Staining your patio is a terrific method to make it look nicer. However, if you plan on using a very dark color, like black, you still need to take care when staining. But you need to have a dry deck for that. Is your deck wet or dry?
Now that you have a strategy in place, you may check that the deck is dry enough to stain. After a pressure washing by, you may determine the deck’s moisture content in three different ways.
Methods to Check If Deck is Dry Enough For Staining:
One way to find out if the deck is ready to be stained is to use a moisture meter. The wood’s relative humidity is measured with a moisture meter. Deck timber inspection requires checking several locations throughout the length of the deck with a moisture meter. Staining is suitable for materials with a moisture level of 19% or less.
Alternatively, you can place the edge of the wood in a black garbage bag and leave it out in the sun for an hour or two to determine the wood’s moisture content. After only four or five hours, the plastic bag can be opened. Condensation on the wood indicates that it is not ready to be stained. Actually, dry enough to stain is indicated by condensation.
The third method involves using water splashes to determine whether or not the wood is appropriate for staining. If water beads on the lumber’s surface, it is still too wet to stain or paint. If the water is absorbed fast into the deck boards, however, it is ready to be stained.
Drying Time on Average:
Your deck needs to air out for 48 hours before you can stain it. The waiting time leads to the rule of thumb that is useful for both novice and seasoned woodworkers. Conditions outside will have an impact on how long it takes on average to finish your deck. If you are working on your deck in a garage or other shaded area, allow at least 72 hours for it to dry before using it again.
The drying time is prolonged by rain, but not by a storm. It takes more than a day and a half. When humidity levels are high, progress is slowed. Processes take longer in colder temperatures. Increased exposure to sunlight and intense heat can cut the time required for completion from 48 to 24 hours.
Cover your deck with a cloth or move your work indoors if rain is in the forecast. If you decide to pressure wash your deck, be sure to dry it off with a moist cloth. If you don’t do that, all the water will gather in one spot. Staining your deck will be impacted by this.
What Will Happen When Trying To Stain A Wet Deck?
Staining a deck while it is still wet after having been subjected to pressure washing will provide results that are not to be expected. Therefore, you will not achieve your goals. Colours combined with oils to penetrate wood are common in wood paints. Staining wet deck won’t allow for proper absorption, leading to an uneven appearance. Now you know the drawbacks of painting a damp deck.
· Increase in Fungi:
The presence of moisture encourages the growth of microorganisms like fungi, algae, and mildews. Colouring the wood before it has dried properly traps the moisture inside. This water satisfies the hydration requirements of lichens, mushrooms, and algae. As a result, undesired moss, fungi, and mildew growths occur due to the wood being moist.