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Can you stain and seal a deck stain at the same time?
Yes, the deck stain you apply to your deck is also a sealant. The deck stain contains a sealant that protects the wood from weather, moisture, and UV rays. Take note that clear deck stains do not protect against UV damage, and do not last as long as better quality tinted semi-transparent deck stains with added sealants against this damage.
Key takeaways
- Most deck stains already contain a built-in sealant that protects wood from weather, moisture, and UV rays.
- Clear deck stains offer no UV protection and do not last as long as quality tinted options.
- Semi-transparent deck stains with added sealants provide better and longer-lasting UV damage protection.
- Never apply a separate sealer like Thompson's over an existing deck stain, it will peel.
- More pigment in a deck stain means stronger UV protection for the wood surface.
- Choosing a higher-quality tinted deck stain eliminates the need for any additional separate sealing step.
Note: Never apply a sealer like Thompsons over a deck stain, it will peel if you do.
More information on what deck stain does for your deck
- Are Deck Stains Sealers?
- More Pigment in Deck Stain Means Better UV Protection
- Thomason’s Waterseal Waterproofer Plus Clear Wood Protector Review
- Why stain a deck?
- Best Deck Sealers


















