Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993

Best Fence Stain: What to Use and Why Hi, I’m Scott Paul, a licensed exterior restoration contractor with over 30 years of experience and 10,000+ deck restorations. This guide to the best fence stain is based on my own hands-on field testing, not manufacturer claims. See my full credentials and testing stats here. Deck stain can be used to stain a fence, but not every deck stain is the right choice for this purpose. Semi-transparent penetrating deck stains are best for fences because they penetrate the wood to protect it against both moisture and sun. The penetrating nature of these fence stains also makes application easier, helping you avoid the drips that are inevitable when painting a fence. Semi-transparent penetrating …

Can You Strip Rust-Oleum Deck Restore? The short answer is no—Rust-Oleum Deck Restore cannot be chemically stripped. The only effective way to remove this thick deck resurface coating is through extremely heavy power sanding and or scraping. My Pro Tip: Some homeowners have found success using the Diamabrush Wood Coating Removal Tool, a specialized grinder attachment designed to strip stubborn coatings from wood surfaces. If sanding and grinding fail to remove all the product, you may be forced to replace the wood altogether. Common Myths: Boiling Water Won’t Work Many people ask about using boiling water to strip Rust-Oleum Deck Restore, but this method does not work. Due to the thick, textured nature of this coating, heat and chemical removers are …

Why is deck stain too thick? When deck stain is too thick it will not dry properly. The most common reason deck stain is too thick on the wood is that it is overapplied. The best way to apply deck stain is with deck stain brushes and pads that allow you to work the stain into the wood effectively and evenly. DeckStainHelp.com has many available articles to teach you how to best apply deck stain to avoid deck stain too thick. Deck stain too thick in the can before applying is a sign that it has gone bad and new stain should be purchased. How to fix deck stain too thick? When deck stain is too thick on the wood …

Exterior Wood Stain for Older Decks Older decks often require more coats of stain due to increased porosity, but the best option is to use a semi-transparent or semi-solid penetrating deck stain. These stains soak deep into the wood, offering superior protection while enhancing the deck’s appearance. Semi-transparent stains allow the wood grain to show through while enriching its natural color. Semi-solid stains provide more coverage, hiding imperfections while still offering some visibility of the wood grain. By penetrating the wood rather than forming a surface film, these stains help prevent peeling and flaking, making them ideal for weathered decks that need long-lasting protection. Best Brand of Deck Stain for Older Decks For aging decks, Restore-A-Deck is one of the …

What’s the best brand of deck stain? The best brands of deck stain are TWP, Armstrong Clark, and Restore-A-Deck. These are all semi-transparent penetrating deck stains. TWP and Armstrong Clark are oil-based semi-transparent penetrating deck stains with beautiful natural wood tones and other deck stain colors. Restore-A-Deck also has many deck stain colors but is a water-based semi-transparent deck stain with added mildewcide for decks in wet climates. These semi-transparent penetrating deck stains are best because they have enough tint to protect the wood from graying in the sun and protect against moisture without taking away from the beauty of the wood deck. More information on the best brands of deck stain The 7 Best Deck Stain Reviews and Ratings …

Is it better to stain or seal a deck? It is always better to stain a deck rather than just seal it. Clear deck sealers may protect against water but little else. It is better to use a semi-transparent penetrating deck stain because it will both seal the wood against moisture damage while also protecting against sun damage. The best semi-transparent penetrating deck stains are TWP, Armstrong Clark, and Restore-A-Deck. Penetrating deck stains also wear more evenly and make it easy to reapply as needed. Clear sealers sit on top of the wood and can crack and peel, failing faster than the best deck stains. The fact they are clear also means that they do not offer UV protection. More …

How to fix a deck stain you don’t like? How to fix a deck stain you don’t like depends on the type of deck stain. Semi-transparent and semi-solid penetrating deck stains must be removed by stripping the deck, sanding the deck, or both. Failing to remove the disliked stain sufficiently prevents the new stain from penetrating into the wood properly. Solid deck stains do not have to be removed, instead you can just apply a new color over it. More information about fixing a deck stain you don’t like Remove Deck Stain When Reapplying? How To Sand Your Wood Deck Best Deck Prep? Clean, Strip, or Sand the Deck? How to Reapply a Solid Color Deck Stain How To Remove …

Can I use a clear deck stain? You should never use a clear deck stain, especially if you have a deck that is in full or partial sun. Clear deck stain does not contain any pigment. Even if it soaks into the wood like other penetrating deck stains, clear or transparent deck stain does not protect against UV rays. Deck stain must have pigment, tint, and color to protect against sun damage. The best deck stains are semi-transparent penetrating deck stains that show the grain of the wood and enhance its color while protecting against both sun and moisture. More information about clear and tinted deck stains Will a Clear Sealer Prevent Graying on Deck? Darker Color Deck Stains Will …

Exterior Wood and Deck Restoration Review Videos DeckStainHelp.com has become the Internet’s go-to site for Exterior Wood and Deck Stain Reviews. New for 2026 are our exterior wood and deck stain and prep review videos. We will add more Review Videos throughout the year. Please subscribe to our video channel for new videos as they come out. If you have a request for a review, please ask in the comment area below and we will consider getting this on our to-do list.

Best deck stain redwood color? The best redwood color deck stains are semi-transparent penetrating deck stains. The favorite deck stain brands of DeckStainHelp.com experts are TWP, Restore-A-Deck, and Armstrong Clark. The best redwood deck stain colors by brand are TWP 1502 Redwood or 1516 Rustic, Restore-A-Deck Light Walnut, and Armstrong Clark Sierra Redwood and Sequoia colors. More information and pictures for deck stain redwood colors Deck Stain Colors Redwood Deck Staining Tips Deck Stain Color Ideas New Redwood Deck Staining Tips 2022

Which deck stain lasts the longest? The longest lasting type of deck stain is a semi-transparent penetrating deck stain. Semi-transparent stains fade over time, making reapplication easier. Not all semi-transparent deck stains are penetrating stains, and not all penetrating stains are equal. The longest lasting semi-transparent penetrating deck stain brands are TWP, Restore-A-Deck, and Armstrong Clark. How often should a deck be stained? When using the best TWP, Restore-A-Deck, or Armstrong Clark semi-transparent penetrating deck stains, you should only need to apply new stain every 2-3 years. More information on the longest lasting deck stains The 7 Best Deck Stain Reviews and Ratings Find the Best Wood Deck Stain: Top-Rated Products for All Needs Best Semi-Transparent Deck Stain Reviews How …

Can deck stain go bad? Yes, deck stain has a shelf life and can go bad. The shelf life of deck stain depends on the brand and type of stain, as well as whether or not the stain has been opened. Oil based deck stain keeps longer than water based deck stains. The average deck stain lasts 6 to 12 months when opened or 2-3 years unopened. High quality oil based deck stains can last longer than 12 months when opened and up to 5 years unopened when stored properly in climate controlled storage. How to tell deck stain is bad? Deck stain that has gone bad will clump, thicken, and form a film on the top layer. Bad deck …