This post was updated on May 7, 2023
Best Deck Stain and Sealer
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DeckStainHelp.com is the most informative website dedicated to the art of exterior wood deck restoration. Our 25+ years in the business and many 10,000’s of decks restored have made us the experts on what deck stain brands actually work well in 2023!
Here is a list of the top Wood and Deck Stains that takes into consideration the different types of stains available such as transparent, semi-transparent, semi-solid stain, and solid stains.
The Best Deck Stains and Sealers are
- Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Stain
- TWP 100 Series
- Restore-A-Deck Solid Stain
- TWP Pro-Series Semi-Solid Stain
- Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Stain
- TWP 1500 Series
- Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Stain
- Armstrong Clark Hardwood Stain
- Gulf Synthetics Deck Revive
See below for more information on each brand.
There are many different brands and types of deck stains available today. Not all brands and types are the same so we have compiled a detailed list below to help you determine what your needs and expectations are. The deck stain and sealer ratings below are listed based on our reviews from using the products in the field and we have also included the Consumer Star Ratings from other users that have posted. Please review each product for additional information and feedback on each product tested.
Page Contents
TWP 100 Pro Series – Best Overall Semi-Transparent Deck Stain and Sealer
Where To Find: TWP 100 Pro Series
Pros: Penetrating Semi-Transparent Oil-Based. Full Curing EPA Registered Stain. 10 semi-transparent colors. Easy to apply. Excellent mildew resistance.
Cons: Only Available in 35 States.
Consumer Star Ratings:
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a scale of 1-10): 8.69
See the Review Article Here: TWP 100 Series Review
Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent – Best Damp Application Deck Stain and Sealer
Where To Find On Google: Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Stain
Pros: Penetrating Semi-Transparent Water-Based. Damp Wood Application – It can be applied the same day as the prep. Easy water clean-up. Allowed in all 50 States and Canada. Excellent mildew resistance.
Cons: Only 5 colors.
Consumer Star Ratings:
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a scale of 1-10): 8.625
See Review Article Here: Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain Review
How To Restore Your Deck All in One Day – DeckStainHelp.com
Restore-A-Deck Solid Color Deck Stain – Best Solid Color Deck Stain and Sealer
Where To Find On Google: Restore-A-Deck Solid Stain
Pros: Solid Color (Opaque) Wood Stain – Water Based, Stocked colors with no need for custom mixing. Damp Wood Application – It can be applied the same day as the prep. Allowed in all 50 States and Canada.
Cons: None that we know of.
Consumer Star Ratings:
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a scale of 1-10): 8.6
See Review Article Here: Restore-A-Deck Solid Stains
TWP Pro-Series Semi-Solid Stain – Best New Semi-Solid Deck Stain and Sealer
TWPStain.com Website: TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series
Pros: Penetrating Semi-Solid Oil-Based. Full Curing Wood and Deck Stain. 30 Custom made semi-solid colors. Easy to apply. Excellent mildew resistance. Clean and recoat as needed for maintenance. Based on the TWP 100 Series has been around for 25+ years.
Cons: Newer to market so might be hard to find. Only available in 35 States.
Consumer Star Ratings:
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a scale of 1-10): 8.5
See Review Article Here: TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series Review
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Stain – Best Semi-Solid Deck Stain and Sealer
Where To Find On Google: Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid
Pros: Easy to apply. One coat coverage for semi-solid. Paraffin and Curing Oil Blend. Full Curing Stain. Allowed in all 50 States and Canada.
Cons: Cannot be applied to new wood unless aged for 1 year. It can take a few days or longer to fully cure.
