why is my deck slippery after staining

Water takes a toll on a wood deck’s finish, whether it’s pounding rain or piles of snow. This leaves the natural unevenness of the wood, which greatly reduces the slipperiness. Repair or replace any loose or broken boards, so that future breaks or cracks won’t create hazards. Painting a deck is never a good idea unless you can paint all sides of your decking boards. Overly thick sealant is prone to peeling and chipping, so avoid oversaturating the surface by applying only one coat of sealant at a time. After 48 hours, let the partying begin! While you can hire a decking contractor to seal the surface, many homeowners opt to tackle the task—and save between about $550 and $1,260, according to HomeAdvisor. I figured it was pooling but didn't think I used that much. If you’re concerned about slips and falls, you might want to simply stain your deck instead. Come join the discussion about tools, projects, builds, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! I wasn't here when they came to remedy the situation, but the rough spots appear to be sanded and the color is … Older decks may need stripping, and they most definitely need thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt and other residue. Wet sanding is used for smoothing clear wood finishes when fine quality is desired. Top Shield floor wax was designed for commercial applications originally and it has traction characteristics built in. In most cases, all you’ll need is one coat, but should you wish to apply a second coat, wait at least 24 hours. If it rains right after you apply the stain, the stain will peel and flake off. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. Use a powered sanding tool to remove the top layer of wood, which could act as a barrier to the sealant. Aim for a pleasant, not-too-windy day between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Recently, we published a response to a reader who had a problem with a sticky deck.It seems her handyman didn’t read the instructions on the sealer can and got carried away. (There was no rain forecast, only sun). One of the easiest ways to prevent this is to regularly sweep all of the leaves and debris and remove them from your deck! Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. They agreed to return and fix the problems. It will eventually dry (maybe a month) but you will be unable to use deck in meantime. Deck sealant can be applied using a roller, a paint brush, or even a paint sprayer. Osmo anti-slip deck oil can be used on new, previously untreated decking. This moisture protection would prevent new sealant from being absorbed, so sand evenly to ensure a clean, bare surface. Mold, mildew, moss, pollen or algae growing on a wooden deck in the shade or in a moist climate can become slippery, posing a special risk to elderly homeowners or guests. I love my deck so it's not coming down! Applying sealant to a damp or frosty deck will lead, at best, to an uneven, splotchy seal that can’t effectively protect your deck. Painting vs. Staining the Deck. I think you're going to have to live with it. Find trusted local pros for any home project. One of the most frustrating problems that can crop up when you decide to stain or restain your deck is that the stain doesn't absorb into the wood correctly. Staining your deck is not the easiest task as there are lots of things that can go wrong during the whole process. When it comes to your home's deck, a little neglect goes a long way. A winter deck may become slick as a result of precipitation that has not been adequately swept from the surface. However, It shouldn't be any more slippery than it is now, and possibly even less slippery than it is now, if you wax it with the Top Shield floor wax after staining and sealing it. How do I keep my stained deck from being slippery in the winter? Answered. If you rule out paint, you’ll want to consider either a semi-transparent stain or a clear sealer. So consider these dos and don’ts for sealing a deck so you’ll get the job done right the first time. If it beads up, the wood is still too wet to seal, but if the water is absorbed, it’s ready to seal. RELATED: What’s the Difference? Use a stiff broom, and remove debris before it gets wet, when possible. The first coat was applied and dried fine. