This post was updated on April 4, 2025
I’m Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience specializing in semi-solid wood and decking stains. My expertise is rooted in decades of hands-on work as a wood restoration contractor.
The reviews and tips I share are based on real-world testing and my professional experience, all aimed at helping you find the top product choices for your projects. For more about my background and approach, feel free to read more about me here.
What are Semi-Solid Deck Stains?
My Experience with Semi-Solid Deck Stains
With over 25 years of experience using deck stains and reviewing them on DeckStainHelp.com since 2012, I’ve seen the evolution of stain formulas firsthand. In the past five years, I’ve increasingly turned to semi-solid stains and colors for their superior performance in protecting against UV fading.
The higher the solid content, the better the UV protection, which is why semi-solid stains have become a go-to option for many of my projects. However, there’s an important caveat: semi-solid stains must fully penetrate the wood to provide maximum protection. Unfortunately, not all brands deliver on this requirement, which can lead to peeling, uneven finishes, or reduced longevity.
Choosing the right semi-solid stain requires careful consideration and experience, and I’m here to share what I’ve learned over the years to help you make the best choice for your deck.
Best Overall Semi-Solid Wood/Deck Stain | Easiest to Apply Semi-Solid Wood/Deck Stain |
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From: $59.99 | From: $79.95 ships free |
My Steps to Choosing a Semi-Solid Deck Stain
Are you trying to find the best Semi-solid wood and deck stains? Follow my easy 5 steps below to choose a proper semi-solid stain for your exterior wood or deck.
- What are Semi-Solid Deck Stains
- Read My Semi-Solid Deck Stain Reviews
- Choose a Semi-Solid Color and Stain the Brand
- Watch My Best Semi-Solid Stain Video
- Need Help with Choosing a Semi-Solid Color Deck Stain
1. What are Semi-Solid Deck Stains?
Semi-solid wood and deck stains allow the wood grain to show slightly, and reapplying is much easier if they truly soak into the wood grain. One issue is that not all semi-solid stains penetrate the wood; they film on top of the wood like paint. Stains that film on top of the wood will tend to peel and will be harder to re-coat or remove down the road. They will also be prone to peeling and wearing. We have found that the only decent Semi-Solid Wood and Deck stains are the oil-based versions, as they will penetrate the wood grain as long as you prep correctly and do not over-apply.
My Pro Tip: Please avoid Semi-Solid Water-Based Stains, which are prone to peeling and much harder to apply. This would include the Semi-Solids from Behr, Cabot, Olympic, Pittsburgh Paints, Valspar, etc.
Always Prep the Deck First: My top Semi-Solid stains are all penetrating when prepped and applied properly. Do not skip the prep steps or overapply, as this will accelerate the deck stain’s failure!
2. My Best Semi-Solid Deck Stains are
- TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series Semi-Solid Stain
- Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Stain
See below for more information on each brand.
TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series – My Best Overall Wood Deck Stain Brand
TWP Semi-Solid Stain
TWPStain.com Website: TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series
My 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 re-coat as needed for maintenance. Based on the TWP 100 Series, which has been around for 25+ years, the low-VOC version is allowed in all US States and Canada.
My Cons: Newer to market, so might be hard to find.
Consumer Star Ratings:
My DeckStainHelp.com Rating(On a scale of 1-10): 8.5
My See Review Article Here: TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series Review
Armstrong Semi-Solid Clark – Easiest to Apply Semi-Solid Deck Stain
ArmstrongClarkStain.com Website: Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid
My Pros: Straightforward to apply. Paraffin and Curing Oil Blend. Full Curing Stain. Allowed in all 50 States and Canada. Able to clean and re-coat as needed for maintenance.
My Cons: It can take a few days or longer to cure fully. Only 5 semi-solid colors.
