No. The same rules apply; it’s best to wait until your deck is cool to coat it, as that’s when stains and oils penetrate it best. Don’t coat your deck if it’s under the beating sun; either wait for an overcast day or until the sun isn’t directly on the wood.

Can I stain my deck if it’s going to rain the next day?

It is best to never stain any exterior wood when inclement weather is forecasted, especially rain. Most deck stain brands will warn against the application of their product within 12-24 hours of rain being forecast.

What happens if it rains before deck stain dries?





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. As a result, the deck surface may appear splotchy rather than smooth and even.

How long should deck stain dry before it rains?

Water-based or latex stains take 4 to 6 hours to dry thoroughly and prevent spots due to rain. On the other hand, oil-based stains should be dried for 12 to 24 hours before the rain comes. Oil stains need more time to seep into the wood and be absorbed by the fibers.

Can you stain slightly damp wood?

Wait 24 to 48 Hours

Wet wood can impact the look of your newly stained deck. According to stain manufacturer Behr Corporation, you should avoid staining a deck for at least 24 to 48 hours after the deck gets wet. Otherwise, moisture in the wood will prevent the stain from adhering correctly to the deck.

What happens if it rains on a freshly oiled deck?





Stains and oils penetrate wood best when it’s cool and dry. 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.

How many dry days does it take to stain a deck?

New wooden decks should always receive a coat of paint or stain. Generally, all new decks should dry out for at least 30 days before stain or paint is applied. Although a finish can be applied immediately after construction, more work is involved, so it’s best to let the wood fully dry before finishing.

Is it OK to stain a damp deck?

It is not recommended to stain a wet deck. You should remove the old stain before pressure washing the decking to ensure the new one has a good surface to stick to. Puddles of detergent can damage and discolour the wood. Let the deck dry for at least 48-72 hours before staining.

Can I stain deck after morning dew?

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 stain a moist deck?



You need to avoid staining your deck for at least 24 to 48 hours if it gets wet. Moisture present in the wood prevents the stain from correctly adhering to the deck, resulting in a thinner coat which will result from washing off after a few rainstorms.

Does wood have to be completely dry to stain?

No matter the type of wood, we always recommend waiting 24-48 hours after rainfall or cleaning to make sure the structure is dry prior to staining.

What happens if you stain wet pressure treated wood?

Staining pressure-treated wood is ineffective if the wood is still wet. “Wet-treated wood” still contains significant moisture when purchased and may take longer to dry than other types of pressure treated wood. Kiln-dried wood will be dry at purchase and can be stained immediately.

Can you seal wood when it is wet?



Absolutely not. There’s an adhesive quality to just about any sealant, and moisture is going to kill it. You have to get the moisture content down to 9% or lower. When wood is freshly chopped down, it’s considered to have a 100% moisture content, and it takes seasons (sometimes a full year) to dry it out properly.

How long should I wait to seal my deck after rain?

DON’T apply sealant to damp or frosty surfaces.

At worst, the sealant will bead up on the water and fail to be absorbed, creating a messy, dangerous slipping hazard. Always allow the surface to dry for at least 24 hours after a rainfall before sealing a deck.

What happens if you polyurethane over wet wood?

What Happens if you Put too Much Stain on Wood? If you put too much strain on wood, it will take too long to dry, or it may not even dry at all. You need to wipe off excess stain before it begins to solidify. The stain will take slightly longer to dry when you put too many coats of stain on the wood.

Does wood need to be dry before sealing?



The wood on a new deck needs to dry thoroughly before sealing or staining. If the wood came still wet with preservative, allow it to dry about 30 days before applying stain or sealer. To test the wood to see if it’s dry enough to stain or seal: Pour a little water on the wood.

Can I leave pressure treated wood in the rain?

No. It’s not advisable to leave wood that has been pressure treated under the rain. If you do, you need to re-dry the lumber before you paint it or start construction of your deck or framing project.

How long does Thompson’s water seal need to dry before rain?

The forecast should indicate no rain for at least 24 hours after application. The deck surface should be allowed to dry for at least 48 hours before application.