Going through the pressure treatment process is a no-brainer when prepping most wood for outdoor use. Although staining wood is a natural follow-up for this task, executing the correct stain application isn’t as easy as you think.
So, what happens if you stain pressure-treated wood too soon? I’ve delved deep into this issue to save you from potential pitfalls. Let’s dive into the details.
Pressure Treating Wood: How it Works and Why it’s Done
Making pressure-treated lumber starts with placing the material inside an industrial vacuum cylinder. From there, the fresh wood undergoes air removal while inserting chemicals inside the material at high-pressure settings.
Depending on the specific needs of the wood type, it may need to undergo the same process again. Once completed, the wood will be removed from the cylinder for it be air dried.
You may not know, but pressure treating gives the wood’s surface more protection against insect attacks and harsh weather conditions. Here are other facts you must know before considering pressure treatment for your project:
- Today’s pressure-treated wood are tagged with product labels indicating if they are suitable for indoor or outdoor use. The markings on the material also show the material’s grading based on its quality, like blemishes and knots.
- Pressure-treated lumber is less likely to suffer damage from mold or water exposure. You can expect the material to last long because it’s also fire retardant.
- These wood-treated materials went through 160 lbs of pressure with different chemicals.
- After that, the newly treated wood is then placed on a dripping pad to completely dry.
- The way the lumber absorbs the substances depends on the changing climate, so the waiting period for drying treated lumber can be longer.
- Pressure-treated lumber also includes creosote preservatives, making these materials especially handy for heavy-duty construction projects like bridges and docks.
Wood Treatment Types and Their Effects
Regardless if you intend to make a pressure-treated wood deck or furniture piece, not all materials under this category will result or undergo the same procedure.
For example, borate-treated lumber is specifically processed to fight against insect infestation. It’s from mineral deposits that block insects from going underneath the lumber. This procedure doesn’t affect the wood’s natural color or appearance.
I highly recommend this treatment for wood that will be used for vulnerable parts of a structure, such as floorings or beams.
Meanwhile, you can also consider the PTI process if you intend to preserve the material. Its application doesn’t require too much product, so it will certainly save you money. Plus, the method won’t leave color. Thanks to this, you can apply stain or paint without issues.
Another wood treatment that’ll prevent rotting is MCA. You can rely on it to prevent molding because the process penetrates deep into the material.
If you want a pressure treatment specifically for exterior wood, ACQ is a popular choice. However, it includes copper substances. Due to this, you must add a sealant to it to prevent corrosion [1].
Alternatively, materials under Non-Com treatment can resist fire exposure well. It’s an indoor option that prevents wood from sudden combustion.
What Will Happen if the Stain is Applied Too Soon?
If you execute the staining process a little too soon, even the best stain wouldn’t be able to penetrate the material’s surface. It won’t make the stain adhere to the wood. Since the pigments will remain unabsorbed, it can lead to unsightly patching, splitting, and cracking.
Furthermore, excess moisture trapped beneath the stain can cause the wood fibers to swell and raise, leading to a rough and unsightly finish.
How Long Will it Take for Pressure-Treated Wood to Dry?
If you happen to stain pressure-treated wood too soon, my advice is to let the material dry thoroughly. Typically, the drying time after treatment takes two to three weeks. However, the overall duration still depends on the area’s climate.
In certain conditions, it might even be necessary to wait several months before staining pressure-treated lumber. This endeavor demands patience, but it’s crucial for achieving a successful staining result.
You may expect the opposite if you buy kiln-dried wood. These materials dry in an oven overnight after pressure-treating, making them readily available for usage without the extensive waiting durations.
How to Tell If It’s Ready for Staining
Feel Test
Before applying a particular stain on the material, press a paper towel over the surface to see if it’ll ooze any water moisture. This feel test is just an initial step, so never assume that the wood is ready for staining just because no wetness is detected.
If the pressure-treated wood doesn’t pass this initial test, I’d advise against moving to the next stage. My recommendation would be to extend the drying time until there’s absolutely no trace of moisture in the material.
Water Test
After passing the feel tests, pour a cup of water across the material’s surface. If it absorbs the liquid, it’s a clear sign that you can finally stain or paint pressure-treated wood.
Meanwhile, you must give the material more time to dry if the water beads remain on top of the surface.
Digital Moisture Tests
Next, use a digital moisture meter to determine the material’s moisture levels. Navigating the tool over different areas would be best to get the wood’s average moisture content.
When Is the Right Time to Stain Wood That’s Pressure-Treated?
Waiting for the pressure-treated material to dry is not just a general suggestion. The exposed wood pores will reject the stain application if you don’t adhere to the recommended drying time. It often happens because the chemicals aren’t fully processed yet.