Consumer Star Ratings:
My DeckStainHelp.com Rating (On a scale of 1-10): 8.5
See My Review Article Here: Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Stain Review
3. Semi-Solid Deck Stain Photo Gallery
Do you need help choosing a semi-solid deck stain color and brand? Click on each picture to enlarge. The color and brand will be at the bottom.
4. Video on Semi-Solid Decking Stains
Still unsure about semi-solid wood stains? Watch my video for more info and advice.
4. Want Help? Semi-Solid Deck Questions?
Please ask below if you have questions about my article or need tips and advice on using a semi-solid-color wood deck stain. Just post a comment below, and I will provide some free advice and tips!
TWP Pro-Series Semi-Solid Stain Review
https://youtu.be/bfmzJ2Hvf6Q
I have a Yellawood brand wood fence installed about 3 months ago. I want to preserve its natural color and don’t want it to gray. How can I preserve its natural color and still protect it from graying?
If you want to see the grain, then use a penetrating tinted semi-transparent stain:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews/
Hello Scott,
We have an old redwood deck built in late 70’s. It hasn’t been stained in years. I have attached a photo. My wife pressure washed it over the summer. Deck is pretty weathered, as you can see. Most likely no residual stain. Live near the ocean, so mold and mildew concerns.
I reviewed your article on semi-solid stains. I was previously considering a solid water- based, due to age of wood and wear. The Valspar an Behr and Cabot solids sedmed to test well in Consumer Reports as well as in Bob Vila’s reviews. I want to stay away from the semi-transarent and transparent, since their appearance degrades rapidly after yr. 1 per testing (per CR).
I am concerned about potential peeling with the water- based solids, so was possibly considering an oil- based semi -solid. I know that you recommended TWP (although it seems this brand is tied in with your e commerce site). I belive Bob Vila rec. Cabot as a semisolid. Would this be preferable since the oil based penetrates and since it is an old deck? Just a cleaning and brightening product, then sanding?
CR also mentioned if an older deck like this had pressure treated wood installed (unknown if it is), there may be arsenic deposits within the wood, and it is better for a pro to perform the work. What is you feeling also on this?
Thank you in advance for your advice.
Prep looks good, and a penetrating oil-based semi-solid would give excellent UV protection and would not peel. We are not fans of Cabot ever since they sold out 15 years ago to Zinser, and they then proceeded to modify or change the formulas. If you can find a Cabot semi-solid oil-based stain, it would be less prone to peeling than a solid acrylic water-based stain. The ones we rated will perform better.
I wouldn’t worry about the old wood type, you would have to ingest some how a large amount to have any effect.
Thank you. You had mentioned good prep. Would you also recommend using a cleaner and/or brightener, then sending prior to staining? The Gemini Restore-A-Deck kit?
Also, since the redwood decking is old with cracks/imperfections, I would assume the TWP semi-solid would be best. The solids on the market all seem water-based acrylic, so a semi-solid penetrating oil-based stain as you mentioned would seem to be best. Just wanted to make the right choice.
Thank you again.
You can clean and brighten for prep. No need to sand. Gemini Kit works great.
Yes, the TWP semi-solid is excellent. Lots of colors as well.
Thank you. Since we’ve waited until late fall with a few rainstorms so far, and still want to stain, it appears we are limited to the Restore-a-deck and Olympic Maximum semi-transparent. Both seem to be among thew few that can be applied to damp wood. This Olympic product had a lower test score in CR. Also, with our weathered redwood deck, we thought that a solid would be best. So, the Restore-a-Deck solid would seem to be the choice at this point. Would you agree?
Also, we were curious about using a water-based since it would just be a film on top of the wood and would not penetrate. But from reading it seems that the RA Deck does penetrate the wood. If so, would this apply also to the solid colors version.
Thank you again for your help.
You can wait until Spring with no issues. If you want to do it now, then yes, the RAD Stains are much better than Olympic. No solid stain will fully penetrate. They all film on top of the wood.
