This post was updated on January 15, 2025
Olympic Wood Deck Stain Reviews 2026
Olympic Maximum Stain + Sealant in One
Note for 2026: This review is for the Olympic Maximum Stain + Sealant in One. This is their newer water-based version. For the Oil Based review see: Olympic Maximum Stain Review
OLYMPIC MAXIMUM Deck, Fence & Siding Semi-Transparent Stain provides a subtle color that allows wood’s natural grain and texture to show through. Core-shell hybrid resin technology provides deep stain penetration, waterproofing, and UV defense to strengthen, protect and condition wood fibers, ensuring the wood’s natural beauty lasts.
Recommended for use on properly prepared exterior wood, including decks, fences, siding, railings, outdoor furniture, and other wood surfaces.
Note: Olympic Elite Stain is the same stain, just a different label for different stores.
Olympic Maximum Stain + Sealant in One Stain Rating (1-10)
Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 6
– The Olympic Maximum Stain + Sealant in One is a water-based acrylic oil hybrid. What that really means is that it is a waterborne stain. This stain applies like the majority of water-based stains in that it is a film-forming stain that does not penetrate into the wood deeply. The appearance of the Cedar natural tone on the deck was a mild orange color. We applied evenly but the final look was uneven as some of the stain dried into the wood and some did not.
Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 8
– After 2 years the Olympic Maximum in the water-based version did a fairly decent job with only about 30% fading
Wear/Tear and Peeling: 5
– This stain had worn about 50% on the surface and handrails. Not a very good showing here.
Cost Per Square Foot: 6
– We used 10 gallons to cover the 800 square foot deck and railings at a cost of $.53 a foot. Coverage per gallon was closer to 150 sq. feet per gallon
Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 9
– Olympic Maximum Stain + Sealant is a water-based stain that did an excellent job and preventing mold and algae growth. This is typical of most water-based stains.
Ease of Application: 6
– Average to apply. We applied 1 thin coat as the manufacturer suggests. The coverage was poor and not even close to the specs. Application with a stain pad did cause some overlapping.
Color Shifting (darkening) after 2 Years: 8
– The OLYMPIC® MAXIMUM lightens in color instead of darkening.
Difficulty of Reapplication: 6
– Since the stain had worn unevenly we needed to strip off the rest and start over. This proved slightly difficult but the old stain did remove after a couple of attempts with the stain remover
Overall Score Olympic Maximum Stain + Sealant in One at 2 Year Period: 6.75
The Olympic Maximum Stain has transitioned from oil-based to water-based formulas in recent years, and unfortunately, the performance has declined as a result. Like many brands that have made this shift, the water-based version just doesn’t hold up as well.
If you’re lucky enough to find the older oil-based versions still available at your local Lowe’s or Sears, you’ve struck gold. These oil-based formulas offer far superior durability and protection. If not, there are plenty of better stains available on the market that outperform the current water-based version of Olympic Maximum.
Important Note on Warranty Claims
OLYMPIC® MAXIMUM advertises a 6-year warranty for decks and longer for other exterior wood surfaces. However, warranties promising 5, 6, or even 7 years of performance are often marketing tactics and not reflective of real-world results. Do not rely on these exaggerated claims—they rarely align with actual product performance.
If you’ve used Olympic Maximum Stain, we’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below!
Olympic Deck Stain Photos
Product Information:
Where To Buy: Lowes
Cost: $43.99 per Gallon, $219.99 per 5 Gallon Pail
Stain Type: Semi-Transparent Acrylic Water Based
Available Colors: Transparent Natural, Transparent Cedar, Clove Brown, Slate Gray
Application Temperature: 45-95 F
Coats Required: 1 Coat
Coverage Per Gallon: 150-250 sq. ft
Application Tools: Sprayer, Pad, Brush, Roller – Back brush as needed.
Dry Time: 24 Hours
Cleanup: Soapy Water
VOC Compliant: 250 Compliant in All 50 States
Manufacturer: PPG
Test Deck Stats:
Deck Wood Type: Pine Deck
Deck Square Footage: 600
UV Exposure: Full sun
How Many Years Tested: 2 Years
Stain Color Used: Cedar Naturaltone
*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.
Olympic used to make good stains, but not any more. – In fact, this paint is so bad that you have to wonder whether they did it deliberately on the idea that it just isn’t worth it for the average home-owner to sue them for a couple of thousand dollars worth of wasted time and money. This paint lasts less than a year in the Northwest no matter where you put it. – Sun? Fail! Shade? Fail! Covered area? Fail! Dry area? Fail! Wet area? Fail even more!
