This post was updated on May 1, 2024
Paraffin Oil Based Decking Stains
We appreciate you visiting Deckstainhelp.com as we continue to be your go-to source for the latest in deck restoration news and trending topics through 2024. Below, we talk about Paraffin Oil Based Decking Stains. Feel free to leave a comment below with any pictures you may have.
Paraffin Oil-Based Stains
Most deck stain manufacturers today use both synthetic and natural oils in their products. There are several types of oils that are used in oil-based deck stains. Paraffin Oil is one of the more common types of oil used today.
Pros of Paraffin Oil-Based Stains
Paraffin is an excellent penetrating oil. Deck stains containing paraffin oil penetrate deep into all wood types. It conditions the wood while preventing UV fading and water damage.
Paraffin oil penetrates so well that it is recommended for newer wood decks. The newer the wood the denser it is. Some deck stains will not penetrate the newer dense wood and will remain on top of the surface. Paraffin deck stains are able to penetrate newer more dense wood for optimal absorption and outstanding protection.
Paraffin oils are user-friendly and easy to apply. Paraffin oil wood stains are an excellent choice for the DIY project. They apply very easily with little to no overlap marks and with little back brushing due to the superb absorption rate.
The paraffin deck stains also maintain fairly easily. They won’t peel or flake off like some stains. They simply fade over time and can be easily removed with a deck stain stripper before a new coat is applied.
Another great advantage of the paraffin type oil stains is that they are more natural-looking. They penetrate so well that they actually enhance the beauty of the wood as opposed to covering it up or hiding it.
Cons of Paraffin Deck Stains
One of the downsides to paraffin oil wood stain is a strong odor. You will definitely notice a stronger odor with paraffin stains than some other stains. But once the stain cures the smell does go away.
Some paraffin deck stains can take a little longer to dry and cure than other stains. This means staying off the deck a little longer once it’s applied. Read the manufacturer’s suggested drying times. Be careful to not walk on or place items back on a deck that hasn’t met those recommendations.
Paraffin stains can be more prone to mold and mildew and may darken over a period of time. Regular deck maintenance can prevent this occurrence from happening.
Oh yea we used 1 gallon of paraffin oil & 4 gals of mineral spirits. That is a 20 5 solution. The best I have seen maybe 3% solution.
When I was building decks in the early 2000. My partner did a fence around the yard. He told me he used Paraffin oil on the fence 5 yrs previous. The fence looked brand new compared to the next door neighbors fence. Anne Arundel County MD banned the use of certian oils & even pressure treated wood early in the 2000’s to build deck & fences. chromated copper arsenate, or CCA was the chemicial used in presure treated wood. Does pariffin oil have any effect to the water shed or plant life where it is going to be used.
Don’t think it would.
So no test have been done?
Never heard of one and no one else has ever asked this question.
Are there good tung oil based stains/sealers that are recommended?
None that we like.
Is there a gloss clear coat you can put on top of paraffin?
No, you can never top coat a deck coating: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/can-you-apply-a-clear-sealer-or-polyurethane-over-a-deck-stain/
Brand new cedar siding,the non damaged cedar is darker, want to protect and go darker ,being new wood what color,brand,type should I use? More shade than sun ,and it is mostly covered by overhang.thanks.
See here for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
I live in Washington State on the Olympic Peninsula, my deck is on the East side of my house. (lots of rain, clouds, and minimal afternoon sun). All older cedar wood deck. Biggest concerns are rot, mildew, moss, and pealing. Would prefer a semi transparent to transparent stain. Based on your article solid color stain is prone to pealing? Washington is NOT a low VOC state. What is your recommendation for the most durable stain for my Northwest environment?
Try the TWP 100 Series or Restore A Deck Stain.
We have a 3-4 year old ipe deck. What is the best sealant or stain for it? The wood is in excellent condition and has just been power washed.
Armstrong Clark in a Hardwood color or Restore A Deck Wood Stains.
Hi, We are going to be restaining our cabin and will be using paraffin stain however we have had several squirrels chewing on our logs!! Is there a stain to prevent squirrels from chewing or is there something we can add to the stain??
Thank you
Lori
Sorry but no, we have never heard of a way to deter squirrels from doing this.
I had a problem several years ago with squirrels in my carport and house attic. Tried almost everything to get rid of them but no luck. My wife read in Readers Digest to hang wind chimes where you are having the problem. We did this and no more squirrels.
So, which products have paraffin? Thompsons MSDS only states mineral spirits AFAIK
Thompsons water sealer does not have paraffin oil. Armstrong Clark, Ready Seal, Timber Oil Brand are a few brands.
The MSDS for “Thompson’s WaterSeal Waterproofer and Clear Wood Protector” shows 46% Heavy Paraffinic Oil and 37% Paraffin Oil. They changed the formula about 3 years ago, so look for the number 2180 in the UPC Code on the can.
Thanks for the update.
I meant on the paint of the truck… not in the truck lol.
Hi,
The wind picked up when we were using the stain and it sprayed into our truck. Any suggestions on what we could put on it to clean it off?
Thanks!
Depends on the brand you used? Might want to call the manufacturer as well for some help.
Why is paraffin stain more susceptible to mold and mildew if it has better absorption. Is there a product that both absorbs and seals to better hinder the growth of mold and mildew?
Water based stains will not promote mold growth.
I was curious with regard to the statement – Paraffin stains can be more prone to mold and mildew and may darken over a period of time- in the cons section. So it doesn’t promote mold or mildew (as linseed oil). Living in Washington State, every spring our decks and hand rails are a new color green. It can be washed off, I was just surprised at the statement in the cons.
Cheap $15 a gallon Thompson Clear has paraffin oil and mildew and mold prevention. In my experience, petroleum based paraffin is sterile and not a food source to mildew but the wood is still a food source. A deck product without mold and mildew prevention will require some kind of prevention or the deck will get eaten. I’ve replaced red cedar decking because of mold that ate the wood under the deck finish surface. It took over a decade but I now avoid Cabot because their products have a disclaimer that says that mold or mildew is not a failure of the Cabot product. Maybe not, but it is a failure of Valspar/Cabot to provide prevention where prevention is always needed. It would be like Rust-O-Leum claiming that rust is not a failure of their paint…that its the steel that is rusting.
Always check the MSDS for the real contents. I won’t buy a paint or stain without seeing the MSDS. Buyer beware!
Not my experience. Mildew LIKES water and requires it to grow. Cabot does not contain anything to prevent mildew (read the disclaimer on the cans!) Some products contain effective mold and mildew prevention while others do not. Petroleum based paraffin oils are not “food” to mildew but linseed oil most certainly is food to mildew. If a product has linseed oil (and several other “natural oils” are also food to mildew) make sure it has mildew prevention which are usually pretty potent nasty chemicals. That’s why they advise using gloves, sleeved shirts and a mask. Alternatively, you can use a boron powder solution and/or a benzyl ammonium chloride solution prior to applying a stain. Tri-boro and Wet and Forget, for example.
Do you clean with thinner?
Clean what with thinner? The brushes? Use mineral spirits.
I just installed a new cedar deck and I was advised to use a stain with paraffinic acid. Is there such a thing? Is paraffinic oil the same thing?
There are paraffin oils, no acids.
this article does not state if paraffin solves any of the problems in question as a base of a stain that make up the "ratings" for the products reviewed for the site, and also states no products RELIABLY using %100 paraffin one can go find
where can we buy it?
Check with manufacturer.
How do I make paraffin oil????
You do not make paraffin oil. Not sure how you would buy it either.
I'm looking at the same thing
Morris