Consumer Star Ratings:
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a scale of 1-10): 8.5
See Review Article Here: Armstrong Clark Stain Review
TWP 1500 Series Semi-Transparent – Best VOC Compliant Deck Stain and Sealer
Where To Find: TWP 1500 Series
Pros: Complaint in all 50 States. Penetrating Semi-Transparent Oil-Based. Full Curing EPA Registered Stain. EPA Registered Wood Preservative
Cons: Takes longer to dry than the TWP 100 Series
Consumer Star Ratings:
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a scale of 1-10): 8.5
See Review Article Here: TWP 1500 Series Review
Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Stain – Best Mildew Resistant Deck Stain and Sealer
Where To Find: Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Stain
Pros: Penetrating Semi-Transparent Water-Based. Nano-technology for deep penetrating. Zinc oxide prevents mildew better than most brands. Allowed in all 50 States and Canada.
Cons: It can be harder to apply than other brands.
Consumer Star Ratings:
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a scale of 1-10): 8.47
See Review Article Here: Defy Extreme Stain Review
Armstrong Clark Hardwood Stain – Best Hardwood Deck Stain and Sealer
Where To Find: Armstrong Clark Hardwood Stain
Pros: Penetrating Semi-Transparent, Oil-Based. Paraffin and Curing Oil Blend. Full Curing Stain. Works best on exotic hardwoods and IPE. Allowed in all 50 States and Canada.
Cons: Only 3 colors.
Consumer Star Ratings:
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a scale of 1-10): 8.60
See Review Article Here: Armstrong Clark Hardwood Stain Review
Gulf Synthetics Deck Revive – Best Deck Resurfacer Type Stain and Sealer
Where To Find: Gulf Synthetics Deck Revive
Pros: Unlimted colors. Fixes old neglected decks by adding an acrylic polymer coating that lasts for many years. Only Deck Resurface product on the market that actually works.
Cons: Expensive (but worth it)
Consumer Star Ratings:
See Review Article Here: Gulf Synthetics Deck Revive Review
Best Deck Stain and Sealer Photos
The Best Deck Stain and Sealer Video – DeckStainHelp.com
Do you have any questions as to what brand of stain you should use on your deck?
Please ask below, we are here to help!
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.
I’m surprised Olympic sealer got a high rating (in some tests). I used Olympic Wood Protector Semi-transparent Stain last October after preparing deck as recommended. The peeling and damage to deck boards was worse than any other product I’ve used over the years. This is a deck that gets minimal use and I was really disappointed that I have to do the staining/sealing all over again this year.
Olympic is an average stain at best. It is not one of our top rated stains.
Hi there, I recently stained and sealed my deck with C2 Guard Waterproofer. I followed the directions on how to apply it (not in direct sunlight, two coats wet on damp, deck was dry to start) and prepped the deck boards with a scrub down of sodium percarbonate, then pressure washed and rinsed. The deck seems to never have been sealed before and before I started it was grey weathered pressure treated pine. Looked like drift wood. I let it dry for a couple of days and it was a pale yellow pine color. The stain color was great when applying but after it completely dried it seems to have soaked in too much. Most of the color is gone and after it rained the water seems to seep deep into the boards. It brings back the color I want but after it dries it’s pale again. Looks like it’s also not working as a waterproofer. Any ideas on what to do next? Ignore the pressure treated pale boards as I they are new and I will only treat them next year.
You would have to contact them directly for support as we do not use this product.
Thanks for the reply Scott. Will do. If I can’t sort it out with them I’ll switch to one of your supported products.
My deck is 24 years old and somewhat weathered as seen in photos. I’m trying to decide between semi-transparent oil and semi-solid oil stains. Will the semi solid fill the cracks at all or offer more protection? Water based olympic was used in the past.
Deck stain will not fill in cracks. No need to wory as it is normal. Just leave theam as is. Strip and brighten for prep. Stain with TWP Stains or Restore A Deck Wood Stain.
I purchased a newly constructed home in 2020 in Southern California close to the beach. I have 2,200 SF of decks made with Philippine Mahogany (marketed as Kayu Mahogany). The builder told me he bleached and stained the wood and then applied a water-based, outdoor, satin polyurethane clear-coat. It had a lovely light grey appearance. However, the decks started to peel after just a few months. I want to refinish the decks using the very best process and materials available. Three products have surfaced from my research: Penofin Architectural Grade, Messmers UV Protection Plus for Hardwood Decks, and Armstrong Clark Hardwood/Ipe Stain. Which product do you recommend most highly for my decks? Do you have suggestions for how to best prepare the decks for a new stain? Thank you, in advance, for your advice.
