How Long To Let Stain Dry Before Next Coat

First ensure the deck is completely dry.

How long to let stain dry before next coat. I usually wait about 3 4 hrs before i apply a second coat. It also depends on the temperature where you are and the humidity. This type of stain only requires 2 3 coats maximum which saves you a lot of time. The instructions on the can say the second coat may be applied 34 hours after the first coat complete drying takes 2448 hours.

Of course you can always use a regular wood grain stain for that rustic look. When you apply stain to any outdoor structure you will need to add a second coat. Two coats should be okay unless the wood is expected to get heavy traffic or weather abuse in which case one or more additional coats would be needed. Assuming the deck is dry and thirsty for stain its time to make your deck amazing.

Each coat of poly should dry in six hours and you should buff sand with 220 grit then remove sanding dust with a dry terry before adding the next coat of poly. When applying stain a pad brush roller or rag can be used to apply the stain. Allow the last coat of stain to dry six hours after last wipe off and apply poly using long flowing strokes not back and forth with a natural bristle brush. Then lightly sand entire surface with fine sandpaper 220 grit to ensure an even finish and proper adhesion.

A stain will not only protect the wood from the elements but also add some color to the bare wood. Before you start a refinishing or finishing project be sure that the woods surface is dry and free of old finishes in poor condition paint wax grease polish dirt or other foreign matter. The softer the wood the more stain it absorbs and the longer it is before you can poly it. Remember no rain 24 hours before you apply stain and no rain 24 hours after the staining project.

Like you can sand two boards cut out of the same long board and sand one with 120 grit sandpaper and the other boards sand down to 220 grit sandpaper and stain both board exactly the same stain for the same amount of time and your board you sanded down to 220 grit sandpaper will always have a lighter finish then the one sanded with 120 will be considerably darker. If third coat is desired repeat step 5 before application. Somewere i dont recall where i read that if you are going to apply a second coat on a deck its best to do it before that first coat is dry ie after 34 hours later and thats what i did the first time i used flood twf semi transparent wood. Let dry 4 6 hours.

There are several choices of stain color to coincide with your existing home siding. I also sand lightly after the 3 4 hr staining period with a 2 400 grit sand paper just to raise the grain if you in fact need or want to do that.