This post was updated on February 26, 2024
Why deck stain bubbles?
If the deck stain bubbled it means you used a solid deck paint or a solid deck stain while the wood was still wet. Film forming deck stains like solid color stains must be applied to a completely dry surface so that they can adhere to the wood properly. If you leave the bubbles in the deck stain it will fail quickly and almost immediately begin to peel.
What do you do about deck stain bubbles?
The best thing to do when your deck stain bubbles is to strip the stain and start over. There is no way to fix the bubbles without removing what you have laid, cleaning the deck, and reapplying the solid stain after the deck is completely dry.
Pro Tip: The Best Stripper to remove a solid color deck stain is the RAD PaintStrip Solid Stain Stripping Gel
More Info on Solid Stain or Paint Removal
More information on deck stain bubbles and staining damp wood
- Deck Stain Failed? Who to Blame?
- Will Deck Stain Peel?
- Moisture Content of Deck When Applying
- How Dry Does the Deck Need to be After Cleaning it to Apply the Stain?