This post was updated on December 31, 2024
Deck Stain Drying Time? In general, most deck stains will dry between 1-12 hours, but not all deck stain types and brands are manufactured in the same way, which will lead to different drying times. The weather, age/type of the wood, coats applied, and application method also play a major role as to how fast a deck stain will dry. Below, I’ll break down the different scenarios and offer tips on applying so your stain dries as fast as possible. This way, you can finish the stain-drying process before a rainstorm or warmer or colder temperatures compromise your stain before it has a chance to dry fully.
How long does it take for deck stain to cure? Deck stain curing refers to the stain penetrating into the wood fully. Oil-based deck stains cure in about 1 to 7 days. Water-based deck stains cure in about 12 to 14 hours. You should not place furniture or allow heavy traffic on the deck until the stain has fully cured.
Other Deck Stain Curing Factors There are many things that can speed up so slow down the drying and curing of your deck stain. Temperature and humidity will play a key role. The lower the temperature, the longer it will take to cure and dry. Ideally, the temperature should be between 60 and 90 degrees F. Temperatures lower than 50 degrees can nearly double the drying time for deck stain. Temperatures higher than 90 degrees will dry the stain too fast before it can penetrate into the wood to protect it.
The higher the humidity, the longer it will take to cure and dry. The solid content of your stain can also play a key role in how long the stain will take to dry and cure. Any questions on the curing and drying of a particular deck stain that you are using? Please ask in the comments below.
Deck Stain Drying Time by Deck Stain Type
Water-Based Deck Stain Drying Time A water-based deck stain will dry much faster than an oil-based deck stain. If the temperature is above 60 degrees, most water-based stains will dry within 1-4 hours. Rain should not affect the stain as long as it is fully dry. Wait 24 hours for full cure before heavy furniture is added to the deck.
Oil-Based Deck Stain Drying Time Oil-based deck stains, while easier to apply, can take longer to dry. With the temperature above 60 degrees, an oil-based deck stain typically dries in 4-24 hours. Most can take rain within 12 hours, and water will not “wash” out the oil stain from the wood. Wait 24-72 hours for full cure before walking on the deck and replacing furniture. Make sure the deck is not sticky and dry to the touch before doing so.
How Weather Affects Drying Time
Drying Time in Warm Weather
Most deck stain brands say to apply a deck stain during temps of 50-90 degrees, meaning that warm weather conditions are as good as it gets. Temperature can vary your dry time and curing of the stain drastically and could add or shorten the time by many hours.
Weather-Related Deck Stain Drying Tips
Temperature can vary your dry time and curing of the stain drastically and could add or shorten the time by many hours. (moved above) Sunlight will play a role, as well as stains will always dry faster if in the sun compared to in the shade.
Drying Time in Winter Weather
Don’t apply stains at temperatures below 45 degrees or if the forecast suggests that it might reach these lower temperatures in the next few days. If the temperature nears freezing in the days immediately after you apply the stain, the performance of the stain is often negatively impacted.
Will Deck Stain Dry in Cold Weather? When applying a deck in the low 50s, it can double your curing and drying time. Do not over-apply the deck stain, and make sure to take precautions by avoiding applying it before a rainy forecast. Since the curing and drying time takes much longer, also avoid walking and adding furniture on your deck until fully cured. Once the deck is fully dry to the touch and is not sticky or tacky, you should be okay to use it.
Wood Age and Type of Wood Drying Time
Newer wood is not very absorbent and will lead to longer drying times compared to older and substantially more porous wood. Different wood types will also change the drying time. For example, dense exotic hardwoods such as IPE will take longer to dry than an older Pressure Treated Pine Deck.
How long does deck stain take to dry on new wood? See this article for important tips on new wood: Staining A New Deck
Coats Applied & Application Method for Stain Drying Time
One coat versus two coats, applying with a deck stain pad that “pushes” the stain into the wood (compared to a heavy saturation of stain with a sprayer), all will lead to drying time differences for your deck stain. In general, the thicker the coating is applied, the longer it will take to dry and cure.
Tips for Accelerating Drying Time
- TWP states that “ideal” dry time conditions for their stains are 75 degrees and 50% humidity.
- Promptly wiping away any excess stain helps minimize drying times.
- Stain manufacturers generally discourage trying to accelerate drying times.
How Long For Deck Stain to Dry?
Have a question on How Long it Takes Deck Stains to Dry? Ask Below!
Any questions on how long it will take for your deck stain to dry? Please ask below with answers to these questions:
- Stain brand and type being used.
- Weather temperature.
- Full sun or shade.
- Wood type and age.
- Application methods and coats being applied.
FAQ
How long do you have to stay off a deck after staining?