Your builder was not very informed about deck coatings. You cannot ever apply a varnish or poly to a deck as it will alwasy peel. You have to fully remove the coatings now to fix. This will require power sanding to get it all off:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-sand-your-wood-deck/
Once removed, use the Armstrong Clark Stain in a ahrdwood color like Amber or Mahogany.
we are building are large deck with pressure treated wood and want to stain it prior to laying the boards. I am looking at your videos and it says NOT to stain prior to 3 months. We are going to be putting a large 11×14 gazebo on the deck so that is why i wanted to stain before the 3 month period. Do you think it would cause problems for the wood? I also live in Canada and the weather will start to become cooler once September comes
You can’t do this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Build it all, add gazebo, wait, prep, and stain all the exposed wood after.
Hi.
What is the best product for a deck in California that bakes in the sun all day?
Thank you!
Armstrong Clark in a semi-solid color.
Pressure washed 8 year old yella wood deck in Ga. what is the best semi-transparent sealer? Behr didn’t last long from previous treatment. Is new Behr any better?
Behr stains are not good. See the best options here: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews/
I have sanded paint off a small front porch and small back deck, both with stairs. However, I was unable to remove the paint in tight corners, hard to reach places, and the little holes in the treated wood. Please help me to know what to use to protect the wood. I do not want to ever do all this sanding again. Will stain cover where the paint is? Do I need to use a solid stain instead of semi-transparent? After all this work, I want it to look good. The color of the deck was an aqua blue. Thank you for any help you can give me.
Post some pics.
Thank you for responding. I have tried pressure washing, stripper, and sanding by hand, but have not had any success removing these areas.
That’s a solid stain. See tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-remove-a-solid-color-deck-stain-or-paint/
Can I put a coat of cabot gold over a coat of Australian Timber Oil without a problem occurring?
No, you should always remove the prior coatings when switching semi-transparent or transparent stains.
Currently refinishing a port Orford cedar deck in Berkeley, CA (northern CA). Have used Cabot before VOC reformulation and SuperDeck or Duckback on another older Redwood deck.
What are your recommendations?
TWP 1500 Series or Armstrong Clark Stains.
Scott, I have cedar siding on my house and we live in the mountains of Utah, so lots of sun, less rain. The wood was dipped prior to construction 20 years ago and was restained 10 years ago and is pretty dry, we have used Duck back stain red cedar color, I honestly don’t know if it’s oil based or water based, it looks great in the area not in direct sun but weathered in the sun areas. It doesn’t seem to peel or have any residue that needs cleaning, it may have been power washed prior to staining 10 years ago, but I’m not sure. Should it be washed and what type of stain would you recommend I’ll send pictures.
You have to remove the current stain when switching brands of stain. Strip and brighten all wood.
Is a sealer not a superior waterproofing product as opposed to just a stain? Most products sold in home depot in Canada are stain and sealer combo products. But the focus on this site seems to be stains only, and they are described as sealers as well, but not when going to manufacturer website for ie. Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Stain, it is just a stain. I’m trying to get the best protection and am confused. Thx!
No, a clear sealer does nothing for UV protection while a deck stain helps with UV protection and offers the same sealing properties of a clear sealer. Basically, all deck stains are sealers as well: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/are-deck-finishes-stains-sealers-or-both/
Considering using TWP products for a deck project (~300 sq ft [doug fir?] 10+y/o, stripped & sanded). However, I am looking for clarification about your relationship(s) with your top picks TWP & RAD as you all seem to do business out of the same location.
About us info: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/about-deckstainhelp-com/
What clear water based sealer is good for older wooden decks that can be applied after power washing
TWP 1500 clear will work after the wood dries from prep.
Thank you, is it water soluble non toxic?
