“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.
Higher temperatures will result in faster curing, but you should avoid direct sunlight as it can cause uneven curing and hinder proper absorption into the wood. To speed up the curing process, you can place the stained workpiece in a warm environment.
To make the stain dry faster, you can try to warm up the air and reduce the humidity. You can do this with a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air and a space heater to warm up the temperature of the space.
Temperature and humidity can have major effects on how your stain dries. If it's too wet or cold, the drying time for stains can easily double.
Applying deck stain when temperatures are too hot can cause the stain to evaporate and dry too quickly. In both cases, the stain's performance can be jeopardized. The suggested temperature range for applying deck stain is on average 45-95 degrees Fahrenheit.
“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.
Some can take 1 to 2 hours to dry between coats, while others take 12 or more. However, most oil-based stains need to dry for 24 to 48 hours before finishing. Because oil-based stain dry times vary so much, check the back of your can to see what your specific brand recommends.
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 deck stain as the wood can absorb.
Give it a few more days to see if it improves. Another possibility is that the stain was old or came from a bad batch. In either case if the tackiness doesn't go away, wipe the wood down with mineral spirits or naphtha to remove most of the stain, let it dry thoroughly, then try again using a fresh can of stain.
1 Before you get to work with a brush or roller, however, it's important to know exactly how long it takes for wood stain to dry. After application, wood stain can quickly dry to the touch in about four to eight hours, but it will still require about 24 to 72 hours to fully dry.
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.
Stain can take anywhere from two to 24 hours to dry. It can take one to seven days for stain to fully cure. Drying times vary based on the type of wood and stain. Water-based stains take less time to dry than oil-based stains.
Hot water can set some stains into fabric but can dissolve others depending on the composition of the stain.
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.
Minwax® Performance Series Tintable Wood Stain
It applies easily and penetrates deep into the pores of the wood. While conventional stains recommend 18 to 24 hours drying time, Minwax Performance Series Tintable Wood Stain can be recoated in just 2 hours for solvent-based finishes and 6 hours for water-based finishes.
Using a lint free rag is the best way to apply wood stain because it is great for controlling the amount of stain that is applied and for removing any excess stain. Also, the rag leaves a beautiful, even, and brush stroke free finish. It also can easily be thrown out once finished.
The longer a stain is left untreated, the less likely it is to be removed. When a spill first occurs, it sits on the surface of the fabric, but over time, that spill can start to react with the fabric causing the fabric to actually change colors.
Yes, each layer will darken your project even more. You can also start with a lighter color Gel Stain and layer on darker colors.
Will sticky stains dry after some time? No, the sticky stains will not dry after some time, which is why it is important to wipe off the excess wood stain. If you don't, your work will end up sticky because the stain did not dry properly. You will have to use mineral spirits, more stain, or sandpaper to fix the mess.
Note: Sanding between coats is not necessary, but it will provide a better finish. After a coat has dried, use 220 or 240 grit sandpaper or extra fine steel wool to lightly sand surface. This will ensure good adhesion of the succeeding coat.
Apply a second coat of stain after the first has dried fully. This will usually produce a slightly darker coloring with the excess wiped off. Substitute a glaze or gel stain for the liquid stain. Glazes and gel stains usually contain a higher ratio of pigment to vehicle.
The takeaway? Wood stain is intended to be wiped off immediately after application. If the wood stain remains on the wood, liquid solvents in the stain will evaporate, leaving sticky pigments behind that will never fully dry.
Once the stain has dried, apply a clear finish to protect both the stain and the wood—and to make the final results look even more beautiful.
Usually, these treatment methods will recommend cold or lukewarm water, as hot water often sets stains. Similarly, you should always check a wet garment to see if the stain is gone before putting it in the dryer. The heat of the dryer can set the stain and make it permanent.