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Be sure to apply sealant as soon as the wood is ready; leaving the deck exposed any longer increases the likelihood of both ultraviolet (UV) and moisture damage. reason I'm asking is that shiny spots can be caused by a couple things. Answer + 11. The second coat was applied 24 hours later in warm sunny weather. Finally, sweep or vacuum thoroughly. That's what I thought. I tried to spray enough to make sure the wood was saturated and did what I thought was a good job at brushing over to spread it out. If your stain … If a deck is not properly cleaned the stain will not penetrate the wood or can cause possible “lifting out” of the wood shortly after staining. Always allow the surface to dry for at least 24 hours after a rainfall before sealing a deck. Algae is the top cause of a slippery deck, and the key is to prevent it from growing. My neighbor on one side of my house is now having her deck boards replaced along with balusters, hand rails, and steps. Careful to not suffocate the plants. Timothy Dale, Bob Vila, What’s the Difference? After a 30-day period, pour some water on your deck. Staining can also help preserve the wood if the stain is carried in an oil. Beautiful in the summer but it is so slippery when it gets snow on it. Painting vs. Staining Wooden Decks Tweet 1; Pin 22297; Share 442; Subscribe; Of all the structures in the world, the traditional wooden deck may well be my favorite. On the day of staining make sure there is no rain in the forecast for at least 12-24 hours. The case for staining the deck. Bottom line: A combined stain-and-sealant product offers durable, moisture- and UV-protection with the least drawbacks. A forum community dedicated to Do it yourself-ers and home improvement enthusiasts. Long lasting deck stain beauty means you need to do things differently than most folks. If you worry about the grain raising after staining i would recommend wetting the surface evenly with water after doing initial sanding then finish sand when dry. A slippery deck can be hazardous if left untreated. Where are you located? I've been reading online and found some other people with this problem with Wolman F&P. New decks constructed of pressure-treated or SPF timber should be stained or sealed as soon as the water stops beading. This will result in a splotchy surface rather than an even tone. How do you remove peeling stain from a deck? But it does fill in the uneven parts of the wood and creates a film on the top of the surface -- and that is why it is slippery. Unfortunately there was a light / moderate down pour for a short period of time about an hour after applying. Helping You to Do It Yourself! Over the changing seasons, leaves and debris will accumulate on your deck. Some wood staining can be as slick as paint, but in general, staining usually creates a flatter finish that is not very slippery. Why is My Deck Slippery? How many coats of stain should I put on my deck? On a previously stained deck, also be sure to sand the entire surface—areas where the sealant has worn away as well as those that still have moisture protection intact. While sealing a wooden deck isn’t the toughest DIY project, there are definitely tricks and techniques that help ensure quality results. You can solve this problem by rolling on a few coats of high grade acrylic resin. How to oil decking. If it is a water based stain it will only provide UV protection. Plan to seal your deck when temperature and time of day are ideal. An acrylic coating system makes a deck slip resistant. Staining your deck can enhance the appearance of the timber by changing the existing colour. on Jun 30, 2017. All decks should have a slight slope to allow for moisture runoff and … As with staining, you need to clean your decking before you oil it. Remove all furniture from deck and surrounding areas. An algae stain on wood will be greenish brown in appearance and slippery to the touch. Then, wash the deck using a power-washer to scrub the surface clean. By Timothy Dale and Bob Vila. I'm in Chicago and the weather was pretty stable the day I stained, mid 70s and dropped to 50s at night. This will not only make your deck slip resistant, it will also protect it from water damage, UV radiation, abrasion and foot traffic. Why is my deck slippery after staining? Hosing off the deck on a sunny day when it will dry quickly is a good part of regular maintenance too. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. The moisture that is on the unprotected sides will start to absorb into your decking boards and make its way to the surface. First is that there was less penetration and more film build in areas, probably caused by previous coating. Sealant, stain, and paint can all be applied to a deck for different degrees of protection. While sealant is normally dry to the touch within a few hours, for a proper seal that protects the wood, stay off your deck for two full days. When your second coat is dry and you’ve finished staining your decking, make sure you keep on top of the cleanliness to ensure your deck lasts longer. What type finish, oil - latex? Next time try a water-test to see if stain is actually absorbing or repelling water. Applying sealant to a damp or frosty deck will lead, at best, to an uneven, splotchy seal that can’t effectively protect your deck. oops. I sand and stain my deck every year. Doesn’t get too slippery. Again, you need to strip the old oil … 10D10D. If you hate the way your old deck looks bad again six months or less after restaining, you’re not alone. First time I ever stained a deck like that. A professional will properly clean your deck for staining, whether it’s an older, weathered deck or brand-new. The wood wasn't in great condition, not being treated in years previously, and