Sealing, Painting and Staining Pressure Treated Wood A project's not really done until it's finished. Staining or sealing a cedar deck has different rules than decks using pressure-treated lumber. After proper dry times, new wood should be cleaned using Defy Wood Cleaner prior to staining with Defy Stains. 1 Here Are Some Tips for an Effective Waterproofing or Sealing off of Pressure-treated Woods. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. BEHR Premium 2-In-1 Deck Cleaner Review. When you’re ready to proceed, there are a few effective ways for testing the level of moisture in the wood. In case you are staining pressure treated fence posts, or any other vertical surfaces, start your staining from the top working your way down. You probably know that wood swells when it gets wet and shrinks when it dries. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. What’s good about this product is that it is both a stain and a sealer. Let the stain dry for at least 24 hours. Premium pressure-treated lumber has been dried after its pressure treatment to remove excess moisture. The bristles work the … The first is a bead test, which is performed by simply dripping small amounts of water on the wood; if the water beads, then the wood still retains some moisture. Deeply tinted with dark tones reminiscent of Hawaiian wood work, this brown deck stain colour looks great with both classic and modern styles of homes. (View our guide to the best deck cleaners.). Since cedar is all-natural and chemical-free, it comes without any enhanced protection. Next, thoroughly mix the stain. Either way, continue to stir the stain frequently as you work to ensure the best application. What Happens If You Stain Wet Pressure Treated Wood? Pressure treated wood is ready to stain when it is no longer retaining the excess moisture from the treatment process. Contents. Alternatively, simply press a nail into the wood to test for wetness. With these effective steps, you can enhance your deck, fence, or other structure and enjoy it for many years to come. How long you should wait before applying the stain varies depending on where you live. How long you need to wait before staining will vary depending on: The moisture content in the wood. This process can take many months depending on your deck’s sun exposure and the weather patterns after construction is complete. For this reason, many people instead choose to build a pressure treated wood fence and stain it to get a color that will last longer. Most fences are built with pressure treated wood. What if I decide to stain the pressure-treated decking or wood before it’s dry – are there any consequences? The key is knowing when to stain it. Copyright © 2020 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Waiting too long to stain and protect your deck means the wood loses more of its ability let the stain adhere. Ready Seal Oil-Based Stain. A semi-transparent exterior wood stain helps maintain the fresh appearance of a pressure-treated wood deck and provides added protection to the wood fibers. Pressure treating protects wood from the elements, helps prevent insect attacks, and minimizes the effects of aging. Check the weather forecast to make sure no rain is expected. Bob Vila, 5 Ways to Prevent Cracks in Concrete—and 1 Easy Fix, 10 Simple "Under $60" Curb Appeal Updates for Any Home, 20 Instant Updates for a Laundry Room You Can Love, 40 Fresh Ideas for a Beautiful Dining Room. You have posts for the frame, 4x4s and 2x4s and 1x4s or 1x6s for the pickets. You can have the hardware store do so at the time of purchase, or you can just shake it well at home. New woods that are rich in oil such as mahogany should also dry out for 3-6 months before protecting with Defy Stain for new wood. This test patch will help ensure that you’ll be happy with the completed project before you sink hours into it, and will also confirm that the stain will go on properly and without any issues, such as wetness. When you stain the wood, then the natural characteristics, such as the grain, will be visible and in most cases, they will actually be enhanced. This lumber can be stained as soon as the deck is built. Gemini Restore-A-Deck Kit Review. But armed with a few simple techniques, you can stain the surfaces, giving them both a more beautiful look and additional long-lasting protection. Advantages and Disadvantages of Staining Pressure Treated Wood Staining is not equals painting. As you’re applying stain to pressure-treated wood, keep in mind that back brushstrokes constitute additional coats and may cause color variation. 2.1 Seal Once the Marine Premium Wood Sealer; 2.2 Semco Teak Sealer- Waterproofing Wood Sealant Protector; 2.3 Lastiseal Concrete Stain & Sealer It needs time to dry out before finishing, so the stain will absorb into the wood. It is recommended that wood should be allowed to dry out for 3-6 months before cleaning and staining. Defy Wood Deck Cleaner Review. Endlessly Exotic Kona Brown is a darker, tropical-inspired wood stain colour that looks incredible on older pressure-treated decks that need a bit more coverage for imperfections. On average, you’ll want to wait 4 weeks to 6 months to wait before staining the posts. Bleach vs. Oxygenated Deck Cleaners. Ordinary pressure-treated lumber … Kiln-dried wood will be dry at purchase and can be stained immediately. Choose a semitransparent stain or clear sealer. Well, pressure-treated wood requires special consideration while staining. 