This post was updated on February 28, 2024
PG Proluxe (Sikkens SRD) Wood Stain Review 2024
Here at DeckStainHelp.com, we have worked hard over the years to become your trusted reference for deck stain reviews and information. In 2017 PPG changed and transitioned the name of Sikkens branded products for exterior wood to PPG ProLuxe for North America. The PPG ProLuxe product line will contain all of the same Sikkens ProLuxe products and formulas, but will now showcase the updated PPG ProLuxe name and new packaging.
PPG Proluxe (Sikkens) Cetol SRD (Siding Railings Deck) is a high solid 1 coat wood and decking stain. The SRD offers 3-way protection for your exterior wood. Protection from water damage, UV radiation, and Mold. Sikkens SRD penetrates deep into the wood and does not film on top of the wood.
Containing Translucent Iron Oxide Pigments, PPG Proluxe (Sikkens) SRD can be used on all unfinished exterior wood.
Sikkens PPG Proluxe SRD Wood Stain Rating (1-10)
Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 9
– The PPG Proluxe (Sikkens) SRD displayed a very nice natural cedar color to the pine dock. We were pleased with the penetration into the wood. Much better than other PPG Proluxe stains that filmed on top of the wood like a varnish.
Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 6
– At the 2-year mark, Sikkens PPG Proluxe Cetol SRD lost a lot of color after 24 months of full sun exposure. The stain that was left on the dock had either deteriorated away or darkened in color.
Wear/Tear and Peeling: 7
– The Sikkens SRD exhibited bare spots on 30% of the flooring surface after 2 years. The dock exhibited a wear pattern down the middle of the walkway.
Cost Per Square Foot: 8
– The SRD is priced at $45 a gallon. Coverage per gallon was closer to 200 feet per gallon. We used 6+ gallons for the 1200 sq. feet. This equals $.23 a foot.
Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 5
– After 2 years we noticed a lot of black mold growing on the dock. On inspection, we noticed that the mold was embedded into the stain that was still left on the dock. About 40% of the SRD had this problem.
Ease of Application: 6
– We were not pleased with the application process. PPG Proluxe (Sikkens) suggests brushing the SRD into the wood. We took their advice and use a Wooster Stain Brush. It took close to 8 hours to apply the stain this way. We had many issues with the SRD dripping into the water below the dock creating an oily haze to the water.
Color Shifting (darkening) after 2 Years: 5
– Very poor. The high solids of the SRD stain darkened significantly. The original golden cedar color had turned a dark brown. The addition of the mold made the leftover stain look almost black in color.
Difficulty of Reapplication: 6
– A full stripping of the SRD would be needed. This will ensure that the reapplication of a new stain will achieve even color and proper penetration into the wood. Failure to remove/strip will result in the stain darkening even more (where the stain is left) and very light in the bare areas.
Overall Score PPG Proluxe (Sikkens) SRD at 2 Year Period: 6.5
– Akzo Nobel/PPG is one of the largest stain manufacturers in the world with Sikkens being the most popular. We hoped that their signature stain would perform better but we were very disappointed with the final results. We are not fans of stains that darken significantly in color. This makes future maintenance much more difficult to perform.
Product Information:
Where To Buy: Commercial Retail Stores
Cost: $59.99 per Gallon, $289.99 per 5 Gallon Pail
Stain Type: Semi-Transparent Oil-Based
Available Colors: 60 Colors
Application Temperature: 50-95 F
Coats Required: 1 Coat
Coverage Per Gallon: 200-300 sq. ft
Application Tools: Pad, Brush, Roller
Dry Time: 6-25 Hours
Cleanup: Mineral Spirits
VOC Compliant: 250 Compliant in All 50 States
Manufacturer: PPG ProLuxe
Test Deck Stats:
Deck Wood Type: Pine Boat Dock
Deck Square Footage: 1200
UV Exposure: Full Sun
How Many Years Tested: 2 Years
Stain Color Used: Natural Cedar
*All products tested and results are from our experience. We offer no guarantee of similar results. Take into consideration that results may differ due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.
