Staining pressure treated wood is easier than painting it. Same waiting period though.
Wait For Dry
Same deal as paint. New PT lumber is soaked. Stain won’t penetrate or adhere properly.
3-6 months for standard lumber. KDAT can be stained immediately if you can find it.
Water bead test works here too. Sprinkle, watch, proceed accordingly.
Stain Types
Transparent – shows all grain and green tint. Minimal color change. Needs reapplication yearly.
Semi-transparent – shows grain, adds color. Most popular choice. Every 2-3 years.
Solid stain – basically thin paint. Hides grain. Lasts longer but peels eventually.
Oil vs Water Based
Oil penetrates deeper. Better protection in theory. Harder to apply. Cleanup requires solvents.
Water based is easier. Dries faster. Cleanup is soap and water. Modern formulas perform well.
I use water based now. Used to be oil only. Times changed.
Application
Clean the wood first. Always. Dirt prevents penetration.
Brush, roll, or spray. Brush works stain into grain best. Spray is fastest but wasteful.
Work in sections. Keep a wet edge. Lap marks show on stain more than paint.
How Much
One coat for semi-transparent on new wood. Back-brush excess.
Don’t over-apply. Puddles look bad and peel. More is not better here.
