Pittsburgh Ultra Advanced Stain And Sealant Color Chart (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take for a Pittsburgh stain to dry? ›

Allow a minimum of 24 hours of drying time before putting any furniture back on your deck. Check the product label for the appropriate cleanup method. Using a high-quality brush, roller, stain pad or spray equipment: Apply one coat for clears, toners and semi-transparent stains.

It depends on which type of stain you're using, but In general, you'll need between 1 to 3 coats of deck stain… You'll need 1 to 2 coats for oil based decks stain and 2 to 3 coats for water based deck stain…

That's why it's so important to treat your deck with a good quality stain or paint. The best stains should last 3-5 years when applied correctly.

*CAUTION: Allow 24 to 48 hours of drying time before light foot traffic, and 72 hours before normal foot traffic or replacing furniture. Life takes place out on your deck. That's why the penetrating acrylic/oil formula of MAXIMUM Stain & Sealant in One is perfect for your deck.

Many stain types can show signs of dryness differently. You can observe less odor for oil-based stains, and the surface no longer feels sticky when dry. Meanwhile, for water-based stains, when it has dried, it no longer feels cool to the touch.

Gel stains: Because they often feature an oil or varnish base, gel stains take more time to dry. Varathane recommends two hours between coats and four to eight hours before sealing, while Minwax says eight to 10 hours between coats and 24 hours before sealing.

Over-applying stains to your deck can lead to a sticky or tacky surface. Caked-up stains can cause many issues, including poor adhesion, bubbling, and peeling. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper application techniques and coverage rates to avoid these issues.

Apply solid stains in thin coats and semi-transparent stains or clear sealers in even thinner coats. This prevents puddles that don't soak into the wood and cause the stain to flake off when dry. Whatever type of stain you use, apply two coats to ensure there are no missed spots and to get a more uniform finish.

Stain offers little to no moisture protection, while sealant offers tremendous moisture protection. Conversely, clear sealants offer little to no UV resistance, while the pigment in many stains can act as a UV barrier for the wood.

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.

How long should a deck stain dry before walking on it? ›

Within as little as one to 24 hours, a water-based stain is ready to walk on but keeps foot traffic very light. Wait anywhere from 24 to 48 hours before placing furniture on your deck. Oil-based stain has been around longer than the water-based option. This will take longer to dry.

Although silicone or caulk sealants get touch dry within an hour and won't attract dust or debris, it is advisable that you wait longer before exposing them to water. When applying silicone sealant on a shower, it's recommended to wait at least six hours, but waiting for a full cure is best, which takes about 24 hours.

Within as little as one to 24 hours, a water-based stain is ready to walk on but keeps foot traffic very light. Wait anywhere from 24 to 48 hours before placing furniture on your deck. Oil-based stain has been around longer than the water-based option. This will take longer to dry.

The recommended drying time for deck stain or sealant is 24 to 48 hours.

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.

Rain can cause significant damage to a newly stained deck if it happens before the stain is dry, resulting in an uneven, patchy, or washed-out finish and exposing the wood to potential discoloration, rotting, or warping. You should wait at least 24 to 48 hours before exposing the stained deck to rain.