This post was updated on April 4, 2025
Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood decking. My review of the Flood Pro Series Solid Color Stainis is based on my history as a wood restoration contractor and actual hands-on testing, and it is all designed to present you with the top deck stain choices. See here for more info about me.
Flood Solid Stain Review 2025
This is my initial Review of the Flood Pro Series Solid Color Wood and Deck Stain. This review will be updated throughout the years. As contractors, we have used the Flood Pro Series as one of our top solid stain choices for the last 10 years when a solid stain is needed over a semi-transparent. New and better brands of solid stains are coming into the market, but the Flood is a decent choice.
I appreciate your input. If you have used the Flood Solid Color Deck stains, please leave a comment below and pictures of your completed projects.
Flood Pro Series Solid Color Stain Review
Summary: Flood Pro Series Solid Color Stain is an advanced stain and sealant that protects wood from moisture and sun damage while adding rich, opaque color. A 100% acrylic formula provides excellent adhesion and durability. Urethane-fortified to resist cracking and peeling. Rain-resistant finish within 12 hours. Powerful UV absorbers protect against fading and UV damage. It provides a mildew-resistant finish.
How I Rated Flood Pro Series Solid Color Stain
My Flood Pro Series, Solid Color Stain review, contains a 6-step process and the final average score. Each step is on a scale of 1-10.
- The appearance of Flood Pro Series Solid Color Stain after Application
- Peeling or Wearing
- Cost Per Square Foot
- Preventing Mold and Mildew
- How Easy was the Application
- Ease of Reapplication
- Flood Pro Series Solid Color Stain Final Score
6-Step Review of Flood Pro Series Solid Color Stain
1. Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 9
We used the Flood Pro Series Solid Color Stain in white. It was very easy to apply, and the overall appearance when dry was excellent, with a nice matte, opaque look.
2. Wear/Tear and Peeling: 7
After 2 years, there was a small amount of wear on the floors but no peeling.
3. Cost Per Square Foot: 8
We applied two coats to our 450 sq. feet of verticals, including all railings and steps. 4 Gallons were used at a cost of $46 per gallon.
4. Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 9
A small amount of mildew was present under the tree, but overall, there were no issues with mildew, algae, or mold.
5. Ease of Application: 8
We like how the Flood Pro Series Solid Color Stain applies and adheres to the wood. We always use a roller and brush when applying. It dries fast and can take moderate rain in a few hours.
6. Difficulty of Reapplication: 7
Clean by pressure washing and a deck cleaner. Reapply 1-2 coats or as much as needed.
Overall Score Flood Pro Series Solid Color Stain at 1 Year Period: 8.0
Flood has always made a better than average solid color deck stain. We have been using it for 10+ years and have not seen any degradation in performance. It is one of our top solid stain brands, with a slightly lower score than the Restore-A-Deck Solid Stain.
Looking For a Better Solid Color Stain?
Product Information
Where to Buy: Select Higher End Paint Stores
Cost: $45.99 per Gallon and $259.99 per 5 Gallon Pail. Products ship free on their website.
Stain Type: Solid Color (Opaque) Wood Stain – Water Based
Available Custom-Mixed Solid Colors: Tintable to over 120 colors
Application Temperature: 45-95 F
Coats Required: 2 Coats
Coverage Per Gallon: 250-350 sq. ft
Application Tools: Airless Sprayer, Brush, Roller
Dry Time: 2-4 Hours
Cleanup: Water
VOC Compliant: 50 VOC Compliant in all States
Manufacturer: Flood – PPG
Test Deck Stats
Deck Wood Type: Pressure Treated Pine
Deck Square Footage: 450 Square feet
UV Exposure: Full Sun
How Many Years Tested: 2 Years
Stain Color Used: White
*All products tested and results are from our experience. We offer no guarantee of similar results. Consider that results may differ due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.
This stain was recommended by paint store as our previous stain had been discontinued. We stain our trim on our house. Previous stain lasted over 10 years and under the eaves still perfect. Used this to touch up window trim and gable end trim. Our experience has been very disappointing. It begins to peel after one-2 years. Particularly bad where exposed to sun. Begins by blistering then peeling. Won’t buy again.
