Ready to give that wooden piece a fresh look with some stain? Wondering how long you’ll have to wait before it dries? A little hiccup could mean starting all over in a room filled with fumes.
Dive into this guide, where I’ll break down the drying time for wood stains. Let’s get started!
How Long Should You Wait For Wood Stain to Dry?
Wood stain is a type of paint used to enhance the natural color of the woodwork. Wood stain’s key difference from the more traditional paint is the less amount of binding agent it contains.
Wood stains’ pigments remain mostly on the surface of the wood and are mostly ‘transparent’; that is, they still show the natural wood grain.
The drying time for staining wood darker ranges anywhere from 1-24 hours. The stain type greatly affects the wood stain drying time, as well as other factors such as temperature and humidity. Additionally, mixing water and oil products can also affect the stain’s drying time.
Before diving into staining, always give your wood a good clean and prep. Want a sneak peek of the final look? Try the stain out on an inconspicuous spot or even on some leftover wood pieces. This will give you a feel for its finish and how long it takes to dry and set.
Factors That Affect Drying Time
Wood Type
Pressure-Treated Wood
This is treated with preservatives against wood-damaging organisms like mold, mildew, and termites. This treatment also includes fire-retardants. Stains dry within 4-8 hours with this wood.
Hardwood
Hardwood is known for its density and durability. Similar to pressure-treated wood, it typically takes around 4-8 hours for a stain to dry on hardwood surfaces.
Softwood
Softwood is more porous compared to the last two types; this means it takes longer to dry. It also has the possibility to dry unevenly, resulting in blotches.
Stain Type
The length of your stain’s drying process depends highly on its type. Those with alcohol (like lacquer) diffuse easily, followed by water-based, then oil-based, and gel stains.
Temperature
60-70 degrees Fahrenheit is the sweet spot for drying wood stains. It will still dry if not within range, albeit in a shorter or longer time.
If you’re trying to dry a stain and think, “Should I turn up the heat?” – hold that thought! Drying it too quickly can cause the surface to crack, and you’ll end up having to redo the whole thing. It’s better to be patient and let it dry naturally, even if it takes a bit longer.
Humidity
Humidity is an underrated but important factor that dictates how long it takes for a wood stain to dry. The best humidity level for drying stains will be 55% or below.
At above 65%, which is high humidity, stains are wetter due to attracting the extra moisture in the air and will dry longer. It is usually before sunrise and just after sunset. Check your weather app in preparation. For high humidity, consider using a dehumidifier to keep the stain dry.
Airflow
Limited air circulation can make it harder for stains to dry, because tiny particles from the stain linger in the air and can settle back onto the wood. Plus, without proper ventilation, you might breathe in harmful fumes.
Always remember to pop open a window or turn on a fan when staining. Just be careful of any dust or debris that could land on your freshly stained wood.
How Long Does It Take For Different Wood Stains to Dry?
Water-based Wood Stain
Minwax
Minwax water-based stains dry between 1-2 hours. Depending on the humidity, temperature, and airflow, it might take up to 3 hours.
General Finishes
This water-based stain can be touched or checked after 30 minutes if it was painted over raw wood, but may take over 1 hour if this stain is painted over an existing stain or paint job. Let the stain sit for 2 hours to apply a second coat safely.
Oil-based Wood Stain
Behr
Behr oil-based wood stain takes 12-24 hours to completely dry.
Cabot
Cabot oil-based stains such as the Cabot Australian Timber oil take 24-48 hours to dry. They recommend applying only one coat of stain.
Minwax
Minwax’s oil-based stains need at least 2 hours to dry and around 8-12 hours to completely cure.
Olympic
Olympic Smartguard is the oil stain for you if you need to waterproof your woodworking project. It takes 1 hour to dry. It dries clear and can be used for a variety of surfaces other than wood, like brick and concrete.
Olympic Maximum is also a waterproofing oil stain, but with a variety of transparency levels ranging from transparent to solid. It also has a variety of tones and colors you can pick from.
It provides mildew and mold resistance for the wood. It takes at least 8 hours to dry, with other variants requiring up to 24 hours of dry time.