I am being serious when I say there is a strong possibility that this was a conscious business decision to defraud buyers into buying one season paint as the paint was being heavily pushed by the reps until quite recently. They even told distributors that the old stains (which actually used to be quite good) were being phased out, – they weren’t, as all the professional builders I know hated the new line,- they cared about the quality of their product whereas Olympic obviously does not.
If you are considering buying this paint you may be better off just taking a few hundred dollar bills and burning them. – You will come out further ahead as you won’t have wasted all that time putting down one of the world’s worst paint products!
This product is complete junk. Do not purchase it! I bought 3 gals of Olympic Maximum Semi-Transparent Stain 716 Cedar Natural-Tone 79561C on Apr 8th 2022 at a cost of 3x$67.99 CAD plus tax. I cleaned all the surfaces and applied as per directions. It took a lot of back-breaking work and I am over 75yrs old. The product states a guaranteed 6 year life on decks. By the fall the stain/sealant was already starting to fade and peel off all the horizontal surfaces. By the spring of 2023 almost all the stain/sealant was gone. I took a picture of the horrible mess and contacted the company ‘PPG’ for a refund. They still have not acknowledged or responded.
Very disappointed with this product! Our deck is a mess! Waste of $$ and our time. Cannot recommend this product. Pictures of deck after one Canadian winter. Can’t attach photo..probably a good thing…. file too big.
I have a half gallon left of Olympic Maximum stain and sealer in one. How many years can it be kept in the can? Would like to use it again eventually.
It will go bad in under 12 months if opened.
What is the difference between Olympic Maximum cedar semi transparent stain and sealer and Olympic WaterGuard cedar semi transparent stain snd sealer ?
Not much as they are both inferior products sold at Home Depot.
Can I use the oil based stain over top of the maximum line win it is time to restrain?
No. You have to remove it fully no matter what when you switch brands. Does not matter the base.
I bought the Maximum Stain + Sealant in One with a 10 year warranty on decks, 25 years on fences/siding. Even had the Good Housekeeping seal of approval. It was easy to apply and looked great after application. Applied in 2017 and started peeling 2 years later. Now at the 4 year mark, the peeling is terrible and the wood is getting wet and mildewing. I would not recommend this product at all. Unless you like having it removing the old paint and repainting every 2 years. I saw they reduced the warranty on this product – smart move on Olympics part. Run as far away from this product as possible!
Recent stained fence what can I put on it to make it semi shiny shiny
You cannot use a shiny coating outside. It will peel.
Do you also review oil based stains for redwood siding or do you just review decks.
I am trying to match olympic redwood stain for redwood shingles and want oil base.
See here: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews-2020/
You can use a wood or deck stain on exterior siding.
What is the best thing to use to thin the stain+sealant?
You cannot thin it.
We used this on our deck when it was new in 2012. I reapplied three years later, and then again two days ago. It’s warm and sunny, but it’s still oily and and not drying. I don’t know what the deal is, but my husband started trying to soak up the excess with towels and it looks terrible.
This is the worst deck stain I ever used. I stained a new deck that was installed 9 months ago. The stain goes on unevenly. Used 2 gallons for 384 sq ft and couldn’t complete the deck. The color is so uneven I now have to completely redo it with a solid stain. Which will be from another company. Will never use Olympic again.
We bought this can of stain for our deck/fence 3 years ago. Is it the same now? We cleaned the flat surface of the deck and planned to just stain that portion again. We do not want to have to do the rails and side boards. Just wondering if it will match?!
If you can find the same can and color then you should be okay.
Can you use Olympic maximum stain and sealant on an indoor floor
No.
I’ve used the TWP 100 Cedartone color for probably 6-9 years. I typically get two years out of it after each application for my 18 year cedar old deck in Minnesota that is in full sun. I was wanting to switch to something less orange. If I were to switch to the Pecan color in the same stain line or Dark Oak, can I just power wash it and use the cleaner and wood brightener on it or do I need to strip the old stain before the slight color adjustment? The latter two photos were from two years ago when I did it last time. thanks!
Strip and brighten for prep is the best way.
I used the Olympic redwood stain on my very large deck. Took me all summer season to finish the deck and fence around my pool inside and out.
After one winter this stain has peeled and looks terrible.
All summer wasted and over $3000 stain and labor down the drain.
Contractor here. I have a deck that was stained 4 years ago with Olympic Maximum Oil based Water Proofing Sealer-Honey Gold. Will this new Olympic Maximum Stain + Sealant in One is a water based acrylic oil hybrid go over the previous stain? Or do I need to strip the entire deck and start again. Or can I go with another Oil base stain and go over it after it is washed? Thank you.