Flood pro series solid color stain was my choose for my very large deck. After 2 years floor and steps and some railing are peeling/wear. Suppose to be a 10 year guaranteed on decks. Also it acts like it really dried my wood out. The deck was power washed and used a product believe it was a cleaner. Deck was in good condition. I contacted the place where I bought it and wanted a rep to come look but after 3 calls no call back. Will go with another brand next time I have to restrain totally. It cost so much to get a person to do it and then the stain …just upset!!
I used Flood solid oil based deck stain on a very large composite Choicedeck) deck over 10 years ago and it has held up beautifully. I have some areas that need touch ups and California has outlawed oil based stains.
Can I use water based (same brand) stain over the oil stain?
No, and CA has not banned oil based stains. No matter what you need to strip off the Flood. Once removed, look at TWP 1500 Series for this. It is oil based and allowed in CA.
Does the Flood deck stain contain lead?
Not that we know of.
We stained our deck three years ago using Flood Pro Series solid and love it. Prep is entirely everything. The deck was in sad shape, so I rented a large standing sander and sanded the heck out of it, then used deck cleaner, then even a power washer and you have to let it completely dry or it WILL peel. Cleaned out all the cracks with a putty knife and screwdriver, swept it, then applied two coats of Flood. It has lasted great the past three years. This year we decided to redo it, freshen it up as we REALLY don’t want to have to sand it again, so we cleaned it with a deck wash and redid the staining with Flood again. Looking great! I highly recommend Flood Pro Series solid, but you have to make sure you prep the deck good first! Doesn’t mean sand it unless it’s in real poor shape.
I am installing a pine wood plank ceiling on my back porch. I live on the bay and am wondering the best stain for this. I have heard it is best to stain all sides (even though only bottom is open to the elements) before installing the plank ceiling. I am also reading its best to wait 4 months prior to applying something like the TWP 100 but I cant wait 4 months before installing the plank ceiling. I am wondering if best to just apply the TWP 100 on all sides and then install or install and wait 4 months and only stain the exposed side. Also if there is a different product or stain I should use I’m all ears! Thank you for your help and guidance!!!
Do not stain all sides prior to install. That is bad info as the wood needs to breathe, not 100% sealed in.
You need to let teh new wood season after install and then prep. See here for tips:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Thank you so much for the clarification. So you would install now then wait a few months then come back and stain after its installed correct?
That is correct. Where do you live? I can suggest some good options.
Panama City Florida. Right on the bay so will have salt air if that makes a difference. Thanks again for your help.
You might have midlew or mold issues there. Look at the Restore A Deck Stain in Natural color. It will look great.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-review/
Awesome. Thank you so much for the help with this. I assume that I’m essentially just waiting until that wood absorbs water then it’ll be a good time to apply the stain?
Water absorbing is a sign but not the indicator to staining. You have to leave it out exposed and then prep after 3-4 months.You need to remove the mill glaze with the prep.
Ok thanks, I’ll do it. Any tips to staining a ceiling?
It is very drippy so tarp below. Use a stain pad over a brush.
Thanks for the info!
Any tips when applying to a ceiling?
Is there a benefit to the REstore a deck stain in Natural color vs the ceder color?
No.
I also just bought a mahogany front door. Do you have any advice on what to use to seal/stain it for protection as well? ITs in the same environment in panama city florida but is under a large wrap around porch.
Entry doors are treated differently then decking so the same stains are not used. We have no experience with them.
Hi, our deck was redone with Flood Resurfacer and we were very pleased. But. When the dog tracks in with swampy black mud on her paws it is extremely difficult to impossible to get it clean with soap & water & scrub brush. I considered 30 Second Cleaner but was afraid it could damage the surface.
Any suggestions? Thanks
Sorry but no idea as we have not used this Flood product yet. Do not use the 30 second as it is bleach based and will discolor your coating.
When you say I need to redo the prep since I did it in the second week of September do you mean brighten again as well or just clean? Thank you!
