With a lot of water based deck stains on the market today it can be difficult to find the best one for your deck stain project. Looking at the reviews for the best water based deck stain, one stands in a class by itself. Defy Extreme deck stain is a newly blended formula using nano particle technology that improves stain performance by 200%-600%. Nano technology uses nano particles and synthetic resins to significantly increase the stain’s functionality. This synthetic resin based deck stain blocks and absorbs harmful UV rays like a sunscreen. This technology is a first in the industry. Blocking UV rays is crucial to protecting the wood. Sunlight can gray out and fade decking. It can also dry out the natural oils of the wood jeopardizing the wood’s longevity. Defy Extreme Stain blocks these damaging rays keeping the wood looking new by preserving its appearance. Tags: Defy Extreme Stain, Best Deck Stains, water based deck stains, Best Deck Stain 2017

Many people ask what types of deck stains are available when curious about deck care and maintenance. Deck stains, in general, are for preserving and protecting exterior wood. They provide water repellency, UV protection, reduce fungal growth, and enhance the natural beauty of the wood. In 2017 deck stains come in several types of opacity levels all having pros and cons. Solid Deck Stains A coat of a solid deck stain completely hides the wood grain by creating a heavily pigmented film on the surface similar to paint. These come in any color imaginable and are available in both water-based and oil-based formulas. Pros: Superb UV protection due to so much pigment Cons: Do not penetrate well and are prone to peeling. Little chance of ever going back to natural wood look. Looks like paint. Hard to apply and prone to peeling. Tags: Semi-transparent deck stains, Semi-solid deck stains, Solid Color Deck Stains, Best Deck Stain 2017

A long debated topic is that of water based vs. oil based deck stains. Which one is better to use and will provide the best protection for a wood deck? Actually, there are advantages to both water and oil based deck stains even though they do have some major differences. Both types of stains can provide a beautiful long lasting finish on all types of wood. Both water based and oil based deck stains help reduce water intrusion and UV damage to increase the longevity of the wood. Oil based deck stains have been around the longest. Oil deck stains can preserve and enhance the wood’s natural color. They help to inhibit mold and mildew growth, which can lead to wood decay. Oil based deck stains naturally shed water to help prevent warping, cracking, and splitting. Most oil stains are low VOC formulas that are compliant in most states. Tags: water based deck stains, oil based deck stains, Best Deck Stain 2017

A decade ago water based wood stains were not much of a comparison to some of the quality oil based stains. Prior to new technology, water-based stains would not perform well in some conditions. Harsh sunlight and fungal growth were two problems. But as oil based stains started having trouble with VOC compliance laws there was a need for better eco-friendly water based wood stains. A lot as changed in the past 10 years. So how are water based wood stains different and better today that they were 10 years ago? Looking at the evidence a lot has changed. Tags: Defy Extreme Stain, water based deck stains, Deck Staining Tips 2017

Wood deck cleaners are used to clean and prepare exterior wood prior to staining or sealing. Wood cleaners can contain different ingredients and come in different concentrations. The goal of a deck cleaner is to remove natural pollutants like dirt, grime, graying, fungal growth, and sometimes an old failing stain. Most deck cleaners contain caustic detergents that help break up contaminants making it easier to clean by scrubbing or pressure washing. This caustic nature will cause the wood to be alkaline, which is not ideal for accepting stain. Using a deck brightener after cleaning will neutralize the high pH and prepare the deck for stain. Oxygenated Deck Cleaners Oxygenated deck cleaners have become increasingly popular in the past decade. These types of deck cleaners contain Sodium Percarbonate an active ingredient that is EPA registered for removing mold and mildew. Oxygenated deck cleaners also include additional surfactants that help boost the total cleaning effectiveness. These powdered concentrated cleaners are mixed with water and applied to the wood with a pump sprayer then scrubbed or pressure washed off. Oxygenated deck cleaners are…

