While it may seem like more is better, staining wood more times than necessary will cause more problems. When in doubt, do not apply more than two layers of stain to a wood deck or log home.
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.
How Many Coats of Stain Should I Apply? Olympic solid color wood stains require the application of two thin coats for optimum durability. Applying two coats of solid wood stains will also hide wood grain and imperfections.
Apply a second coat of stain after the first has dried fully. This will usually produce a darker coloring, but it adds a step to the process and slows production. Substitute a glaze or gel stain for the liquid stain. Glazes and gel stains usually contain a higher ratio of pigment.
Applying multiple coats of stain isn't always the best way to achieve a deeper color. For one thing, it'll take a long time to finish the project. You have to wait for each layer of stain to completely dry before adding the next.
Rule #1: Do not over-stain wood
While it may seem like more is better, staining wood more times than necessary will cause more problems. When in doubt, do not apply more than two layers of stain to a wood deck or log home.
Instead, it will create a tacky surface, which may be prone to early peeling. Because the additional coat is not penetrating the wood, it is simply layered on top, which will cause the coat to be more fragile and will not offer the same level of protection as the proper amount of stain.
But it's much more efficient to “bury” the raised grain with another coat of finish. Then sand it smooth after it has dried. Stains lighten as they dry, then return to their damp color when a finish is applied.
You should also consider the type of wood you are staining, amount of stain you're applying, and weather conditions, like humidity, temperature, and air circulation. 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.
When first applied, window tint may appear darker than anticipated. However, as it cures and dries the film will lighten slightly. If after some time your tint still looks wet with no prospect of drying or curing in sight, do not hesitate to reach out to a professional tinting shop for assistance.
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.
Wait at least 12 hours before applying a new coat.
If a stain is not completely dry after the above-mentioned period, allow the wood to sit and wait for another 24 hours. Some wood stains will require more time to dry than others.
Yes! In addition to trying to darken or lighten a stain, you can also just change the tone of an existing stain. Much like the process of deciding on a lighter or darker stain, you can look at your existing stain and experiment to find the new tone that is right for you.
If rain is forecasted, it's worth holding off treating your deck until you know it's going to be dry for a few days. 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.
If there is too much stain, it restricts the moisture from evaporating away, so peeling can occur. Often times this problem will be most evident in the spring time when the deck begins to dry out after all of the winter moisture.
When deck stain is too thick it will not dry properly. The most common reason deck stain is too thick on the wood is that it is overapplied. The best way to apply deck stain is with deck stain brushes and pads that allow you to work the stain into the wood effectively and evenly.
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. To remove tacky wood stain, firmly scrub the piece with mineral spirits.
Depending on the type of stain you are using, most stains are dry and cured within 24 hours to 48 hours.
It's best to allow the stain to set for at least 10 minutes before wiping it off. However, remember that the time you'll have to wait will vary. You may have to wait longer (at least 20 minutes) for a darker shade. A lighter shade may require you to wipe the stain instantly.
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.
The wood must be clean, dry and free of contaminants. If you try to apply stain or sealer over damp or dirty wood, then there won't be proper adhesion. Make sure there is no mildew as well.
If the stain is dry, it will not be tacky to the touch. Otherwise, if it hasn't completely dried you can feel the stain slightly stick to the tip of your finger. Leave it for another hour or two before touching it again. Another way to tell if the stain is dry is if the surface is cool to the touch.
With staining, you'll know if you've over-applied your deck stain because there will be sticky patches or puddles that just aren't drying—the wood has absorbed all it can, so the remaining stain has nowhere to go.
Rubbing. Frantically rubbing a stain can make it spread further and also damage the weave of the fabric. Try gently dabbing the stain away first.