Hi, I’m Scott Paul
As a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood decking, I’ve worked extensively with a variety of products to protect and enhance wood surfaces. My review of Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck Solid Color Wood and Deck Stain is grounded in my extensive background as a wood restoration contractor and real-world hands-on testing. My goal is to provide you with honest insights and guide you toward the best deck stain options for your project. For more about my experience and expertise, feel free to read more about me here.
Sherwin Williams SuperDeck Solid Color Wood Deck Stain Review 2026
- Rated 7.0 out of 10 in Scott's 2-year hands-on test on a 300 sq ft pressure-treated pine deck in full sun
- Appearance after application scores well (9/10) but the formula is thin and requires extra effort for even coverage
- Showed wear on roughly 50% of deck floor boards at the 2-year mark — a below-average result for a solid color stain at this price point
- No mold or mildew at 2 years (10/10) and vertical surfaces like railings held up without issue
- Coverage is 150 to 250 sq ft per gallon at $57.99/gallon — two coats required, so budget accordingly
- Restore-A-Deck Solid Color Stain is the better-performing alternative based on our testing
Sherwin Williams SuperDeck Solid Color Stain Review
This is our initial Review of the Sherwin Williams SuperDeck Solid Color Wood and Deck Stain. We will update this review throughout the years.
We appreciate your input. If you have used the SW SuperDeck Solid Color Deck stains, please leave a comment below and pictures of your completed projects.
Summary: SuperDeck Solid Color Stain provides durable, opaque protection for many exterior horizontal wood surfaces. Featuring Cool Feel Color Technology, it helps reduce the surface temperature by up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit compared to conventional color technology.
Contents
- How I Rated SuperDeck Solid Color Stain
- 6-Step Review
- Our Verdict and Recommendation
- How to Apply SuperDeck Solid Color Stain
- Solid Color Deck Stain Comparison
- Product Information
- Consumer Photos
- Frequently Asked Questions
SuperDeck Solid Color Deck Stain Review
My Sherwin Williams SuperDeck Solid Color Stain review uses a 6-step process, with each category scored on a scale of 1 to 10. The final score is the average across all six categories: Appearance After Application, Peeling or Wearing, Cost Per Square Foot, Preventing Mold and Mildew, Ease of Application, and Ease of Reapplication.
6-Step Review of SuperDeck Solid Color Wood Stain
1. Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 9
The SuperDeck Solid Color Stain was applied with an airless sprayer, roller, and brush. When finally finished, the two coats applied to our decking wood had no issues with appearance.
2. Wear/Tear and Peeling: 5
After 2 years, the SuperDeck Solid Color Stain showed wear on about 50% of the decking boards. The vertical railings did not have any issues.
Super Deck Solid Stain Peeling
3. Cost Per Square Foot: 6
We applied two coats to our 300 sq. feet of verticals, including all railings and steps. Two gallons were used at $58 per gallon.
4. Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 10
With the SuperDeck Solid Color Stain, the deck showed no signs of mold or mildew at the two-year mark.
5. Ease of Application: 6
The SuperDeck Solid Color Stain does not apply that easily. The solid stain is very thin, and coverage was not as good as the solid stains we tested. We needed to work the stain onto the wood for the best appearance.
6. Difficulty of Reapplication: 6
Sand or strip off the loose stain and reapply 1 to 2 coats.
Overall Score Sherwin Williams SuperDeck Solid Color Stain at 2 Year Period: 7.0
Our Verdict and Recommendation
We are not fans of Sherwin-Williams deck restoration stains and products. While Sherwin-Williams is known for producing high-quality house paints, they have consistently struggled to engineer reliable deck stains that hold up on horizontal surfaces under real-world foot traffic and UV exposure.
Our Concerns
The SuperDeck Solid Color Stain performs like a thin deck paint rather than a true solid stain. It goes on with decent initial appearance, but the thinness of the formula means you need to work it harder than competing products to get even coverage. At the 2-year mark on a pressure-treated pine deck in full sun, we saw wear on roughly half the floor boards. That is not an acceptable performance window for a product at this price point, especially when competing solid stains we have tested hold up significantly longer with less effort.
Consumer reviews on the Sherwin-Williams website reflect the same concerns, with many buyers reporting poor coverage and premature wear: Sherwin Williams SuperDeck Solid Deck Stain Ratings
Our Recommendation
If you’re specifically shopping for Sherwin-Williams deck products, proceed with caution on this one. Based on our hands-on testing and the pattern we see in consumer feedback, there are better-performing solid color stains available at a comparable or lower price point. See below for how it stacks up against the alternatives we recommend.
Have you used this product? Share your experience in the comments below to help others make an informed decision.
How to Apply SuperDeck Solid Color Stain
Sherwin-Williams deck paint and solid stain products require thorough surface prep to perform at their best. Skipping prep is the most common reason these products fail early.
- Strip or clean the existing surface. If there is any old stain on the wood, strip it completely before applying SuperDeck Solid. Applying over a failing finish will cause the new coat to peel within a season.
- Brighten the wood. After stripping or cleaning, apply a wood brightener to neutralize the pH and open the pores. Let it dry fully before staining.
- Allow adequate dry time. The wood should be dry and the air temperature between 45 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit before you begin.
- Apply the first coat. Use an airless sprayer, brush, or roller. Work the stain into the wood thoroughly — SuperDeck Solid is thin, so it requires more effort to achieve even coverage than some competing products.