Note: This is an updated 2017 Review of our Original Defy Extreme Clear Review Defy Extreme Clear Wood Stain is the leading “crystal clear” deck stain finish on the market today. Defy Extreme Clear uses light stabilizing nano particles of zinc oxide, which is the same product used in sunscreen. The zinc oxide particles reflect and filter UV radiation to help eliminate wood discoloring, graying and fading. Our field test of Defy Extreme Clear Stain was on a wooden fence. A deck surface may have slightly different results. *Important: Defy Extreme Clear is an untinted version of the Defy Extreme Stain. Customarily clear wood stains lack sun blocking pigments and do not prevent UV graying as well as tinted wood stains. Defy Extreme Clear Wood Stain Scores (1-10) Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 10 – The wood appearance was not altered after the Defy Extreme Clear finish dried. The stain applies to the wood a milky white color but dries clear without altering or enhancing the wood’s appearance. Defy Extreme Clear also does not film on top of the wood.…

In reviewing some of the top stains on the market for 2017 we could not overlook TWP stain. It is a registered EPA wood preservative that offers excellent protection from UV graying, wood decay and water infiltration. TWP uses select mildewcides that naturally resist fungal growth to help eliminate wood rot. The semi-transparent oil based formula penetrates deeply into wood pores without extreme surface film accumulation. It emphasizes and enhances existing wood grain beauty with color depth and warmth. Our TWP Stain review 2017 shows that this stain goes beyond the TWP claims of being a number one wood preservative. Top contractors and professionals prefer wood stains that penetrate into the wood surface and can be easily maintained and reapplied without sanding. This makes wood maintenance easier, cheaper, more effective and less frequent. Most TWP stained surfaces will last 2-3 years before a recoat is needed. The excellent UV-absorbing pigments eliminate wood discoloring and graying, which is a common problem with exterior wood surfaces.  Tags:…

Note: This is our 2nd Review of Ready Seal Stains Ready Seal® Wood Stain is considered a professional grade exterior wood stain. Ready Seal Wood and Deck Stain is suggested for use on all exterior wood surfaces such as decks, fences, arbors, gazebos, wood siding, roofs, and log homes. Ready Seal was originally designed for contractors but is now available to homeowners through some Home Depot stores in the southern part of the country. Ready Seal Stain is a drip and run free resulting in an even finish. The formula is a special blend of paraffin oil, resins, trans-oxide pigments, and algaecides. Ready Seal® Stain Scores (1-10) Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 8 – Ready Seal lived up to their claim and resulted in a nice even finish. The cedar deck we tested definitely looked more enhanced with the Natural Cedar color we applied. With that said, the color did fade quite a bit after several days as the paraffin oils continue to penetrate into the wood grain. We also do not like how the finish stays oily for several…

Note: Sherwin Williams bought Super Deck in 2013. This review is for the original SuperDeck Oil-Based semi-transparent formula. SUPERDECK® by Sherwin Williams is a professional grade exterior wood deck finish that was developed to provide superb weather protection and color enhancement. Superdeck semi-transparent deck stain utilizes iron oxide pigments to protect against harmful UV rays. Superdeck is a blend of tung and linseed oils to help inhibit the growth of mold and mildew. A high-solid wood finish developed to give superior protection and beautiful color to exterior wood. Superdeck® Semi-Transparent Stain uses the highest quality ingredients to provide superior protection. This unique formula contains carnauba wax for an extremely durable finish and a beautiful lustrous sheen with mar and scuff resistance. Superdeck® Semi-Transparent Stain will not track and is resistant to foot traffic patterning. Superdeck® Semi-Transparent Stain is expertly formulated for any exterior surface including decks, fences, siding, and furniture. Available in a spectacular 63-color palette to capture the beauty you seek. SUPERDECK® Semi-Transparent Stain Scores (1-10) Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 7 –Our test deck was a cedar deck. We…

