How to Treat Exterior Plywood

Staining the Plywood

• 1

  Place the wood in the shade if possible to prevent the stain from drying out too quickly. If you are staining siding or an already constructed project, start on the shadiest side. Work on one section at a time to prevent the stain from drying before you get the second coat on.

• 2

  Apply the stain liberally to the wood with a paintbrush made for oil-based stains. You want the stain to penetrate the wood but not to run. Keep a rag handy in case the stain starts to run. Dab it with the rag to stop the stain from running.

• 3

  Finish the first coat of stain, trying not to overlap any areas of the board since that will cause the stain to be darker where you overlapped. Allow the stain to soak into the wood for 20 to 60 minutes while you work in another area.

• 4

  Start the second coat before the first coat dries within the 20 to 60 minute time period. If the first coat dries completely, it may seal the wood and not allow the second coat to penetrate.

• 5

  Allow the second coat to soak into the wood for an hour, and then wipe the excess off with a large sponge.

Painting the Plywood

• 6

  Apply one coat of an acrylic stain blocking primer with a brush or roller. Although the project takes less time with a roller, the will cover better with a brush if it is textured. Allow the primer to dry for at least two days before beginning the top coat painting.

• 7

  Put on the first coat of paint over the primer. Allow it to dry completely before applying the second coat, which usually takes between two to four hours. The top coat can be applied with a roller or paint sprayer, as the primer should have sealed the wood.

• 8

  Paint on the second coat. The painted finish should last about 10 years before needing to be refinished.