This post was updated on April 4, 2025
Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in wood and deck staining. My deck staining help tips on what to do if rain harms your deck staining are based on my history as a wood and deck restoration contractor for the past 30 years. See here for more info about me.
How to Keep Rain Off Your Deck Before and After Staining
Wood decks are a fantastic way to enhance the beauty and value of your home while providing a comfortable outdoor space for entertaining guests and relaxing. However, they are constantly exposed to harsh elements like rain, snow, sun, mold, mildew, and pests. Proper deck maintenance is crucial to preserving its longevity and appearance. One of the biggest challenges homeowners face is dealing with unexpected rain before or after staining their deck. In this article, I’ll cover how to avoid rain on your newly applied deck stain and what to do if rain catches you off guard.
Key Takeaways
- Rain can cause issues with fresh stain, leading to washout, blotches, or an uneven finish.
- Once the deck is dry, inspect for damage to see if touch-ups or a full redo are needed.
- A light second coat may help even things out, but severe cases might require stripping and restaining.
- Sanding and cleaning can improve blotchy spots before reapplying stain.
- Always check the forecast before staining to avoid unexpected rain ruining your hard work.
It Rained Shortly After Staining My Deck – What Now?
You checked the weather forecast, and everything looked clear, so you started staining your deck. Then, out of nowhere, a rainstorm hits. Panic sets in—but don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world.
Has this happened to you? If rain interfered with your deck staining project, leave a comment below, and I’ll help troubleshoot a solution. If possible, share pictures so I can offer specific advice.
Why Rain Too Soon After Deck Staining Is a Problem
Staining a wood deck is essential for protecting it against the elements and extending its lifespan. However, once the stain is applied, it needs adequate time to dry and cure. If rain falls too soon after staining, several problems can arise:
- Washout Effect – Rain can cause the stain to rinse off before it fully absorbs into the wood, leading to uneven coverage.
- Blotches and Spots – Water can create unsightly spots where the stain has been partially removed.
- Poor Adhesion – Some stains require a curing period to bond with the wood properly. Moisture can prevent this, leading to premature failure.
To avoid these issues, let’s discuss how long stains typically need to dry and what signs of rain damage to look out for.
How Long Does Deck Stain Need to Dry Before Rain?
The drying time for deck stains depends on various factors, including the type of stain used, weather conditions, and wood porosity. Here’s a general guideline:
- Water-Based Stains – Typically dry to the touch in 1-2 hours but require at least 24-48 hours to cure fully.
- Oil-Based Stains – Take longer to dry, usually around 4-12 hours before they can resist light moisture. A full cure can take up to 72 hours.
- Humidity and Temperature – High humidity or cool temperatures can slow drying times significantly.
Always check the product manufacturer’s recommendations for precise drying times.
Next, I’ll review the time needed for wood deck stains to properly dry, discuss the signs of rain damage, and explain the best remedial measures to take.
My Steps To Preventing/Fixing Rain on Deck Stain
1. Check the Rain Forecast
I know this is obvious, but always check the forest before starting. It is best never to stain any exterior wood when inclement weather is forecasted, especially rain. Most deck stain brands warn against applying their product within 12-24 hours of rain. In any case, I always place a waterproof cover or tarp over the deck as a preventative measure. But as we all know, sometimes the weather is not so predictable and people forget things. So, what do you do if it does rain on your deck shortly after staining?
2. Too Late, It Rained on Newly Applied Deck Stain
You cannot do much until it stops raining once it starts. Just let the rain continue and asses after it has stopped. Do not bother trying to tarp, as it will be too late. A light drizzle most likely won’t hurt anything, but a good downpour can be a different story. The type and brand of stain can make a difference as well. Some stains can handle rain better shortly after being applied than others.
Deck Stain Good From Rain
3. Steps to Take after it Rained on Deck Stain
Step 1: Assessing the Rain Damage
After the rain has passed and the deck has dried, take a closer look. It depends on how hard it rained and for how long. Look for little pockets, blotches, or white spots, usually the size of a dime. Any of these can indicate some damage from the rain.
Deck Stain Harmed From Rain
Step 2: Check Deck Stain Directions
Read the instructions on the stain can for recoating or adding a second coat. Once you are within the time frame recommended for a second coat, try applying the stain in an inconspicuous spot to see if it fixes the rain damage.
Note: Water-based stains generally cure in roughly 2 hours, while oil-based products usually require at least 1-3 days. Keep in mind that the curing process is often slower when the temperature is below 60 degrees (F).
