Deck Stain or Water Sealer? 5/5 (1)

Use deck stain or water sealer?

DeckStainHelp.com experts always recommend using a deck stain over a water sealer. A clear water sealer will do a good job of protecting the wood against moisture, water damage, and mildew. However, a clear water sealer will not protect the wood deck from natural graying that happens when wood is in the sun. Tinted deck stains will offer a level of protection against UV rays. Tinted penetrating deck stains also protect against moisture and act as a water sealer.

More information about deck stains and water sealers

• Will a Clear Sealer Prevent Graying on Deck?
• Best Deck Stain and Sealer
• Can you stain and seal a deck stain at the same time?
• Thompson’s WaterSeal Waterproofer Plus Clear Wood Protector Review
• Deck Stain or Clear Deck Sealer

Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 Owner

Scott Paul is the founder and owner of DeckStainHelp.com. He has worked in exterior wood and deck restoration since 1993, when he started Oakland Pressure Wash in Metro Detroit, and has restored more than 10,000 decks over three decades in the field. Everything reviewed here is tested the way a contractor tests it: applied to real wood, in real weather, and watched over multiple seasons. No manufacturer pays for a review, a rating, or a placement on this site. Read Scott's full bio and the list of sites he operates.

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