This post was updated on January 18, 2023
BEHR Transparent Waterproofing Wood Finish Review
Important Note: This is our 3rd Review of Behr Premium Exterior Weatherproofing Wood and Deck Stains. The BEHR PREMIUM Transparent Waterproofing Wood Finish and the BEHR DECKplus Transparent Waterproofing Wood Finish are essentially the same product but at a different price point and at 3 stocked pre-mixed colors. These are re-labeled “Transparent” products of the Behr Premium Semi-Transparent Weather Proofing Wood Stain that we review prior. Same product and same performance, just a different label and in a transparent tone. This review will have the same ratings as our last Behr Deck Premium Stain Review.
Behr Stain Opacity Issues Recently: Behr essentially lies about the opacity of its stains. Their “semi-transparent” colors do not show wood grain properly and look more like semi-solid or even fully opaque colors. This makes the wood look more like solid paint and makes removing of the stain, when it peels, extremely difficult.
See the pics below that show these opacity issues.
See here for our first Review: Behr Premium Deck Stain Review
BEHR PREMIUM Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain
Behr Deck Stain Manufacturer Description
Give wood the ultimate in protection with BEHR PREMIUM Transparent Weatherproofing All-In-One Wood Finish. This 100% acrylic formula seals out the elements and the sun’s harmful UV rays, for up to 4 yrs. on decks and up to 6 yrs.on fences and siding. It’s available in 3 pre-mixed colors as well as 6 custom colors so you can get the look you want while preserving your valuable investment.
Best for use in
For properly prepared new to slightly weathered, unsealed exterior wood surfaces (0-5 years exposure) such as: Decks, Railings, Shakes, Shingles, Siding, Roofs, Fences, and Wood Patio Furniture.
BEHR PREMIUM Transparent Waterproofing Wood Finish Stain Scores (1-10)
Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 2
– The application of the BEHR PREMIUM Transparent Waterproofing Wood Finish was a repeat of our first test. We found that the Behr does not penetrate into the wood like the product claims it should. It dries on top of the surface like paint. It had the look of a semi-solid with much of the wood grain masked by the pigment. The Cedar color on the deck made it look like a pumpkin.
Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 8
– The one positive about the BEHR PREMIUM Transparent Waterproofing Wood Finish is that it has excellent UV protection in the areas where the stain had not failed. Unfortunately, this was only half of the deck floor and most of the railings.
Wear/Tear and Peeling: 1
– The cedar porch was “Behr” of stain on more than half of the flooring. The stain had peeled or worn in large uneven patches. Vertical rails did not have any issues.
Cost Per Square Foot: 4
– BEHR PREMIUM Transparent Waterproofing Wood Finish costs $35 per gallon. We used 5 gallons for the 300 square feet for the 2 coats applied.
$.55 per foot.
Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 7
– BEHR PREMIUM Transparent Waterproofing Wood Finish had some mold growing on the flooring near the home and on top of the rail cap.
Ease of Application: 2
– Applying the BEHR PREMIUM Transparent Waterproofing Wood Finish is like painting your deck except it does not apply evenly. We have stained 1000’s of decks and have never found a stain to be more difficult to apply than Behr. It dries extremely fast and will show overlaps if not careful. We used a paintbrush and hand-applied the stain to the entire deck as that seemed to give the best results.
Color Shifting (darkening) after 2 Years: 8
– Behr Premium Weatherproofing Stain does not darken in color much or at all.
The difficulty of Reapplication: 2
– This is how we fixed the BEHR PREMIUM Transparent Waterproofing Wood Finish. We applied a heavy dose of the Behr Stain Remover and tried to pressure wash off the remaining stain. It did not work. We then used the RAD Stain Stripper at a very high concentration and repeated. This removed about 85% of the stain. We were left sanding off the rest then cleaning and brightening the wood to even out the porosity of the wood. Prepping took 12 hours and needless to say, the customer switched brands.
Overall Score Behr Premium Stain at 2 Year Period: 4.625
– Rated tops By Consumers. Not sure why and feedback from most of our users agree. Consumers Reports own website has a user rating of 1 out of 5 stars. Thirteen out of the 14 reviews from actual users gave it a 1 star.
This stain should be removed from sale to the public.
Buyer Beware!
BEHR Semi-Transparent Deck Stain
Information:
Behr Deck Stain Home Depot
Cost: $34.99 per Gallon, $169.99 per 5 Gallon Pail
Stain Type: Premium Semi-Transparent – Water Based
Available Colors: 3 Stocked pre-mixed colors
Application Temperature: 40-90 F
Coats Required: 2 Coats
Coverage Per Gallon: 125-150 sq. ft in field tests
Application Tools: Sprayer, Pad, Brush, Roller
Dry Time: 1-2 Hours
Cleanup: Soap and Water
VOC Compliant: 250 Compliant in all States
Test Deck Stats:
Deck Wood Type: Cedar Porch
Deck Square Footage: 300 Square Feet
UV Exposure: Full sun
How Many Years Tested: 2 Years
Stain Color Used: Cedar
BEHR Deck Stain Photos
*All products tested and results are from our hands-on experience. We offer no guarantee of similar results. Take into consideration that results may differ widely due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.
