Deck is tacky in direct sunlight only several days after sealing
I am working on sealing my deck and have noticed it's a bit sticky in the direct sun. I'm using Seal Once Marine Grade clear wood sealer and applying two coats with a paintbrush according to the directions on the container. The deck is not stained and was never previously sealed or stained. Our deck also gets full sun from sunrise to about 4pm and is uncovered. It bakes out there. We are looking into covering at least part of it in the future.
During the day when it's sunny and hot the deck is slightly tacky. Not enough to cause footprints or pull my socks off or anything (my dogs haven't seemed to notice) but enough that it's noticeable to me and makes a slight sticky noise when you walk on it. In the evening or on a cloudy day when the deck is in the shade and the temperature drops the stickiness goes away. It seems to be working though because when it rains the water beads up and runs off exactly as I would've expected.
Is the tackiness normal due to the heat? It's been quite hot (today it's over 100F). Am I still applying too much? The sealant soaks so quickly into the wood that I feel I have to apply more than I'd like but idk what else to do. The second time I went out to work on it more I was already aware of the stickiness issue so I was careful to try and not apply too much. But that section is also sticky.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Posted Jul 8, 2025, 4:46 PM UTC