How to Finish Pressure Treated Lumber
Chromated copper arsenate, CCA, is used to pressure treat lumber to prevent it from decaying. However, this does not prevent the wood from weathering, which is why painting or staining is a must. To prevent cracking and splitting, use an oil or latex stain, as they provide the best shield from Mother Nature.
- Apply preservative. After you have completed your project, allow the wood to dry for at least two months. The wood must be very dry to allow the stain or paint to penetrate the pressure-treated wood
- Sand the wood. Do this by hand to remove any splinters. Pressure-treated wood tends to have more splintering than non-treated wood.
- Add Fungicide. Pressure treating does not prevent surface infestation of mold and mildew. To prevent these issues, add fungicide to the paint or stain you are going to use.
- Paint and stain. Do this as you would with ordinary wood, by following the directions provided with the product.