But armed with a few simple techniques, you can stain the surfaces, giving them both a more beautiful look and additional long-lasting protection. 1 Deck Wood Deck Paint and Sealer – Advanced Solid Color Deck Stain for Decks, Fences, Siding – … The option you choose … Advantages and Disadvantages of Staining Pressure Treated Wood Staining is not equals painting. For the pressure-treated wood, you might have to wait a bit, or you can stain it immediately. While pressure-treated wood offers many benefits, structures built from it often leave something to be desired in appearance. Waiting too long to stain and protect your deck means the wood loses more of its ability let the stain adhere. Apply Stain. 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. The easiest way to wash new wood is to knock loose any dirt or residue using a pressure washer. 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. Ordinary pressure-treated lumber … Stop by your local hardware store to pick up a specially developed wood cleaner for decks, fences, or other wood structures, and follow the product’s instructions for a thorough cleaning. Sealing, Painting and Staining Pressure Treated Wood A project's not really done until it's finished. Gemini Restore-A-Deck Kit Review. 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. In case you are staining pressure treated fence posts, or any other vertical surfaces, start your staining from the top working your way down. Note that, while priming and painting pressure-treated wood may be easiest with a paint sprayer, opt for a brush (or use both in combination) if the job entails detail work. 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. Restore-A-Deck Cleaner System Review. It has already been prepared and all the moisture has been removed. Pressure treated wood decking is often delivered still wet with preservative. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. New pressure-treated wood needs to dry after construction before it can be stained or sealed. Premium pressure-treated lumber has been dried after its pressure treatment to remove excess moisture. After cleaning the wood, let surface dry very well. It is recommended that wood should be allowed to dry out for 3-6 months before cleaning and staining. “Wet-treated wood” still contains significant moisture when purchased and may take longer to dry than other types of pressure treated wood. 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. But as I said, I did not. If all looks good, continue staining the rest of your pressure-treated wood. How long you should wait before applying the stain varies depending on where you live. If you have bought premium pressure treated lumber, it can be stained as soon as you get it. Copyright © 2020 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Deck Cleaning Tips. 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. 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. As you’re applying stain to pressure-treated wood, keep in mind that back brushstrokes constitute additional coats and may cause color variation. As I said, it’s typically recommended that you wait six months before staining new installed 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. The truth is as soon as the wood is dry enough, it is ready to be stained. 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. If you installed a pressure-treated pine fence, you’ll need to wait until the wood is completely dry before staining or sealing it. … 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. You have posts for the frame, 4x4s and 2x4s and 1x4s or 1x6s for the pickets. Either way, continue to stir the stain frequently as you work to ensure the best application. That means you will have more steps in prepping the deck for staining. It’s … Bleach vs. Oxygenated Deck Cleaners. Pressure-treated wood used for decking has chemicals forced into it to prevent insect damage and decay. 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. Staining pressure-treated wood is ineffective if the wood is still wet. 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. It needs time to dry out before finishing, so the stain will absorb into the wood. 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. Ready Seal Oil-Based Stain. Every piece of wood has a natural color and grain. Since cedar is all-natural and chemical-free, it comes without any enhanced protection. How long you need to wait before staining will vary depending on: The moisture content in the wood. Staining or sealing a cedar deck has different rules than decks using pressure-treated lumber. It’s important to finish typical pressure-treated wood as soon as possible after completion of a deck in order to protect it. The key is knowing when to stain it. 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