[first flight]

how long does treated lumber need to dry before painting?

 

[Just Bill]

Often, when you get PT lumber, it is litterally dripping wet, sometimes it is nice and dry to the touch. Rule of thumb is to let it air dry about 6 mo.

But i would never paint PT wood, it expands/contracts too much to hold paint. Solid stains would work much better.

 

[user1007]

Often, when you get PT lumber, it is litterally dripping wet, sometimes it is nice and dry to the touch. Rule of thumb is to let it air dry about 6 mo.

But i would never paint PT wood, it expands/contracts too much to hold paint. Solid stains would work much better.

And PT wood can be wet on two fronts. It can be wet from the treatment and from the fact the wood itself went directly into the treatment tank process without any natural or kiln drawing time.

I agree solid color stain would be a better choice than paint. I would add, that if you can find a color that blends all together to your liking, a semi-transparent stain would be even better.

And yes, wait at least 6-years if you can although many PT manufacturers claim you can apply finishes immediately.

 

[Gymschu]

Good advice........I have gambled a few times with painting PT wood & it worked out. Other times, not so good. The moisture content of the wood (even after 6 months) will push the paint right off. Indeed, stain is your best option........

 

[user1007]

The moisture content of the wood (even after 6 months) will push the paint right off. Indeed, stain is your best option........

Oops was not watching what I was typing. Thanks for correcting to six months.

 

[DUDE!]

I had read somewhere, before applying a finish to PT wood, to put a teaspoon of water on the wood, if it doesn't soak in,in a very short time, its not ready for the finish,, sorry I can't define "short time", I've forgotton the time span since reading the article.