This post was updated on June 22, 2024
Hi, I am Scott Paul, an exterior wood restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in stripping and removing exterior wood and deck stains. My Deck Stripping tips are based on my history as a wood restoration contractor and actual hands-on testing. See here for more info about me.
Best Oil-Based Deck Stains in 2024
I appreciate your input at Deckstainhelp.com as we continue to be your go-to source for the latest deck restoration news and trending topics through 2024. See below for my article about Oil Based Deck Stains.
Feel free to leave a comment or ask questions below.
This Article was Written By: Barry Maddox ~ Midwest Pro Wash
Penetratin Oil-Based Decking Stain
My Steps to Choosing Oi-Based Deck Stain
- Understanding VOC Laws
- Choose From Best Oil-Based Brands
- Look for your favorite deck stain color
- Do you need Mildew or Mold Protection
- Ask Me Questions on what Oil-Based Stain to use
#1 VOC Compliant Oil-Based Deck Stains
VOC laws have changed in the USA and Canada over the past 15 years, and during that change, many of the traditional deck stain manufacturers have gone away from oil-based stains to water-based wood stains. Fortunately, there are still a few quality oil-based deck stains, which are VOC-compliant for all US states. This year’s line of VOC-compliant oil-based deck stains are designed to penetrate better and last longer and are a popular choice for do-it-yourselfers and professional contractors alike. Good VOC Compliant oil-based stain examples include the TWP 1500 Series, TWP Low VOC Semi-Solid Colors, and Armstrong Clark Wood Stains.
#2 Best Oil-Based Deck Stain Brands
Oil-based deck stains in 2024, like TWP 100, TWP 1500, and Armstrong Clark, are naturally water-resistant, helping repel water and preserving the integrity of the wood. These stains add a beautiful, enhanced appearance to all types of wood. They are specially designed for pine, cedar, mahogany, redwood, and many other types of exotic hardwoods. Oil-based deck stains help preserve your deck’s natural color while offering superb UV protection. Blocking out harmful UV rays will keep your deck beautiful, fresh, and looking new longer.
Top Oil-Based Stain | Oil-Based VOC Compliant Stain | Easiest to Apply Oil-Based Stain |
 |  |  |
From: $41.99 | From: $47.99 | From: $69.95 ships free |
#3 Choosing Your Stain Color
Oil-based deck stains 2024 have a lot of shades and tones to choose from. About any tone you can think of is available. These stains are easy to apply, and best of all, they can be cleaned and recoated as maintenance is needed. This is a huge advantage to having to strip the stain off every time it needs attention, and it helps lessen the cost and hassle of deck maintenance. Oil-based deck stains are the professional’s choice for all exterior wood projects. With the ease of application, homeowners can get the same professional-like results.
TWP 100 Series Oil-based Colors
TWP 1500 Series Oil-based Colors
Armstrong Clark Oil-based Colors
#4 Oil-Based Deck Stains with Mildew Protection
Many oil-based deck stains in 2024 have select mildewcides that inhibit mold, mildew, and fungal growth. Preventing these contaminants from intruding into the wood will help eradicate wood rot and costly structural repairs. Unwanted moisture and fungal growth can crack, warp, split, and decay wood in a few short years. Protection is vital for a prolonged, beautiful appearance. TWP 100, TWP 1500, and Armstrong Clark for a professional finish that will provide mildew and mold protection that you can enjoy for many years.
#5 Questions on Oil-Based Deck Stains?
Are you still unsure of what deck stain brand or type you need? I am here to help and guide you. Ask in the comments below, and you must include some pics so I can offer proper advice.
