Deck Staining and Weather Conditions – What You Should Know
DECK STAINING & MAINTENANCE
Extreme weather conditions such as rain, sun, and snow can affect the appearance of your deck, hence re-staining will help enhance the overall look of the deck. Unfortunately, most homeowners do not know the right time to stain or re-stain their deck. To make the most out of your outdoor space, deck staining should become part of your routine maintenance practices.
Think about the temperature and the weather!
The Best Time To Stain Your Deck
Before staining your deck, time and weather are two factors that you will need to consider depending on the size of your deck. Most homeowners believe that the best time to stain their decks is in the summer or early spring. However, staining in the summer causes the stain to evaporate too quickly due to high temperatures while staining in early spring may lead to cracking and peeling since the pores of the wood are still saturated making it difficult for the treatment to penetrate.
Staining can be a tough task during wet conditions as stain and moisture naturally do not mix. Ideally, it is important to ensure that your deck has enough time to dry before you can apply the stain which should be about three days of sun. The stain should not be applied in high humidity or wet weather. Staining in direct sunlight will make the stain dry too quickly, causing it to become tacky. For best results, we recommend staining in the shade or when wood surface and air temperatures are within a 50 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit range during application.
The most ideal time for deck staining is in seasons experiencing mild temperatures. Stain your deck if the rain is not expected in the next two or three days and when temperatures are not above 95 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are deck staining in the spring or fall, the most appropriate day will be when the temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures drop before the stain has dried up thoroughly, the curing process will be compromised.
Extreme weather conditions such as high humidity and heat will greatly affect the outcome of your deck staining project due to uneven penetration. While high temperatures potentially cause the stain to dry too quickly, low temperatures tend to lengthen the drying time.
Even when the weather is warm or cool, the stain can still flash dry if applied in direct sunlight. This is because direct sunlight prevents the treatment from penetrating the wood surface properly, thus shortening the longevity of the stain. Overall, this leads to a blotchy and uneven appearance that is quite unappealing. Sunny days are only perfect for enjoying your deck and not for staining it.
While humid weather may not necessarily ruin your staining project, high humidity will prolong the drying period. Staining during windy days is not ideal either as the wind may blow debris such as pollen, twigs and leaves onto your wet deck.
“For best results, we recommend staining in the shade or when wood surface and air temperatures are within a 50 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit range.”
Deck Staining Tips
Most deck staining failures are as a result of poor surface preparation or risky drying conditions. For the best finish, ensure that the surface is clean, free of grease, dirt, dead wood fibers, mildew or old stain layers that may affect stain penetration.
If you have moisture issues with a deck that is low to the ground, an oil based stain can help alleviate some of the problem, but will need to be re-coated at a highe frequency.
For raised or siding decks which are constantly exposed to the sun, it is advisable to use a latex stain. Solid colors can be used to conceal signs of aging on your deck or on areas where less maintenance is needed since they may not hold up well with repeated use.
Sealing and re-staining your deck every two to four years will go a long way in prolonging its life and preventing any damage that may require you to repair or replace it prematurely. If you need any professional help staining your deck in Amador County, California, Michael Hines Painting Company can help. Give us a call to get started.
Why Hire Us For Your Deck Staining in Amador County?
At Michael Hines Painting, we believe in the value of lifetime relationships. We believe in taking the care and time to not only do the job well, but expertly. That is why we will never sacrifice the quality of our work or provide you with poor service.
Still not sure? We suggest you listen to what some of our Reviews from clients, or if you would like to read a little bit more about what makes us passionate about protecting your home check out Our Story!
If you’re looking for a painting company that can expertly stain and seal your exterior deck, or there is anything we can do for you- Please just let us know.
Michael Hines Painting has the knowledge and training to identify the right process and products for your deck maintenance.
We are eager to show you the quality, confidence and peace of mind our services will bring to your home. Please contact us using the form below or call us right now at 209.256.4587 to get started. We look forward to hearing from you.
Or you can also approach us at our other painting company called Galt House Painter, the best painting company in Galt, CA!
