Once you’ve had your deck finished by a professional painter, you may be eager to start using the space. If you walk on your deck too soon or place furniture on it before it’s completely dry, you’ll damage the paint or varnish, leaving behind marks and making the wood more susceptible to weathering and rot. Unfortunately, there is no one set time to wait before the paint will be dry, but you can make an educated guess based on the conditions.

What Conditions Affect the Drying Time?

Generally, you should wait for a clear day with warm conditions before you have a painter visit at all. Paint and varnish dry faster in warm, dry weather, while humidity interferes with the process. Rain may damage the finish and prevent it from drying. In ideal conditions, some paints may be ready to walk on in as little as four hours.

Drying time also depends on the type of paint or varnish your painter has applied to your deck. Latex paints dry much more quickly than oil-based varieties, and both are usually faster than a wood varnish. If you are waiting for varnish to dry, you may want to give your deck one to two days before even checking its readiness.

How Do You Test It?

Before you walk on your deck or move furniture onto it, find a discreet area where you can feel the paint or stain. If it’s tacky, you’ll need to wait longer. If it’s dry to the touch, you may still need to wait another half a day to prevent marks. However, once it’s been dry for several hours, it’s safe to put weight on.

For any questions about your particular paint or deck stain, ask the painters at Alaska Painting & Construction. This Anchorage, AK, home improvement company has offered years of service to the community, including drywall repairs, professional painting, flooring installation, and remodeling services. Their dedication to quality ensures you can have the beautiful, functional home you imagine. To discuss your project, call them today at (907) 830-3050, or request a quote online.