Hello, I have a deck that has been stained with Behr semi-transparent stain and sealer, the stain is not peeling and looks generally okay. Can I use TWP or the AC product directly over the existing stain or does it need to be stripped, what do you suggest?
You have to remove it fully first. Post some pics if you want prep help with this.
which TWP semi-solid cedar color is the most popular with your customers? there are too many to choose from.
Hi,
There is not a most popular color or colors. Any color you like will work.
Scott,
I have an older deck that’s sun 24/7 365 days a year. It sits close to the ground as well. It needs to be stained but I can’t decide whether to use semi solid or a solid stain. I just cleaned it today. I’m not sure how old it actually is but it was already built when we bought our house about 11 years ago. What would be best semi solid or solid? Thank you!
Use a penetrating semi-solid. Either TWP or Armstrong Clark semi-solid colors. Both are excellent.
Moved into a new home almost 2 years ago. It has a small deck that we are now doubling the size of. My question is last Spring I made the mistake of using Thompson Signature Series clear stain and sealer. First love the look of it but hate that the floor holds water on it forever or until I get the leaf blower to dry it off.
So now new decking is going up tomorrow.
How should I attempt to match the color or restain the whole deck to match. How long before waiting to do this ?
Thanks Jerry
New wood needs to weather and be prepped. See this for tips:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
When time, strip and brighten to remove the Thompsons fully on the older deck, clean and brighten the new deck, then stain all with a better stain.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews/
Thank you!!!
Hi Scott! Thanks for all your help!!!
Here are some pics of what is on the older deck that we added onto.
The stain (Thompson’s WaterSeal Signature Series Clear Clear Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer in One ) has only been on there for 6 months but I hate how it holds water on the top for days if it’s not blown off with leaf blower lol.
image0.jpeg
I want to strip it off and then stain it all and hope it matches in color. Luckily the old deck is only 10×12
New deck is 10×30 🙂
Thanks from NC,
Jerry
Finally was able to use the information you provided and it turned out fantastic!
Stripped the old deck and brightened and then brushed the solid stain (Coastal Gray)
Here are fished pics and thank you again for all your help!!
Great job! Enjoy the holiday weekend!
I recently purchased a home with a deck stained in Cabot Semi-Solid Deck Stain (looks more solid to me). I would like to stain over top of it with Defy Solid stain without completely stripping and sanding due to time and money constraints. I have power washed it and scraped/cleaned the loose sections of chips off the best I can. It was not flaking bad but large chips were peeling off in certain spots. Most of the stain is still in decent shape. Can I paint Defy solid stain right over top of it without sanding, or should some of the stain edges be sanded? My only concern are the large ridges where the stain ends on some of the boards (I attached an image). Will the new stain be thick enough to level these out to at least a presentable look and not cause immediate peeling? I know it will not look perfect but I would like to get the deck up and running as fast as I can.
You will need to remove all loose and peeling stain first and this would require stripping and or sanding. See my tips on this here: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-reapply-a-solid-color-deck-stain/
You should sand down the raised edges to the new coating blends better.
Thanks, so just the stain edges where it is peeling need to be sanded, not the entire deck? What grit do you recommend?
Sand the raised edges and where it is loose and peeling. 60-80 grit.
I have a 1 year old 1500 Sq ft yellow wood deck around my pool and am ready to apply the first round of protection. I am highly drained trying to decide which way to go. I want to do what’s best for my investment but everyone has a different opinion. With your experience I was hoping for some honest advice based off of your real world experience. Reapplication is what I want to be easy. I’ve heard horror stories about having to remove flaky stain and sealer before reapplying the next coat. If i can answer any questions to better help please dont hesitate to ask. Thank you in advance for your time and help 🙏
The best for reapplying is any penetrating stain as they just fade over time. When reapplying, you clean and prep. Not all stains are penetrating (many brands lie), so you have to be careful. You also do not want a penetrating stain that darkens or turns black over time, which means it must be stripped.
Our top stains for the above are TWP stains and Armstrong Clark Stains.
