Is it too cold to use deck sealant?

[Terri]

The deck sealant says the temp should be above 40 degrees, but it does not say how LONG it has to be above 40 degrees.

You are supposed to wait 24-48 hours before you walk on it, with 72 hours before it is fully cured.

But, how long do you think it will need to stay above 40 degrees? Every day for most of the day is above 40 degrees right now, but most-not all-of the nights are cooler.

Thanks!

Terri

[Boss Cooker]

The coating will most likely cure but very slow. Is it a water born product? If it is. Then it will take several days to fully cure. A fan blowing across the deck will help.

[tiogacounty]

Not worth the risk, IMHO. I have had a lot of issues with some deck sealers in the past. CWF is very touchy to apply. Wrong temp, applying additional coats over a fresh coat, direct sun etc.... and you get a sticky mess that takes months to dry. If you are talking about a clear silicone sealer like Thompson's, I would be less concerned. Good luck.

[Terri]

What is CWF?

This says BEHR waterproofing wood protector. It is for decks, furniture, and fences.

It ALSO says "penetrating oil formula", and "easy water clean up".

I don't see any contnets, though, so I cannot say what chemicals are in there.

[Windy in Kansas]

What I used a couple of weeks ago stated 50º minimum for 24 hours.

[Danaus29]

Ideally it should be above 40*F for the entire curing time. With a deck I don't know if it would be better to go ahead and do it and expect a longer curing time, or leave the deck exposed until the temps are right.

I'm facing kind of the same situation with ds's house. The plywood we will use to cover the back wall has to be sealed. Temps are very cold now, hovering right around freezing. I did most of the plywood so we will just have to work with what is finished and hope to get a few warm days before we need the last couple sheets.

[Sammy]

Wait till spring when the temps will be better for you to use the Behr.

[tiogacounty]

Originally Posted by Terri

What is CWF?

This says BEHR waterproofing wood protector. It is for decks, furniture, and fences.

It ALSO says "penetrating oil formula", and "easy water clean up".

I don't see any contnets, though, so I cannot say what chemicals are in there.

CWF is a popular sealer for decks and siding. I believe that what you have is very similar, but a bit less expensive. I definitely would not use it until you get as close as possible to near perfect weather conditions, like a string of mild, dry spring days. It works excellent IF you follow the directions exactly. Good luck.

[Terri]

I used it this AM. If it does not feel dry at the end of the day I will set up a space heater, and block the openings with blankets..

I spoke to the company, using the number on the can. Apparently, the first 5 hours are critical, and the temp should stay up for some 14 hours. Ideally, they say they want the first 72 hours to be warm, but, that is more than I can give it.

This is for the floor of my potting shed: I want it up and running BEFORE the weather gets warm this spring, so this current warm snap is all the time there is.

It should stay in the 60's all day, drop to the 30's tonight but I can set up a space heater if the floor is not hard and dry. Tomorrow should be mild but night after tomorrow it will be cold beyond what a space heater can do.

That gives a maximum of 40 hours I can keep the temps up. Judging by how the stain was instantly sucked into the wood, and how it already feels dry to the touch, I think that 40 hours might be enough.

It will have to be, actually. If I had not sealed the floor BEFORE I start working with damp soil, the floor could not be sealed.

[Danaus29]

Don't block all your airflow. You need some for moisture to escape and prevent flammable gasses from building up.

And don't sell your space heater short. We are currently using one in a small closed off kitchen to keep the pipes from freezing.