Olympic ELITE Advanced Stain + Sealant in One is a super-premium stain formulated to protect and enhance the natural look of wood with exceptional richness and depth of color. A curated color palette of 14 rich, wood-inspired colors utilizes only the most durable pigments for natural beauty and durability. Semi-transparent stains use natural oils and rich, subtle color to highlight and enrich wood’s natural grain This is for the 550 VOC versions that is an oil based stain. Olympic Maximum Stain + Sealant in One Stain Scores (1-10) Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 6 – Olympic Elite Stain is an oil based stain + sealer in one. We used the Chestnut Brown color. The appearance of the final stain finish was a brown color that did not seem to enhance the beauty of the wood as well as we had expected. However, the Olympic Elite Wood Stain did penetrate the wood fairly well and did not form a film on top. Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 7 –At the 2-year test mark Olympic Elite Woodland Oil did hold up pretty decent with an…

Many people set out to stain their own deck but do not realize that just slapping it on can have less than mediocre results. There is a little more to applying deck stain than just squirting it on with a pump sprayer or slapping it on with a brush. Applying a deck stain evenly is going to ensure a nice even professional like finish. It can also help ensure proper stain penetration and reduce the chance over applying, which can lead to a blotchy finish that ends up flaking off. First wash the wood surface with a wood cleaner, brush, and/or pressure washer. Follow up the cleaning with an application of deck brightener to help open up the wood pores. After the wood as dried for a couple of days it is now ready for stain. Most deck stains can be applied using various application tools. A brush, stain pad, roller, or an airless sprayer can all work well. Use whatever tools work best for you. How to Apply a Deck Stain Evenly was last modified: April 16th, 2017 by…

Having a wood deck means you are probably familiar with deck care or at least what can happen without regular deck care. To protect the investment of a wood deck the wood needs to be protected with a wood preservative. Unprotected wood will weather quickly. Harsh UV rays will gray a deck in a short time. Additionally, unwanted moisture will begin to wrap, crack, and split wood decking causing the need for costly repairs. To preserve and protect wood for many years a deck needs to have a regular coat of deck stain. Deck stain reflects UV rays, traps out water intrusion, reduces fungal growth, and can even enhance the beautiful nature of the wood. Many deck owners wonder when the best time of year is for staining a deck. Spring and fall are great times because the air temperatures are perfect for staining. Deck stain should be applied in temperatures between 50-90 degrees. With that said, can you stain your deck in the summer heat? It is possible if that is the time of year you need to do…

When looking for the best deck stain you cannot deny that protection, appearance, longevity, and ease of application all need to score high for a stain to be considered the best. To find the best deck stain of 2017 it needs to be mentioned that there are many variables exposed that can play a vital role in the results of a deck stain. Weather, climate, sun exposure, and even amount of foot traffic all take a toll on a deck stain. A deck stain on the west coast will be more exposed to sun exposure and heat while a stain in the Midwest or east coast will have to protect against moisture and freeze/thaw damage. In fact, it may not come down to just one single stain as being the best due to all the different factors and unique situations. There are however a few that are in the running and worth mentioning. These stains all have their own unique blend and claim different promises but we have found them all to hold up the best while providing a beautiful…

Best Applicators for Applying Wood and Deck Stains Like with any job using the proper tools is half the battle. Deck staining is no exception. Using the best applicators for deck stains will make the job that much easier as well as give you better results. Most deck stains are fairly thin and runny so some stain applicator tools will work better than others. Deck Stain Brushes Brushes certainly have their place when applying deck stain. Use a brush for cutting in along edges and other hard to reach areas. A white china bristle brush works best for all oil based stains, sealers, and wood toners. A large 4 or 6 inch brush like the Wooster Pro Stain Brush can be used to back brush large areas to give a more even finish. Use a special “crack and groove” brush for staining between fence or deck boards. Tags: Deck Stain Pads, Deck Stain Brushes, Deck Staining Tips 2017