I was a Solid Color-Honey Gold.
You will need to strip and then brighten the wood. It doesn’t matter if using water or oil-based, you still need to strip it down.
Thank you.
Is there any stain type that you can wash and prep to have a stain re-applied without stripping the entire thing (with previous stain)?
I was lead to believe that you could do that. Appreciate the help.
You can clean and recoat when using the same exact same brand/type/color of stain. See these: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
I installed a new deck in 2017 and had it stained with this product as it came highly rated at the time. 2 years later it has lost all water proofing. In northern exposed areas it is growing algae and mildew like crazy. In southern exposed areas it has worn away from the wood. In all areas, it is no longer repelling water. Definitely not a long term solution & will not use again!
We do not like it either but to be fair, nothing lasts more than 1-2 years on new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
It’s best to let the new wood sit for at least one season before putting on a stain. I even recommended to lightly sand the wood to get the millings off from the lumber mill. It helps the Stain to adhere better and rough up the wood slightly for better absorption. A lot of people make the mistake of putting stain on way too early. Take a little bit of water and put it on the wood if it doesn’t soak in right away it’s not ready yes usually new wood the first coat usually doesn’t last long. These steps will help make it last longer,
I know from experience.
A very disappointing product
We used Olympic Elite Advanced Semi-Transparent Stain and Sealer on a very nice redwood deck in Oct. 2017. PPG shows a “Lifetime Results Guarantee” right on the can. The price was much higher than any stain we’ve used before. It required nearly 4 times as much stain. It wore off in less than a year (less expensive stains lasted 3 times longer), and in less than 2 years our redwood deck went from a really nice deck to several boards rotting. We are waiting to hear PPG’s response. Even if they do refund our money, it doesn’t account for the damage done by their deceptive advertising claims and incredibly inferior product. I’m convinced our deck would be in much better shape if we wouldn’t have used anything at all versus this stuff. How can PPG get away with this? They are advertising a lifetime warranty and guaranteeing this is their best “Elite” product when they surely must know their cheaper 3 and 4 year products last far longer than this one, cost far less, and actually protect wood instead of ruining it.
The deck was scrubbed and prepared very well with Olympic deck cleaner. All instructions on all the Olympic products were followed. The deck was in exceptional shape before application. The product didn’t even last a year and water was soaking right in. At less than two years, several boards are rotting and splitting and need replacing. Redwood decks are tough and rated for 30 years. Ours isn’t even half that old. Several of our exposed boards went from perfect to poor in less than two years after using this product. The stain went on like water and required over 4 times more stain than we ever used before. It seemed to soak past the top layer of the wood, then wore off the surface within a few months. So because of this product, I think water soaks through the top layer very quickly, then sits just under the wood surface and rots the boards faster.
On top of all this, their customer service was really poor. A Lowe’s representative called PPG with me. They were disconnected 3 times. Then they said they would email me a complaint form to fill out and didn’t. After 2 hours, I called back and they acted like it was my fault. Finally, I received the email and they asked every question under the sun about how I prepped it, how I applied it, deck condition, sq. ft., and more. I was very thorough in my response and I asked for a manager to call me. No reply or call yet.
See attached pictures. I have many more before and after photos.
Please tell me what happened. I am experiencing the same thing. Mine is treated pine. I have had several decks and always used Thompson Water Sealer. So disgusted in myself for swaying to Olympic Elite. My boards are rotting daily. What I found on the internet specifically consumer reports is there product doesn’t allow the normal contracting and expansion therefore causing cracking which the water gets into rotting the boards out. The underside of my deck and the frame it is sitting on is in great shape. They have given so many excuses. It is over $1000 in just the wood alone. They offered to reimburse for the product WOW!
If it was already stained with Olympic maximum A year ago. Do I still have to remove that stain from last year even though I’m applying Olympic maximum again?
No, not if same stain and color. Just clean.
I just did a test patch on a red gum eucalyptus stump that was cut down about 2 weeks ago. I sanded the surface, cleaned and applied a thin coat. It has the appearance of a yellow pine, not the natural red color of the stump. I am waiting 24 hours for dry time, but hope this is not the final color. Is this normal?
Most likely, yes.
I used the Olympic Maximum acrylic/oil stain back in 2012 on a cedar railing. I recently sanded the railing down mostly to bare wood, but not completely as sanding close to other rail material was hard to get it to bare wood so there’s some spots on the vertical 4x4s where it’s not completely bare wood . What brand/type of stain would you recommend to re-coat? Do I still need to use a stripper or a brightener? I live in NJ.
