This post was updated on June 22, 2024
Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood decking. My Benjamin Moore Deck Stain reviews are based on my history as a wood restoration contractor and actual hands-on testing, all designed to present you with the top deck stain choices. See here for more info about me.
Benjamin Moore’s Arborcoat is a 100% acrylic exterior wood stain that provides water repellency, mildew resistance, and UV protection. It is waterborne and available in various colors. This wood and deck stain is marketed as a good solution to help you protect and beautify your outdoor furniture, deck, and siding. However, our testing told a much different story.
Please note that this is our initial review of this product. You should also look at our follow-up review, in which we re-tested this stain on different deck materials in different locations.
I love to hear your reviews of Benjamin Moore Arborcoat deck stains. Please post your rating below if you’ve used this product, and if you have any pictures of your experience with Arborcoat stain, add them in the comment area with a description.
How I Rated Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Deck Stains
All my Benjamin Moore Arborcoat deck stain reviews contain an 8-step process and the final average score. Each step is on a scale of 1-10.
- The appearance of Benjamin Moore Arborcoat after Application
- Preventing UV Graying
- Peeling or Wearing
- Cost Per Square Foot
- Preventing Mold and Mildew
- How Easy was the Application
- Color Shifting
- Ease of Reapplication
- Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Final Score
Detailed Review of Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Stain
1. Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 4
After it dried, the Arborcoat stain gave the wood a “plastic,” unnatural look. The finished result was a film-forming stain, similar to varnish. These stain types are definitely prone to peeling in cold-weather states, such as Michigan, where our test deck is located.
Some Arborcoat users have noted better results when applying this stain to a dry 12% non-PT wood deck. While most comments and user experiences have been negative, the application is a factor in the results.
2. Preventing UV Graying at the 1-Year Mark: 9
We only tested this Benjamin Moore deck stain for 1 year, but it did very well with preventing UV graying. The nanotechnology seemed to fully halt the graying effect. We noticed no color change after 1 year.
3. Wear/Tear and Peeling: 1
Arborcoat Peeling on Deck
We applied this stain in the summer and got a call from the homeowner the following spring to look at the deck. On inspection, we were extremely disappointed. The Arborcoat had peeled significantly on the brand-new pine deck. Patches of the finish had peeled off the wood in strips. You could peel back large sections of stain with your fingers. The product did not seem to have penetrated the wood at all.
4. Cost per Square Foot: 5
Arborcoat retails for $59.99 a gallon. Nine gallons were used for the 1,000-square-foot deck at a cost of $0.59 per square foot.
5. Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 10
At the one-year mark, no mold or mildew was present. The zinc oxide in the formula definitely helped.
6. Ease of Application: 4
We found the Arborcoat to be challenging to apply. As with most water-based formulas, the Arborcoat dried fast and displayed overlap marks. The stain applies like paint and dries on top of the wood. I was skeptical about the appearance and whether the stain would make it through the winter (it did not).
7. Color-Shifting (Darkening) After 2 Years: 8
There was no visible darkening of the stain except for some dirt that accumulated on top of the finish.
8. Difficulty of Reapplication: 1
After less than a year, the customer was so displeased with the deck’s condition that they requested that the Arborcoat be removed. A traditional deck stain stripper did not remove the stain or topcoat. Power-sanding was needed, which cost the unfortunate consumer a substantial amount of money.
Final Review Benjamin Moore Arborcoat: 5.75
Benjamin Moore’s Arborcoat did not perform well in a cold-weather state and on a newly built deck. The unnatural appearance was reason enough not to use the stain, but the peeling and difficulty of removal really were tough to swallow. We’d suggest choosing from our top-rated deck stains instead.
Buyer beware!
Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Stain Photos
Arborcoat Stain Details
- Where to Buy: Benjamin Moore paint outlets
- Cost: $69.99 per gallon
- Stain Type: Semi-transparent, water-based
- Available Colors: 75 custom colors
- Application Temperature: 40-90 F
- Coats Required: Two, a stain coat and a top clear coat
- Coverage per Gallon: 150-200 square feet in field tests
- Application Tools: Sprayer, pad, brush, roller
- Dry Time: 24-48 hours
- Cleanup: Soap and water
- VOC Compliant: 250 compliant in all states
- Manufacturer: Benjamin Moore
About Our Test Deck
- Deck Wood Type: New pine decking, ACQ
- Deck Square Footage: 1,000 square feet
- UV Exposure: Mostly shade
- How Many Years Tested: 1 year
- Stain Color Used: Cedar
All products were tested, and the results were based on our hands-on experience. We offer no guarantee of similar results. Consider that results may differ widely due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Deck Stain
How Long Does Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Last?