Most go with the semi-transparent colors, but semi-solids work very well as long as they fully penetrate.
The bottom of my deck is new and some of the spindles. The old spindles have been stained/ pained and so does steps! They’ll need more coverage. Suggestions please. Will I need two differs coverages?
Post some pics in the comments and how new is the new wood?
have a 2 yr old treated deck. just sanded it. want to restore or stain. have grand kids, want to keep from splintering. what is your suggestions. in 60’s so don’t want to have to do maintenance on it alot. thanks
Clean and brighten after the sanding to open up the grain. When done, use the TWP Semi-Solid stain or Armstrong Clark. Just one coat.
thank you for the reply. so you suggest just to put semi solid stain on it and not the restore product, right. thanks
Mr. Paul so you would suggest just the stain and not the restore product. the deck is 2 yrs old as i said, good shape and 4 ft off ground. screen porch part is tongue and groove. just wanting to get the most bang for the buck. how long would the restore product last before having to redo it. the stain i guess would be every 3 to 4 yrs. forgot to say i live in central Mississippi. Also does the semi solid stain in your experience help keep the wood from splintering… thanks
Only a filming stain will help with splinters. That would be a solid stain or the Gulf Synthetics Deck Revive. Dont use Rust-Oleum Deck Restore, it will peel:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/behr-deckover-olympic-rescue-it-rust-oleum-deck-restore-do-they-work/
Deck stains and coatings typically last 2-3 years on floors, not 3-4.
What application method should I use to apply TWP deck stain to a deck that is 12 feet wide and 60 feet long?
Stain pad or floor brush. The easiest is the yellow 14″ floor brush that they sell: https://www.twpstain.com/deck-floor-staining-push-brush-detail
Is Diamond Vogel semi-solid oil stain a good choice for the wood beams over my deck? How would you rate it? I live at 7700 feet in Colorado so sun is intense
Sorry but never heard of it or has anyone ever mentioned that brand on this site in the past.
Please confirm-
Only a solid stain would blend this for a uniform look. Try the Restore A Deck Solid Stains.
Restore A Deck Solid Stains.
Is this an oil stain product? (As I just applied Sikkens/PPG oil stain in teak color.
If so, where could I purchase?
The semi- solids- TWP Pro or Armstrong Clark would not help?
I have not found ANY solid oils, except Cabot which have horrible reviews…
Please advise. Thank you!!!
Thre are not any solid stains that are oil based anymore. They are bacially discountinued. RAD Solid Stain is water based. The semi-solids would help blend somewhat but it will still be noticeable.
I bought and used Behr deck stain, simply because that’s what Home Depot sells. What better stain brand and type could be compatible, if I simply remove all loose stain (There’s not a lot) and thoroughly clean the existing stained deck, without stripping all of the stain?
You have no choice but to remove the Behr fully if you want to switch to a better penetrating semi-transparent stain.
Help! In the past I have used Sikkens oil stain & been happy with the result. Not sure if PPG I just applied is the same teak formula or not… … but since the deck now has some newly replaced boards & boards of various age— the deck looks like a patchwork quilt- hate it!
Would like a uniform look so I was hoping to find a Great oil solid stain to apply over the Sikkens/PPG…. but I seem to be looking for a unicorn… Is there such a product?
If not, would the semi- solid oil stains you recommend get a more uniformed look?
Only a solid stain would blend this for a uniform look. Try the Restore A Deck Solid Stains.
Does your review of best semi solid oil stains (TWP and Armstrong Clark) also apply to restaining cedar clapboard siding? It was previously stained about 10 years ago with a Cabot oil based semi solid stain. Is TWP available in NYS in Grey color?
No, TWP semi-solid is not allowed in NY state. Yes, our reviews would work for vertical siding. You will need to remove the Cabot if switching stain brands.
