Should you wet your deck before staining?

Author: Chelsey Reinger  |  Last update: Monday, March 24, 2025

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.

Is it better to stain a deck wet or dry?

Mold and Mildew: Applying stain to wet wood can trap moisture, increasing the risk of mold and mildew growth. For the best results, it's advisable to wait until the wood is completely dry before applying any stain. This ensures better absorption, a more uniform finish, and helps protect the wood effectively.

What is the best way to prep a deck for staining?

Deck Prep
  • Prepare the deck for stain. Fill any wood holes with wood putty and use the knife to smooth out. Once dry use high grit sandpaper to smooth surface.
  • Use deck cleaner to clean the surface of the deck and a wire brush to scrub the cleaner into the wood. Rinse and let dry a full 48 hours before staining.

What not to do when staining a deck?

Deck staining mistakes – and how to avoid them (as seen in...
  1. Making bad deck design decisions. Excessive moisture is much more problematic for a deck than UV exposure. ...
  2. Choosing the wrong finish. ...
  3. Applying product at the wrong time of day.

Should I power wash my deck before I stain it?

Yes, pressure washing your deck before applying a new stain is a good idea. This will provide a much cleaner surface to work with, which should prolong the life of the stain.

BEFORE YOU STAIN A NEW DECK/FENCE...ALWAYS DO THIS! ("Soft Wash" New Wood + Lumber BEFORE STAINING!)

How long after washing deck can I stain?

The weather conditions, of course, are a huge factor when considering a deck drying. If your deck is on the shaded side of the home where little to no sunlight reaches, it's recommended to wait at least 72 hours before applying any stain or sealer.

Should I stain my deck with a brush or rag?

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.

What is the best month to stain a deck?

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.

What happens if you don't sand your deck before staining?

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.

Why is my deck stain still tacky after 24 hours?

Penetration: If the stain hasn't fully penetrated the wood, it can remain on the surface, slightly pool up in areas, and dry on the surface of the wood, resulting in a sticky feeling. This can happen if the wood wasn't properly cleaned, or prepared, or if the stain was applied too thickly.

Is it better to apply stain with a roller or brush?

Rollers are a great way to apply wood stain as well for the speed at which you can apply the stain. However, when using rollers can be a disadvantage when you have hard to reach areas. If you are going to use a roller to apply your stain, make sure to have a brush as well for those hard to reach areas.

Can you stain a deck over old stains?

In some cases, your deck's previous coat of stain will begin to fade and peel from the surface, in which case it's best to remove it before applying a new coat. Other times, however, the old stain will stay put even if it's been there for several years.

What is the best deck cleaner before staining?

Here are the best deck cleaners to help remove stains and prep for sealants.
  1. DEFY Composite Deck Cleaner. ...
  2. BEHR Premium All-In-One Wood Cleaner. ...
  3. Wolman DeckBrite Wood Cleaner. ...
  4. Simple Green Deck & Fence Cleaner. ...
  5. Olympic Premium Deck Cleaner. ...
  6. Cabot Australian Timber Oil. ...
  7. Ready Seal Natural Cedar Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer.

Can you stain a deck if it's a little wet?

You want the wood dry so that it can absorb as much of the stain as possible. This looks well weathered, so you just need to wait certain time after rain. Generally, instructions say do not use within 24 hrs of imminent rain or after rain.

Should I wet wood before staining?

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.

How many coats of stain on a deck?

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.

Should I power wash my deck before staining?

Just make sure any debris or dirt is removed beforehand. In this case, you can clean the surface with a deck cleaner and apply the new stain. However, if you're changing the color or brand of stain, it's best to power wash the deck first to ensure optimal results.

Can you stain an old deck without sanding?

Often when people restain timber, the old Stain is either sanded away, is already flaking off, or can be restained over. While you can restain a deck over an existing stain without sanding or removing the existing peeling product, this isn't always recommended and can leave your deck looking a little worse for wear.

How to fix a bad stain job on a deck?

Simply apply additional coats of the same stain until you achieve the desired depth of color. Remember to allow each coat to dry completely before adding another.

How many years should deck stain last?

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.

Is it better to stain a deck light or dark?

Darker color decks tend to show a lot less wear and tear, and can be much easier to clean. Anything that's a lighter color, such as very light brown or light gray, is going to show dirt more and will need cleaned more often.

How to tell if pressure-treated wood is dry enough to stain?

To determine if pressure-treated wood is dry enough to stain, try the “sprinkle” test. Sprinkle water on the wood. If the wood absorbs it within 10 minutes, plan to stain as soon as possible. If the water beads or pools on the wood surface, the wood needs more time to dry.

Is it better to roll or spray deck stain?

Consider Spraying Your Stain

In fact, starting your staining process via spraying is often the way to go, as long as you implement the proper technique. Spraying your waterproof deck stain from the get-go allows you to cover even more area than rolling does and also reach those tighter spaces.

What is the fastest way to stain a deck?

You can use an airless paint sprayer to apply stain quicker than is possible with a roller or brush. While staining your deck with a sprayer is the fastest way, it helps to have some experience in using a sprayer for the best results.

How to avoid lap marks when staining a deck?

Staining Wet-on-wet:

This prevents creating two layers of paint as well as different color at the overlap and at the same time helps you avoid unattractive lap marks. You can also work slowly and remove the paintbrush from the wooden deck gradually at the time when it runs out of stain.

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