1.1 Scrape the Old Layer; 1.2 Make It Clean; 1.3 Allow to Dry; 1.4 Apply the Sealant; 2 Best Waterproofing for Pressure Treated Wood. That means you will have more steps in prepping the deck for staining. Overall, applying stain with a paintbrush will give the best results. Choose the right time for your project. Many manufacturers recommend waiting for three to six months before applying a stain or sealant to new decking, but other experts advise staining exposed lumber immediately. Most coatings require that the wood should be dry … For the pressure-treated wood, you might have to wait a bit, or you can stain it immediately. You have to understand the difference between a water-based and an oil-based stain because of how they affect the wood and the colors. If you are staining a fence or other vertical surface, start at the top to ensure that you’ll cover any drips or runs as you work your way down. The option you choose … EFC-38 Wood Deck Cleaner Review. The Best Deck Stain for Pressure Treated Wood. The length of time to wait before staining or sealing your new wood fence can depend on the type of wood, the time of year, and the climate of your geographic area. “Wet-treated wood” still contains significant moisture when purchased and may take longer to dry than other types of pressure treated wood. The pressure-treated lumber goes through a process of using a water-based solution that carries the treatment of chemicals into the fibers of the wood while under pressure; this leaves the wood wet. Best Stain for New Pressure Treated Wood 2020 | Best Deck Stain Reviews Ratings When looking for the best stain on new pressure treated decks choose a formula that is designed to penetrate the dense surface such as Armstrong Clark Stains. There is no waiting period for today’s pressure treated wood to let chemicals leach out. Ready seal is one good example of a stain that you can use for your pressure treated wood. Pressure treated wood is completely paintable, but it must be done properly, otherwise the paint won’t last very long. When to Seal or Stain Pressure-Treated Wood When water soaks into the wood instead of beading up, it’s time to seal or stain it. Check the weather forecast to make sure no rain is expected. Most pressure treated wood has a green hue. Drying times range anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on such factors as weather and climate. But as I said, I did not. It’s … When it comes to staining, you can stain regular wood instantly. If all looks good, continue staining the rest of your pressure-treated wood. It’s important to finish typical pressure-treated wood as soon as possible after completion of a deck in order to protect it. Therefore, you should stain or seal your cedar decking within 2 to 3 months of installing the deck. This is largely dependent on how humid your area is and how your wood was treated. It’s important to wait until your pressure-treated wood is completely dry before applying stain, as the chemicals used to treat the wood often leave additional moisture behind. And an outdoor project's not finished until it's been stained, sealed or painted. Staining also helps protect the wood and prevents it from cracking and splitting when seasons change. Solid stains and paint give the best UV protection, … Deck Cleaning Tips. Design by Stephanie Jones, Thompson’s WaterSeal Waterproofing Stain – I went with their. If you have bought premium pressure treated lumber, it can be stained as soon as you get it. After cleaning the wood, let surface dry very well. It has already been prepared and all the moisture has been removed. Apply Stain. … Restore-A-Deck Cleaner System Review. Step 1 - Clean the Wood Cleaning treated wood may seem like an unnecessary step in the painting process, but the wood may have collected dust, dirt, and debris during its travels from the manufacturer to your home. Staining pressure-treated wood is ineffective if the wood is still wet. Remember that exposed ends of wood may need additional staining, due to greater absorption. 4 Steps to Staining a Fence If you’re like minded and choosing to stain a pressure treated wood fence to a color that better suits your taste, take these steps to get the results you’re looking for. Pressure treated wood is designed to repel moisture and insect damage in outdoor areas. Pittsburgh Paramount Exterior Wood Stain Review. If you’re dealing with older wood, however, you’ll need to take additional steps in order to remove stains and years’ worth of built-up grime. Pressure treated wood decking is often delivered still wet with preservative. Yes, you can absolutely stain pressure treated wood. TOOLS AND MATERIALS Available on Amazon – Pressure washer – Deck cleaner (optional) – Wood stain – Paint stirrer – Paint brush or roller, Before you stain pressure-treated wood, you should clean it first. Pressure-treated lumber is notoriously difficult to stain and seal compared with other decking materials, which is why some manufacturers actually used to advise against it. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. The truth is as soon as the wood is dry enough, it is ready to be stained. New pressure-treated wood needs to dry after construction before it can be stained or sealed. As I said, it’s typically recommended that you wait six months before staining new installed pressure treated wood. Every piece of wood has a natural color and grain. The easiest way to wash new wood is to knock loose any dirt or residue using a pressure washer. While it may be tempting to rush to finish the project completely, always test the stain in an inconspicuous spot. Splash some water on the deck boards. 1. By Bob Vila. Pressure-treated wood used for decking has chemicals forced into it to prevent insect damage and decay. The wood preservers group suggests waiting for the lumber to dry before applying an oil-based semitransparent stain to the new varieties of pressure-treated lumber. If water seeps out around the nail while it’s being pressed into the wood, then more drying time is needed. But today, most types of pressure-treated wood can be effectively sealed and protected – here’s how to do it properly so that the sealant adheres to the wood. 1 Deck Wood Deck Paint and Sealer – Advanced Solid Color Deck Stain for Decks, Fences, Siding – … If you installed a pressure-treated pine fence, you’ll need to wait until the wood is completely dry before staining or sealing it. 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