I have a brand new smooth high end redwood deck, half of which is in full Sun. I plan to let it cure 1-2 months. We are in the Bay Area-SF -can be damp, can be very dry. What is the best option for staining? Ideally, beautiful redwood will be visible. Family has small kids, so limited time for retaining.
See here for new wood tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
I am in Ontario we stain our deck with Beauti Tone Wood Shield Best.100% Acrylic Deck & Siding Semi Transparent Stain..It looked really nice when it was dry. But as soon you walk on it with our bare feet it is so hot and if your feet is wet coming out from the pool it is very slippery.. Plus when it snow a little on in it is very slippery too. .. So like to cover it over this spring so it isn’t slippery and very hot on bare feet So I am wondering what you recommend so our grandkids and us won’t burn or fall this summer on our deck..
You cannot cover it. You will have to remove it fully to fix it. Strip and or sand. Then use a fully penetrating stain so it is not slippery. Try TWP 200 Series or Armstrong Clark Stains.
I am in Florida, lots of mildew. I have raw wood that was sanded down two years ago. I would like to protect the deck. I would like something that will not require long term care. Also, something that will not be slippery from humid conditions, have dogs and older person to consider. Is there such a product?
Restore A Deck Semi-Transparent Stain or TWP 100 Series.
Hey DS Help Team!
Very much appreciated for all of the support and info you put out there!
I’m planning on building a small 12′ x 12′ entry deck. The deck will be partial sun and partial shade. I’m in Southern California so it’s usually dry but we do see some moisture through the winter months. I’m planning on either clear Cedar or select heartwood Redwood. I love the natural yet subdued warmth these woods offer – I don’t particularly care for that hotter/yellow look that comes with staining.
I want to preserve the natural grain and tone of the wood while not shooting myself in the foot for future maintenance. I had been leaning towards an oil based UV protective sealer until I found your site and figured maybe a semi-transparent oil or water based product may be better.
I probably wouldn’t mind having to re-apply something every year or two but I would like to avoid stripping and sanding in the future.
Any specific tips you all could offer?
Many thanks in advance!
R
See here about new wood first. Try the Armstrong Clark or TWP 1500 Series after the wait and prep:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
I live near Baltimore Maryland and need to seal my new wood deck. It’s aged a few months, seems to be ready as water does not bead. Was considering transparent to keep the wood grain look. My concern is with how long transparent strains last. Recommendations? Lots of trees close by, if that makes a difference.
Thanks,
Mark
See here about new wood. Use a semi-transparent stain:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Read the article and watched the video. You recommend semi-transparent. We were thinking transparent , but not if it’s not going to do as well. Do transparent stains/sealers not protect as well? If so what aspect(s), e.g. UV protection etc. Thanks.
Semi-transparent is better for UV and shows the same amount of wood grain as a transparent stain.
Cabot Deck Correct Ok never heard of the other brands
I live in Nixa Mo zip code 65714 near Springfield Mo. My deck is little over a year old. After only a year it turned grey. I used Thompson non stain sealer when I built it and I am disappointed it turned ugly grey. I have pressure washed the deck today and wood looks great again. What stain/sealer do you recommend. I do not want it to turn grey again. I understand I need to use a sealer with a stain to keep it from greying. I like the natural wood color though. It is just regular decking not cedar or composite. I am ok with little color if it will keep wood from turning grey. I like the idea of twp product of just cleaning and brightening every 2 years and just reapply the product. What suggestions do you have? Can you use the brightener and just reapply the restore a deck product? I don’ really understand the solid color restore a deck product. How is it different than the twp poduct stain. Sorry for all the questions but I put alot of work into the deck and cleaning it I do not want the same results I got with the Thompson junk product.
Clean and brighten for final prep and then try Restore A Deck in Natural tint or TWP in Honeytone.
Need a semi transparent stain for an older treated spruce wood deck in Laurentian mountains 60 miles north of Montreal. There is a lot of snow in winter, on hot sunny side in summer ,about 30 feet from a lake. Most traffic on stairs down to lawn. The house is cedar as is the trim. The vertical trim for the deck could be stained a more opaque stain as it is not possible to sand down to natural base.Advice please and availability in Montreal area.
