How to Paint and Stain Treated Lumber
Treated lumber is great for outdoor applications when bugs and mold can be a problem. The treatment helps the wood maintain strength and reduces damage from insect infestations or mold problems. It can be harder to paint or stain as a result of the preservative treatment.
Any lumber that will be used outside will usually be treated with preservatives. This is just to make sure that the wood does not fade or rot quickly. It also helps to protect against insect infestation. It is important that you know how to properly stain and paint your treated lumber as it is a different task than with regular lumber.
What You’ll Need:
- Scrub Brush
- White Rags
- Paint Brush
- Stain or Oil Based Paint
- Broom
- Dish Washing Soap
- Pressure Washer
- Clean the surface of the treated lumber. Get rid of all of the debris and wash away any soil. If the lumber is especially dirty, then use a mild soap and a scrub brush to remove any additional bits of mud or debris. Give the wood time to completely dry.
- Brush on a thick coat of your oil based paint on the surface of the treated wood. Paint in the direction of the grain and make sure that the coat you apply is completely even.
- Give the paint or stain time to set. This will usually take about 40 minutes for it to fully soak. Whatever was not absorbed needs to be wiped away with your white cloths. The first coat needs to set overnight before moving on to the next coat.
- Repeat the previous step for the second coat the next day. You will need it to set overnight again. The next day, you will need to closely look at the wood’s surface. Put on another coat if needed.