We found that Benjamin Moore Arborcoat stain didn’t even hold up for a full year: Less than a year after application, we saw severe cracking and peeling of this Benjamin Moore exterior stain.
Is Arborcoat a Good Stain?
No. While Arborcoat stain scored well in keeping mildew and mold at bay and preventing UV graying and color-shifting, it performed poorly in all other areas, such as application, durability, and appearance.
What Sheen Is Benjamin Moore Arborcoat?
Arborcoat stain comes with only a flat sheen option.
Is Arborcoat a Paint or Stain?
Arborcoat is a Benjamin Moore exterior wood and deck stain.
Is Arborcoat Oil- or Water-Based?
Benjamin Moore Arborcoat we tested is a water-based stain.
Does Arborcoat Solid Stain Need Primer?
No. Arborcoat solid stain is self-priming, so adding a primer layer is unnecessary before applying it.
How Do You Apply Arborcoat Translucent Stain?
First, make sure there will be no rain for the next two days. Then, use a roller or paintbrush to cover each board on the deck completely. Ensure thorough coverage. Then, allow the stain to dry completely.
How Many Coats of Arborcoat Do You Need?
Arborcoat uses two coats.
Is Benjamin Moore Arborcoat a Sealer?
Yes: Arborcoat is considered a sealer and a stain.
Arborcoat is a terrible product with terrible customer service, both from the retailer and Benjamin Moore. These photos are from about 5 months to 12 months after application in Madison WI. That was a lot of money and time down the drain. I’ve NEVER had a product fail like this.
It’s the same as mine I put it on last year, and it peals off in large strips and the wood under does not even look like it had anything on it. Terrible
The Arborcoat semi transparent is the absolute worst product I’ve ever used. I pressure washed the deck, and then followed all directions carefully, used the two prep products, and two coats of stain. It was very hard to use and looked like a mottled mess when completed, showing all back brushing intervals, etc. It didn’t even make it a year. I did it early fall ($800 in materials and 8 days of hard labor) and by the end of winter is was peeling off where ever any runoff hit it. I’m not an inexperienced, first timer. I’ve built entire houses and have painted for over 30 years. I know what I’m doing. This is expensive garbage, that left me with a real mess. I have to figure out how to remove all of it, on a 1,000 square foot deck, and apply a product that actually adheres to wood, and lasts a while. I have never written a review of anything before, for or against, but this crap is “special”
Here’s my No2 cedar deck one year after ArborCoat. Terrible.
I am beyond upset about the Arborcoat solid stain that we applied to our deck. We have stained the deck numerous times over the years with other products and never had such a bad problem as we are now. We did everything right from application to letting it dry properly. It has been nothing but a horrible experience ever since. My dog’s paw prints stick to it and cannot be washed off. I’ve tried everything. And even a representative came out to look at it. I need some recourse!
Sheila, EXACTLY our experience. Sanded 700 Sq Ft deck on lake & EVERY footprint/pawprint sticks out. The deck looks filthy. The rails are peeling. Rings End, Danbury CT came out to inspect & gave us a gallon of Krud Kutter to clean. That’s not the problem. this is NOT a stain. it sits on top of the wood & attracts dirt. Any suggestions?
No stain pigments of any kind penetrate wood, All stains ARE film forming. You folks having issues with this product should really leave it to professionals. Did anyone of you do a moisture test before you applied it? I didn’t think so. SMH
You are wrong about this. Not all deck stains are film-forming and yes, they can penetrate into the wood.
I agree, and I’m a pretty experienced DIYer. And I used my moisture meter before staining, and the stain failed miserably.
I have the same problem, wondering if you found a solution.
Do NOT use Arborcoat over Benjamin Moore clear wood preservative no matter what BM or the BM dealer tells you. I’ve been using Benjamin Moore clear wood preservative on redwood siding for 35 years without issue. BM discontinued the clear wood preservative and recommends Arborcoat. After 2 years of New England weather, the Arborcoat on the south facing side of the house has a chalky, milky appearance. I’m going to drop BM and use Cabot clear wood preservative instead. I hope I’ll have better luck.