Thanks!
You will have to remove all if switching brands of stain. Feel free to post a picture for help with this.
As a follow up to my previous question, here’s a few pictures. Ideas on further prep and a compatible stain to recoat?
And thanks so much for your advice.
You will need to strip all of this off if you would like to switch brands of stain. Brightener after.
What are the ingredients in this? I want to thin it as it’s settleing and becoming darker than I wantef
Not sure. Most stains cannot be thinned.
What are the ingredients in the stain?
I recently used restore a deck stripper and brightner to remove most of my old Behr transparent deck plus stain. I’m in the process of sanding the boards,but I’m not going to be able to remove the od stain off the handrails and such. I’d love to use a semi-transparent oil based stain, but I don’t think this is an option based on what I’ve read here. Can you confirm? Also, is Olympic Maximum considered an oil based or water based stain? My deck sees a lot of sunlight and use.
Are you using the RAD stripper additives: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
That should help. Olympic makes both oil and water based versions.
They must have changed their formula. Canyon Brown two years ago does not even come close to the stain now. Impossible to match – project looks horrible. I will never buy olympic brand again. Horrible and pissed for almost $400 worth of stain.
I have the same problem with the color teak.
The colors dont dry close to anything they picture! I’m so upset with the results! I will never recommend this product…quite the opposite!
I applied a single coat yesterday of olympic maximum 10 yr stain an sealer in one, but did not have time to apply a second coat. Is it too late for a second coat. This is siding rails for a utility trailer.
Not sure as we do not use this product due to poor results. Best to ask them directly.
Can you use deck stain after it’s been frozen
Probably not.
I have used this on my deck since it was built in 2012 and it does an amazing job. My deck faces the north. It is amazing! I put it on with a roller and a brush. I do it when it is overcast and breezy and comfortable for working early in the fall. The directions say it dries in 24 hours. That is correct. It is sticky until it is fully dried. When it is fully dried and when the rain does come, the rain puddles on the deck and does not soak in. I will buy no other product. It has kept my deck looking beautiful. I use the Honey Gold color.
I used Olympic elite semi-transparent stain on a newly constructed deck. (2 coats) and it is very slippery when wet! Any suggestions?
There is not a way to stop it from being slippery outside of removing all and starting over.
I have used olympic stain on my new cedar deck 1st application. Just did my 4th redo after 12 years..i have had and do have 2 100 plus pound boxers that are hell on 90 degree corner steps..
Think 1st application was oil base and 2 – 4 th application water based as cant find original. Quality has gone downhill and this crap about 6 yr warranty is b.s.
I’ve painted our decks three times now since they were new in 2013 and all three times I’ve used the same Olympic Maximum Solid Stain Ten Year product that claims to have superior waterproofing, but the water still just soaks in and there’s no beading whatsoever. Now I’m in search of a new brand and trying to research online.
Applied on deck in Salem Oregon . Still feels sticky to walk on after 48 hours now what
Penetrating acrylic/oil formula
Try the Restore A Deck Stripper to remove as much as possible. Sand if needed to remove the rest. Brightener after to neutralize.
What stripper should I use to remove olympic maximum stain and sealant.
Please post a picture of the current condition and did you use the oil or water-based version?
Carolyn
We prepared our deck properly according to a Rep. from Olympic Summit Advanced Stain + Sealant.
Our contractor power washed our deck, drying for over 48 hrs. and sanded the entire floor.
Two coats of Olympic Summit Advanced Stain + Sealant were applied to Rails, Vertical Privacy Fence and Floor of Deck. The Following year the areas that were in full sun and not covered by a table, a swing, outdoor pots, barbecue, the stain was wearing off. We spent over $600 for this Olympic Summit Advanced Stain + Sealant and over $800 to a contractor. We had bought this stain in good faith after speaking with a sales clerk where we purchased this stain and Olympic Warranteed This Stain for 5-6 years.
I contacted Company in Quebec and after sending them many pictures showing the areas of the Stain wearing off, they had the nerve to say there were brown areas and they would not honor their Warranty.
I explained that I wet the deck so that the pictures would show the areas of wearing off and I asked to speak with an expert supervisor. The supervisor and the other man called me on the phone and they were questioning everything we did to prepare our deck; the supervisor was comparing our deck to a bottle of milk left out of the refrigerator for a long period. I sent them more pictures to show that other parts of our deck were fine and only because there was no constant sun on these particular areas; the fact that the stain was still intact demonstrates the deck was prepared correctly, before applying the Stain + Sealant.
