How to paint treated pine fence pickets?

Ripley

Hi, just had some treated pine fence pickets delivered. It rained before I could get them under cover. Got them spread out in the garage now to dry but wonder how long before I can paint them. Do they have to season or would they already be seasoned before purchase? And should the wood be totally dry from being in the rain before I paint them. Going to use Dulux 1-Step-Prep. Appreciate any advice, thanks in advance.

EricL

Hello @Ripley 

If these are brand new fence pickets you should wait between six weeks to twelve weeks before painting the new pine fence pickets, allowing the wood to season and dry out. This waiting period helps release oils and tannins from treated timber and is crucial for paint adhesion and a longer-lasting finish. If painted too early the oils and tannins will simply push the paint off the surface and cause peeling.

You can speed up the drying process by using a tannin and oil remover such as Cabot's 2L New Timber Prep. It's designed to remove tannins and oils from bare new timber surfaces to allow for immediate coating. New Timber Prep skips the recommended timber weathering period for new timber. Always follow Cabot’s New Timber Prep with Cabot’s Deck Clean. The fence must be totally dry before you paint it.

In regards to using Dulux 1Step Prep Primer, Sealer & Undercoat 4L it's always a plus when timber is primed as it stops it from absorbing the top coat. I recommend using Dulux 4L Vivid White Low Sheen Weathershield Exterior Paint tinted to your preferred colour. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric