Does Wood Stain Dry Darker or Lighter over Time on Deck?

Decks are a special kind of project that requires some caution when staining. Many woodworkers aren’t clear about how the color of decks turns after some time. 

Let’s see what I found:

Does Wood Stain Dry Darker or Lighter on Deck?

The wood stain color on a deck will lighten rather than darken over time. Wood stains retain their moist hue and lighten as they become dry, fading slightly over time. However, You can keep the stain from yellowing and discoloring over time by applying a coat of varnish.

This article offers an insight into how wood stain color behaves over time on deck. 

Read on to find out more!

Does Stain Look Different Color after Drying?

How wood stains look after drying depends on the material you’re staining. Yes, stains give a different color after drying, although they retain their damp hues once you apply a coat of varnish. However, when you apply a finish coat after staining, the stain color will remain the same after drying. 

Does Stained Wood Change Color over Time?

Yes, the color of stained wood changes over time because the stain on the wood project fades with time. As much as stained wood remains exposed to atmospheric air and UV rays from the sun, its color will change. Thus, the color of stained wood becomes lighter after some time.

Will Wood Stain Darken over Time?

Stains compose of dye and pigment, among other constituents. Still, when exposed to sunlight and the elements, the color gradually fades off. Significantly, fir, maple, and cherry wood will darken as they fade. However, wood stain can only darken if you apply two coats while staining and further seal it with a finish.

What Happens if You Leave Stain on Wood too Long?

When you leave a stain on wood for too long, you’ll get a blotchy, sticky, and sometimes darker finish. The longer the excess stain stays on the wood, the darker the stain color changes. Unfortunately, the stain never dries, creating the challenge of having to redo the finishing more than once before you can get the desired visual effect.

Does Water-Based Stain Lighten as It Dries?

The water-based stain becomes brighter as it dries up before returning to its original color when wet. You can determine the finished look of your water-based stain by observing its tone when it’s damp. Once you apply a finish on a water-based stain, it retakes its original damp color.  

Does Oil-Based Stain Lighten as It Dries?

Generally, stains change color. But, unlike its water-based counterparts, oil-based stain retains its original color as it dries and after completely drying. It takes 6-24 hours before oil-based completely dries out. However, the stain tone tends to fade away with time due to environmental factors, stain quality, and other elements.

It should dry a touch lighter, but the first layer of stain is down. pic.twitter.com/e8MJmRgB0A

— TheBetht 🍂 (@betht_the) April 18, 2021

Does Stain Fade when Dries?

Yes, stains fade when they dry due to exposure to direct sunlight, excess moisture, and other environmental factors. The quality of the stain formula also impacts fast the stain fade. Nonetheless, you can minimize stain fading by using quality stain, applying two costs, and applying a finisher to it afterwards.

How Long Does Wood Stain Take to Dry?

Generally, wood stains take about a day or two to dry. But, you may need to wait for 72 hours for it to fully dry before you can continue your wood project. This is also because the quality of the wood stain, brand type, and environmental factors contribute greatly to the timing of the drying.

Can You Apply A Second Coat of Stain after 24 Hours?

Yes, you can apply a second coat of stain on wood after 24 hours, increasing production time and process. Yet, it offers durability. This is because it takes about 24 hours to dry a coat of stain. Also, your stain needs to be almost fully dry before applying another coat. 

Will The Second Layer of Stain Make It Darker?

Applying the second coat of stain on your wood surface when the first coat is completely dried out gives dark coloring to your stain. You may choose a gel stain or glaze instead of a liquid water-based or oil-based stain. In any case, dark coloring isn’t bad.

Does Stain Dry Faster in Heat or Cold?

It depends on the stain formula, the stain type, and the stain’s application technique. Generally, stains dry up faster in heat weather, leaving the stain uneven and unsmooth with visible brush strokes. The best temperature for drying stain is 70°F, but you can also make it dry between 50°F-90°F.

Read More >> Can You Stain Wood in Cold Weather- Best Temperature for Staining Wood

How Many Coats of Stain Should You Do?

You need just to apply a coat of paint stain to obtain a full, intense color when staining. But, using two coats of stain is also acceptable and normal for it. Thus, you should do only one or two coats of stain to prevent blotchy or sticky results.

How to Make Wood Stain Darker after It Dries?

To make the wood stain darker after drying, you’ll need to apply a second coat of stain. However, make sure the first coat has completely dried out. Otherwise, the end result won’t be elegant. After this, you can simply seal the dark tone up by applying a finish to the wood. It usually takes between 6 to 24 hours to dry the first stain coat.

Read More >> How To Stain Wood Darker Color? [3 Ways, 7 Tips, 10 Best]

How to Make Wood Stain Lighter after It Dries?

If you want to make your wood stain lighter after it dries, you’ll need to get a clean rag/towel and some quantity of turpentine and mineral spirit. After that, you’ll have to soak your towel/rag in the spirit or turpentine and firmly evenly wipe your wood with it. This will not remove the stain but will make it lighter.

Why Does My Wood Stain Look Yellow?

Typically, yellowing is a common feature of oil-based stains. Other stain types can also turn yellow or orange. This usually occurs by aging the paint you used to stint your wood. Also, this is a natural process that’s mostly a side effect of drying or buildup of molds. 

How Do You Fix Yellow Stained Wood?

Get a rag and a bleach solvent like mineral spirits as they help eliminate the causes of yellow staining on wood. Then, apply a bit of the alcohol-based solvent to the rag and evenly rub the wood. You can also apply a chemical stripper to get rid of the yellowing. 

Why Does My Wooden Table Turn White?

Your wooden table turns white due to water and heat. This occurs when you keep wet and hot items directly on your table, which causes moisture and heat to get trapped in the finish. Thus, this eventually results in your table-turning white.

How do You Get White Stains out of Wood?

Mix an equal amount of olive oil with vinegar. Dip a dry cloth or towel inside the solution and apply the formula evenly on the white-stained surface. After that, evenly wipe the wood with another dry towel. Ensure you use a towel with a slippery and soft feel; a microfiber fabric is better.

Final Words

So far, we’ve looked into the frequently asked questions about staining wood and whether it gets darker or lighter when stained. You must know what you can attempt or avoid doing regarding your wood staining and color maintenance. This is to make it continue to be more appealing, exquisite, and long-lasting.