How Many Coats of Deck Stain Should I Apply? - All Your Wood Staining Questions Answered - Olympic (2024)

FAQs

How Many Coats of Deck Stain Should I Apply? - All Your Wood Staining Questions Answered - Olympic? ›

How Many Coats of Stain Should I Apply? 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.

Whatever type of stain you use, apply two coats to ensure there are no missed spots and to get a more uniform finish.

We always recommend two coats of stain for any wood project, but you should only apply as much stain as the wood can absorb. Extremely dense hardwoods may only be able to absorb one coat of wood stain. The general rule of thumb is to apply only as much deck stain as the wood can absorb.

For a shingles or wooden siding that measure up to 175 square feet, you will only need one gallon of stain, in any transparency. If they measure up to 550 square feet, you will need to buy 2 gallons of stain. For very large projects, up to 700 square feet, you will need 3 to 4 gallons of stain to complete the project.

The first and most obvious reason to roll on deck stain as opposed to brushing it on is that the former allows you to cover a much larger surface area in less time. Rollers are wider, more efficient, and easier to operate. Additionally, using a roller helps you achieve a smoother finish.

Stain the Deck Boards

Don't stain yourself into a corner. Stain the deck boards using a paint pad applicator attached to a pole, or a pole-equipped roller. An applicator or roller allows you to cover a large deck surface with stain in less time.

A FEW TIPS BEFORE YOU GET STARTED STAINING YOUR DECK

Apply stain when air and wood surface temperatures are between 50°—90°F. Avoid applying in direct sunlight. Don't apply stain if rain is in the forecast over the next 12—24 hours. Test a small area first and let it dry to make sure you're pleased with the result.

If there is too much stain, it restricts the moisture from evaporating away, so peeling can occur. Often times this problem will be most evident in the spring time when the deck begins to dry out after all of the winter moisture.

With staining, you'll know if you've over-applied your deck stain because there will be sticky patches or puddles that just aren't drying—the wood has absorbed all it can, so the remaining stain has nowhere to go.

Even big-name brands like Behr, Valspar, and Olympic, all of whom make highly rated solid deck stains, also make some semi-transparent and clear options that don't hold up in our tests.

How long does it take for Olympic stain to cure? ›

How Long Does It Take Wood Stain To Dry? If you use a high-quality exterior wood stain like Olympic Elite stains, it can take a full 24-48 hours to cure, depending on the moisture level within your deck as well as the quality and condition of the wood your deck is made from.

Rain can fall on your deck only 8 hours after being freshly stained with Olympic MAXIMUM clear, toner or semi-transparent stains. Olympic MAXIMUM solid color stain takes only 12 hours to be ready for rain.

The wood must be clean, dry and free of contaminants. If you try to apply stain or sealer over damp or dirty wood, then there won't be proper adhesion. Make sure there is no mildew as well. To achieve this, use a wood cleaner and thoroughly wash your deck.

Evenly work the stain into the boards of your deck and don't forget those nasty cracks. Keep in mind that wood can only absorb so much stain. It's important to wipe the deck soon after you've applied the stain in order to avoid a sticky mess. A second coat may be necessary, especially if you're staining an older deck.

*CAUTION: Allow 24 to 48 hours of drying time before light foot traffic, and 72 hours before normal foot traffic or replacing furniture. Life takes place out on your deck. That's why the penetrating acrylic/oil formula of MAXIMUM Stain & Sealant in One is perfect for your deck.

To stain a 20x20 ft² deck area, you'll need approximately 2 and 1 quarter gallons (2.25 gal). You can get this result by assuming that 1 gallon can cover up to 175 ft². Also, consider this amount is for one coat of stain.

For best results, avoid staining at midday or in direct sunlight. When applying the second coat of stain on the deck, wait 4 hours between applications. Depending on temperature and humidity, allow 24-48 hours of dry time before using your beautifully restored deck or porch.

A typical gallon of deck stain-and-sealer covers about 175 square feet and only needs one coat. A gallon of stain that requires two coats will cover about 88 square feet.