The short answer is 48 hours. You should wait at least two days after pressure washing your deck before you consider staining it, to give time for it to dry.
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Wood Deck Staining Overview

1. Apply Deck Cleaner.
2. Pressure Wash to Remove Dirt and Soap.
3. Allow Deck to Dry.
4. Apply Sealant or Stain.
5. Allow Deck to Dry for 24 to 48 Hours.

How long does deck wood need to dry before staining?

New wooden decks should always receive a coat of paint or stain. Generally, all new decks should dry out for at least 30 days before stain or paint is applied. Although a finish can be applied immediately after construction, more work is involved, so it's best to let the wood fully dry before finishing.

Can you wash and stain deck same day?

The key to staining on the same day as prep is to allow all the visible water to dry off the deck. It can be applied to damp wood to the touch not soaking wet wood. Make sure that when applying you only apply as much stain as the wood can absorb. Do not over apply a semi-transparent deck stain.

What happens if you stain a wet deck?

If you stain a deck while it's still wet from pressure washing, the end result will defer from your expectations. Wood paints are usually pigments mixed in oils, which the wood absorbs. If you apply it on wet surfaces, it won't be absorbed properly and you will end up with an uneven-looking deck.

Should I pressure wash my deck before staining?

There is a common misconception that just pressure washing a deck prior to staining is all you need to do in order to prep your deck for stain. Pressure washing can help, but if you want your stain to last, using a good deck cleaner and brightener on the deck prior to pressure washing will provide you the best result.

How long should i wait to stain a new deck by TLC Pressure Washing

Can you stain over wet wood?

Wait 2-4 hours after the prep to let the wood dry somewhat. The RAD stain can be applied to damp wood but not to visibly soaking wet wood. of the railing only between 20 minutes to 2 hours after the first coat has been applied. Repeat this process for all benches or vertical structures.

How many coats of stain should you put on a deck?

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 as the wood can absorb.

How long after pressure washing deck Can you paint?

Done frequently, this procedure will allow the homeowner to avoid power washing. The deck must be dried for at least twenty-four hours before painting or staining; forty-eight hours is ideal. Do not paint or stain a deck if there is high humidity or the temperature is above seventy-nine degrees.

What if it rains after I power wash my deck?

Rain really will not hurt unless the deck is wet when you seal it. If wet when sealed depending on the type of sealer it may be ok (water based) or with oil based it will not adhere as well.

What time of year should I stain my deck?

The best time to stain your deck is either the spring or the fall. If you stain your deck in the summer, make sure you do it out of the direct sunlight. Applying a deck stain in direct sun will cause the stain to dry to quickly and can result in premature stain failure.

What temperature should it be to stain a deck?

Ambient and surface temperatures should stay between 10°C (50°F) and 32°C (90°F) for 24 hours. Deck stain should be applied when the relative humidity is between 40% and 70%. Any higher and the humidity could affect the gloss and the drying time.

Can you stain a deck in the evening?

Don't apply your deck stain in the direct sun; choose morning or evening hours, or a time of day when your deck has shade. Morning application can be a safer choice to help avoid any contact with dew that sets in overnight. Don't apply more stain than the wood can absorb.

Is it better to spray or brush stain on a deck?

The agitation and friction caused by a paint brush will cause the wood to absorb more stain. So if you are spraying or rolling the stain, always back-brush it in with a brush while the stain is still wet; you'll achieve much better penetration in to the wood.

How long after power washing can you seal a deck?

Sand Your Deck Before Sealing

After you've pressure washed your deck, you'll need to wait for it to completely dry. Sometimes, this can take as long as 48-hours. Once it's dry, you'll want to sand your deck lightly. This is necessary to remove any splinters or fuzzy patches that pressure washing can cause.

How do you clean wood before staining?

Cleaning wood with mineral spirits before staining is a common practice. Mineral spirits make an excellent cleaning agent for wood, especially when preparing to finish it by staining or painting. After you have sanded the wood, soak a cloth in mineral spirits. Then wipe down your dusty surface, and you are good to go.

Does power washing damage a deck?

If you have timber deck boards, a power washer's pressure may cause splintering and damage to the timber fibers. If the timber surface already has some splintering, pressure washing will only exacerbate the issue.

Can you apply deck stain with a roller?

Rollers and brushes come in a variety of sizes, materials and thicknesses. What's the right roller for the job? For staining a deck, go with a standard 9 inch napped paint roller. A napped roller will apply the stain in much the same way as a lambswool pad, but in a much more efficient way.

Can I apply a second coat of deck stain a week later?

Can I Apply a Second Coat of Stain a Week Later? No, applying a second coat of stain a week later is a bad idea. If you apply another coat of wood stain after a week, it will not adhere to the wood properly. As a result, any finish you use on top will experience adhesion problems and peel off.

Which deck stain lasts the longest?

In general, an oil-based deck stain will last the longest, but it also depends on the type of wood, the weather conditions, and how long the deck has gone unprotected before staining.

Should you wet wood before staining?

Wet the wood with water before applying the stain to raise the grain and leave a rougher surface for more pigment to lodge. This adds an extra step because you have to let the wood dry for this trick to work. You could shorten the procedure to one step by using a water-based stain.

What happens if you stain wet pressure treated wood?

Staining pressure-treated wood is ineffective if the wood is still wet. “Wet-treated wood” still contains significant moisture when purchased and may take longer to dry than other types of pressure treated wood. Kiln-dried wood will be dry at purchase and can be stained immediately.

Can you power wash a wet deck?

Once wet, you can apply a cleaning solution that is designed for pressure washers and wooden surfaces using a low-pressure soap nozzle. While the pressure washer can easily lift up small stains, you may need to use a scrub brush on tougher ones, especially those found in hard to reach areas like corners.

Do you need to sand a deck after power washing?

Deck sanding – this task is essential when it comes to the maintenance of your deck, especially after cleaning it or before staining/sealing it.