This post was updated on May 1, 2024
Sticky Deck Stain
Deck stain sticky after applying?
Staining your deck is not the easiest task as there are lots of things that can go wrong during the whole process. It could be that you applied your stain the day before a rainstorm or you could have over-applied your stain, leaving it sticky and tacky
As a rule, when you make the decision to stain a large area, it’s prudent to invest in proper applicators like a stain pad, a paintbrush, or even some sort of sprayer to apply the stain evenly.
Give the deck approximately half an hour to really soak up all the wood stain and then go over it with a wipe to get rid of any excess liquid. You can use this opportunity to fix any runs or drips, too. If using an oil-based deck stain, make sure to soak all oily rags in water and lay flat to dry outdoors.
The main reason that decks are left with ugly, shiny pockmarks is that the stain did not soak in properly and was left to dry. If you should find yourself in that situation, it’s important to know what to do.
After the drying, take a look at your deck to get an idea of exactly which areas have too much stain. It couldn’t be simpler to remove them, just grab an old rag and a bottle of mineral spirits lightly going over the affected areas.
In the very worst-case scenario, the spots might be a little more troublesome and require a stain stripper. This can be a tricky process so some people prefer the alternative – a sander.
IMPORTANT: When re-applying the stain, do not overapply. A good sign to help you realize the wood has had enough coverage is when the liquid has not been absorbed after 30-60 minutes.
What stain do you recommended for stain a deck previusly stain with behr dedar transparent and still sticky .
I read that will need to redone but do not want to make same mistake choosing stain.
Thanks
You need to remvoe the Behr fully first. You cannot apply over it. For prep help, reply back with some pics.
After you remove the Behr, try Armstrong Clark Stains:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/armstrong-clark-wood-deck-stain-review/
or Restore-A-Deck Stains:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-review/
I just used Ipe oil on ipe deck. I have a few stick spots wher I didn’t get enough wiped off. Will mineral oil help and will I have to re-oil those areas? Thanks
It should.
I have s new deck it has dried out over a year. I applied a Cabot stain that after it dries it is supposed to have a glossy shine like a wood floor. Almost slk of the deck looks great except for 10 boards that have absorbed the stain but have only left s dull finish. I ttied reappliying the stain to those boards and again overnigjt it dried to a dull finish. The boards are 20 foot long and its about 6 feet on each board that looks bad. How can I remedy the problem and can I apply just a solid deck paint on top of tjis to hopefully cover it up
FYI, applying a shiny coating to a deck floor will result in peeling and numerous issues when trying to fix down the road. It should never be done. To fix you should remove all by power sanding and go with a penetrating stain that does not leave a shine whatsoever. Painting over top will lead to peeling.
I stained over my painted deck,looks great but now becomes tacky when weather gets over 80 degrees.not satin based ,firewood cherry color stain from Lowes,how can I stop it from tackiness in warm weather.Stained 5 days ago.
Hopefully, it cures and stops doing this on its own as there is not a way to stop it. Give it another week or two. It it does not stop on its own, you will have to remove it and start over with a better brand of stain that fully cures.
“After the drying, take a look at your deck to get an idea of exactly which areas have too much stain.” How can you tell if an area on a deck has too much stain?
Shiny and sticky compared to the areas that have dried and cured correctly.
I have stained dozens of decks and have often used Semi-transparent Superdeck oil base by Sherwin Williams if it’s going on new wood. In May I did 2 decks in one day with this product-same exact stain but with two seperate cans of Superdeck. When I checkef them 2 weeks later both decks were extremely tacky. After 4 weeks it remained tacky and unusable. I tried whipping it with mineral spirits but ended up using an Orange remover and sanding them down to the bare wood. I reapplied with Sherwin Williams waterborne cedartone to solve the problem. I spoke to a local builder who told me they had 4 decks that experienced the same problem this summer and Have stopped using Superdeck completely. The day I applied the Superdeck on the 2 decks was high humidity and it did rain the following day ,if that matters. However, neither of these decks were exsposed-one was the decking on a fully enclosed screen porch and the other deck was a second story with a roof. I know it was applied correctly-no pooling or build-up.just a nice, even application. Also, both sets of exposed steps with the same product were not tacky and just fine. Any thoughts or ideas on this would be appreciated. Right now I will stay away from this product. Just do not want something that could possibly end up this work intensive again. Any help Appreciated. Dreamscape Home Detail
We stopped using Super Deck years ago for numerous reason but the main reason was it stayed tacky and then turned dark brown or black by collecting dirt, grime, and mildew. It is just not a very good stain. Better options for oil-based would be TWP or Armstrong Clark.