Do both since it has been 6 weeks.
I sanded down my deck rails and applied flood solid color white stain. I have some yellow showing on the white now. What happened?
What you have had happened with the yellowing is tannin bleed. Tannin bleed is a tan or brownish discoloration on the paint surface. Tannins exist in all deck woods, most notably pine, cedar, and redwood, and can bleed through to the surface, leaving a yellowish-brown stain on the surface. These stains are more noticeable in lighter paint colors.
Tannin bleed is an underlying wood problem, not a stain issue, and happens when in a very wet climate. Tannic acid can discolor the stain as the wet wood pushes the stains out towards the surface.
To fix we would suggest recoating the spots after the wood dries out.
I cleaned and brightened my deck the second week of September. I was unable to stain the deck immediately and want to do so now. Do I have to clean and brighten it again since it’s been so long or can I go ahead and stain? Thank you in advance!
Yes, redo the prep.
What happens if I apply a second coat of flood solid color stain after the 4 hour max recommendation? I applied a first coat and had to stop for the day. Now I’m concerned.
It should be fine with a solid stain.
This solid flood stain sprayed on beautifully but never soaked in the wood. After 1 year it is chipping, fading and peeling bad, choose something different. Or better yet, stain with oil.
In a one gallon sprayer, what is the thinning ratio of water to product to ensure flow in the sprayer without causing the stain to become more opaque?
You cannot thin a deck stain with water. Solid stains will not work in a pump sprayer.
Can Flood solid stain be used on pressure treated wood? Also can it be used on new wood
Yes, on pressure-treated wood. All new wood should be weathered and prepped before a stain is applied:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
I would not use Flood solid color stain on anything that gets a lot of weather. I have a pergola made of pressure-treated wood that is exposed to the elements. After four or five years I have to replace critical components of the Pergola because of wood rot. Everywhere there is a screw the wood begins to rot. It actually turns into a rotten mess. I actually think the solid color stain does not allow the wood to breathe and actually accelerates the rot and decay. I have rental units with decks that haven’t been treated for years and are in better shape than my pergola which is re stained every 4-5 years. Here are some pictures of the rot.
This rotting is a wood issue, not the stain’s fault.
I applied RAD solid stain 2 years ago after an extensive prep job which included sanding to remove 90% plus of the prior finish. There are currently no signs of peeling. The decking does have small fissures. I am wondering if I should wait another year, wait until I do see some peeling, or do a preemptive recoat this summer. When doing the recoat what do you recommend as prep, and should I do a light resand to promote layer to layer adhesion?
Another year will be okay.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-reapply-a-solid-color-deck-stain/
What is the address of the MFG of Flood deck stain. Need to order in the future. Thank you
No idea.
I have been using / applying Flood CWF wood preserver annually for probably 20 years. It doesn’t soak in anymore and the finish only lasts about 6 months. Can I apply a Flood Pro Series on top of the CWF? (The deck boards are still in good shape)
Probably but make sure all peeling and loose stain is removed first.
Thank you! I appreciate the quick response.
We flipped the boards of our deck and are looking for a stain that will cover this… what do you recommend? We live in the Midwest so our weather can go from -40° up to 100°.
Any of these solid stains will work well: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
I would love you input. I have a deck that is past it’s prime. I need to use a solid stain or a paint. I have heavy wrought iron patio furniture that’ll be dragged across it. What would you recommend?
thank you,
Penny
Restore-A-Deck Solid Color Deck stains. Make sure to prep first.
Thank you. I’m grateful for your suggestion. I just ordered it.
we plan on renting a sander and washing it with TSP. Do you think that’s enough if a prep?
We would use a deck cleaner and wood brightener after sanding to open up the pores: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-sand-your-wood-deck/
One last question. Would you recommend a favorite deck cleaner or should I go with RAD’S cleaner? Ok…one MORE question. Why a deck brighter if I’m using a solid stain? As it’ll cover the wood grain
Use the RAD prep products. You use the brightener to neutralize the cleaner so the wood’s pH is neutral.