This post was updated on May 2, 2022
Best Temperature Range for Applying Deck Stains
Welcome to Deckstainhelp.com, your source for industry insights and trends for the perfect deck stain project execution. See below for information on the ideal temperature range for deck stain application. We want to hear from you. Leave us a comment if you have input about the ideal temperature range for deck stain application below.
Blotchy stain application
There is no uncertainty that weather has a huge impact on applying a deck stain. A number of factors can help or hurt when it comes to staining a deck. Rain for one is a very big factor. Not only can rain delay and deck staining project, but it can also ruin a freshly stained deck if it rains before the stain has time to dry. But there is another factor that may not be as common.
The temperature range for applying deck stain is just as crucial. Although the suggested temperature ranges for applying deck stain give a lot more room for error, it can still come into play. Applying deck stain when temperatures are too cold can affect the curing process of the stain. Applying deck stain when temperatures are too hot can cause the stain to evaporate and dry too quickly. In both cases, the stain’s performance can be jeopardized.
The suggested temperature range for applying deck stain is on average 45-95 degrees Fahrenheit. When deck stain is applied in cooler temperatures, in early spring or late fall, for example, the curing process of the stain can be hindered. Even if temperatures drop to below-suggested ranges, and especially close to freezing, days after you have applied stain it can still affect it negatively.
When deck stain is applied during extremely hot temperatures the stain can dry too quickly before it penetrates the wood properly. Besides the air temperature on extremely hot days, the wood surface can be very hot as well. You should never apply deck stain on a steamy hot day and especially in full sun. This is not only dangerous for the one doing the work, but the stain’s performance can be at risk. To be safe apply deck stain in temperature ranges of 45-95 degrees so you’ll get a beautiful long-lasting finish.
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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.
Can you use Deck Over Medium on an old deck to keep mold n mildew off my deck.
No, and DeckOver is known to peel. Very poor product.
I had a huge 3 week rain delay before I was able to finish my deck using defy semi transparent stain. We are going to have a dry spell here, but the temps are high of 51 ndn low of 30. I know there are temp times for applying.
My question is if I apply the stain when it is 51 degrees, and it has time to dry for 4 hours, will that still effect the stain if it dips down to 30 during the curing process? Or should I now wait until spring?
It cannot drop below freezing the first night of staining.
Thank you!!! Also because of your help (half) my deck looks phenomenal!!! Restore a deck solid on the rails, defy on the floor
Looks great!
What the best pressure treated wood stain for my deck?
See here: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-best-deck-stains/
I’m staining an older deck…green treated wood using Cabot Deck Correct. The day temps are 70’s but night will fall below 50. Is that going to be a huge problem if the deck can dry before temps fall?
No issue.
Can I stain my deck at 90 f.
Depends on the brand of stain.
We used Defy Extreme Semi Transparent stain in Pine on our deck a year and a half ago. The deck was new pressure treated pine. The painters used a paint brush at the ends of the boards and rolled the rest. They only used one coat. The stain is much darker where they used a paint brush which left an uneven coat. It wasn’t a good job. We are going to stain again and would like to know if we should use the stripping product or the wood cleaner. Also, we are going to use the Defy Ultra Semi Transparent stain this time. Is one coat enough? If not, is it a wet on wet second coat application?
Strip and brighten and the Defy Extreme is a better stain than the Ultra in our opinion.
Is the brush on method better than roll on for the stain? Also, if brushing on are two coats needed?
We do not like rollers for semi-transparent stains. Use a brush or stain pad. You need two coats applied wet on wet. Does not matter the applicator being used.
I painted my deck with a black stain After drying when you walk on it you can see foot prints. Was black the wrong choice or what can I do to fix it? Thanks in advance
Probably more of an issue with the stain brand compared to color. Sometimes it takes longer to cure.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-for-deck-stain-to-cure-and-dry/
I have Thompson Water Seal. Can I apply in 54 degree weather during mid day and 44 degrees at night? The next day will be 60 with rain coming in during the afternoon. Thanks
It should be okay but you might want to rethink using the Thompsons: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/thompsons-waterseal-finish-review/
Hi,
I am in Kansas with a pressure treated pine deck (new but weathered over the winter) that I’ll be staining with TWP 100 series. Daytime highs are forecasted at 90 degrees in the next week or so. Deck is in full sun and gets pretty toasty between 10am and 4pm.
1.) If I were to stain it at say 5pm after it cools down, would that be enough time for it to cure properly before it heats up the next morning (about 17 hours)?
2.) Does the deck being in full-sun affect that ideal ambient temperature range (50-90 degrees) for applying the stain? Would 80 degrees ambient temperature perhaps be a safer upper limit if it’s full sun? Is there a maximum acceptable surface temperature for application? I know every deck is different, just wondering your general advice.
How long to wait before staining after cleaning a new deck?
That varies depending on the stain brand but 48 hours is normal.
Can you stain an outside deck when pollen levels are 70 percent
If pollen is heavy and lands on the stain while drying, the pollen can lead to mold growth.
Hi,
I started to stain my deck and the weather took a turn to colder weather.
When you say it affects the stain, what should I be looking for to determine if it is damage.
Thanks
Depends on the brand. Send a picture.
What do you want a picture of deck or can of stain??
The deck.
Thank you
How long should the deck be allowed to dry before suspected rain?
It depends on the brand of stain but typically 4-24 hours.
How long for stain to dry/cure in 57 degree dry weather?
Depends on the brand and type of stain?
We have had to stain cedar Facia boards and trim on a new garage before the siding is installed. The daytime temp has been around 50* when applying but the past two nights have been down to 28* What effect will this have on the stained wood?
It depends on the brand but probably no issues.
Temp/Sun dilemma: So,I’ve cleaned brightened and sanded my deck… ready to stain but it is the peak of summer. If I stain in the morning, the wood is in full sun or I can stain in the afternoon when it is shaded but the temps are above 90.
Which do you recommend?
Cheers!
Better in the shade.
Thank you! -It is really humid too… Will that just take the stain longer to cure or will it affect the stain application?
Humidity does not have much affect.
How long can you wait after stripping and brightening a cedar deck before you apply the stain? Can I strip and brighten the deck now and wait 2-4 weeks for the weather (pollen count) to improve? I live in Atlanta, GA and the pollen count currently is extremely high.
Not 2-4 weeks. 1-2 weeks at most after the prep.
What I meant is that the temperature drops to high 30 during the night, would that be okay?
As long as it is not below freezing.
What if I apply the stain in day time while the temperature is in the low 60 but drop to high 30, would that be okay?
As long as it does not drop below freezing.
The temperature is under 90, but the deck temperature is over 100. Can I stain my deck with solid stain?
Depends on the brand and type but probably not a good idea.
You recommend 45-90 degree weather for stain drying but warn about temperatures affecting the wood at a later date. How many days should we look ahead before staining? I am wondering if week later temps of below 45 would affect the stain.
Just make sure that it does not drop below freezing a few days after applying.
in hot temperatures this product should not be used according to this article. At what temperature of heat is the question.
thanks
Donna, I do not understand your question. This article is not about a certain brand, but deck stains in general. It also suggests a temperature range in the article.