Step 3: Redo Deck Stain Prep and Start Over
Applying a second coat of stain will often resolve problems associated with minor rain damage. If a light recoat does not fix the problem, you can also try using a mix of wood cleaner and a pressure washer to see if you can wash the spots without harming the stain. Or you can try lightly sanding the rain spots and recoating. Care must be taken, though, not to over-apply the stain, as this can cause other issues like flaking and peeling. If you cannot fix the problem with washing, sanding, and recoating, you may have to remove the stain with a deck stain stripper and start over again.
Other Precautions You Can Take to Avoid Rain Damage to Your Deck
Choosing the Right Product
While many water-based stains will dry completely in 12 to 14 hours, oil-based products often require a day or more of drying time. I have found that stain products that deeply penetrate or absorb into the wood usually perform the best in terms of appearance and long-term surface protection. As such, it’s very important to allow this process to occur without being hindered by water.
Before choosing a wood stain product for your deck, I encourage you to visit our product reviews on DeskStainHelp.com. I also invite you to visit our interactive forum with questions, comments, or feedback.
Use a Tarp or Cover
As I noted, weather forecasts are sometimes inaccurate, so covering the deck with a durable tarp or similar material after applying stain is an important precautionary measure. Various tarp products, such as those composed of polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl, and similar materials, are affordable and effective.
4. Popular Rain on Deck Stain Questions:
How long does the deck stain need to dry before it can get wet?
Answer: The time required for deck stain to dry and cure varies according to the stain, temperature, humidity, and other factors. Always consult with the manufacturer’s instructions to confirm the timing. As noted, be sure to check the weather forecast before getting started. The majority of stain products will dry completely within 24 to 48 hours.
What should I do if my deck looks blotchy after the rain?
Answer: If rain has caused your recently stained deck to appear blotchy, it is important to let the surface dry completely. In many cases, lightly recoating the blotchy areas will correct the problem.
If the problem persists, apply a wood cleaning product and rinse the surface with a pressure washer. If blotches are still visible, gently remove them with sandpaper before recoating the area with stain.
Can I apply a new layer of stain over the existing one?
Answer: Yes. You should gently sand the surface and then apply a fresh layer of stain. Remember to always review the manufacturer’s instructions before reapplying the stain.
Will rain ruin a freshly stained deck?
Answer: Rain may damage your deck if the stain has not dried completely, particularly if a heavy downpour occurs. Because the stain has yet to be fully absorbed into the wood, the water may wash away or significantly dilute the stain.
In these instances, the most common problems are peeling, discoloration, and spots.
How can I protect my deck from unexpected rain?
Answer: Always check the weather forecast for any possibility of rain before applying stain to your wooden deck. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging or labeling materials regarding the time needed for drying and curing. Furthermore, cover the deck completely with a waterproof cover or tarp as a precaution.
How do I know if my deck stain is ruined?
Answer: When a freshly stained deck is exposed to rain, it may ruin the stain. As noted, large areas of discoloration, blotches, or spots are common indicators of a need to recoat the surface. Based on the circumstances, you may need to clean and lightly sand the surface before reapplying the stain. However, using a deck stain stripping product might be necessary if the water damage is more extensive.
Will rain ruin a newly stained deck?
Answer: Yes, if the stain has not fully dried or cured, it may permanently damage the deck stain.
How long does deck stain need to dry before rain?
Answer: This varies based on stain brand, type of stain, and weather conditions. The average is 4-12 hours but can be put to 24-48 hours.
What if it rains 12 hours after staining deck?
Answer: 90% of the time, there would be no issues.
What if it rains 24 hours after staining deck?
Answer: I rarely see any issues, but it is always possible that the weather was cold or that the stain was over-applied.
5. Want Help on Fixing a Deck Stain that was Rained on?
Share Your Experience!
By following these guidelines, you can protect your deck and ensure a beautiful, long-lasting stain finish, no matter what the weather throws your way!
Before asking if rain harmed your deck, wait until the rain stops and the water fully dries off the deck or wood. Gather some pictures and post a comment below. Make sure to include the stain brand and type of stain used.
Hello, I’m trying to figure out if this was ruined by rain or if this is white washed and needs more time to cure. I finished around 8 pm and it rained unexpectedly at 4 am. This is what I woke up to. I read on the manufacturer website that if it isn’t fully cured then you shouldn’t put another coat on. If it is rain damaged then I want to recoat asap. We are trying to list our house for sale and the new deck looks awful.
You will need to reapply another coat of the solid stain.