Look at TWP 200 series or Restore a Deck Stains.
No. It has issues. Read reviews on this link and comments below: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ready-seal-wood-and-deck-stain-review/
I have a redwood deck, 6 years old.
It has two year old stain ppg proluxe.
Thinking of trying an oil based stain again.
Do I need to sand it again? Or just clean and power wash it?
Strip and brighten the wood for prep. Try the Restorw A Deck Kits. Stain with an oil-based stain like TWP or Armstrong Clark.
Thanks! I can’t get any of these locally. Is there another brand you recommend that I can get in the Portland Oregon area?
Both brands of stain are sold in your area. Check with the manufacturers or buy online.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
See attached pictures.
Deck Notes
Preliminary Restoration Plans
Looking forward to your thoughts. Thanks! 🙂
Diambrush off the old Behr stain first. Sand all after to an even 60-80 grit, RAD cleaner, and brightener last. Stain with one coat.
You cannot stain the new wood yet. See this for tips:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Thank you very much!
I just installed a large pressure treated deck using 2×6 pt decking . What is the best product to use in upstate NY
See this about new wood. It cannot be stained yet: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Just put a semi on my deck and hate the color. Was suppose to be dark walnut. Also need to stain my fence that has been up 8 months with no previous treatment. Anything to get the unevenness out of the deck and what do you recommend for pine pressure treated privacy fence
Strip and brighten to start over on the deck. For the fence, clean and brighten. Try TWP Semi-Solid colors for both: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series-wood-and-deck-stain-review/
Ready seal said I can stain over top after 7 days without stripping…does this sound right. What brand would you recommend
Ready Seal is a very average stain in our opinion. Does not last and rubs off.
What do you use to clean and brighten
Restore A Deck makes both Stripper/Brighener Kits and Cleaner/Brightener Kits.
Any idea brand/color of this? I like it
I believe the floor is TWP in either 1503 Dark Oak or 1504 Black Walnut. Hard to say for certain.
Redid Our deck posts, supports and railing with composite and Replaced the flat surface with new “thinner” deck boards. The deck boards have now cured (shrunk with gaps) for one year and ready for best long term sealer and no issues on cost. Would like good traction when wet and no issues with graying.
What should I apply and what will be the necessary follow up for time and process to reseal in future??
Try Restore A Deck Stains or Armstrong Clark Stains. Celan and reapply as needed down the road.
more from Ottawa ON
We would like a semi-transparent and tips on how to make it look WONDERFUL for at least 2-3 years
Thank you,
Isobel
You will need to remove all down to the bare wood. Use the RAD Stripper/Brightener Kits and both additives: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
For the Stain, try TWP 200 Series or Armstrong Clark.
Ottawa, ON
July 2016, we had a 13′ x 17′ red cedar deck installed, it looked gorgeous and smelled even better!
August 2017 we were finally able to stain and protect. We cleaned and power-washed the greying off deck (perhaps a little too aggressively), then used “C2 Guard Waterproofer Ultimate Wood Protection” (C2). This stuff is NOT cheap at $115.00/gallon, 4 years ago. Our deck builder recommended it, so we bought it. The application is a “wet on damp” procedure, and then second coat goes on while first coat is still damp. We used 2 gallons but didn’t get to all the flat areas around the edges, vertical posts or sidewalls because we ran out of energy and C2.
August 2018, I was only going to protect the rest of the wood that wasn’t done the previous year, but someone insisted we power wash everything, in order that it “all look the same”. Unfortunately the power washer person was again too aggressive. Put another 2 coats of C2 down, then the weather changed from reported “sunny” to rain. Basically $230.00 wasted, and it looked worse than when we started.
Fall 2019, floor of deck doesn’t look good, so again, another light power wash and another 2 gallons of C2. Could have used another gallon but it got too cold to apply. Summer 2020, got the COVID blahs and just couldn’t muster up the energy to do it all again.
