What Is the Best Stain for Pressure Treated Wood?
What is the best stain for pressure treated wood, anyways? If you’re looking to add some color and protection to your pressure-treated wood, staining is a great option.
But with so many different types of stains on the market, it can be hard to know which one is best for your project. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to choose the best stain for pressure-treated wood.
What is Pressure Treated Wood?
Pressure-treated wood is lumber that has been treated with a chemical preservative to protect it from rot, insect damage, and decay. The most common type of pressure-treated wood is southern yellow pine, which is treated with a chemical called chromate copper arsenate (CCA).
Other than this, there are many other chemicals used for pressure-treating wood like copper azole, ammoniacal copper quaternary, alkaline copper quaternary, zinc borate, and sodium borates.
Best Stains for Pressure-Treated Wood
The best stains for pressure-treated wood are those that are specifically designed for this type of lumber. These stains will be able to penetrate the wood and protect it from the elements. Some of the best stains for pressure-treated wood include:
Olympic Maximum Stain + Sealant in One: This is a water-based stain that is designed to provide maximum protection against the elements. It is also fade-resistant and has a mildew-resistant finish.
Thompson’s WaterSeal Advanced Wood Protector: This is a water-based stain that is designed to provide excellent protection against the elements. It is also fade-resistant and has a mildew-resistant finish.
Cabot Australian Timber Oil: This is an oil-based stain that is designed to penetrate deep into the wood. It provides excellent protection against the elements and is also UV resistant.
How to Stain Pressure-Treated Wood
Staining pressure-treated wood is not much different than staining any other type of lumber. The first thing you’ll need to do is clean the wood to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. You can do this by power washing the wood or using a garden hose and a brush.
Once the wood is clean, you’ll need to let it dry completely before you start staining.
To apply the stain, you can use a brush, roller, or sprayer. If you’re using a brush, be sure to use a high-quality brush that is designed for use with stains.
When you’re applying the stain, be sure to work in small sections and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once you’ve applied the stain, you’ll need to let it dry completely before you apply a sealer.
Applying a sealer is not required, but it will help to extend the life of your stain.
FAQ About Staining Pressure Treated Wood
What happens if you stain pressure-treated wood too soon?
If you stain pressure-treated wood too soon, the stain may not be able to penetrate the wood properly. This can result in a poor-quality finish.
How long do you have to wait to stain pressure-treated wood?
You should wait at least 48 hours after the wood has been treated before you stain it. This will give the chemical preservative time to harden and set in the wood.
Is it OK to stain pressure-treated wood?
Yes, it is OK to stain pressure-treated wood. However, you’ll need to use a different type of stain then you would use on regular lumber.
You’ll need to use a solid color stain or a semi-transparent stain. Pressure-treated wood is often used for decks, fences, and other outdoor projects.