Why deck stain won’t dry?

The two most common reasons that deck stain won’t dry is that the deck was not prepared properly before application of new deck stain or that the deck stain was overapplied. Decks cannot be wet when they are stained because the moisture keeps the stain from soaking into the wood. Deck stain cannot be overapplied or it will sit on top of the wood as well. Anytime a penetrating stain sits on top of the wood it cannot dry properly. The only way to fix this problem is to strip the stain, prep, and reapply.

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Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 Owner

As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior wood and deck restoration. Scott and his Deck Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 decks in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the deck restoration industry and has contributed to numerous wood restoration forums and informative sites. All the products he suggests through this site are sold through online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them.

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