or otherwise unsuitable conditions may become contaminated, discolored, or develop mold. To fix, remove all and start over. When you apply stain to any outdoor structure, you will need to add a second coat. Guide for 2021 (owntheyard.com), How Long Does Deck Stain Need to Dry Before it Rains? It also pays to factor in the drying time between a first and second coat and of course, how long it is likely to take to apply the stain. i just recently re-stained my 1000sq ft. deck. Any pictures of your deck stain project will help. All stain and prepping manufacturer directions were followed with our reviews and ratings. Assuming ill Have to re do but is there a chance after it dries it will cure and be okay? According to stain manufacturer Behr Corporation, you should avoid staining a deck for at least 24 to 48 hours after the deck gets wet. Nothing to do but wait until it's dry for 24 hours and see if it left the finish spotted. 2. Im get overwhelmed with all the information Im reading. I am sure we are fine, but just wanted confirmation that everything is good, so I dont drive myself crazy. This is first and foremost a help site from our experience as wood restoration contractors. What happens if it rains on fresh stain? The damage will show as blotchy patterns and white spots will appear. Cleaning a deck via pressure washing is one of the most controversial topics in the woodworking community. Behr Deckover, Olympic Rescue-It, Rust-Oleum Deck Restore Do They Work? If the surface wasn't dry, or if the rainfall was hard, you will probably have to strip and re-seal. If it rains before your stained deck completely dries, the rainwater will soak into the wood's pores and displace the stain. Oil-based deck stains need 12-24 hours to dry and will receive more damage overall than water-based stains. Class Action Lawsuit Against Olympic Rescue It, Choosing the Best Deck Stain Stripper: Tips and Reviews, Wood and Deck Stain Review Videos Deck Stain Help, Best Deck Stain & Prep Videos Deck Stain Help, Prepping a Wood Deck Videos Deck Stain Help, Restore-A-Deck Stain & Prep Videos Deck Stain Help.