To stain treated wood perfectly, you must factor in the climate and changing seasons. Typically, it’s best to let it air dry for a little less than a month or more.
What Type of Stain is Recommended for Use
You can choose a transparent stain if you don’t intend to alter the wood’s natural color. Although you can also apply a semi-transparent option, you should know that it may develop a slight tint on the surface.
Suggested Read: The Best Semi-Transparent Deck Stains
If you don’t want the semi-transparent stain to ruin the material’s aesthetic, you must ensure that you get a product that matches its shade. Alternatively, using a water-based stain can protect the surface from potential discoloration.
And while some may say that opaque stains last longer, transparent options still work best when dealing with a new wood material with lighter shades.
Choosing a light stain allows you to apply a darker product later. More often than not, you’ll encounter more hassle if you use a darker stain and realize that you want it lighter after the application dries. If you made a mistake, make sure you know how to make dark stained wood lighter.
On the other hand, did you know that an oil-based stain enhances material adhesion? Because of this, woodworkers use this product on wood pieces that go through water-based pressure treatments.
Since oil-based stains offer more ground contact, the application of these products is more common on exterior wood structures and surfaces.
Like an oil-based exterior stain, some options need a deeper penetration into the wood to work effectively. It’s crucial to check what treatments go into the pressure-treated material to determine what stain or paint will work best.
How to Prepare Pressure-Treated Wood for Staining
Step #1: Observe the Weather
It’s a no-brainer that you need dry conditions to get excellent staining results. However, we suggest waiting to see if the good weather will last two to three days before applying anything to your new deck.
You may not know, but pressure-treated materials are prone to damage caused by humidity, UV rays, or direct sunlight. Besides, the drying capacity of a stain varies depending on these factors, so it’s best to wait for the third day of sunny conditions.
Step #2: Ensure the Wood is Completely Dry
If you bought the material from the store, the general rule is to wait at least 2 to 3 weeks before using it. You must check the wood’s moisture level during this period because you wouldn’t want to leave it too dry.
You can determine the moisture levels through a sprinkle test. If the surface absorbs the water particles, it’s ready for staining. For accuracy and efficiency, you can utilize a moisture meter. The water content should be under 19% to ensure no molding or rotting will develop.
Step #3: Opt for the Right Wood Stain
Oil-based and water-based stains are product variations you’ll often encounter in the market. They may seem identical in packaging, but these materials don’t work effectively on the same surface or finish.
For example, water-based or latex stains dry more quickly than oil-based products. So even if you’re working with damp materials, it’ll adhere well to the lumber. Meanwhile, oil-based ones seal the surface against UV rays and water exposure.
Step #4: Clean the Wood
Begin the cleaning process by eliminating all grime and debris on the surface using a stiff brush, laundry detergent, and water. Although it’s tempting to use a pressure washer for this method, the reality is this process can wash away the chemicals treated in the wood.
Step #5: Let the Wood Dry Further
The results of stained pressure-treated wood depend on how well you let the material dry. Don’t forget to check the proper moisture level using the methods I discussed above before executing the staining process.
Staining Pressure Treated Wood
Tools You’ll Need
- Wood Stain (Oil-based or Water-based)
- Cleaning Brush
- Protective Gloves
- Bristle brush
- Mild Detergent
Step #1: Prepare Your Chosen Stain
Begin the process by mixing the stain formula thoroughly. Pro tip: you can ask the store where you bought the product to do the mixing for you.
Step #2: Do a Stain-Test on a Scrap of Wood
Apply a small amount of stain with a paint pad applicator to determine if you’re using the right shade for the material. It’s always a good strategy to start with a lighter tone. Then, after observing how it adheres, you can decide if a darker shade might be more suitable.
Step #3: Apply a Coat of Stain
During the stain application, don’t forget to wear gloves. You must ensure that the brushstrokes are even in every inch of the wood. If not, it’ll lead to additional layers of stain that can affect the final results.
If you do this method with the surface still wet from the treatment, chances are the stain won’t go through the wood. And because the formula won’t stick to the surface, the pouring rain can wash it away quickly.
Painting Pressure-Treated Wood
Before you paint pressure-treated wood, leaving the material to dry for a few weeks won’t cut it. At best, the drying time should take around three to four months after the treatment. Here are the steps you must take to accomplish this task.
Step #1: Clean the Pressure-Treated Wood
Like staining, the painting process can’t proceed with an unclean surface. You can spray the wood with a water hose as long as you dry it properly after. If you’re working with an older workpiece, scrubbing it with a stiff-bristled brush and soap-water mixture is the better option.
Step #2: Allow it To Dry
Expect the wood to stay damp for a while, even after you dry it with paper towels. The best you can do is to leave it until it dries completely.
