Exterior wood stain application vs temperature

[rfuerst911sc]

Hey guys today I had a crew power wash our wood decks in anticipation of staining . We are going to use TWP oil based stain . The instructions on the can states it can be applied when temps are 50-60 and higher . But does that mean day and night ? Right now here in northern Georgia we are seeing daytime temps of 50-62 or so but night time temps still high 20's to lower 30's .

This coming Monday - Thursday are supposed to be sunny and fall within the temps stated above . The guy thinks if he starts Monday he will finish on Tuesday . It might rain on Friday . Do you think the stain will dry properly ? I plan on calling TWP on Monday morning to see what they say . But the braintrust here is massive so thought I would ask . It's just under 1300 sf of decking plus rails and posts . He uses a garden sprayer and then back rolls and brushes for cut in spots .

[908/930]

If it was me I would wait for warmer temps, I don't like the chance of rework. Needs to be warm enough for the mineral spirits to flash off prior to getting wet, are you planning one coat or two? Could coat a small piece of lumber and leave out overnight and see what it feels like the next day. The other problem is the deck plank temp is going to be cold.

[gregpark]

Normally I like to stain or paint anything in the warm summertime, easier to mix, apply, even out, clean up,, etc. However, since you've already pressure washed 1300 ft. of decking, I'd go ahead and finish the job while you have the clean slate. It'll be fine, it's not like you're trying to apply a finish at freezing temps

[rfuerst911sc]

Aprox 2/3 of the deck was stained 2 years ago . I believe that will take one coat . The balance is new deck that has weathered one year that may take 2 coats . I like the suggestion on staining a sample and see what it does .

My gut tells me consistently warmer weather is probably a better idea . I will see what TWP says and go from there . I just want this done so we can enjoy spring on the deck .

[john70t]

Wood fibers shrink with cold because they are full of water. Expand with heat.
Cooler temps means the product doesn't even stick and cure to itself.

Wit until a week of warm dry weather to apply.

[Evans, Marv]

I'd go with what the guys at TWP say to do. I would think though, if it were applied early enough on a decently warm day, it would be OK. You're lucky you can get the oil based stain where you live. We can only get the water based here in CA. All I can say is I've used it a couple of times (back when I could get oil based) and it outlasted two other brands I tried. I talked to a service rep years ago, and he gave me some good info.

[rfuerst911sc]

Just went outside with my IR temp gauge . Wood deck temp ranged from 24 to 35 degrees depending on close to house vs farther away . There are spots that are frozen from left over pressure washing water .

Will check later today and call TWP tomorrow . I am thinking overnight/morning wood temps that low might kill the oil stain drying . I hope I didn't pressure wash too soon . Will report back once I talk with TWP .

[wdfifteen]

I wouldn't get in a hurry. Let it warm up. Just because the surface of the wood warms up during the day it doesn't mean there isn't ice down in the cracks.
Ideally I would wait until the evening after a blazing hot day.

[Zeke]

Too cold.

[zakthor]

Wait until its fully dry and warm, the oil will wick right into dry wood. Applying now its going to wash off. I really think youve got to wait. At least the next pressure wash will go lots faster.

[Zeke]

It takes warmth to cure the oils. You can oil stain in cold weather but not freezing weather. The low day time temps are going to retard the curing. Night time temps below freezing will likely ruin the job.

When you call the company ask them if you can do a quick wash stain. Over-thinned and warmed in hot water. It's just an idea, I've never done it. We don't get down to below 40º hardly ever here. Too close to the ocean.

You could use a propane space heater in proximity to the deck but you are literally playing with fire. Probably not a good idea unless you shut down the heater before putting down the stain.

On the back rolling: what kind of stain will spray through a pump sprayer that needs back rolling? Now I can see mopping to pick up and spread any excess, but my experience does not include the use of a roller unless it is locked and skidded or dragged.

[rfuerst911sc]

I am calling TWP tomorrow if they are open ( presidents day ) and see what they say . But common sense is telling me to wait . If I wait a month as an example the deck will just need a quick wash vs full pressure wash .

[rfuerst911sc]

Just got off the phone with TWP . They said 50-60 degrees during the day and no colder than 40 degrees at night . Actually he said above freezing is acceptable but I am sticking to 40 . If mother nature plays nice we can do this in the next 3 to 4 weeks . But as we know she is a fickle beotch 😁

[rfuerst911sc]

Well today is the day , contractor dude should be here by 8 . We have 4-5 days projected in the 70's - 80's and sunny with night time lows in the 50's . He will do the railings and posts first then the deck . Might be done today worst case is tomorrow . I will be glad when this is done .