HOW TO PRESSURE WASH A DECK BEFORE STAINING?
You may wonder if a deck should be pressure washed prior to applying fresh stain â and if so, how? The answer is YES! But thereâs a little more than just pressure washing to consider. You may want to remove the old stain from the decking, as doing so allows the new stain coat to better adhere to the wood and prolongs the life of the deck. In addition, itâs a good idea to apply a brightener which will restore PH levels in the wood and open up the grain to receive the new stain.
The important thing to remember in terms of pressure washing a deck, is that youâll actually want to use low-pressure. Too much pressure or low-pressure applied improperly can result in damaging the wood. You also want to ensure youâre using a fan tip and not placing the wand to close to the surface.
HOW LONG AFTER PRESSURE WASHING CAN YOU STAIN A DECK?
It really depends on certain weather conditions, but the general concensus is about forty-eight to seventy-two hours before application.
RELATED QUESTIONS
When will I know that my deck is dry enough to stain? There are really two common ways to know that your deck is dry enough for stain. The easiest and most straight-forward method is to simply wait at least seventy-two hours. If it hasnât rained and the deck hasnât been in contact with water whatsoever, you should be good to go. Otherwise, use a moisture meter to measure the actual moisture in the wood. You will find that 12-15% is an ideal reading for applying stain to a deck that has recently been pressure washed.
Can I stain a wet deck? It is not recommended to stain a wet deck as the results will not be optimal. Itâs best to let the deck completely dry.
What will happen if I try to apply a stain to a wet deck? Wood paints are usually pigments mixed in oils, which the wood absorbs. If you apply it on wet surfaces, it wonât be absorbed properly and you will end up with an uneven-looking deck. Also, youâll be sealing water in the wood which can lead to moss, mold, and mildew problems. In addition, stain that is applied to wet wood will typically crack and peel as it dries, and youâll have to start over.
What is the proper temperature to stain a deck? The preferred weather conditions to stain a deck are a dry, warm day, not too windy or humid. The temperature should be between 50° â 95° farenheit. However, be sure not to apply the stain while the sun is directly over the deck as the stain could dry too quickly and wonât be absorbed by the wood.
ARTICLE SUMMARY
- For best results, the old stain should probably be removed.
- The deck should be pressure washed and left to dry for forty-eight to seventy-two hours.
- Applying stain to wet deck isnât recommended.
- Do not allow any detergent or chemical solution to puddle, as it can damage and discolor the wood.
- Itâs best to stain a deck on a dry, warm day that isnât windy or humid.
