diff --git a/sway/desktop/output.c b/sway/desktop/output.c
index a45e5ab15..47c84d9d1 100644
--- a/sway/desktop/output.c
+++ b/sway/desktop/output.c
@@ -284,6 +284,7 @@ static int output_repaint_timer_handler(void *data) {
 	struct wlr_output_state pending;
 	wlr_output_state_init(&pending);
 	if (!wlr_scene_output_build_state(output->scene_output, &pending, &opts)) {
+		wlr_output_state_finish(&pending);
 		return 0;
 	}