Clearing away the old finish, grime, mold, mildew, and other impurities in the wood—as well as the graying layer of the wood that was exposed to the sun—will allow the stain to absorb evenly into the wood. After you power wash, allow the wood to dry for at least 48 hours before you begin applying the new stain.
It's a good idea to wait at least 24 hours after you pressure wash a deck before staining it. In the summer months you could get away with only 4 hours but in Winter you'll need the 24 hours.
Before You Begin
Most stains require dry wood and a 24-hour window of dry weather in order to cure. Make sure you have all your tools and materials ready to go, just in case you have a short fair-weather window. Avoid high temperatures (above 90 degrees Fahrenheit) when you start your stain prep.
I wouldn't do it in a single day. It's best to give the deck plenty of time to dry after washing so that the wood can soak up the stain you put down. If the wood is full of moisture, it's not going to absorb enough stain.
When the deck surface isn't clean and free of mold or mildew, there may be peeling or trouble with a consistent coating. Always start with a thoroughly clean surface area before attempting any other covering on a deck or patio.
Why does my wood appear fuzzy after pressure washing it? Pressure washing removes the outer layer of dead wood, and can sometimes make it look like it has short fuzzy hairs. This is caused by the tearing of the wood fibers.
Because you want to wait for days that aren't excessively hot or humid, the best times to apply deck stains are in the late spring and early fall, when the weather is moderately warm and dry.
Power washing cleans and preps the surface, stripping away dirt, grime, and old finishes, revealing the raw beauty of the wood beneath. However, this is only half the battle. Sanding is the next critical step, smoothing the surface and preparing it for sealing or staining.
However, if you want to maximize the natural look and warmth of the wood, you can skip the stain and apply a clear or lightly tinted sealer to add waterproofing and, depending on the sealer, UV protection to help prevent fading. As with stain, the treated boards will need to be clean and dry before you seal them.
Before applying stain, make sure your deck has been cleaned properly. Sprinkle some water on the deck. If the droplets soak in, the wood is ready to be stained.
Without waiting for the wood to dry, stain and sealant would not penetrate the wood properly, diminishing its ability to protect the wood from weather damage.
Two Coats Recommended: Most manufacturers suggest applying two coats for optimal protection and appearance. Drying Time Matters: Wait at least 4 hours between coats and 24 hours before using the deck. Avoid Over-Application: Too much stain can lead to poor adhesion, peeling, and uneven color.
Cover a section of your deck with a black garbage bag…
If you remove the bag and you see condensation on the bag, then you know that the deck is still too wet to stain… But if you remove the bag and you see no moisture or condensation on your garbage bag, then you know that your deck is dry enough to be stained…
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.
To wash your deck, we recommend first applying a deck cleaning solution, and then power washing. A good deck cleaner will remove gray fibers, dirt, mold, mildew and other impurities deep in your deck boards, that power washing alone won't be able to accomplish.
Clearing away the old finish, grime, mold, mildew, and other impurities in the wood—as well as the graying layer of the wood that was exposed to the sun—will allow the stain to absorb evenly into the wood. After you power wash, allow the wood to dry for at least 48 hours before you begin applying the new stain.
Sanding is an important step in refinishing a wood deck. The effects of weather and sunlight, as well as the deep cleaning that was just completed, will raise the grain of the wood. If the deck is to be stained, it's best to sand the wood smooth.
For cleaning a wooden deck, you'll be best served by using the lowest pressure setting that's still effective. For soft woods like cedar or pine, this is usually about 500 to 600 psi. For harder woods, it can go up to 1200 to 1500 psi. Choose the right tip to use as well.
Many people don't realize that early spring and summer are not the best time to apply stain to a deck. Wood absorbs humidity and accepts new treatments best when it's dry, so staining too early in the spring may lead to peeling or cracking.
A high-quality natural bristle brush with soft but firm bristles is recommended for applying stain to a deck. Using the right brush and following the manufacturer's instructions is essential to avoid drips and streaks.
The sun beating down, the rain pounding, and the snow piling high. Dirt and residue are going to settle in and build upon that flat surface. That's why it's so important to treat your deck with a good quality stain or paint. The best stains should last 3-5 years when applied correctly.
Sealing a deck after pressure washing is crucial to keeping it looking great and preventing damage from the elements. But the timing is key. Applying sealant too soon can trap moisture and cause the wood to warp or rot while waiting too long can leave the wood vulnerable to sun damage and water infiltration.
Frequency. Most home maintenance contractors recommend power washing your deck once a year. An annual wash will keep your deck in optimal condition, cutting down on accumulation of dirt, mildew, or algae growth.
Harsh cleaners or improper use of cleaning solutions can strip away colour and protective coatings, leaving the decking looking bleached or white. Additionally, reactions between certain woods and specific metals, like iron in nails or hardware, can also lead to white spots or streaks.