Q: How long does it take wood stain to dry?
A: It can take as short as one hour or as long as a few days, depending on the type of wood stain. The stain product you choose will depend on how much time you have for the project, how you plan to apply the stain, and the prevailing weather conditions. If it is a quick drying stain like Olympic Smart Guard it will be dry within a couple hours. If it is a deep solid color stain you may want to wait 24 hours before stepping on the stained wood surface.
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1 Hour For Olympic Smartguard
How Long Does It Take Wood Stain To Dry?
Olympic Smartguard is a fast drying exterior wood sealant that can dry in as little as one hour.
SmartGuard protects a wide variety of surfaces including wood, brick, concrete, and composite decking. If you simply want to a clear sealant, this is the right choice for you.
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24 Hours For Olympic MAXIMUM
How Long Does It Take Wood Stain To Dry?
If you need a quick-setting stain that can be used even after rain, certain formulas of Olympic MAXIMUM exterior wood stains have a drying time that is normally 24 hours.
You will have many more stain color and opacity choices. Olympic MAXIMUM comes in clear, toner, semi-transparent and solid exterior wood stains.
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24 - 48 Hours For Olympic Elite
How Long Does It Take Wood Stain To Dry?
If you use a high-quality exterior wood stain like Olympic Elite stains, it can take a full 24-48 hours to cure, depending on the moisture level within your deck as well as the quality and condition of the wood your deck is made from.
Olympic Elite stains are a stain & sealant in one, and will protect and beautify wood in one step, saving you staining time.
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Curing Vs. Drying
How Long Does It Take Wood Stain To Dry?
Be sure you read the can your exterior stain came in, as some brands of wood stain still require time to 'cure' even after they have dried before you can walk on your deck or replace the furniture.
Curing seems like a complicated process, but just think of it like the stain needing time to really set into the wood, even after it is dry.
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