Please explain why switching brands requires the removal of the prior stain if both were semi-solid oil based and assuming the colors are about the same? I’ve got rough cedar house siding where Cabot semi-solid oil based stain was used and I’d like to switch to a better brand. Removing the prior stain from the house siding sounds like a lot of effort and expense.
Different brands are not compatible. You should aways strip if switching brands otherwise you run the risk of failure.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/remove-deck-stain-when-reapplying/
Been looking for a semi solid black oil based stain to finish only the vertical parts of our deck, as the floor is already composite. Can anyone recommend one that would be worth using?
Sorry but we do not know of any black semi-solid colors. Closest would be a dark brown. Espresso by Armstrong Clark.
1/22/22
We live in Houston, Texas–about 2 ½ years ago we used TWP 101 Cedartone Natural on our treated pine deck that is partly shaded and partly in full sun. The shaded area still looks great, but the sun exposed areas look dry and weathered–clearly it is now time to redo. A few of the boards have rotted through, and we have had them replaced with new treated pine.
Questions:
1. Would there be an advantage to using your new product–Semi Solid Stain rather than the Series 100 since wood takes a beating in the Houston heat and sun? Would it be more durable?
2. If so–hopefully–we wouldn’t have to strip, just power wash, clean/brighten–is that correct????
3. The new wood repaired areas were added early in November 2021, and we will probably wait until at least March before beginning this project to give the new wood time to weather. Is there anything else we should do in order that these replaced areas blend in color-wise with the older decking?
4. What would we do about the shaded area that still looks good? This area runs continuous with the area that is exposed to sun?
5. Also with this new product–is it recommended to do the wet on wet application or will it even necessary to do a second coat since we originally used your product?
6. If we decide to go with the Semi Solid Stain what color most closely matches Cedartone Natural?
1. You will have better UV protection with the semi-solid.
2. Strip and brighten for prep.
3. Just clean and brighen the new wood.
4. Strip and brighten all wood.
5. Most likely just need one coat with the semi-solid colors.
6. Nothing matches the 101. Best to get some samples from them to test.
Two more questions:
As stated above we live in Houston, TX–would using the semi-solid be
better than the Pro for our situation?
2. If we go with the Semi-solid–what are the maintenance requierments?
Do we still have to strip and brighten for future coats or is cleaning
and brightening sufficient?
1. It is a label change for what we have been told.
Semi-solid colors will give longer UV protection.
2. Clean and recoat as needed.
Hello, Does your Semi-solid Pro-Series come in White?
The stain brands above do not come in white semi-solid colors.
Is there a good semi solid deck stain that will adequately stain ipe?
Being a hardwood I’m concerned it will film on top as you mention and become a problem?
We would not suggest a semi-solid for IPE.
Hello, We want to stain a 300ft, 8ft high ( with lattice and stringers on top ) cedar/redwood privacy fence, and were thinking about going with the semi-solid stain because we don’t want to have to renew the stain every couple of years. I just spoke with an associate at Armstrong who said the semi-solid stain is good up to only 2 years. I thought that the solid pigment in the stain would keep the fence looking good for longer than that. I know a lot depends on variables in location and climate, but do you have an opinion on the longevity of semi-solid stains for fencing? We were hoping to not have to redo the stain for at least 5 years. Or can you recommend another stain that may last longer. Thanks.
On a fence, you will get twice as long as a deck. 3-5 years is normal. Nothing will guarantee five years though.
Out deck is 20 yrs old. Once we sanded it down to the wood and used a semi solid deck stain from Cabot. It last 2 yrs, but by year three it needed more work. We replace boards that are in bad shape every other year. The next time we stained it we used a solid color acrylic deck stain by Cabot. It lasted 2 yrs before needing more stain. We are not interested in totally sanding it down again. What is the best solid deck stain and prep. We will probably be replacing the entire deck within the next 2-3 yrs.
Use the Restore A Deck Solid stain. Prep by pressure washing off any loose stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-solid-color-stain-review/