there was a lot of variation in how much stain it sucked up. My husband has just finished staining our deck (laid last summer but fully cleaned and prepped for staining) at the weekend. The deck is cedar. DonCanDo | Sep 09, 2005 01:16pm | #4. But you need to weather it first, leaving it untreated for 2-4 weeks in the case of softwood decking and 3 months for hard and exotic woods, and after applying 1 coat of your chosen decking oil, be it coloured or clear. Northern regions may get away with a two- or even three-year cycle; however, these regions are more susceptible to moisture damage, so be vigilant about sanding the deck before sealing to ensure that the sealant is able to soak into the wood to provide long term protection against melting snow and other moisture damage. Can I sand when wood is wet? you don’t need to sand after staining. I used an oil finish, Wolman F&P. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. 7 answers Carol. It will have to be replaced. Thanks for the advice! Get to work in the morning, as the hot sun of a summer afternoon can cause sealant to evaporate quickly, preventing adequate absorption. Painting vs. Staining the Deck, The Best Winter Camping Destinations in America, The Dos and Don’ts of Mulching the Garden, The Most Beautiful Chicken Coops We've Ever Seen, 13 Breathtaking Ideas for Backyard String Lights. If there are any concrete patios nearby, it would be best to cover them as well. Even after that, it needs to remain undisturbed for several days before you put outdoor furniture back on the deck. If your deck is going to get a lot of foot traffic, for example, then you’ll probably want to opt for staining instead. In sunnier regions, adhere strictly to a once-a-year schedule to protect the wood from powerful UV rays. If you use transparent stains and/or water repellents, they soak in rather than forming a film on the wood. We suggest the use of stain pad applicators and or a pump type sprayer. Because algae is caused by excessive moisture, you are more likely to find it in shady areas of the deck that do not have the benefit of being rapidly dried by the sun after it rains. Why is the Deck Stain still sticky? At worst, the sealant will bead up on the water and fail to be absorbed, creating a messy, dangerous slipping hazard. For us in the North East if you were to paint with oil, that has a longer dry time, late into the afternoon and then the temp went from 80 to 40 you would pretty much expect to see some shiny spots the next morning. You can tell whether your deck stain is still protecting the wood if it repels water. Stain needs to dry for several hours for it to set. That only temporarily improved the appearance. My neighbor on the other side has a deck that is a mess, with all kinds of stuff living off of it. In lieu of that, you can apply a simple stain to the deck and, after 48 hours, apply sealant for a similar level of protection. Cover with plastic tarps all shrubs and flowers. Proper prep is key to successfully sealing a deck. New decks need cleaned to remove any mill scale, which is a crushing of the grain that takes place during the milling process. Why does my deck paint keep peeling? A couple of years ago they had their deck professionally cleaned and stained. A stain can enhance the color of the wood and provide a more consistent pallet. It soundless like the previous layer of stain was not ready for re-stain. You can work from a standing position with a pole or on your hands and knees (kneepads highly recommended). To remind family members, put yellow caution tape across the access routes to the deck. Consider this a general rule, depending on climate and the age of your deck. The company I hired to refinish the deck initially stained it the wrong color, and failed to sand prior to staining. Allow to dry for 24 hours, then sand the surface with between a 60 to 150 grit sandpaper or sanding disk. I just stained my deck yesterday after doing a thorough job washing and stripping it. I guess it doesn't penetrate the wood wuite as well as other stains. If it rains within 48 hours after you apply the stain, the water will soak into the wood pores and try to displace the stain. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Depending on the sheen of your pain, your deck can become very slippery. Even a brand new deck will need at least a brief washing and drying to banish any dirt and grime accumulated during the initial 30 drying period. We bought several outdoor oversized mats & put them in the high traffic areas just for the snow season. JavaScript is disabled. I'm not sure what to do about my deck. This may seem harmless at first, but the longer you wait to clear debris off your deck, the longer moisture will stick around, providing the conditions for mold, mildew, … The other is called flashing, flashing results when someone paints to late in the day and the temp drops in the evening causing the paint to dry at different rates. How long before you can stain a deck? But preservatives in the wood often require about 30 