Disgruntled Behr Stain Customer
Deck Stain Help & Questions
Stain Reviews & Comparisons
As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior wood and deck restoration. Scott and his Deck Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 decks in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the deck restoration industry and has contributed to numerous wood restoration forums and informative sites.
All the products he suggests through this site are sold through online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them.
Why would anyone waste their time and $$ as there are class action lawsuits against behr deck products.My deck was painted in Aug 2018 on 2019 April it was blistering and big patches stiped off. Behr customer service people are pleasant but do not help you.Do not buy.
What would you recommend putting on top of Behr Premium Transparent Clear (#500-N)? The deck is about two years old and last year the prior owner put a coat (or maybe two) of the Behr stain on it. I prepped the deck today to restain with more of the same, but just saw all these reviews and think I should use something else…but I’m not sure what. I don’t mind the color of the existing boards, and so far the stain looks fine. I’m just re-staining because there are some scratches on the deck, and I generally just want to preserve the deck for as long as I can because it’s huge. Thank you!
You cannot add another brand on top. You would have to strip and or sand to remove it.
I am using Behr Premium transparent waterproofing wood finish, clear (#500-N) and after about 30 mins, of course, it started to rain. What should I do ?
Noting you can do until the rain stops and dries off. You will need to assess the damage then if any.
I noticed that Bear Premium stain are low rated here but wasn’t able to find any thoughts on product like BEHR PREMIUM ® Transparent Penetrating Oil Wood Finish.
Should I assume it’s in the same product family as this review or completely different?https://www.deckstainhelp.com/behr-premium-transparent-waterproofing-wood-finish-review/
All Behr deck stains are poor. See here for the review you are looking for: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/behr-premium-quick-dry-oil-base-wood-finish-review/
These look like chemically different products:
Honestly, I think it is just a relabel but could be wrong. We would not use either or any Behr stains.
I applied Behr Premium transparent waterproofing wood finish to 4×8 plywood for a stair ramp and after 3 days it’s still has sticky feel to it, the plywood will be walked on constantly with bare feet, is it safe to do so?
You should be okay as long as you are not tracking the stain off.
So you are telling me my family, friends and pets won’t develop cancer, a skin disease, or any other illness.
I will save your response for the future.
Your comment makes no sense. We are an independent help site that offers advice and help to consumers. We are not affiliated with Behr or their poor products in any way. I would suggest you take up your issues with Behr directly instead of threatening us with something we have nothing to do with.
I applied product to 4×8 plywood for a stair ramp and after 3 days it’s still has sticky feel to it, the plywood will be walked on constantly with bare feet, it it safe ?
We prepped our 2 year old deck as advised; power wash and wait a few days to dry. We applied Behr semi-transparent deck stain with 2 rollers so as not to have any dry edges. It was late afternoon of a fall day. We live in NE so after the mild winter, we found our deck had started to peel already. Now 2 years out we have peeling everywhere! “One and done” my arse. Now we are looking to hire someone to sand and restain the deck. What a waste of $$$$.
I should have done some research on this product, Behr Premium transparent waterproofing wood finish #500-N. This is not a stain, it does not penetrate, but rather makes a coating over the wood. The final appearance was not transparent, it definitely yellowed the wood. It looked acceptable but did hide some of the wood grain of my 2 year old cedar decking. The coating seems to allow dirt to impregnate and is impossible to get it to look clean. I have used a mild TSP solution and a mild detergent cleaner, neither worked. After one year the coating is peeling and looks dirty. I am trying to figure out how to prep it for staining again this year. I used Valspar All in One wood prep (oxalic acid), and pressure washed to no avail. I used my belt sander with 80 grit sandpaper which, while painfully slow, would work except the coating gums up the sandpaper very quickly.
Any ideas for a way to strip this coating?
Post some pictures.
My Allentown PA Condo association specifies Behr. Eighteen years ago Behr solid stain did not peel like the last coat did applied 5 years ago. On my hands and knees it was torture prepping using 6 inch round disc sander (80 grit) sections that did not peel off. Prep done over days easily took 7+ hours on a 12′ x 14′ deck.
Next I “stained” 1/2 the dry deck surface one weekend & returned 6 days later to finish the job. Part of what I stained before was already starting to bubble! I could not believe it
I have to sell this place Spring 2022 because of this deck/Behr issue. Promise.