My husband biult me a wonderful trellis for my climbing vines to go up. I stained it today. When I was closing up the stain container, I saw in small letters "interior". OOPS! Is there a problem with using interior (Olympic brand) stain outdoors? It doesn't seem like there would be - it says that the sun won't fade it, and it says that it seals. If it won't work, can I put something over it? (is there a clear coat that won't hurt the plants?) My second question was how long do I have to leave the stain before I can train plants around the trellis? Until it is dry, or should a wait a few days? Thanks in advance!!!!!!!

 

sharon,
About the only difference between interior and exterior stains is that exterior stains usually have some water protection and UV inhibitors added. Your trellis will fade to gray much quicker now, with an interior stain.

Here's some help -
If you sprinkle water on the trellis and the water tends to bead, you may be done for the time being.

If the water doesn't bead:
Try in one small area to apply an exterior oil stain over the trellis. If the stain is absorbed by the wood, and after a couple hours does not rub off easily, you will be okay to cover the trellis.
Most all stains will be dry in a few hours. Then start training your plants.
fred

 

Fred,

Thanks, I will try that.