Olympic Elite is a waterproofing oil-based stain with advanced mildew, mold, and algae resistance. Compared to the previous Olympic stains, its variety consists purely of opaque stains.
It requires 24-48 hours of drying time. But if you want to change it, here’s how you can remove oil-based stains from wooden surfaces.
Osmo
Osmo oil-based stain features a microporous [1] finish, providing a breathable finish that won’t crack or peel. It requires 4-6 hours of drying time.
Varathane Stain
Varathane Stain dries in 1 hour and just needs 1 coat.
Varnish
Varnish is not for staining wood per se but rather a protective coating made primarily of resin with drying oil and solvents. Most varnishes take 15-20 minutes to dry.
Gel-based Wood Stain
Gel stain is a relatively new stain type that is somewhat in between wood stains and traditional paint; it’s thicker and easier to apply compared to stains, and it does not require too much surface preparation. Because of this, it takes 8-24 hours for a gel stain to dry.
Dye Stain
Water-soluble Aniline Dye Stain
Most wood stains are liquid. In contrast, aniline dye stains are pigment-rich powders used to stain wood. They are dissolved in water and thus require 24 hours to dry properly.
Metalized Dye Stain
Metalized dye stains are a more light-resistant version of dye wood colorants. It can be dissolved in water, alcohol, or lacquer thinner. This makes its drying time variable depending on the solvent used, ranging from 15 minutes to 3 hours.
Lacquer Wood Stain
Lacquer stains are made with natural or synthetic liquid resin in fast drying solvents such as alcohol and therefore take only 15 minutes to stain wood.
Drying Times for Interior and Exterior Stains
Since exterior wood stains usually incorporate a sealant with the formula, this increases the drying time for the exterior stain, ranging from 24-48 hours. It’s longer compared to interior stains, which can dry within hours.
How to Make Wood Stain Dry Faster: Tips and Tricks
Tip #1: Spread Thin Coats and Rub Excess Stain
Apply only thin coats of the stain at a time. You can reapply anyway until you reach your desired shade. Wipe off excess stains to prevent splotches and uneven finish. Rub off excess stain along the grain of the wood.
Tip #2: Keep the Area Well-Ventilated
Set up your workspace in advance to ensure proper air circulation. Not only will this help your stain dry quicker, but it also keeps any nasty fumes at bay. Remember, it’s all about working smart and staying safe!
Tip #3: Avoid Staining Immediately After Pressure Washing
Pressure washing pushes water further into the wood, making it wet for a long time. Allow at least a day for all the accumulated water to dry. Otherwise, your stain won’t be properly absorbed.
Tip #4: Allow for it to Dry in a Warm and Less Humid Space
Prepare a workplace that is less humid to ensure a quick and even stain finish. Consider using a room dehumidifier. For exterior woodworks, it is especially important to check your weather app to choose a work day with as low humidity as possible.
Stain Drying Time Between Coats
Drying time in between coats varies between stain types and products, so always consult your chosen product’s instructions. For oil-based stains, you typically need 2-4 hours, and for water-based stains, 4-8 hours.
How to Slow Down Stain Drying Time
This typically applies to oil-based stains. If your wood stain dries too fast, it might cause blemishes or splotches on the wood. Add a little paint thinner or mineral spirits to your oil wood stain to thin it out.
Start by pouring out a cup (don’t thin out the whole bucket!) of the stain and adding a tablespoon to it, gradually, until you’ve achieved your desired consistency.
How to Tell if Wood Stain is Dry
Generally, if you touch a dry stain, it will feel smooth but not sticky. Oil-based stain’s smell would have greatly diminished after it dries. Dry water-based stains and gel stains won’t feel cold to the touch. Make sure the stain cures first before touching.
Why is the Stain Not Drying?
Not getting the right temperature, airflow, or humidity can mess up your wood staining process. But here’s another tip: make sure your wood is bone-dry, both inside and out, before staining. Trust me, it makes a big difference in drying time!
For example, don’t apply stains right after pressure washing. Applying a subsequent coat immediately while the previous coat is not yet dry is another possibility.
