A lot of homeowners might want to stain their deck as soon as possible to protect it from various damaging elements. But, at times, it might be better to leave the thing as it is before the weather gets a bit warmer.
If you have decided to stain your deck in cold weather (when the temperature is below 50 F), the solution will take a lot longer to dry. The drying time might either double, or the stain will never set at all, leaving a sticky layer on your deck.
What are the perfect weather conditions for the job and what are your options, if you live in a cold area? Let’s find out!
Will Deck Stain Dry in Cold Weather?
Low temperatures drastically slow down the drying process.
That is because, in order to cure properly, deck stain should be able to evaporate. When it gets cold outside, evaporation happens at a much slower rate. The lower the temperature, the more energy would be necessary for the process to occur.
Stain consists of molecules that are constantly moving around; this movement builds up energy that, in its turn, causes the substance to evaporate. In cold weather, the molecules simply move a lot slower.
In the worst-case scenario, the stain might not dry at all.
Why Is It Important to Avoid the Cold When Staining Your Deck?
We have already found out that cold weather slows down the drying process, but that is not the only ‘con’ of staining your deck on a chilly day.
Staining the deck in cold weather is ineffective
The solution needs to be completely sealed and dried to become effective and start protecting your deck from the harsh environmental conditions.
The wood can get damaged
If you have chosen to stain your deck on a cold day, the drying process will take quite some time. As a result, the wood that the deck is made out of will stay wet for a longer period.
This will damage the material and make it more vulnerable.
It would become more challenging to apply the finish on your deck
You would have to wait for a lot longer to be able to finally apply the finishing product. But the chances are high that the results won’t turn out as expected as applying another layer over the stain that didn’t have a chance to properly set will make the finish ineffective.
How Cold Is Too Cold for Deck Stain?
Anything below 50 F is way too cold for deck staining, in case you have a deck made out of wood. In fact, you might end up with a sticky finish that will never really cure. If this has happened to you, the only thing that you can do is remove the stain and start all over again.
The ideal temperature for such a job is around 68 F. However, anything between 50 F and 90 F is considered to be ok.
Do bear in mind that this temperature range refers to the temperature of the deck as well. On a sunny day, the wood might get warmed up to over 90 F, while the air will stay at around 70 F.
The same applies to the minimum temperature. The wood’s surface should stay above 50 F in order to cure properly (that includes overnight temperatures).
What Are the Ideal Weather Conditions for Staining Your Deck?
To make sure that the stain performs at its best, you should try to choose a day that will tick all the boxes mentioned below.
- The outside temperature should be between 50 F and 90 F (ideally, 68 F).
- Make sure that the humidity level is low. In such a case, the stain will dry not only faster but also more evenly.
- Staining the deck when the sun is out will aid the drying process. However, direct sunlight should be avoided.
- Double-check the weather forecast, as you wouldn’t want it to rain or snow on your fresh layer of stain (the rain and the melting snow will never allow the stain to set properly).
- The morning is the perfect time of the day to stain your deck – there won’t be any sudden temperature drops (like at night, for example) and the sun is going to speed up the drying process.
- At the same time, you might want to avoid staining the deck in the middle of the day, when the sun is high – direct sunlight might ruin the result, so wait until the deck is in the shade. The stain that has been applied on a hot surface will dry before it has a chance to penetrate the wood; this will create a layer that can be easily damaged.
How to Stain a Deck in Cold Weather?
If you live in a cold area, where sunny and dry days are a rare thing, then staining your deck in cold weather might be your only option.
Fortunately, there are a few useful tips that you can follow to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
- Check the weather forecast and try to pick a day with the most preferable conditions. You would want to avoid rainy days in any case and remember that the lower the humidity level, the better.
- Thoroughly vacuum the deck and then go over the surface with a special cleaner – it is incredibly important to get rid of all the debris.
- You can use a pressure washer to rinse off the cleaner from the previous step. Also, make sure to observe the water – if you see ice forming, it might be way too cold to attempt staining the deck.
- Apply the right type of stain. If you live in a colder climate, stay away from oil-based products. Water-based and concrete stains are the best options; the latter will dry fast, even if it’s not warm outside.
Hint: there are special stains that are designed to be applied to damp surfaces. But the truth is that even such solutions are going to perform best if you allow the deck to dry for at least a full day before application.
Conclusion
The best time to stain your deck is when the weather conditions are within the 50 F to 90 F temperature range, with low humidity levels. If you have to stain your deck in cold weather, make sure to follow these tips.
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