My Different Types of Deck Stains Video
I’m in San Diego and we are replacing the wood on our deck. We have untreated redwood, and since we have all the wood uninstalled, it would be easy to stain them one by one. We want to use an oil-based stain because we can control how the stain looks on the wood and allows the wood to stand out. What product we can use after applying the oil-based stain? In your posts, you are mentioning that a sealer is not good for deck wood, but we need to put something after the stain to protect the wood. Which product do you recommend? Thank you
You cannot pre-stain new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
After the installation, weathering and prep, try TWP 1500 Series or Armstrong Clark Stains. never sealer over a deck stain, it will peel. No need as deck stains are sealers as well.
We are in Southern California and we are building a deck. We bought Redwood S4S. We are planning to stain that wood using Varathane oil-based stain. After that, we want to use Triple thick Polyurethane to seal the wood. I saw the video and it says that oil-based stains fade with time and wood needs to be re-stained. With the polyurethane being the last layer on the wood, can we still re-stain the wood (can we remove that layer and re-stain)? or maybe this product will prevent the original stain from fading? Also for the last layer.. Is it better to use polyurethane or better to use a water-based clear wood sealer like for example (Olympic WaterGuard)?
Thank you for the suggestions.
You cannot use interior stains and polyurethane on a deck. No UV protection with the stain and the poly will peel. Use a proper wood deck stain:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Also, the new wood must weather and be prepped.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
What oil based, penetrating deck stain is legal for use in California? I used to use Super Deck which lasted around two to three years between applications.. but that is no longer an option.. Any suggestions?
TWP 1500 Series or Armstrong Clark stains are excellent and allowed in CA.
I thought I’ve read it is not advisable to strip or sand stain off of a pressure treated deck. Is this true, and does it apply to both water and oil-based stains?
No issues with stripping or sanding a treated deck. Does not matter the stain type.
I used Superdeck (color Valley) on my home but it was discontinued. Can you recommend a oil based stain and color to replace Superdeck (Valley)?
You have to remove the Super Deck first no matter what when switching brands. Try TWP 1500 Series or Armstrong Clark Stains after.
Its not possible to “remove” the Superdeck stain. its been stained twice and the wood absorbs the stain like a sponge.
Yes, it is very easy to strip Super Deck and as we mentioned, you cannot apply anything over it.
I am hoping to re-stain a deck that had previously been stained with Ben Moores’s Arborcoat which was oil based. Ben Moore changed to water based formula. Do you recommend a a brand that would be compatible?
You have to remove the BM first. No other brand can go over it. For prep help, reply back with some pics.
how much sanding is required? all the way to bare wood? Stripping is not an option.
Yes, sand it all off.
Can I apply this over Sherwin Williams semi transparent oil base super deck?
When switching brands of stain you need to remove the current coating by stripping and or sanding it all off.
I suspected as much. The stuff is garbage but I’m stuck with it.
It can be removed. Post some pictures for prep help.
can you clear coat oil stained wood?
No, you cannot ever clear coat over an exterior stain.
I stained my deck with TWP 100 Series Cedartone. When it rains, it leaves water spots on deck. Why and what can be done to eliminate.
That is from mineral deposits from the rainwater drying on the deck. They can be wiped off. Only way to prevent is to stop the rain.
Do you mean TWP 100 series and 1500 series? Example: TWP 1501.
Also, if I use one of these, do you recommend a sealer? If so, do you have a comment on a couple different ones?
We do not understand your first question. TWP 1501 is Cedartone color in the 1500 Series. You can never apply a sealer over a deck stain It will peel.
Sorry, let me clarify. In this post on oil based deck stains in 2021 it recommends TWP 100, 1500 and Armstrong Clark as being a great choice. But does this mean the whole TWP 100 series and whole TWP 1500 series? Or is it stating the best is the TWP 100 and 1500?
They are two different series and both work equally well. Difference is what is allowed in certain sates based on VOCs,
I used Cabot Australian oil and it chipped up. Do I need to take it all down to bare wood and start over? I want to try TWP or Armstrong Clark. Semi transparent
Yes. For help with this, post some pictures here.
If I dont want to take it down to bare wood what would I put on it?
You have no choice but to remove it if switching brands.
