Back in 2004, Dan Morrison wrote a very informative article “Pressure-Treated Wood: the Next Generationâ€. In it, he talked about deck stains and the need to wait some months before staining a newly built deck. I live in Falls Church, VA and we had a wet Spring but dry June/July/August. My deck was built this Spring and stained with Sikkens SRD in June.
The contractor failed to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and put down two (2) coats for this one (1) coat product. I’m holding my breath on what might happen. But I now have an additional concern about staining the deck too soon. Less than two months after it was finished. Combined with the improper application, I am very concerned.
Any thoughts/experience? Thanks.
Replies
Welcome to Breaktime,
your post didn't indicate if there is a current problem with your deck or if you are just expecting things may be bad in the in the future.
Pressure treated wood can be finished quite soon after installation depending on moisture content and proper preparation.
As a painting contractor I choose to disregard the one coat suggestion on my deck and applied 2 full coats in June two years ago. I wanted the extra protection and overall better appearance the second coat offered. Deck weathered great and still looks fantastic.
I have used the 2 coat SRD before and although it takes about a week before it is suitable to walk on my clients have been very pleased and no call backs.
Long and short of it is if you had a qualified painting contractor apply the SRD he will stand behind the work he did. This is the first time I have heard of a homeowner complaining that someone did MORE work than they expected.
Jon
Russian saying
Thanks, Jon! It's very helpful to hear from a professional. Because of other craftsmanship issues, I was projecting. Your thoughts had a calming effect.
My experience is that Sikkens is good for about three years before looking weathered. But once reapplied, it looks super again. Problem is finding it. I think that Cabot is considered to be a good alternative. PT wood should only need "seasoning" if it was stored wet.