This man and woman from Quebec still refused to honor Olympic Summit Advanced Stain + Sealant Warranty!
What stain do you reccomend for staining acomposite deck
Sorry, but we have not stained a composite deck in 10+ years.
Can Olympic stain-sealant be used over texture 111 siding that was previously stained with Olympic oil stain?
No, it cannot.
Stained our deck last summer with this product…wow it is EXTREMELY slippery!!! my two small dogs go skidding across the deck at the first sign of rain..and dont even ask me how it is in the winter!°.We have had to place carpet runners on the deck so no-one slips and falls…we plan to sand this stain completely off the deck this spring. Very unsafe. i am terrified to walk on it.
Did Olympic do anything to reimburse you or recommend a solution to the problem. I’m going out to buy “Sharkgrip” from Sherman Williams, add it to the rest of the paint and apply another coat. Maybe they should have suggested this before customer kill themselves or maybe someone will really get hurt and sue the company.
Wondering if the Sharkgrip worked? Wish I would have read this our deck is so slippery and our old dog can’t even walk on it!
Excellent ease of application to new and old fence panels.
Absolutely the best that I have tried!
Clean Up is easier with a couple of squirts of old fashioned Windex directly to the brush, let it sit for 60 seconds, rinse.
Product has gone downhill significantly in recent years. Very poor appearance and wear. Would not recommend.
Okay to use this product on flooring for dog kennel….cannot find any facts on his directly?
Doubt it will work but call them and ask to make certain.
Can it be used indoors? I want to touch up the door trim. thanks
I do not think so but best to ask them.
How long should Iwait after power washing deck?
Wait to do what? Stain? 48 hours.
How do you strip this her Renda’s product off of a deck? Is it going to be a sanding deal or do any strippers work? I’ve tried the stripper from Home Depot and Lowe’s at this point and neither have really done any more than what could be accomplished by a bunch of elbow grease. Thanks!
You will most likley have to sand it all off.
I had resigned myself to such a reality….sorry you had to agree! Thanks!
I applied this solid paint stain thing to my deck. It held out about as well as water. Unfortunately, in the areas it actually did take, stripping it is impossible. What stripper do you recommend to get this off my deck so I can put an actual sealant on it? Or am I destined to hand sanded the entire bloody deck? I tried a stripper from Home Depot and Lowe’s. Neither did a single thing to this coating.
I purchased Olympic Maximum 6 year stain , natural tone, for my fence, and was told I could use a sprayer, bought a garden sprayer, tested with water first , got the fan I was looking for, when I put the stain in, the water shot first with what was in the hose, then stain , it would only go in a stream. What do I need to do. I have almost 300 feet of fence to stain. I used the 4 year product when I built the fence and had no problems spraying.
You could use an airless sprayer for this.
I apparently put on too many layers of Olympic Maximum on my deck did three instead of two still tacky after three days what should I do
Leave alone and hopefully it cures in a week or less. If it does not, you may need to strip and remove.
I purchased a 5 gallon pail of “White + Base 1” of the Olympic Maximum, water based stain and sealer. How can I color/tint it to be “Chestnut” colored? The pail says it is tintable.
I do not think it is tintable. Best to ask Olympic.
We bought a Log home 11 years ago and used Olympic cedar toner on it and loved the look. Our problem was the only dealer of it was 70 miles away so we eventually switched to Sherwin. Now our local Fleet Farm started carrying Olympic so this spring we purchased 10 gallons for the house exterior. We opened the first can and it was very cloudy like some solid stain had been mixed in with the Toner.. Much to our demise after opening several cans we came to the conclusion that Olympic has changed there recipe which after testing in a couple inconspicuous spots gives the logs an ugly satiny cloudy look not the clear stain it used to be. Now we have ten gallons of fence stain and are going back to the more expensive competitor.
I have used this product for three years and have had terrible results. Each spring there is a bit of peeling when it starts to warm up and within a month most of the floor of the deck has major peeling with bare wood showing. Each year I have stripped and cleaned the deck, applying a new coat as instructed by Lowes staff and on the can . I have only stuck with the product because I don’t want to strip the vertical surfaces to apply something different.
I do not recommend this stain for the deck.
I completely agree with the above post. I have spent probably close to $200 reapplying the stuff every year since I put it on. I am currently attempting to strip as much of it off as possible so I can apply a real stain. The ease of strip is equivalent to the quality of the product…..impossible.
Purchased the transparent olympic maximum sealant from lowes. Applied on my deck with a roller as directed. The first half of the deck came out just fine, the other have has a yellow or mustard toner to it. What do I do now??? Very dissatisfied !!