I had the same problem with the Sherwin Williams product about a year ago.
Why does water pool on my deck after it rains. It was just stained 3 weeks ago and it has white residue and is sticky
Could be many reasons but it comes down to the stain brand, how it was prepped, and if over-applied.
My new wood deck properly prepared but contractor applied too much stain trying to smooth out color behr semi transparent stain now after overnight drying deck is shiny and tacky. Help?
You will need to remove it all and start over. How depends on the type he used but most liley will need to sand it all off.
What is the best way to remove stain from a porch/deck? I To solve my too have had sticky problems with Behr. Could I stain over the Behr with a better stain to solve the tackiness? I used a semi-transparent, water-based stain.
Post some pictures.
My deck was just sanded and stained with a semi transparent oil stain, however, the pro I hired said no problem
removing solid stain, but the end result is awful. I would like to re-stain with a solid stain but wonder how long
I would have to wait. Thanks for your help
Strip off the semi-transparent and then brighten the wood. You can then solid stain the deck.
the deck was not stained it was flooded. i did not want a stain just natural looking wood but it causes marks when moving furniture around and it is a little sticky. what should i do?
Remove all and start over.
After using a stain and sealed it’s still tacky after 4 months
You will need to remove it fully and start over with a better quality stain.
After staining deck is still tacky 2 days later.
I need to do a second coat as recommended by sales lady at Home Depo. What shall I do.? Apply second coat or wait a few more days. I am a 76 year old lady and cannot get up enough energy to redo it again. Very frustrating. Will it eventually dry. I have been reading other comments and regretting my decision to buy Behr. Please help
Adding more will not fix this issue of being tacky and will probably make it worse. Just leave as is and hopefully it dries soon. If not, you may have to remove all and start over.
How do I remover this sticky mess help
Add some pics for help.
We used the same Behr semi- transparent stain on an old deck and a new one at the same time. We applied 2 coats, add directed, with drying time between coats. It’s been almost a month, with a lot of full sun, and they are both still tacky. The new deck is more tacky than the older one.
Glad to read this, since we thought we did something wrong.
Will mineral spirits help?
No with the Behr and a month later. You will have to remove to fix.
As a comfortable painter. i just used super deck oil transparent heart redwood 1 coat. it looks great. 800 square ft. i used atleast 12 good rags to wipe down and brushes only. it even started to sprinkle as i was leaving and im sure there will be no isssues. LB Painting WA
I used solid stain on an old deck ad it didn’t dry overnight what can I do
Hopefully, it will dry in the next day or two. If not, you will need to remove and start over.
After applying one coat of Behr stain and sealer 2 1/2 day’s ago IT’S STILL Sticky. What the heck???? Never Never again will I buy Behr paint!!!!
I wish I would have seen your review I just bought the same brand and I’m on day 2 and its still sticky.
We used the behr semi transparent stain on our deck that has never been stained before We did this 2 weeks ago and during the day when the sun is out it is very sticky but at night it seems alright Can we put anything on it to get rid of the sticky tacky feeling
Probably not at this point. You may need to strip and start over.
Hi Dianne, Unfortunately I have found myself in the same situation. We did EVERYTHING according to the directions. I am beyond frustrated with Behr. They offered to compensate me for the stain, but that is it. I have no desire to strip and stain again. How did you end up solving your problem?
Michele
I have used Behr for a long time but the last two times, I have had this problem, thinking I did something wrong last time but I just restained it after sanding last year’s stain off and again it’s sticky, which is really depressing after spending so much time applying the stain.
Man, I came to this page because I’m using behr and the finish is sticky. I did it 2 years ago with literally the same application process , and had fantastic results. Chose behr again (semi transparent redwood #5330) and after 2 days of drying its still sticky. Sucks pretty hard because we are selling the house so I don’t have time to really mess with it anymore before we list. Color is phenomenal but the feel is driving me insane.
They(Lowe’s) did change something about their product though. It used to be semi transparent redwood #3330 now it’s #5330 and they no longer offer the #3330 . The guy working the counter said they changed up a year or so ago. Who knows !?
We just used this awful product on our brand new deck and its been 2 days and its still not dry. The “stain” is swirling with color solids that pool and are obviously going to chip off like paint. What kind of “penetrating oil” is this? Furious with Behr and done with Home Cheap-O forever. That’s the last straw.
How can I remove Rustoleum Restore from a deck, if I machine sand it what grit sand paper
do I need and about how long would it take to sand the Deck smooth & clean, it’s about 500 s/f ?
You will need to power sand it off. 80 Grit paper.
if my deck is still sticky after using mineral spirts what do i do
Remove it all and start over.