Deck stain how many coats

Wood stain is different than paint in that some stains will actually perform worse with multiple coats. As a rule of thumb Olympic clears, toners, and semi-transparent stains only require one thin coat applied. Olympic solid colour wood stains require two coats for optimum durability. Applying a stain moisturizes wood in a way that allows for the wood to soak in freshly applied layers. By applying a second, light coat of material, you will fill up the cell structure of the wood kind of like topping off the tank and the project will last longer.

Most stains will have some type of waxes or paraffins in them, which work to help them repel water. Applying a waterborne material over the top of a dried and cured first coat will result in it being repelled by these waxes, lay on the surface, and eventually peel.

Direct sunlight will always raise the temperature of the wood and can do so significantly. Applying stain to a hot surface will almost always result in a disaster as the stain is cooked by the sun before it has a chance to penetrate deeply in to the wood. Always try to stain in the shade or during the cooler parts of the day. For one thing, it'll take a long time to finish the project. You have to wait for each layer of stain to completely dry before adding the next.

Two thin coats required. For optimum performance, coat all six sides of wood. Allow 72 hours for full cure. The general rule of thumb is to apply only as much deck stain as the wood can absorb. Typically this will be 2 coats , unless your dealing with extremely dense hardwoods which may only be able to absorb 1 coat of wood stain. Watch this video to see more tips on how many coats of stain to apply.

Will a second coat of stain make it darker? Apply a second coat of stain after the first has dried fully. This will usually produce a darker coloring, but it adds a step to the process and slows production. Can you use a roller to stain a deck? A paint roller can be used to roll stain on.

A wide inch roller may work well for staining a few fence or deck boards at a time but a mop or stain pad will hold more stain lessening the amount of time you have to dip back into the stain bucket. Should you sand between coats of stain? Note: Sanding between coats is not necessary, but it will provide a better finish. After a coat has dried, use or grit sandpaper or extra fine steel wool to lightly sand surface. See when to use one coat and when to use two. Apply with a high quality brush, paint or stain pad, or with spray equipment.

Olympic solid color wood stains require the application of two thin coats for optimum durability. Applying two coats of solid wood stains will also hide wood grain and imperfections.