Despite feeling dry to the touch, allow the stain to properly cure before walking or placing heavy furniture on it. Curing ensures the stain has fully penetrated. Water-based stains may cure in 12 to 14 hours, while oil-based stains may take 1 to 7 days. When in doubt, check the manufacturer’s instructions regarding curing times.
What if it rains 12 hours after staining a deck?
Water-based stains should cure within 12 hours when the temperature is between 60 to 90 degrees. After 12 hours, most oil-based deck stains will not rinse away if it rains.
For very minor rain damage, applying an additional coat of stain should solve the problem. You may need to lightly sand and reapply the stain if the deck was exposed to a heavy downpour, has large faded areas, or has many spots.
How long does a deck stain need to sit before rain?
When temperatures are in the 60 to 90-degree range, avoid staining your deck if rain is forecasted within 24 hours. Amid colder temperatures, allow 48 hours of drying time. Check the manufacturer’s instructions, as the amount of time a stain needs to set in order to withstand rain often varies based on the variables.
How do I know if my deck stain is dry?
When 60 degrees or higher, the usual dry times for water-based stains are from 1 to 4 hours and 4 to 24 hours for oil-based stains. Touch the stain to ensure it is not tacky and feels dry to the touch.
Does deck stain dry faster in the sun?
Yes. Sunlight will likely accelerate the drying time. Avoid applying stains in direct sunlight to avoid “flash” drying, which may make the application look uneven and blotchy.
Can I stain my deck if it’s too humid?
Optimal humidity is 50% or less when applying stain. Staining your deck when humidity is high is unlikely to cause poor results unless exposed to direct sunlight. When the humidity exceeds 50%, the stain will likely need more drying time.
HI i stained my deck with 2 coat of TWP 101 IT IS NOW 72 HOURS AND THE DECK IS STILL STICKY……..IT IS A DECK UNDER A COVERED PORCH SO IT DOES NOT GET MUCH SUN…….it also gas been overcast and humid with rainstorms in the area …but no rain hit the deck.
i am hoping it because of the humid weather that the deck is still sticky…..your thoughts please.
Let it cure out. it may take a week or 2 due to the humidity, possible over application, and it being covered.
The deck also has some shiney spots. Will these go away as the deck cures?
Did I put the stain on too heavy? I did 2 wet on wet costs
Thanks again. George
Most likley too heavy. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/why-is-the-deck-stain-still-sticky/
Is it not a good time to stain a deck while small green spinners are falling from a tree? I hate to put all my new furniture, plants and fountain on my deck now after powerwashing only to have to remove everything again to stain it when the darn spinners stop falling! I’d rather take a change to try and keep the deck clear of the spinners by putting a tarp above the deck to prevent the spinners – do you think this would work??
No, as you need to stain fully exposed for curing and drying.
I’ve used AC semi transparent with great success on previous deck but new house now with existing deck that I’ve replaced bad boards and stripped last summer. I like AC new expresso color in semi solid as I feel it will do a better job of blending new and old wood. Can I spray and back brush like I did with semi transparent and are there any issues or disadvantages with the semi solid. Thanks
New wood has to season for 12 months when using the AC semi-solid stain colors. Otherwise, no issues.
Ok thanks but I never mentioned SOLID. Question refers to application process and behavior of semi solid versus semi transparent stains
Missed the “semi” in front of the solid in our response.
HOW DRY DOES THE DECK HAVE TO BE BEFORE APPLYING STIN/PAINT?
Depends on the stain brand you are using and what they suggest?
I stained my deck with a semi solid arborcoat by Benjamin moore. I built the deck last year and cleaned it 2 weeks ago. Rain kept from staining. I was able to finally get started. I was conscience of trying to keep an even coat across the deck. I found some areas shadowed and some spots has a sheen to it. I’m disgusted. Do I just wait to see how it turns out over a couple of days? It was roughly 65 degrees and windy with full sun when applied. Today will be about 80. Should I go over with a 2nd light coat or wait for it to cure longer?
Let it cure out for a week or so before attempting to recoat.
Thank you for your help. I was even thinking this morning of letting it go this year and let it all fade. But i will see what it looks like next week and maybe te apply a second coat.
How long is too long to wait between coats on my deck if something came up?
Depends on the brand. Some can be done after the first coat dries, some cannot.
We applied semi transparent deck stain in Rustic Brown on new kiln – dryed cedar decking . Since it is oil based , I was wondering how long it will take for the strong smell to go away ? . Also , does the color stay true to when it is first applied – we made the mistake of not purchaseing samples befor choosing the color. So we just purchased and applied the stain . the color is very RED, which we did not expect – I assume there is nothing that we can do about that now . But just wondering if the color changes at all in time – thank you so much Leah Dorane – Fonal
Did you weather and prep the wood as required? 1-2 months for kiln dried and has to be clean and brighten before staining with one coat of the stain. The smell will go away once it fully cures. The color will not change that much or be the same after it cures.