I live in New Brunswick, Canada. In 2008 we had some major renos done on our home. One of those was a 100′ long veranda or porch which wrapped around 3 sides of the front portion of our home. This decking material is New Brunswick cedar which I sanded with 120 grit paper, (huge job…) and we finished it with the original Sikkens, the good stuff. The veranda and the 3 sets of steps looked beautiful. We applied two coats of Sikkens. It took several days to dry before the second coat was applied. Then several years later we resurfaced our deck with cedar. This cedar, like our veranda cedar was dry and also sanded with the 120 grit. When I went to purchase the Sikkens I was told it was discontinued but was replaced with a water based product, which I was told was exactly the same as the ‘good’ stuff. Well it was terrible. The following year it was peeling off. Then I had to scrape and sand the 22′ x 13′ deck and reapply. The next year the result was similar. I went back to the dealer and the guy told me I was in luck as Sikkens realised they screwed up and brought back the oil based product. I bought the stuff and decided to sand the deck yet again, along with the 3 sets of steps and reapplied with the ‘new and improved’ version, which is SIK250077C, cedar 077. It is a matt finish as that is what I have used since 2008. The problem now is this stuff does not have the same finish as the original stuff. So, all the refinishing I did last year now has to be scrubbed somehow as it is dark and dirty. While doing the refinish job last year, I also refinished all the outer cedar boards on my large veranda, so now all that will have to be scrubbed. I am not a happy camper. And I will not use a power washer on my cedar so it will have to be manual labour. Does anyone know of a product I can use to wash the cedar?
I have a 12X 16 pressure treated deck that’s going on 20+ years old and I took care of the deck – cleaning and using the original formula SIkkens Cetol SRD ( I think that was the name but I could no longer get the original formula in MA the past few years). I used the replacement product by SIkkens for the last couple applications (now PPG) but it’s been awful. The deck became sticky in some spots after application and it doesn’t last. The pressure treated wood is drying out much faster than it used to do. It’s a south facing deck – full sun all year and I have to look at restaining it again this summer when I did it in the Fall of 2019. It was a rich redwood coloring but now looks dirty brownish red because of the lame replacement “Healthy” product I had to buy. Please help recommend a product I can purchase in MA to help reclaim my once proud deck.
Your first issue is removing the Sikkens. Post some pictures for prep help with this.
Thank you – Here are a few pics – there is some pollen on deck and furniture/grill, but the flat dull coloring and dried out wood still comes through.
Once removed, use the TWP 1500 Series or Armstrong Clark Stains. Use the RAD stripper for prep with both additives. Brightener after: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
I need to find a finish for my western red cedar siding (T&G), I’m not sure which one to choose between SRD and Log and siding. I get the satin finish on log house, but I’m not sure it would look nice on tongue and groove siding, and again from what I read Log and siding seems to be more durable.
Use a penetrating semi-transparent stain. There are much better options than the PPG Proluxe:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews/
I have been using Sikken natural teak stain and clear sealer for my sailboat for last 8 years. Are these two [products still sold by Proluxe (Sikken) ?
Not sure if the same formula is still being sold.
I used the Sikkens SRD stain/sealer on several redwood projects (exterior furniture) I built 2 years ago. The sales pitch was that 1 coat would provide 5 years protection from the elements. Unfortunately it did not hold up, and I just refinished everything with 2 coats of a Spar Urethane product sold by Rustoleum.
I would rate this at ** 2 stars at most.
Your spar urethane will blister and peel. It cannot be used on outside wood.
OK, Scott, what do you use for exterior wood?
Hello. We used Sikkens Cetol SRD RE on our deck. We know this is a one time application but if we wanted to do a second coat could we wait approx 30 days, lightly pole sand and apply second coat?
Sorry, but you would have to ask Sikkens directly. We stopped using their products due to issues many years ago.
trying to send rebate in for stain having trouble with it not accepting upc .we have 4gal cans
Why are you asking us about rebates? We are not Sikkens or PPG.
I have used sikkens cetol srd redwood stain for years to stain and maintain my redwood deck, it is no longer available. Is there another product to use and what prep is required
You cannot apply anything over it so it will need to be removed. Post some pics of the deck so we can offer some help with that.
Best recommendation for exterior stain on Douglas fir
See here: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Try the Restore A Deck Stain or Armstrong Clark Stains.
We put a new outside porch fir flooring and used sickens proLux stain. After this winter flooring turned black in a lot of places. Do we have to sand it down and put restore a deck stain on top of sickens? So disappointed 😢
Hi I applied PPG prolix 079 the product did not cure completely. Any ideas on how I can fix this?
Remove all and start over if it does not cure within a week or so.
We have used the original sikkens deck stain for many years. Loved it. But when changed to Pro Deluxe it’s horrible. The formula definitely changed. So very very disappointing. Never ever will I use again.
Yes, used to be decent, but not anymore.
Looking for information on the fire rating for this product if you could be of any help
Sorry but no idea.
I live by the ocean. The deck is brand new. It is wet due moisture from the ocean. What type of
Which stain is recommended and do yo recommend a sealer afterwords. I like the natural wood color. The speck is of redwood
See here about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Can Proluxe Log and Siding be added over Proluxe SRD?
