Staining wood is a process in which a person applies a coat of wood stain to a sanded wood surface. As this requires a few steps, you may think it possible for someone who is not a professional to perform this work.
However, there are many small details that the amateur may not know about. For example, say a person were to ask a staining amateur, “Does wood stain dry faster in heat or cold?” It’s unlikely the amateur would know the answer.
Unfortunately, not knowing how temperature affects wood staining can cause some disastrous results. Read on to learn how you can avoid these mistakes.
Does Wood Stain Dry Faster in Heat or Cold?
Simply put, wood stain typically dries faster in heat. However, there’s much more to how weather affects wood staining positively or negatively than this statement. If the weather is too hot, the stain can dry too quickly and leave uneven colors behind.
It’s best to perform wood staining when the temperature is 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Overall, the optimal temperature range for applying wood stain is very large. Any guide to staining wood will tell you that applying in temperatures of 50 to 90 degrees won’t cause too many problems.
You’ll notice that the temperature range stops before it gets very cold. As with avoiding staining in extremely hot weather, you also shouldn’t stain in extremely cold weather.
What Temperature Is Too Cold to Stain Outdoors?
The worst staining wood outside temperature, cold-wise, is below freezing. If the stain freezes before it penetrates the wood, it will not color your wood as desired. Rather, it will dry up outside the wood and fall off.
Also, freezing temperatures aren’t the only cold types of temperature that can affect wood staining. Too much cold can cause a delay in drying, and the stain might move when it shouldn’t. This can cause such problems as the color not developing properly or the gloss looking uneven.
Luckily, if you have to stain wood in cold weather, there are ways to mitigate any damages.
How Can I Prevent Wood Staining Errors From Unfavorable Temperatures?
Staining in a temperature-controlled indoor area should get you the best result. However, if you must stain wood outdoors, such as when staining a front door, try getting a stain that will work best with your staining date temperature. Oil-based stains, for instance, behave better in colder weather than other types.
You can also attempt to warm the wood stain before using it. Bring it inside for some time or dip the can in warm water.
Let Us Handle Your Wood Staining Project
In sum, finding an optimal temperature for staining wood outside is not difficult. You can also take action to lessen the effect certain temperatures will have on wood stains. Now you can see, though, that wood staining is more complicated than it seems.
If you feel overwhelmed, just stop asking questions like ‘does wood stain dry faster in heat or cold’ and look up our services instead. We’re a full-service painting contractor offering not just wood staining but also pressure washing, interior and exterior painting, and more. Send us a message here to request a free price quote.