This post was updated on January 30, 2023
Flood CWF Oil Wood Stain Update 2023
This is Our 1st Review of Flood CWF Deck Stain. Our second review was completed in 2015. Please see here: Flood CWFUV5 Review
If you have used the Flood CWF, please post a review in our Star Ratings and or comment area. Our comment system does allow the ability to post pictures of your deck or exterior wood.
Flood CWF Oil Wood Stain Review
Flood CWF-UV 5 OIL is a high-quality translucent, transparent and semi-transparent wood finish for exterior wood. It is a deep penetrating oil that is fortified with Flood’s Penetrol additive for maximum protection. Containing transparent oxides to protect from graying and ultraviolet damage.
Note: Flood CWF products have undergone numerous changes in the last 20 years. Flood back in its heyday was at the top of the stain world with its original oil-based formula. This formula is no longer available as the company has gone through numerous changes such as product reformulation (change from oil to water-based), name changes (Supreme Performance), and parent companies. Flood is currently owned by Akzo Nobel. It seems that Flood has gone back to its roots by reviving the CWF formulation that powered this company in the first place.
We only hope that the CWF is as good as it used to be in the early 1990’s.
Flood CWF Oil Stain Ratings (1-10)
Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 7
– The Flood CWF in the transparent cedar color had a nice golden color with a hint of orange. The cedar deck was highlighted with a rich color but the knots of the wood was very light, almost blond in color. There were a few shiny spots throughout the deck where the stain did not absorb very well.
Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 7
– Flood CWF did okay at the two-year mark where about 70% of the original color remained on the wood. We were pleased but had hoped for better results.
Wear/Tear and Peeling: 8
– We noticed a small amount of wear on the stairs after the two years. Most of the deck did not have any issues.
Cost Per Square Foot: 7
– On our cedar deck, we used 5 gallons of the Flood CWF-UV 5 OIL. The square foot coverage was much less than the manufacturer’s claims of 200 feet per gallon. About $.40 a foot.
Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 7
– We had mold growing on about 30% of the deck floor near the house after two years. This area is shaded most of the time. The posts holding the deck had some green algae.
Ease of Application: 7
– The first coat of application was a little difficult to get on evenly. We used a stain sprayer for the railings and a pad applicator for the flooring. We applied the railings first and had some running drips that we back brushed right away. The floor was uneven after the first coat, evened out better after the second coat but had some shiny spots.
Color Shifting (darkening) after 2 Years: 7
-Not sure if the stains had issues darkening on the dirt from the trees but either way the Flood CWF-UV 5 OIL did darken in color slightly after two years. Only on the flooring and horizontal areas. No issues with the vertical sides and rails.
Difficulty of Reapplication: 7
– Since the stain darkened slightly we would suggest a deep cleaning or light stripping followed but a wood brightener. Fortunately, this would be an easy strip if needed. No sanding would be required.
Overall Score Flood CWF Oil at 2 Year Period: 7.125
– The Flood CWF-UV 5 OIL is an average stain. Nowhere close to the original Flood CWF in the ’90s. Overall we were disappointed and we always score stains harder when they offer warranties that are not possible to attain. It is unfortunate that many manufacturers need to make these impossible claims just to achieve sales. The odd thing is the Flood CWF is better than its now sister stain Sikkens. Even though Sikkens costs 50% more. Both are manufactured by Akzo Nobel.
Whatever happened to the original Flood CWF?
Product Information:
Where To Buy: Home Depot, Paint Stores, Online Stores
Cost: $44.99 per Gallon, $229.99 per 5 Gallon Pail
Stain Type: Semi-Transparent – Oil Based
Available Colors: Cedar, Western Cedar, Honey Gold, Walnut, Western Redwood, Redwood, Natural, Hickory, Western Natural, Clear
Application Temperature: 50-80 F
Coats Required: 2 Coats.
Coverage Per Gallon: 100-200 sq. ft
Application Tools: Sprayer, Pad, Brush, Roller
Dry Time: 24-48 Hours
Cleanup: Mineral Spirits
VOC Compliant: 250 Compliant in all States
Manufacturer: Flood
Test Deck Stats:
Deck Wood Type: Cedar
Deck Square Footage: 450 Square feet
UV Exposure: 50% Full Sun, 50% Shade. South facing.
How Many Years Tested: 2 Years
Stain Color Used: Cedar
Flood Deck Stain Photos
*All products tested and results are from our experience. We offer no guarantee of similar results. Take into consideration that results may differ due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.
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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.