Use daly’s teak oil. Uses the same type of phenolic resins the old BM clear was using
Applied this to my deck September 2019. Didn’t last the winter – it peeled/flaked off all over the place.
Today, I was attempted to clean grime off the surface to start prepping for another coat and the stain peeled off from the pressure from a garden hose. So, I bought a pressure washer to strip it all off and I’m now looking for another stain to spend a few hundred dollars on…
IMO 5.75/10 is far too generous.
Oh!! Water born ,what the heck does that mean ,i know, latex paint .I have a small deck ,If i see areas of mildew or green mold iwash that only ,if there is any peeling I paint right over it ,the peeling is always very soft, so it brushes right to the new coating, I use olympic cabots , Arbore coat ,makes no difference When that hot sun ,rain , snow cold winters hits that’s the end of it till next spring.
Painting contractor, also in Michigan. Used Arborcoat waterborne semi transparent stain only once and it’s junk! (I’m a regular user and fan of Ben Moore products but not their deck stain, ever again.) Horrible to apply, even one board at a time in the shade, left lap marks. Adding Floetrol didn’t help. Does not penetrate the wood, and dries with a slight plasticky sheen. Failed within a year. My Ben Moore stores have realised this is not a popular product with their professional painters and carry TWP, which is a vastly superior stain at the same price point, and what I’ve used for years.
What she said is 100% correct.
This applied in 1998 in a mission brown color to rough cut reverse board and batten rough cut white pine wood siding. No peeling but ready to change colors. Chemical stripping and pressure washing dissolve just a small layer off. Since it already lasted for 25 years I was looking for a similar product. Are any solid stains still linseed oil based? If not what is the best water-based solid stain to go over this.
They do not make solid stains anymore that are oil-based. See here for the best solid stains:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
i used semi transparent stain on new wood, but came to light can i put an other coat to make darker ?
No, over-applying will lead to peeling. Also, you cannot stain new wood right away. Did you follow directions for new wood?
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Arborcoat was recommended by our painters for our new pine deck. The product was applied, one coat and looked horrible. It was streaky and uneven. They came a reapplied another coat. Within months, it was cracking and peeling. Painters came and ‘fixed’ things again. Now the stain is bubbling everywhere. How can it be a stain if it never soaked in?
Total loss. Will need to get the entire deck sanded and find a stain that actually works.
Yep. This is why BM is one of our worst-rated stains. Once it is fully removed, see here for a proper stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Man, I wish I had seen this review and all of these comments before I allowed my client to dictate that I use this product on the new deck and stairs that I built on her lake front house. Only time will tell how it holds up to the Lake Pontchartrain salty water and sub-tropical weather. I will take pictures and post them as time goes by and my time to allowed to take pictures dictates.
I love Arborcoat for all reasons cause it works if you prepare and apply correctly. Better than all of the others in my opinion as a licensed Ca. contractor of 25 years.
Good to read that! last spring I had a pro refinish my deck (fir) including sanding off the old (ugly) dark oil finish He then applied one coat of BM Arborcoat and advised me to redcoat it in one year (now). He didn’t put a clear coat on top — just the one coat of stain. It held up very well except that there were stains from pollen and mildew — I cleaned that with vinegar and water. Question – should I follow his advice and apply another coat now?
Just bought this at suggestion of local lumber yard. Not easy to apply as it was thick on the mullions of the fir exterior door I applied to. Can I apply Helmsman water based indoor/outdoor spar urethane now? I’d like to protect from harsh direct UV exposure and winter rain/snow.
You can never topcoat over a deck stain. It will blister and peel.
Used on outdoor cabinets was going to use a polyurethane on it. So your saying I can’t ? So what do you use to clear coat ?
You can’t. It will peel if you put anything over it.
We painted our screen porch 3 weeks ago and it is still sticky. I have a fan on it and its been in the 90’s for weeks now. I need help
Since it has been three weeks, it will probably not cure so you will need to remove and start over. It will not be easy and you will have to sand it all off.
I am sick,,, after reading these reviews we all have the same issues. This is a failed product , we all should get a new deck from the company. At age 70, I powered wash, chemical treated my deck twice . Taking over 3 three weeks to complete May 2020, it is horrible. Dog prints, dirt, peel, washes away !!!! Shame on this company and a slap in the face for all their faithful, now to be past, customers. I still have not heard from rep. Change products everyone
Is arborcoat Protective clear coat the same as Thompsons Water sealer??
No, and the BM clear coat peels horribly. Do not use it.