How long should we wait before applying waterseal to new deck?
by
Lynn
+11
We live in Central Florida where summer heat and humidity gets just AWFUL, but I know we’ll need to apply Thompson’s Waterseal to this new deck floor (didn’t do new railing) at some point. We don’t plan to stain or paint it preferring that natural “silvery” look treated pine eventually looks.
They say a year, in your climate I would wait til it turns grey the first time then seal that color into the wood.
https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/when-to-seal-or-stain-a-new-wood-deck/
Hi Lynn, everywhere I've read says to wait at least a year with treated pine. I have the same type of wood on my deck and it took a good two years for it to turn silver like I wanted, now I plan on sealing it. They do say that with or without sealant that treated pine will last 30-40 years.
The Waterseal will make the water bead on the top of the wood until the sun can come out to dry it up. If you must use it then do it while the wood is still clean. I would not recommend either painting or staining a deck as this eventually leads to hours of extra maintenance and sometimes heart ache when the paint decides to peel.
You must let the treated pine to dry out. It will seep sap for at least 6 months to year. Scrap sap off and then seal.
my contractor says 6 months.
Usually 6 months to 1 year. Best way to tell is put a drop of water on the deck. If it just floats on top you need to wait. If it soaks in immediately your ready to seal.
Thanks, William. I hadn’t known abou the drop of water test before floating this question so that’s really helpful to know. Seems 6 months is kindofa minimum to watch for. By then it’ll (hopefully) be cool enough to seal.
I season
right away before it starts turning color
Hello, one season may be enough to achieve the greying, but it could take longer. You can get water sealers in grey tints as well.