Is it possible to paint treated lumber without risking peeling, and if so, what precautions should be taken?
I have a question that might sound silly, but after 40 years of doing home improvement and DIY projects, I’ve never come across this situation…
I know you can stain treated lumber, but what about painting it? Are there any special tips or precautions I should keep in mind?
I recently finished a small project in my garage using treated posts and framing, and now I’m thinking about painting it. I’ve noticed that treated lumber can be a bit damp. So, I’m assuming I should stick to water-based or latex paint, right?
Should I wait a bit before painting? And do I need to prime it first? I have a 5-gallon bucket of leftover paint all mixed together to create a lovely shade of beige (or “baby diarrhea” as some might say), and I’d like to use that if possible. But I’m worried it might not stick well without priming first.
It doesn’t have to be perfect, but I definitely don’t want it to start peeling. Any helpful tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Wood that has been treated requires some time to dry out. It’s a good idea to apply a primer before painting.
Usually, they suggest waiting a year before staining or applying any water seal to pressure-treated wood. However, if your project is inside the garage, you might not have to wait as long. A simple trick is to sprinkle some water on it and if it soaks in quickly, it’s ready. Keep in mind that pressure-treated wood emits chemicals over time and should be avoided indoors for health reasons. Untreated wood would have been a better choice for indoor projects.
Oh , you’re right. Typically, only the base plate for the walls is treated, so it’s not really a big concern.
Hey , I was just wondering about the off gassing from pressure treated wood (PTW) used indoors. I’m asking because I’ve never come across this before. Usually, every basement is framed with wood that has PTW, especially in the footer. Sometimes, all the framing is made of PTW. In extreme cases, the wood is treated for insects, mold, and mildew. In those instances, the framing materials appear blue. I’ve seen it used in homes where termites have been a problem. The entire house was treated for termites, and the owner managed to get rid of them. But all the repair work was done using this blue treated wood. Termites coming back to a treated home is a serious issue. I personally haven’t heard about avoiding PTW indoors due to off gassing. Maybe it’s only concerning wood treated for ground contact?
I’m curious about the off gassing of pressure treated wood (PTW) used indoors. I’ve never heard of this before. Typically, basements are framed out with PTW, especially in the footer. Sometimes all the framing is PTW, and it’s been treated for insects, mold, and mildew. The wood is blue in these cases, and I’ve seen it used in homes that have had termite issues. The whole house was treated for termites, but all the repair work was done using this blue treated wood. Termites coming back to a treated home is a serious problem. I haven’t heard about the issue of not using PTW inside structures due to off gassing. Or is this only a concern with wood treated for ground contact?
The blue stain wood is probably treated with borate instead of the usual PT treatment. It’s applied by painting or spraying onto existing materials, and the stain helps you keep track of where you’ve already treated. Pre-treated with borate is a specialty product that you won’t usually find in regular stores.
Yeah, it had to be custom ordered. The blue color lets inspectors know that treated materials are being used. It’s treated with insecticides and for high moisture areas to prevent mold and mildew. I’ve heard about the off-gassing from treated materials, but I never really thought about it before.
I’ve never heard of that before. I’ve also never seen it, but I’m not a framer either.
After doing some research, it appears that I have been given incorrect information. I was warned last autumn by a framer to never use PTW indoors, but it seems that’s not entirely accurate. However, it is advisable to investigate the chemicals used in PTW since there are various types available.
Good to know, ! 👍 It’s reassuring to learn that I’m not completely clueless. You’re right, though, it’s important for all of us to understand the materials we’re working with. For example, when dealing with PTW, it’s best not to touch it with bare hands. And if you do, be sure to wash your hands afterwards. And remember, never burn PTW as the chemicals can be harmful to inhale.
Yes, you can definitely paint it. Just remember: 1) let it thoroughly dry – at least 3 months, but personally, I’ve waited a whole year. 2) Be sure to apply a generous coat of a high-quality oil-based primer, like the Zinsser one I prefer.
Painting may not be the best option. It doesn’t last long, so you’ll have to repaint every few years. Eventually, the paint will start peeling, and dealing with multiple layers can be a hassle. Stain or clear sealer might be a better choice based on my experience with decks over the years.
Let it dry for a couple of months, maybe less if it’s getting a lot of sun. When you use water-based stain on PT wood, it tends to peel over time, so you may need to reapply. The same might be true for painting. Make sure the paint is meant for outdoor use, or it could fail over time.
Give it about a year to air out, then apply a good sealing primer followed by paint.
For the best results, make sure to use an oil-based primer. I last painted my deck in 1996 and I’m tackling it again this summer for the first time. It probably could have used a touch-up a few years ago, but it has held up quite well.
It’s a good idea to opt for a solid color stain instead of paint because paint tends to flake and peel while stain does not, and it’s best to wait a few months before applying the stain.
Opt for a solid color stain, it’s a lot simpler to use.
Solid color deck stain
A solid stain is self-priming, it won’t come off when pressure washed like paint, and it won’t blister, crack, or peel because paint sits on the surface while stain penetrates. Stain lasts longer than paint.
I painted this mailbox post that I crafted from treated lumber years ago. It’s still holding up well. I let the pieces dry in the sun for a week. I applied STIX primer followed by BIN shellac primer to prevent any bleeding. Finished it off with Ben Moore Regal exterior paint.
I usually wait a year to make sure it’s completely dry and seasoned.
This is Bear solid color deck stain. Been in the game for 30 years. Give it a couple months to fully set, depending on the weather and sun exposure.
The wood needs time to dry out. If you have 3-4 months of hot summer weather with little rain, or a year, it should be good. Since your project is indoors, using treated lumber was not the best choice. It may take longer to dry. For more information, a quick search on Google could be helpful.
I’m curious, what was the reason for using treated lumber in an indoor project?
I am not entirely sure. I purchased the wood two years ago with the intention of starting the project “next weekend.” It’s an extension from my laundry room, raised above the garage floor. The 6×6 posts, stair stringers, and treads are all treated. The ledger board, beam, joists, and 2×6 wall framing are standard lumber. I assume treated posts would be required if they were in contact with the garage slab, but they are not. They rest on Simpson post footings.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on primers and paints. Trust me, I use Olympic solid paints instead of stains and they work wonders. No need for primer either, just two coats will do the trick. Elite line is $55 and maximum is $45, both get the job done.
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You should let treated lumber dry for approximately a year before painting to ensure it will last. It’s not the most ideal wood for painting, but it’s necessary.
I always do a water test on pressure treated lumber – I just put a small amount of water on it. If it absorbs the water, it’s good for paint/stain. If it beads up, it needs more time. I’ve been doing this for almost 20 years and it has never let me down