Can you put 2 coats of oil based stain on a deck? (2023)

Can you apply two coats of oil based stain?

If a darker, or deeper color is desired, allow the first coat of stain to dry for 24 hours, then apply a second coat of stain in the same manner as the first.

Apply a second coat of stain after the first has dried fully. This will usually produce a darker coloring, but it adds a step to the process and slows production.

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.

If a second coat is required, 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.

If you apply a second, unnecessary coat of stain to wood that is already adequately covered, you risk creating a tacky surface that is prone to early peeling because the second coat is not penetrating the wood surface, but simply laying on top of the first coat of stain.

Oil-based stains must dry for at least 12 hours before they are exposed to any moisture/rain. After that, however, they need more time to cure—about 24 to 72 hours—before anyone can use the deck. Water-based stains don't penetrate wood as well as oil-based stains, and they generally cost more.

Can You Apply a Second Coat of Stain after 24 Hours? Yes. You can apply an additional coat of stain after 24 hours if you want a darker wood color, especially if the first coat takes longer to dry.

Note: Sanding between coats is not necessary, but it will provide a better finish. After a coat has dried, use 220 or 240 grit sandpaper or extra fine steel wool to lightly sand surface. This will ensure good adhesion of the succeeding coat.

In that case, another coat of stain (after the appropriate dry time) might even out the color, especially when you are using a lighter color. It's important to remember, though, that a second coat of stain will NOT hide sanding marks.

Apply the oil in thin coats, as thick coats can't penetrate the wood as easily and takes ages to dry. It's much quicker and more effective to apply three thin coats than two thick ones. It doesn't take much effort either. Just move the oil around the wood until it has virtually all sunken into the grain.

Can you put too many coats of stain on wood?

Applying a second coat of stain to change the color is something you might try once, but the chances of success are not very good. A second coat of stain can cause other issues like peeling of the top coat(s).

No hard and fast rule exists for how often you should stain your deck. The type of wood, the type of stain, and the environment in which you live all factor into how long a stain lasts. Your deck could require staining every year or every two years, again depending on these factors.

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.

"A sticky or tacky deck is usually due to over-application or failing to wipe the excess stain from the surface of the wood.

Back-brushing is the term used to describe the process of working the finish into the wood and obtaining an intact, uniform film over the entire surface. Typically used when applying stain with an airless sprayer; however, back-brushing is just as important if the product is manually applied with a brush.

The time between coats can vary depending on the specific product, but most advise waiting at least 4 hours before applying a second coat. This allows the first coat to settle into the wood before a second coat goes on. Keep an eye out for stain pooling on top of the wood.

Mineral Spirits – Apply mineral spirits to the piece, and scrub vigorously. This should dissolve the remaining pigments, and allow you to wipe them off the piece. Let dry 15 minutes, and then see your wood is still sticky. Using More Stain – Apply another layer of stain to the piece.

Yes, each layer will darken your project even more. You can also start with a lighter color Gel Stain and layer on darker colors.

Oil-based stains do not last as long as water-based stains. These are not eco-friendly, as they have volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Oil-based stains have a long drying time (takes about 48 hours).

As a general rule, your deck should be stained every 2-3 years. This can change, however, if you are in an area of high-humidity or especially volatile weather. The signs to look for when determining if you need deck staining are: The stain color of the wood is wearing off.

What is the best temperature to stain a deck?

The ideal temperature range for application is between 50 and 80 degrees. And, it is important to choose a day when no rain is expected for 24 hours.

Staining Over Stain

Otherwise, you will need to strip the stain before applying a new stain or sand it down for some extra grip. If the existing stain is an oil-based stain, you must make sure you have another oil-based stain or a gel stain to restrain the wood.

Indoors: Most oil based stains will be dry to the touch in 1-2 hours and a recoat can generally be applied in roughly 2 hours. A recommended time of 8 hours (minimum) is recommended before applying a topcoat.

Answer: Most people like to stain and seal at the same time, although you can come back a week later and seal if you like. If you're going to wait between staining and sealing, just do a light power wash to clean the concrete and let it dry prior to sealing.

You should sand after the first coat of water-based stain to flatten any wood grain the water raised, but it's unnecessary after that. You don't need to sand between coats of gel stain or oil-based stain.

You have to wait for each layer of stain to completely dry before adding the next. Otherwise, the new coat will dissolve the previous coat and you'll have a real mess on your hands. In fact, some stains will dissolve the stain below even if it is dry.

The best stains should last three to five years on a deck and even longer if applied to siding or fences, which don't get as much abuse.

Generally speaking, it's a good idea to completely remove all traces of the previous coat of deck stain before applying a new one. The reasons for this may be fairly obvious -- a previous coat of stain might be peeling away from the surface in several areas.

There are a couple of reasons wood won't absorb stain. These include staining sealed wood, sanding too finely, and working with tight-grained woods that don't take stain. There are specific solutions to each problem, but generally applying a sealer and a stain that sits on top of the wood is a simple solution.

An excess of oil isn't going to damage your decking, so it's nothing to worry too much about. The thing with oils is that because of their ability to soak into the surface, it can be tricky to get them out of grooved decking.

How long stay off deck after oiling?

How long after oiling a deck can you walk on it? For most water based decking oils, you'll need to wait at least 3 hours before you can walk on your deck after oiling it. If you use an oil based coating then you'll need to wait longer for it to dry.

Deck stains will generally peel for two basic reasons: over application and poor adhesion. This is simple — too much stain on the surface of the wood. With deck stains, specifically with semi-transparent finishes, more is not better. You only want to apply as much product as the wood can easily absorb.

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.

In most cases a full body stain or acrylic deck finish will be dry to touch within an hour in dry, hot weather. After two hours you could take a chance and walk on it with shoes, though I'd recommend barefoot. After about 4 hours you should be able to safely walk on your deck.

Dew is as much a concern to curing stain as rain. It can affect drying times, durability, and make the finish peel, flake, and look splotchy, so it is another temperature issue.

Remember, no rain 24 hours before you apply stain and no rain 24 hours after the staining project. Assuming the deck is dry and thirsty for stain, it's time to make your deck amazing. When applying stain, a pad, brush, roller, or rag can be used to apply the stain.

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.

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.

If you applied the stain correctly, and it still remained tacky, it could be due to rainy weather or high humidity. Give it a few more days to see if it improves. Another possibility is that the stain was old or came from a bad batch.

If the decking oil you're applying has gone sticky and isn't being absorbed properly, your number one reason – assuming it's new decking – might be the type of wood the decking is made of. If it's a brand new deck, is it made from hardwood? If so, it might already be naturally oily.

Is it better to wipe or brush stain?

Brushing is the slowest method of applying stain. So not only might you get blotching or lap marks, you're also wasting time. It's more efficient to wipe stain than to brush it, and you're less likely to have color problems.

Apply a second coat of stain after the first has dried fully. This will usually produce a slightly darker coloring with the excess wiped off. Substitute a glaze or gel stain for the liquid stain. Glazes and gel stains usually contain a higher ratio of pigment to vehicle.

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.

Applying a second coat of stain to change the color is something you might try once, but the chances of success are not very good. A second coat of stain can cause other issues like peeling of the top coat(s).

The best way to stain lapped siding is from left to right, and from top to bottom. That way you'll always be working above the top of the ladder. Stain horizontal siding three to five boards at a time, staining those boards all the way across the house.

But good news – using the wrong wood stain color can be fixed! The easiest thing to do when you don't like your wood stain color is to grab a darker stain, and apply it on top of the initial stain job. If you don't want a darker shade, sanding down the piece and re-staining is also an option.