Summer 2021, the horizontal flat areas (where the sun hits – floor of deck, top of the railings, and bottom of spindles) look crappy, the upright vertical areas look great. We have already put 6 gallons of C2 Guard into this deck and it looks horrible, but what to do? I would love ALL of the deck to look like the vertical areas, but not sure how to get there. We did a water test yesterday and it beads in most places, only a few spots where the water sinks quicker, but not too quickly.
We would appreciate any insight or suggestions. Attached are photos from the good to the current ugly.
Best deck stain that is light in color and good for humid Houston
Restore A Deck Stain in Natural: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-review/
We have a large (1200 sq ft+) sized deck made from mahogany decking with cedar siding on the vertical areas and cedar railings and posts. We live in Colorado and the deck is mostly shaded by nice large silver maple. The deck has not been stained in 2 years and is in need of a new finish. I don’t know what was used previously.
I’m planning to refinish the deck with RAD stripping and brightening kit, then staining with AC Mahogany hardwood stain. Is this the right process?
For the railings and siding, should I follow a similar process? Any recommendations for stain on the vertical siding and railings?
Yes, the prep and stain is correct. You can use the same stain for the verticals.
Hi, I want to stain/seal two fir Adirondack Chairs with a semi-transparent stain. They will be on an enclosed jalousie window porch, but may be left outside at times (sitting on grass). Any tips besides sanding first; and what stain do you recommend?
Clean and brighten the wood for prep. Try Restore A Deck Stains or Defy Extreme Stain.
Hi we purchased western red cedar decking and were told to preserve with 2 coats before building the deck- we want the natural color definitely don’t want it to turn silver but were told by the supplier that a “clear” preservative would be best to see the color, but I think a semi transparent stain would last longer from what I have read. Too many choices. Please help us decide which route to go. Thank you!
Clears will gray in months. Must be tinted. All semi-transparent stains we suggest will show the grain. Do not use the Big Box brands as those are thick and will hide the wood grain.
For new wood, see here: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
I have an outdoor wood table in Florida. The color of the wood itself is perfect. Unfortunately, it always turns grey after a few months in the elements.
, after thorough sanding and staining.
Can you please recommend the best products to use, and in what order to apply those products?
Try Restore A Deck Stains or TWP 100 Series.
I don’t want to stain my deck with a color product, I only want to seal it. What is the best product for just sealing? Thank you
It will gray naturally in months. You okay with this?
I still don’t know what is the best sealer to use?
Any in the list we sent.
After using TWP on our deck, do we need a finish coat or some type of sealer?
No and you can never apply a sealer or coating over a deck stain. It will peel.
We have a wooden deck which has not been stained – it is 5 or 6 years old. We applied a water based, semi transparent stain using a roller but coverage of the stain was uneven. Would applying two or more coats cover the patchy areas left by the roller?
No. You will need to remove and start over.
Hi- We have a composite deck with cedar rails and ceiling, it was just beautiful. We had a professional company stain it yesterday and I am not happy. They used cabot ato. We were going to use honey teak and switched to natural, thinking it would look more natural. It is actually very yellow. There are also blotches on the ceiling (it has not been 24 hours yet, so don’t know if it is too soon to panic). The deck itself was quite an investment and the staining company charged almost 1700.00 for their work. Is there anything that can be done about the color and the ceiling blotchiness? I am not sure I have confidence in the company we used, they did a terrible job explaining things to us. I would like to get a better color and at the very least get rid of the blotch ceiling.
Send pictures here.
I’m trying to add more photos to show yellow but it won’t let me.
Second picture shows yellow rails.
The rails are not their fault. It is the way the wood took the stain and new cedar will be like this. It is going to be very hard to fix the ceiling. Stripping is possible but extremely difficult to do upside down.
Can the ceiling be sanded- and can I change the color of the rails by sanding and doing over or going darker? Thanks for your help.
You can sand it, but it will be a lot of work. You can strip the railings and then brighten. That is easier.
