# Pressure Treated Wood **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 30, 2003, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pressure-treated-wood/198620 "2003-08-30T13:54:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Casey1505](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dc4da7/32.png) [@Casey1505](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Casey1505)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2003, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pressure-treated-wood/198620/1 "2003-08-30T13:54:51Z")
I had to replace my front steps, and used PT wood. I mentioned to my brother that I needed to paint them this weekend if it didn’t rain, and he told me that you can’t paint PT because of the cyanide they use to treat it. I’ve never heard this before. I know you can add stain, but what about paint? ---
**Author:** ![isthatsowrong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/35a633/32.png) [@isthatsowrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/isthatsowrong)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2003, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pressure-treated-wood/198620/2 "2003-08-30T14:44:48Z")
You can paint PT wood. You should make sure it is dry first, however. PT wood can be very wet when you buy it and it can take several months to dry out. If you paint it while it is still wet, you’ll be painting it again when the paint flakes off in a few months. ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2003, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pressure-treated-wood/198620/3 "2003-08-30T15:22:44Z")
[What Bob Vila says.](http://www.bobvila.com/wwwboard/messages/4453.html) [Some more good info.](http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/inf/infxtra/infpre.shtm) Many sources actually reccommend painting or staining, because of the poisonous chemicle used. btw, it’s chromated copper arsenate. There are some sealers specially formulated for certain brands/types. Check with the lumberyard where you bought it or a paint store. ---
**Author:** ![Casey1505](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dc4da7/32.png) [@Casey1505](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Casey1505)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2003, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pressure-treated-wood/198620/4 "2003-08-30T15:40:22Z")
Thanks for the input, and the links. I just put them in 2 weeks ago, so I guess I won’t be able to paint until October, at least. I would at least like to get them done before the winter hits. Either of you two want to make a quick $15 and a beer while you work? ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2003, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pressure-treated-wood/198620/5 "2003-08-30T15:43:52Z")
[CCA vs ACQ and the EPA](http://www.doityourself.com/lumber/newrules.htm) [What a paint store says](http://scottpaint.com/Solutions21.html) The wait time is the biggest variable. Depends on who you talk to. I never paint/stain/seal over PTL unless it’s had several months drying time. Just to be safe. ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2003, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pressure-treated-wood/198620/6 "2003-08-30T15:49:44Z")
Missed your post while I was posting again. Sorry. I’m in OKC. Maybe **isthat…?** is closer… 🙂 It’s an easy D-I-Yer. Just use the right stuff. ---
**Author:** ![isthatsowrong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/35a633/32.png) [@isthatsowrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/isthatsowrong)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2003, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pressure-treated-wood/198620/7 "2003-08-30T17:17:03Z")
I get more than $15 for scratching my ass. You’ve gotta come up with more than that. I won’t even look at the job for less than $100 and a pint of Guinness. ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2003, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pressure-treated-wood/198620/8 "2003-08-30T21:18:59Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by isthatsowrong? \* > \*\*You can paint PT wood. You should make sure it is dry first, however. PT wood can be very wet when you buy it and it can take several months to dry out. If you paint it while it is still wet, you’ll be painting it again when the paint flakes off in a few months. \*\* The drying of PT wood can be speeded up by setting your 1920’s style death ray to sizzle and firing short bursts.