How Long Does It Take Wood Stain To Dry - Olympic (2024)

FAQs

How Long Does It Take Wood Stain To Dry - Olympic? ›

*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.

If it is a quick drying stain like Olympic Smart Guard it will be dry within a couple hours. If it is a deep solid color stain you may want to wait 24 hours before stepping on the stained wood surface.

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.

If it rains within 48 hours of applying a treatment, the water will soak into the wood, and try and displace the stain. This can cause a blotchy, flaky look, rather than a smooth, even, coat. If it rains immediately after you've stained the wood, the stain will peel and flake off.

Thanks to this advanced water-based acrylic shell and process, you can apply select Olympic MAXIMUM stains to damp or dry wood. You can get gorgeous and protected wood, while also having the flexibility to stain on your schedule and drive consistent results. So bring on the rain, the cold and the summer heat.

Check the dryness by touching the stain to see if it feels tacky—a dry oil-based stain should not feel sticky. Or, step on a hidden part of the deck with socks on or bare feet to see if you leave a mark.

Beginning mid-2018, Lowe's will discontinue selling OLYMPIC brand paints and stains in its U.S. retail stores, according to PPG, which said it received notice from the hardware store chain on Feb. 27. The companies had a long-standing relationship, according to PPG's Director of Corporate Communications, Mark Silvey.

It's essential to wait to apply a second coat too soon because this can result in the stain not adhering correctly to the wood, leading to an uneven finish. On the other hand, applying a second coat can also result in uneven color or peeling.

Keep off Newly Painted or Stained Deck

In average conditions, your paint or stain will be dry to the touch within 1-2 hours, but you should not walk on it for probably 4-6 hours. In cooler weather or during periods of high humidity, you will need to wait even longer than this.

Applying a deck stain in direct sun will cause the stain to dry to quickly and can result in premature stain failure. In the summer, stain your deck in the morning or evening so the deck surface isn't too hot. Remember, the surface temperature of the deck can be much hotter than the air temperature.

How long does Olympic stain need to dry before rain? ›

Our high-quality, core resin technology allows you to apply stain in high and low temperatures, to damp wood and 8-12 hours before or after rain. No matter the season, rain or shine, refinish your deck on your own time.

In summary, to speed up wood stain drying time, you need to apply it properly by wiping off the excess stain, ideally have a low humidity and high temperature environment, and put it in the sun for a few hours.

– Avoid dew: Wait until the wood is thoroughly dry after the morning or evening dew before applying the stain. – Everyone in the shade: Don't apply stain to areas that are in direct sunlight. Instead, wait until these areas are in the shade. That way, you'll get better results… and avoid heatstroke!

Wait anywhere from 24 to 48 hours before placing furniture on your deck. Oil-based stain has been around longer than the water-based option. This will take longer to dry. It's best to wait up to 72 hours before resuming your deck activities.

Most oil-based stains must dry for at least 12 hours before they are exposed to any moisture/rain; however, Ready Seal, if properly applied to prepped and dried wood, can get wet within a couple of hours, and it won't wash away. Oil-based stains will generally take 24-72 hours to fully cure.

In average conditions, your paint or stain will be dry to the touch within 1-2 hours, but you should not walk on it for probably 4-6 hours. In cooler weather or during periods of high humidity, you will need to wait even longer than this.

DRYING TIME: Normally dries in 24 hours when applied in temperatures of 10°C to 29°C (50°F to 85°F). High humidity may prolong drying time. It is not recommended to apply product if rain is expected in 24 hours.