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Shelf life of a deck stain?
The shelf life of deck stain depends on the type and brand of stain, as well as how the stain is stored. As a general rule, open cans of deck stain can be stored for up to 12 months and unopened cans of deck stain can be stored for up to 2-3 years depending on brand. Marrying like cans of deck stain creates fuller cans that have a lower chance of freezing or spoiling. Deck stain should be stored in a dry, cool, climate controlled area and will freeze if left in an unheated garage during winter.
Key takeaways
- Open cans of deck stain last up to 12 months, while unopened cans can last 2 to 3 years depending on brand.
- Combining partial cans of the same deck stain, known as marrying, reduces spoilage risk and helps preserve the remaining product.
- Deck stain should be stored in a dry, cool, climate-controlled area to maximize its usable shelf life.
- Deck stain will freeze if left in an unheated garage during winter, which can permanently damage the product.

