Cans of wood stain. A warning!

[treeguy64]

As I am getting more into cleaning out my house, in preparation for its eventual sale, I have a warning to pass along. It deals with cans of wood stain. Read on........

Right before I hauled my old cans of paint and stain to the hazardous waste disposal unit, in Austin, a few years ago, I had a scary experience: I suppose from being jostled about, while under some pressure, the lid of a quart can of wood stain exploded, loudly, and the lid flew up to the ceiling of my garage! Luckily, I wasn't nearby.

Today, about an hour ago, as I cleaned out paint and stain cans, again, I noticed a wood stain can with a swollen lid. Ah ha! I knew what was going to happen, and I made sure it didn't! Instead, I took the can outside, aimed it towards the chain link fence, and pried the lid, just a tiny bit, with a long, heavy screwdriver. BOOM! That lid hit the fence like a cannonball!

So, please, be careful with cans of wood stain. They are not like paint. From here on out, if I don't use up a quart can in a week, or so, it's gone!

Again, be careful. Anyone looking at the lid, as they open the can, could be seriously injured, or worse!

 

[Marie5656]

Wow. Thanks for the warning. I know my dad always had lots of paint in the basement, but never stain. What do you think causes that?

 

[Don M.]

Yup, Wood stain can build up pressure in the can, over time....I think they use some petroleum based thinners, which will cause a buildup of gasses as the can ages....especially if stored during warm weather. Last month, I re-stained our decks, using Thompson Water Seal, and bought just enough such that I only had about a quart left....I waited a couple of days, then used the rest of it up to apply a second coat on the top rails.