How to Apply Wood Stain: 7 Steps
Step #1: Start by Sanding the Surface
Sand the surface of the wood until it is even and smooth. It is recommended to use 120 grit for removing an existing finish or 80 grit for bare wood.
Step #2: Clean the Surface
Wipe the dust off the wood’s surface with a lint-free cloth. Make sure to clean the workplace dust, too, to prevent it from sticking to the wet stains.
Step #3: Spread the Wood Conditioner
Use a wood conditioner for softwoods like cedar and pine. Apply the conditioner evenly using a clean, dry cloth.
Step #4: Prepare the Stain Formula
Stir the stain formula thoroughly while you wait for the wood conditioner to dry.
Step #5: Apply the Stain
Slightly wet the cloth with the wood stain, then apply thin, even coats. Wipe off the excess stain by wiping it along the wood grain.
Step #6: Let it Dry, Then Spread the Second Coat
Let the first coat dry before applying another. This will ensure the stain dries properly and prevent blotching. Go back to step 1 if you want a darker hue.
Step #7: Seal With the Polyurethane Finish
As a top coat or a finishing coat, apply polyurethane finish to protect your stained wood. You can usually apply the finish with a brush.
How Long Should You Wait Before Applying Polyurethane?
Oil-based wood stains
The final coat should be fully dry before applying the polyurethane finish, so for oil-based stains, this would be 24-48 hours.
Water-based wood stains
It takes around 4-8 hours to make a water-based stain dry before polyurethane application.
How to Apply Polyurethane
Just follow the steps below:
- Wipe the stained surface with a clean, dry cloth to remove dirt and dust.
- Stir the polyurethane to achieve an even consistency. Stir gently to prevent air bubbles from forming with the polyurethane. Air bubbles will be visible and unsightly when the finish is applied to the stain.
- Use a synthetic high-quality brush, as using a natural bristle brush might absorb too much of the finish. Gently wet the brush with the polyurethane, preventing air bubbles.
- Apply the polyurethane using long, slow strokes along the wood grain. Do repeated passes, and maintain a consistent stroke length of about 1-2 feet to even out the application.
- After finishing a long section and while the polyurethane is still wet, finish the application by running the brush gently along the length of the wood to even out the finish.
- Depending on the brand, you might need to reapply the finish more than once. Make sure the polyurethane dries completely as well.
Can I Still Apply Polyurethane Over Tacky Stain?
This is strongly not recommended as the stain must complete the drying process for the polyurethane varnish to be properly applied.
What To Do About Tacky Stains
You can try applying more stains over the tacky stain to slowly dissolve it. This will cause the tacky stain to eventually dry after the next coat.
You can also try and use a little mineral spirit on a cloth, then try rubbing the tacky part out gently so only the stain gets absorbed by the wood.
Fixing Mistakes When Staining
You can try to fix staining mistakes with another coat of stain. If that does not work, wait for the coat to dry totally, then redo the wood preparation again, starting with the sanding, cleaning, and reapplication of the wood conditioner.
Best Fast-Drying Stain
The best fast drying stain is Rust-Oleum® Varathane® Fast Dry Wood Stain. It dries in just 1 hour, and you only need to apply 1 coat; great for quick and easy wood staining.
FAQ
Is it recommended to apply a second coat one week later?
No. You can usually wait for just 1-2 days for a second coat. In about a week, dirt and other particles might have bound with the stain, possibly requiring resanding.
What type of rag or cloth is best for staining?
Clean, cotton cheesecloth is considered the best. You can gauge if you need to dip again, and you can apply the stain evenly with it.
Can I sleep in the house right after staining the floors?
Don’t, poisonous fumes might still be dissipating from the project.
How long will it take for the stain smell to go away? Is it dangerous?
As long as the stain is fully dried, it is safe to be with. Improve the area’s airflow if the smell bothers you.
Conclusion
Let’s face it, waiting for wood stain to dry can feel like forever! But with this handy guide, you’ll get the inside scoop on what affects drying time and how long you might be twiddling your thumbs. Stick with me, and soon you’ll be mastering the art of wood staining like a champ!
You've probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
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