Did you follow new wood directions: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Is your first comment (you can sand it, but a lot of work) answering the ceiling issue? Sounds like it will work on the rails but stripping would be easier. Just want to make sure I understand my options and the ways we can get both areas fixed. We followed our deck installers and the deck stainers recommendations, I think most of it is in line with the article, but not absolutely sure. We just need to know it can be fixed, this deck was a big investment and we were so excited about it, now it looks so bad. Just to clarify, stripping would be better for both the ceiling and the rails, but sanding is also a possibility? The ceiling must have had bad prep work, it is not just a color issue on that. Thanks again, I really need to make sure we get it right next time.
Yes, this is all correct.
Hi, we have a 15 x 12 foot deck ready to stain. We live in Utah with extreme heat and cold weather. Our deck has direct sunlight in the afternoon hours and is exposed to the weather (no roof). The deck is made of redwood and it took all summer to build. When it came time to apply the seal it was late in the year with temperatures dropping, we assume the seal did not take due to the cold. We were thinking about using the TWP brand but we’re not quite sure which series or type will work best in our environment. What would you recommend?
Strip and brighten first to remove the sealer you applied before using the TWP. Once prepped, use the TWP 100 Series for this deck.
Thank you kindly!
What would be the best stain for an older pressure treated wooden deck that had a solid
stain on it, most of which has been removed
You will need a solid stain again unless you are able to remove 100%:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
I was afraid of that, but, thank you!
Hi – I am looking at using the TWP 1500 for my small deck and staircase. Once this cures, will it be slippery? Our deck is on a second floor (roof) so we have a lot of stairs.
TWP is a penetrating stain, it is not slippery after full cure.
Thanks. Any issues with application due to using Thompson’s water seal on the PT wood 2- years ago?
You will need to remove it. Strip and brighten the wood.
Is if okay to put stain/sealant on wooden steps that were stained snd sealed four years ago?
As long as you prep to remove the previous coatings.
Is it wise ot apply a second coat of Olympic Maximum Clear Waterproofing Sealer to a pressure treated pine deck and railing? How about for a fencs I applied one coat and it looks pretty goood but some some spots didn’t cover as well. Also does a second coat add to longevity and durability ? Will a second coad result in pealing? Product instructions say one coat but not sure this is just marketing or wishful thinking.
More is not always better and can lead to issues such as peeling.
I just built a deck with pressure treated wood in Ontario Canada. How long do I have wait or when can I apply sealant and stain to it? Which brand is good for pressure treated wood, please?
Do it in the Spring: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
I’ve looked through the reviews but am unclear on something since no one else has mentioned this. I purchased a used playset that’s in pretty decent shape, but it definitely needs to be cleaned up. These playsets are made of cedar and already have a tint to them (i’m not sure if that’s natural or added by the company, I’m a newbie). Since it’s fall, I just want to weatherproof it and make it safe for the kiddos and then next spring I’ll stain (semi perm i guess). Do you recommend a clear weatherproofing seal? Is there nothing that I can use that’s clear that will both weatherproof and provide UV protection?
You cannot clear seal over stained wood. Just leave as is until next year when you do a full prep and stain.
Which is better wood stain for deck? water base or oil base ?
It is more about the brand then the base type. See here for the best ones: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Hi,
I just put up a new redwood fence with smooth con heart. Is is a hard set rule to let the wood age 4-12 months before applying a clear stain? It’s been about 2 months and the wood seems dry to me.
Thx,
Collin
Yes, you have to wait and prep: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
What’s the best clear deck stain/sealer? Thanks
That is in the article above.
I’m sorry, I only see semi transparent above.
Clear means zero UV protection and the wood will gray in months. Must use a semi-transparent stain.
We purchased a lake home with cedar siding. It has not been treated over the years but we would like to do so going forward. Would one of these stains be good for ease of application and reapplication ( we will be doing it ourselves), as well as mildew prevention?
Yes, try Restore a Deck Stain or TWP 1500 Series.