Step #3: Apply a Coat of Primer
Before you paint treated wood, you must add a coat of primer. You can apply it through a spray bottle, brush, or paint roller, depending on how detailed the application should be. Check the product label to follow the recommended waiting time for the primer to dry.
Step #4: Apply Your Preferred Paint
After the primer has dried, it’s time to move on to the painting phase. From my experience, I’d strongly advise against using oil-based paint as pressure-treated materials typically fare better with latex options.
You’ll need to apply at least two coats of paint to form a decent layer. Don’t forget to read the manufacturer’s recommendation about drying time between coats for better results.
Step #5: Coat it With a Water-Resistant Finish
Although not required, you can add another layer of protection with a water-resistant finish. By doing this, you can ensure that the wood won’t encounter discoloration or water damage. It also guarantees that the material will remain pleasing to the eyes for a long time.
Steps to Take If You Stain Pressure-Treated Wood Too Soon
If you happen to stain pressure-treated wood too soon, you must take action as quickly as possible. The steps you need to take differ according to the wood stain you applied on the surface.
For a Darker Shade
- You must scrape the stain’s upper layer using a light sandpaper or chemical stain stripper.
- Don’t forget to check if the wood is dry before repeating the process.
For a Lighter Shade
- Let the material dry entirely from the staining process.
- Grab a product with a darker shade and apply it.
How to Maintain Your Stained Wood Thats Pressure-Treated
The significant upside of staining pressure-treated materials is it’s easy to maintain. Remember to keep the wood clean if you want it to last. Here’s how:
- Put wood cleaners or brighteners on the material every 1 to 3 years. After that, apply one coat of sealer to make the color pop.
- Run the water over the wood surface with a hose and brush a detergent mixture on it every few months.
- If you haven’t cleaned your pressure-treated deck for a long time, use a power washer for faster and more thorough cleaning.
What Cleaning Agents Should You Use on Wood?
For removing grime, regular wood cleaners would suffice. The best option is restorative cleaning solutions if the surface is discolored or rusty.
Meanwhile, mildewcide cleaners work best if you want to protect the wood from decaying.
Pressure-Treated Wood Turns Gray: Why and When?
Wood decks in horizontal settings are often more exposed, so it’s more likely to turn grey than vertical ones. You can coat it with a sealant to minimize repainting procedures.
Staining vs. Painting Pressure-Treated Wood
The truth is stain formulas adhere better to pressure-treated surfaces than paint. However, if you apply it correctly, painting can offer a durable finish like staining. The key is to understand that pressure-treated includes unique application requirements.
See Also: A Guide to Staining Oak Wood
Can You Really Stain Pressure-Treated Wood?
Yes, you can stain pressure-treated surfaces. However, you must know that there are exemptions why it won’t work in some cases. Here’s why:
- If the staining product contains water-repellent substances, it won’t stick well to the surface.
- The treatment leaves more moisture behind than you think, so the drying time consumes more time.
- In contrast, too much drying time will lead your treated material to a patchy and uneven stain job.
Health Risks When Staining Pressure-Treated Wood
These materials underwent a process involving harsh chemicals, so you must wear protective gloves and masks to protect yourself. If you can, execute this process in a well-ventilated space to prevent inhaling toxic fumes.
Importance of Painting Treated Wood
Decoration
Nothing beats painting and staining wood if you want to add an aesthetically pleasing factor to your treated deck. With the right color, this application will bring the best out of the structure.
Protection
Exposed surfaces are often vulnerable to harmful elements like UV exposure, moisture, etc. By applying paint, you can block potential damage from happening.
Value Addition
Workpieces can be higher in value once it’s painted or stained. You should consider it if you intend to sell properties with wooden elements.
Bonus Tips When Staining Treated Wood
- Use painter’s tape to cover areas you don’t want to be stained or painted on.
- Smooth dripping marks during stain application with a paintbrush.
- Run a belt sander over surfaces with high foot traffic to smoothen rough areas when staining surfaces with high foot traffic.
FAQ
What is the best primer to use for pressure-treated wood?
The best primer for chemically-treated materials is the latex variation. You must ensure that the product suits exterior or outdoor use.
Is it okay to stain green-treated wood?
Yes, green-treated wood works well with stain. Although these materials can already resist infestations, the staining process prevents cracking.
Are all treated wood similar?
Not all treated wood is the same. Each piece often has different preservatives and chemicals used during its treatment. Plus, they fall under various lumber grades.
Conclusion
If you’re anxious about what happens when you stain pressure-treated wood too soon, the important thing is you know how to prevent and fix it along the way.
It may seem overwhelming, but trust me, as long as you have the patience, you can achieve successful results. Sooner or later, you’ll also master this skill.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
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.
