Best Temperature To Apply Deck Stain

Extreme heat or sun can work against you when you are staining your deck.

Best temperature to apply deck stain.

In sunnier regions adhere strictly to a once a year schedule to. Avoid staining your deck if it s above 90 degrees fahrenheit. Apply stain to dry wood when it hasn t rained for several days and the forecast calls for at least two days of dry weather between 50 f and 90 f. High temperatures are a big concern while applying the stain.

Stain needs time to absorb into the wood but dries quickly so avoid applying the stain in direct sunlight. Match the stain to your deck s type of wood. In extreme cases the product will just stay wet until the humidity decreases or the temperatures rises. If it s too hot the stain may dry too quickly potentially causing lap marks and uneven penetration.

Apply stain when air and wood surface temperatures are between 50 90 f. If available you may also use a roller to first apply the stain then work it into the wood with your brush. For best results avoid staining at midday or in direct sunlight. It is ideal to stain your deck in a season that experiences mild temperatures.

Sprinkle some water on the deck. Yes you re going to be tempted to use a roller it s a lot faster to cover all that area with a roller than to paint it on by hand but the brush will do a better job of getting the stain into the grain of the wood. Do apply a sealant and stain product once a year. Stains do vary so check the label first.

Apply stain only at the proper temperature. If it s too wet or cold the drying time for stains can easily double. Low to average humidity promotes faster drying. To ensure this either choose a cooler day or stain your deck in the morning before it gets too hot.

Apply your stain using a natural bristled brush going with the grain of the wood. For most stains 70 degrees fahrenheit is the optimum with the safety range from 50 to 90 degrees fahrenheit. Consider this a general rule depending on climate and the age of your deck. If the droplets sink in the wood is ready to be stained.

Try to schedule your staining project on days forecasted for 50 to 90 degree temperatures with no rain. Temperature and humidity can have major effects on how your stain dries.