We have a cedar deck which we just added on to. There is 500 ft of old deck and 400 ft of new deck. Guessing on the old deck that there was a oil-based finish put down first, and then someone added a water-based stain on top of that. That flaked off and looked terrible. I have sanded the old deck portion down to bear wood. We’re in Montana and the deck gets full sun. The older portion of the deck we assume was built when the house was, which makes the deck 25 years old. Deck boards are in really good shape as are the substructure boards. The current plan is to put an oil-based stain and UV protection down on the old deck and the new deck. We may use slightly different colors to get the deck to look as uniform as possible. ARE WE HEADED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION?
You cannot stain the new wood yet. We would suggest weathering the new wood until Fall. Clean and brighten all, then stain all then with a product like TWP or Armstrong Clark. see this about new wood:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
We applied a natural cedar oil base stain on new cedar fencing-this was one level down from clear. we had light rain 24 hours later. We woke up to…(you got it…) DARK drip lines and stains!. With your Stain remover and brightener ….we hope to remove most of the discoloration and sand the remaining. We don’t expect it to be perfect….We would appreciate your thoughts.
Your pictures did not upload as they were not the correct file types. Need .jpg, .png, .gif, etc.
Thank you for your reply. Here are the photos in the correct format.
To fix you would need to strip and brighten all. Use the Restore A Deck Stripper and Brightener kits with both additives: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
Help what stain color and brand is in the picture labelEd (329)
That is IPE wood. You cannot get a regular cedar or pine deck to look like that.
I used Rymar oil based deck stain and after 3 days it is still wet. How long will it take to dry so I can walk on it?
We do not use that brand so not sure. Typically oil-based stains dry in 1-2 days but you may have over-applied and or not prepped it correctly. That means it could take much longer or may never fully dry.
Thanks for your quick response. It is drying faster in sunlight. I may have to wait another few days for decking in the shade.
Hi, I live in South Carolina. My front and rear porches, which are partially exposed to sun, are pressure treated. About 3 months ago, I had a professional contractor re-stain them. He used the recommended 3 step process from Sherwin Williams, consisting of stripping, lightly sanding, and then applying SuperDeck, transparent, oil based exterior deck stain. It was cedar toned, Now, 3 months later, it has seriously faded, and there is mold now appearing. I had the contractor come back with the Sherwin Williams representative to look at. The representative said that the decks should be pressure washed and re stained every 3 months. I find this to be ridiculous. Can you suggest a better product?
Thank You,
Dan
Strip and brighten for the prep and try the Restore A Deck Stain or the TWP 100 Series.
Installing new decking using EcoDeck, thermally modified wood (instead of pressure treated or cedar).
Can you recommend any semi-transparent oil based stains? Do you have any testing results using this type of decking?
See this about new wood and yes, it still needs to be weathered and prepped: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Stain with Armstrong Clark or TWP stains.
Can I use Cabot Australian timber oil in honey teak on a pressure treated deck? It hasnt been stained and is almost 1 year old.
Yes, but there are much better brands out there: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
KDAT pressure treated pine was used to replace an older deck several years ago perhaps 2014 or earlier. Cabots oil based tinted translucent Heartwood was applied, eventually requiring the entire deck be hand sanded which it was using palm sanders first 60 grit then 80. TWP 200 series California Cedar was applied 11 months ago rapidly changing color to a golden orange shade. The deck was lightly power washed using a low concentration of bleach and soap. The color was subsequently lifted changing it to a lighter shade gold.
I was informed by a tech repre when the color wasn’t as expected last year, I would have to wait two years to recoat which given the current appearance would seem more than necessary with wood preservation the objective.
TWP has only been mfg fir 20 years. i question the quality. They also state a different brand cannot be applied which seem more marketing ploy than technical necessity.
I would prefer the end result look more like a version of Cabot’s Heartwood if not browner. TWP in one blog suggested for a browner shade Butternut. That has since been discontinued.
