Questions? Email us at store@projectweekenddiy.com
Pecan is a mid-tone color in Ready Seal's eight-shade lineup of oil-based, semi-transparent stain and sealer. Because the stain soaks in rather than coating the surface, the board under it shapes the final look as much as the can does, and that makes timing and wood condition the big decisions on a new fence or deck in Pecan.
Free shipping at $75, no code needed (lower 48 + DC). Unopened cans can be returned within 30 days with a prepaid label; opened paint can't (refund policy).
| Wood | Ready Seal's suggested wait |
|---|---|
| Cedar | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Pine, spruce or fir | 1 to 3 weeks |
| Pressure-treated | at least 1 month; 2 to 3 months of aging recommended |
The real test is a moisture reading of 12% or less.
Ready Seal explains that new boards take the color lighter and aged boards darker, and that smooth-planed boards read lighter than rough-sawn ones, which also drink more stain. When you replace a few pickets, expect them to look different at first. Mix all your cans of Pecan together before starting so the color itself stays uniform, and remember that true color appears 7 to 10 days after application.
Treated pine fence and treated pine deck: about 150 sq ft per gallon each. Pine siding: about 170. Those rates include two light coats for new wood; older wood takes 20 to 25% more.
Plan a maintenance coat roughly every 2 years on decks and other horizontals and every 3 to 4 years on verticals. Wash lightly with equal parts bleach and water, rinse twice, give it 48 to 72 hours to dry, then recoat straight over the old Ready Seal; there's no sanding or stripping step.
An unopened can keeps about 1½ to 2 years. Ready Seal advises against keeping it in a garage or shed that gets very hot or cold, since the oils and pigment can separate for good. Application itself has no temperature limit, though cool weather slows drying.
How long should new wood dry before staining? Ready Seal's guidance: cedar 2 to 4 weeks; pine, spruce or fir 1 to 3 weeks; pressure-treated lumber at least a month, with 2 to 3 months of aging recommended. Check for 12% moisture or less.
Why do my new boards look lighter than the old ones? Ready Seal says new boards stain lighter and older, more porous boards darker. Smooth lumber also stains lighter than rough-cut, and rough wood uses more stain.
When do I recoat, and do I need to strip? Ready Seal suggests a maintenance coat about every 2 years on horizontal surfaces and every 3 to 4 years on vertical ones. Clean lightly with 1 part bleach to 1 part water, rinse twice, let it dry 48 to 72 hours, and apply over the old Ready Seal without stripping.
Pecan details are from the Ready Seal FAQ and the Ready Seal technical data sheet. Other shades: Ready Seal collection. Plan the job with the deck staining project cart.
Free standard shipping on orders $75+ to the lower 48 states and DC. Some large or heavy items are excluded at checkout.
30-day returns on unused, unopened items. Returns accepted within 30 days. We send you a prepaid return label. Contact us within 30 days of delivery to start a return. Opened paint, aerosols, flammables, special orders and sale items can't be returned. Read the full refund policy.
Use this product page for the exact item, then check the Weekend Project Carts for prep, applicators, patch, cleanup, and finishing supplies. If you are still choosing a method, start with the Project Guides before adding everything to cart.