Not sure. Best to ask PPG.
What is best stain for refinishing a mahogany deck? And I need a solid color or semi solid color product.
Solid colors will not work well on Mahogany wood. Try a semi-solid like the TWP: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series-wood-and-deck-stain-review/
I have a deck that is south exposure that I treated with PPG Proluxe natural cedar 3 years ago and it looks terrible now. What can I do to make it look good?
Reply back in comments with some pictures for prep help.
Treated with Proluxe natural cedar now what can I do to make it look good again
Use the RAD stripper for prep with both additives. Sand any stubborn areas that do not strip. Brightener after:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
What is a good stripper for Sikkens ProLuxe Cetol SRD (translucent matte wood finish)?
Pictures, please of the deck.
West facing deck pictures.
The deck is WRC, west facing in the Seattle area.
This a second story cedar deck with a western exposure.
RAD Stripper with both additives: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
I spent 2.5 days sanding my 350 sq. Ft. cedar covered porch down to the bare wood. Applied Siko Proluxe SRD Re wood finish as instructed by dealer. Nice day, low humidity, no rain. 15 days later it is still tacky all over, dirt and leaves sticking to it. I don’t know how to get it to dry?
can anyone recommend a solution? Horrible product as now I’ve got a mess. Used a Para product previously which lasted for 13 years but is now unavailable.
You will need to remove and start over with a better stain that actually cures fully.
Unfortunately you over applied the product. I’m not sure what method you used, but I always back-brush starting at one end of the board to the other. You only want to put down as much stain as the wood will accept. Then by back-brushing you help force the product in, even out the pigment and remove any excess stain ( pools or puddling). You can try to wipe some lacquer thinner to remove the shinny spots but for the best results you’ll probably have to start all over by removing the existing stain. Good luck.
I have been using Sikkens srd on my deck for 20 years. They discontinued the redwood color that I love. I just recently sanded the whole deck and railings for a new application. Would the teak color match the redwood better than the mahogany? Is there a better stain that would match the old Sikkens srd redwood color. Would like to stay with a semi transparent stain. Deck is in midwest with full sun most of the day in summer and lots of snow in winter.
Use TWP 1500 Series or Armstrong Clark. Both are much better products than the Sikkens.
Same situation for me see #089 redwood discontinued and not sure mahogany would color match good.
What option did you opt for
Do you need to varnish after applying
You can never apply a varnish on a deck or over a deck stain. It will blister and peel.
How do you know that wood is dry enough
How is sickens proluxe cetol srd different from sikkens proluxe srd
Same.
I was told Sikkens deck stain was outlawed in nh now. I just want to stain over the sikkens caoba (mahogany) stain I had used previously several years ago. What can I use now over the old stain. I replaced a few pressure treated boards that were splitting. Need to restain deck as due. Same color .
You will need to remove all previous coating and start over with a new stain brand at this point.
I wanted to let you know that I used Sikkens Cetol 1 and Sikkens Cetol 23 Plus before the product went to PPG. I used it on an outdoor swing on my patio at the beach in southern California near the water and It looks great. It is almost a year now that I have used it and I love love love it. It looks great, not that hard to apply except for the way the swing was made there were many narrow spaces. However, I am very pleased with the results. I grew up on the east coast in a boating community where this was used on boats.
Can I restain with Sikken’s Deck Stain on top of another Stain product that has failed and is coming off?
No, the old coating has to come off first.
What is hte best product to use on old barns (1905 redwood). since i have owned it the last 20 years, i have applied “oil based semi solid stain” to both penetrate the wood to lengthen its life and to match the original ranch ‘green”. Since i live in California , everything seems to be reformulated for VOC emissions. the last product ‘floated’ on the surface, yellowed and also got very moldy.
Any woods of advice?
and btw,…. i am not looking for picture perfect finish and with 4 40ft silos, 3 barns and more, i am looking for some economy yet preserve this old old ranch. (at least for california its old)
You have to remove all the current coating to fix this correctly. Do you have pictures?
I have a 5 year old cedar deck. Used sikkens cetrol SRD. I am not happy with the dull dirty look. Any recommendations?
Strip it all off, brighten the wood, stain with one of these top brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews-2020/
We also have a deck treated with sikkens, just 2 years old and looks like crap!! So disappointed. Expected to get more for the money it cost!😡😔
I agree, I did my deck carefully last year and it looks awful
Same bad experience here. Less than 2 years old and, as the review mentions, the deck is almost black with mildew embedded in the stain. Will need to strip and find a new brand. This bad experience (and expense) makes me wish I had paid extra for composite decking.