I would love hear your comments. The deck prior to the application of TWP had a similar soap/ bleach combo applied with no other treatment other than sanding to bare wood. Should the TWP have reacted as it did after being cleaned? Can it be recoated and with what shade of TWP if browner is desired? Can another oil based semi translucent fro. A different mfg be effectively applied?
TWP has been made much longer than 20 years. Since the 80s. Butternut is not discontinued, we used it just a month ago. Whenever switching brands of stain, you need to remove the previous coating.
The discoloration you see is from the wood internally, not the stain. You could try a dark brown TWP color and see if that helps. If you want to switch brands, you will need to strip.
I am looking for a great protect for a brand new deck with premium cedar decking. I would like to keep the natural color or as close to possible . I have been looking and I think it would be transparent I should use but I only keep finding it with very yellow coloring
Do you have any suggestions for me?
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Light colored stains will be golden in color. Like a wet look when stained.
Hello I’m so happy to find your side.
I’m in process of sending off last years paint from Olimpic semitransparent stain and sealant in one in pearl gray! Didn’t even survived one winter !! 6 year of protection ….?..
I spent a lot of money last year preparing, bleaching and painting hoping will last at list 3 years???
Unfortunately now I’m spending thousands to remove peeling paint!
I’m scared to make a decision what to use next to protect and be maintenance easy no peeling !!!!!paint? Stain or oil??? There is so much to choose from and looks like last choice didn’t workout at all! We have 11 years old pressure treated wood deck and we would like to extend the life of it as longes it takes if it possible without to much work. We are elderly people and have no more energy for doing much?
Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Try Armstrong Clark. They have a driftwood gray color if you like that look. It is a penetrating stain and should not peel.
Thank you I look in to this;-))
At this moment I don’t care about that gray finish? I desperately looking for anything that would guarantee me that won’t peel in the future?
I also read about boiled linseed oil for sealing and protection? What do you think about this product
https://goo.gl/images/uZidAA
If colors are natural that’s fine too. I’m looking for something with easy to maintain?
Thanks for your help and time
Boiled linseed oil will not do much and will attract mildew. The AC will not peel and is easy to maintain.
Thank you
Had exactly the same issue. Used Olympic Storm Gray for 20 yrs OIL BASED stain. Bought what you did in the exact can not realizing it was WATER BASED!!! OMG-thankfully we realized within the first 6X10 area that it looked like a basement floor. After many phone calls we found the answer that they can’t sell it in Ohio anymore. So for the last 4. years we have had my sister buy it in Florida and bring it back up here. We were lucky. Totally insane! Water based stains are horribly beyond horrible. That area is still a mess as it still has left over pealing.
I love the TWP semi-transparent I ordered after reading several of your articles. Now I need help once again. TWP does not make a white semi-transparent stain in white. Please help me find the best oil based semi-transparent white stain you know of. Thanks
Sorry but there isn’t any brands that make a white color in an oil based stain semi-transparent stain.
I need an oil based stain in medium walnut, that I can use paint thinner to lighten slightly. My husband usually uses Watco Oil and it works wonders, but currently can’t find Watco oil at my location in Nova Scotia. What brand is oil based that I might find in Nova Scotia, particularly the Digby area?
Hello, deck stains are not meant to be thinned with paint thinner. Sorry but we do not leave in Canada so have no idea what is available to you locally.
Thanks for the prompt reply. I don’t actually live here as yet, but we do have a vacation home here. Looks like only minwax and cabot are available here. Thanks anyway.
Do you know which brand and color stain is done on the deck pictured above? It’s the picture on the “Oil Based Deck Stains 2017” article. The picture is labeled as “cedar deck stain”
Thanks!
I believe that is Armstrong Clark in semi-cedar color.
This is the surface of deck with Olympic stain referred to in previous email. We are in Missouri. Deck gets sun until 4:00pm.