When is The Best Time to Stain Exterior Wood?

Josh Richards • Oct 04, 2022

Best Time to Stain Exterior Wood

Besides knowing how to stain the exterior wood, it is equally important to know the right time to do the task. If you're planning to stain your exterior wood for example, fence, deck or dock on your own it's crucial to pick an ideal day for staining. Conditions like humidity and heat can drastically impact the final outcome of your work. To ensure that you achieve the desired results, read these guidelines.
The ideal time to stain your wood is when there are two factors time and weather, are perfect to work together. Depending on the size of your wood is, it will determine the time whole process will take. In the end, you should set off by reserving minimum two days. If you have to clean your wood with power wash or replace rotten boards, it might take you an extra day or two day.

Weather conditions to stain the wood

Don’t stain during very hot days

The high temperatures can pose a huge issue when application of the stain. If the temperature is too hot, the stain might dry too fast, creating lap marks and uneven permeation. Avoid staining your wood if it's above 90 F.
To avoid this, pick a day that is cooler or apply the stain in the early morning, before it becomes too hot. It's fine if your temperature increases when the stain has been put on and it has started to dry.

Don’t Stain during very cold days

Also, low temperatures are negative because they prolong drying times. If you plan to stain your wood in autumn or spring, make sure you are waiting for a day that has temperatures at or above 50 F. Also, ensure that freezing temperatures are not predicted for that evening. If it falls below 32 F prior to the stain having fully dried, it may delay cure. Stains that penetrate aren't able to penetrate and stain's adhesion may be damaged.

Don't apply stain to wood under direct sun

The stain may cause to dry quickly and prevent it from absorbing into the wood in a proper manner and reduces its life. Flash drying can also cause an uneven, blotchy look which will cause you to wish to re-do the work. 

Humid Weather and Rain

The humidity of the weather won't always ruin the staining process on your wood. However, the greater the humidity is, the longer it'll take to let your wood dry. Evidently, staining your wood in the rain isn't a good idea. In reality, you must plan to wait until a day that has no forecast rain in the coming 24 hours so that you don't wash the stain.

Avoid wind during the staining Process

This is not a big issue though, but a stormy or windy day isn't the best also. Wind can blow leaves, twigs and other debris on your wood that is wet, sticking to or leaving visible unwanted marks in the stained wood. 

The best season to stain your wood

If the forecast is for no rain and you are able to expect temperatures to be lower than 80 and 85 F, you should make plans for staining your exterior wood.. This allows the weather to cooperate with your staining procedure instead of causing hurdles and going against the stain work. 

The best conditions to stain your wood

Conclusion

Staining the exterior wood isn't a challenging job. However, knowing the best time to stain the wood could be. We highly suggest you contact an expert or a wood staining company, so you don't mess around and get the best results.
Precision Staining has been in the staining business for quite some time. We understand the ins and outs of staining and ensure you get the best results. For more details, feel free to contact us at 407-222-4058.

FAQs

What is the ideal temperature to stain the exterior wood?

The ideal temperature to stain the exterior wood is between 50°F to 90°F. Anything below or above can give you a bad experience.

What is the best moisture level to stain the exterior wood?

The exterior wood receives the best staining results when the moisture level is between 12% and 18%. You can check the moisture level of the wood with a moisture meter.

What if you plan to stain in the summer?

Summer isn't the best season to stain the outdoor wood. However, if you still plan to stain the wood in the season, make sure you do it out of the direct sunlight. Otherwise, it will dry quickly, and you won't be able to well-protect the wood from harmful elements.
How to check if the wood is ready to stain?
The most efficient way to test your wood to determine whether it requires staining is to sprinkle water on the wood.. If the water absorbs immediately, that means the wood is in good shape to be stained. If the water remains on the surface of the wood and beads up, iit indicates that the wood isn't required to be stained at this point.