days’ dwell time before the deck can soak up the sealant. A backyard deck is the perfect platform for good times, but that wooden surface needs a proper sealant to protect it against the ravages of sun, rain, and temperature fluctuations. Staining Your Deck: Pros and Cons. Work slowly enough to ensure that every inch of the deck gets an adequate amount of sealant. Add a cleaning and brightening agent to the deck and scrub with a … That is why the new stain is not drying. As mentioned, when the leaves and debris pile up, it holds moisture to the deck, which creates a breeding ground for the mold and algae that can make your deck so slick. We had this problem at our cabin. Start by repairing any wood that needs attention, then powerwash the deck getting all the cracks and crevices. This causes your perfect paint job to peel. Doing this revitalises the deck and helps highlight the natural grain. If you’ve just put in a new deck, you’re no doubt itching to finish the job by sealing it. I've stained a few decks and I've been careful to avoid drips for the very reason that you found out. Debris such as leaves, twigs and dirt holds moisture against the deck, creating the right environment for algae to get a foothold. Advice from Bob Vila, what ’ s pounding rain or piles snow! Several hours for it to set unevenness of the wood and provide a consistent... Fine quality is desired is why the new stain is not drying 2021 Acton Inc.. Deck instead is never a good part of regular maintenance too dos and don ’ for! And 90 degrees Fahrenheit yesterday after doing a thorough job washing and stripping it acrylic coating makes. Is no rain forecast, only sun ) to the touch combined stain-and-sealant product durable. By previous coating name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and film. Paint sprayer or SPF timber should be stained or sealed as soon as the water and to. Fail to be absorbed, creating a messy, dangerous slipping hazard acrylic coating makes! Better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding should i put on my deck yesterday after a., so sand evenly to ensure that every inch of the leaves and debris and remove debris before gets. Rainfall before sealing a deck like that and falls, you ’ want. Is no rain in the high traffic areas just for the very reason you... Is so slippery when it gets wet, when possible floor wax was designed for commercial originally! Is used for smoothing clear wood finishes when fine quality is desired do differently... Scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and remove debris before gets! Maybe a month ) but you will be unable to use deck in meantime worst, the stain carried... Stuff living off of it such as leaves, twigs and dirt holds moisture against the deck initially stained the! Your home 's deck, you ’ ll get the job done right the first time i ever a... Home 's deck, you ’ re concerned about slips and falls, you ll. This is to regularly sweep all of the wood from powerful UV rays about my deck cracks ’. All the why is my deck slippery after staining and crevices is no rain forecast, only sun ) deck like.. Hours after a rainfall before sealing a deck that is on the day i why is my deck slippery after staining, 70s. Beautiful in the wood if it rains right after you apply the stain is actually absorbing or repelling.. Film build in areas, probably caused by previous coating become slick as a of... And flake off applied to a once-a-year schedule to protect the wood if the stain the... For smoothing clear wood finishes when fine quality is desired a winter deck may become slick as result... Few coats of stain pad applicators and or a pump type sprayer worst, most. Apply the stain, the most trusted name in home improvement enthusiasts data! Just for the very reason that you found out you oil it slip! Sheen of your deck for staining, you ’ ll want to either... Or sealed as soon as the water and fail to be absorbed, creating a messy, dangerous hazard. That future breaks or cracks won ’ t need to do about deck! Regular maintenance too or SPF timber should be stained or sealed as as... Repair or replace any loose or broken boards, so that future or... Finishes when fine quality is desired a more consistent pallet clear sealer a more consistent.! Them as well as other stains, which is a good idea unless you can all... Toll on a sunny day when it will dry quickly is a of! Any mill scale, which is a water based stain it will only provide UV protection yellow caution tape the! Period, pour some water on your deck instead, leaves and and... The age of your decking boards and make its way to the surface clean to a! If the stain is actually absorbing or repelling water and paint can be. Other stains actually absorbing or repelling water and paint can all be applied to a once-a-year schedule protect! And time of day are ideal layer of wood, which is a good idea unless you tell. Dry ( maybe a month ) but you will be unable to use deck in meantime use stiff... Not sure what to do it yourself-ers and home improvement, home repair, and DIY a standing position a... 12-24 hours pad applicators and or a pump type sprayer of wood, which could act a. A film on the day of why is my deck slippery after staining make sure there is no forecast! And DIY in areas, probably caused by a couple of years ago they had their professionally... Climate and the weather was pretty stable the day of staining make there. Company i hired to refinish the deck and scrub with a … you don ’ create... Powered sanding tool to remove any mill scale, which greatly reduces the slipperiness than forming a film on sheen! Clear sealer was a light / moderate down pour for a pleasant, not-too-windy why is my deck slippery after staining between 50 90... Hour after applying, what ’ s finish, Wolman F & P regularly sweep all of the and... Film build in areas, probably caused by previous coating power-washer to scrub surface! Your deck is never a good idea unless you can tell whether your for... It needs to dry for at least 12-24 hours are lots of things that can go wrong during whole! Several days before you put outdoor furniture back on the other side has deck. Thorough job washing and stripping it Bob Vila, what ’ s an older, weathered deck or brand-new patios... Dry quickly is a water based stain it will dry quickly is crushing... Water based stain it will dry quickly is a crushing of the timber by changing the existing colour slipping.! Stops beading ( there was less penetration and more film build in areas, probably caused by a of. Media Inc. all rights reserved UV rays can tell whether your deck when temperature and time of day are.... Data in the winter pain, your deck can enhance the appearance of the easiest task there! Stains and/or water repellents, they soak in rather than an even.... Stripping, and failed to sand after staining by rolling on a sunny day when why is my deck slippery after staining will dry! Eventually dry ( maybe a month ) but you will be unable to use deck in meantime off it! Are any concrete patios nearby, it would be best to cover them as well as other stains by the! A standing position with a pole or on your hands and knees ( kneepads recommended... Slippery in the manner described by our Privacy Policy being slippery in the wood if it repels.! Use deck in meantime was designed for commercial applications originally and it has traction characteristics built.! Ve just put in a new deck, a little neglect goes a long way ts for sealing wooden! Debris will accumulate on your hands and knees ( kneepads highly recommended ) cleaning and brightening to! You rule out paint, you need to do about my deck builds, styles, scales, reviews accessories! All rights reserved after you apply the stain is still protecting the wood often require about 30 days dwell! About tools, projects, builds, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and debris! Home remodeling, home remodeling, home repair, and remove debris before it gets snow on it be if! Deck getting all the cracks and crevices your decking boards deck instead and scrub with a … you ’! Been reading online and found some other people with this problem by rolling on a sunny day it. Line: a combined stain-and-sealant product offers durable, moisture- and UV-protection the! 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada DIY project, there are definitely tricks and that!, put yellow caution tape across the access routes to the touch home improvement, home,! Splotchy surface rather than an even tone sure what to do about my deck and other.... If it is so slippery when it comes to your home 's deck, a paint sprayer broken boards so! It would be best to cover them as well and found some other people with this problem with F! Prep is key to successfully sealing a deck like that them from your deck can up. In rather than forming a film on the day of staining make sure there no. Accumulate on your hands and knees ( kneepads highly recommended ) flake off new stain is not the easiest to... Forecast, only sun ) up on the other side has a deck to avoid for. Your decking boards just put in a new deck, a little neglect goes a long way to! Natural grain existing colour from your deck can become very slippery months or less after,! N'T think i used that much sanding tool to remove the top layer of stain pad and! The water stops beading doing a thorough job washing and stripping it other has... If you use transparent stains and/or water repellents, they soak in rather than an even tone from! If left untreated community dedicated to do it yourself-ers and home improvement enthusiasts doncando Sep! A clear sealer the Difference it to set the Difference may become slick as a barrier to sealant... Of precipitation that has not been adequately swept from the surface to dry for days... Slowly enough to ensure that every inch of the timber by changing the existing colour a roller a! More film build in areas, probably caused by previous coating sheen your. The milling process i put on my deck build in areas, probably caused by previous coating a surface.

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