- Allow first coat to dry 2 to 4 hours. Check label conditions; do not recoat in high humidity or direct sunlight if possible.
- Apply the second coat. Two coats are required. The second coat should be applied before the first has fully cured for best adhesion.
- Allow full cure time before use. Keep foot traffic off the deck for at least 24 hours after the final coat.
Solid Color Deck Stain Comparison
How does Sherwin Williams deck paint stack up against the top-rated solid color stains we have tested? Here’s a direct comparison based on our real-world testing.
| Product | Overall Score | Price Per Gallon | Coverage Per Gallon | Wear at 2 Years | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restore-A-Deck Solid Color | 8.88 / 10 | $69.99 | 200 to 400 sq ft | No wear or peeling | Only pre-mixed solid stain; prep and stain same day |
| Behr Premium Solid Color Stain | 6.5 / 10 | ~$45 to $55 | 250 to 500 sq ft | Moderate wear on floors | Widely available at Home Depot; mixed long-term results |
| Cabot Solid Color Stain | 6.8 / 10 | ~$50 to $60 | 150 to 400 sq ft | Some wear on horizontal surfaces | Better on verticals than floors; wide color availability |
| Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck Solid | 7.0 / 10 | $57.99 | 150 to 250 sq ft | ~50% wear on floor boards | Thin formula; difficult to apply evenly; Cool Feel technology |
Looking For a Better Solid Color Stain?
Product Information
More Info: Sherwin Williams
Cost: $57.99 per Gallon
Stain Type: Solid Color (Opaque) Wood Stain — Water Based
Available Custom-Mixed Solid Colors: Available with Cool Feel Technology in 20 colors
Application Temperature: 45 to 95 F
Coats Required: 2 Coats
Coverage Per Gallon: 150 to 250 sq ft
Application Tools: Airless Sprayer, Brush, Roller
Dry Time: 2 to 4 Hours
Cleanup: Water
VOC Compliant: 50 VOC Compliant in all States
Manufacturer: Sherwin Williams
Test Deck Stats
Deck Wood Type: Pressure Treated Pine
Deck Square Footage: 300 Square feet
UV Exposure: Full Sun
How Many Years Tested: 2 Years
Stain Color Used: Custom Tinted Brown
*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.
Sherwin Williams SuperDeck Stain Photos from Consumers
The Best Solid Color Deck Stain Video
Frequently Asked Questions About Sherwin Williams Deck Paint and SuperDeck Solid Stain
How does Sherwin Williams SuperDeck Solid Color compare to the semi-transparent version?
The SuperDeck Solid Color and the SuperDeck Semi-Transparent are fundamentally different products. The solid color version fully covers the wood grain with an opaque finish, similar to paint, and is best used on older or weathered decks where the wood appearance is not a priority. The semi-transparent version shows the wood grain and works best on newer wood in good condition. Based on our testing, neither outperforms the top independent brands, but the semi-transparent version tends to receive somewhat better reviews for longevity on horizontal surfaces.
Is Sherwin Williams SuperDeck Solid a deck paint or a deck stain?
SuperDeck Solid Color is technically marketed as a deck stain, but it applies and performs more like a thin deck paint. It forms a film on the surface rather than penetrating into the wood, which means it will eventually peel or chip as the wood expands and contracts with seasonal temperature changes. This is a key difference from penetrating stains like semi-transparent oil-based products, which wear evenly rather than peeling.
How long does Sherwin Williams SuperDeck Solid Color Stain last on a deck floor?
Based on our two-year test on a 300 square foot pressure-treated pine deck in full sun, we saw wear on approximately 50% of the floor boards by the two-year mark. Vertical surfaces like railings held up without issue over the same period. In our experience, most solid color stains on horizontal deck surfaces need recoating every 2 to 4 years, and SuperDeck Solid falls at the shorter end of that range under high-UV conditions.
What is the coverage rate for SuperDeck Solid Color Stain?
Sherwin-Williams lists coverage at 150 to 250 square feet per gallon, which is on the lower end compared to competing solid stains. For a standard 300 to 400 square foot deck with two coats required, plan on 3 to 5 gallons total. The thin formula means coverage efficiency can vary significantly depending on the condition and porosity of the wood.
Can I apply Sherwin Williams deck paint over an existing solid stain?
You can apply SuperDeck Solid over an existing solid stain only if the old finish is still firmly bonded to the wood with no peeling, flaking, or soft spots. Any loose or failing old finish must be stripped or sanded away first. Applying over a deteriorating surface is the most common reason solid stains fail prematurely, regardless of brand.
What is a better alternative to Sherwin Williams SuperDeck for a deck floor?
Based on our hands-on testing, Restore-A-Deck Solid Color Stain consistently outperforms SuperDeck Solid on both horizontal and vertical surfaces. It scored 8.88 out of 10 in our 2-year review, showed no wear or peeling on verticals, can be applied to damp wood the same day as prep, and comes pre-mixed in 5 ready-to-use colors. For homeowners who want to stain over an existing solid, it also adheres well to previously stained surfaces with proper prep.
Questions on Sherwin Williams Solid Color Deck Stains? Ask Below!
#1 Best Solid Color Deck Stain | #2 Best Solid Color Deck Stain | #3 Best Solid Color Deck Stain |
| 
| 
|
From $69.99 *Ships Free | From $76.06 *Ships Free | From $69.99 *In Store Pickup |
| ; | ; | ; |
I was a licensed painting contractor in Oregon on the coast.
The Oregon coast has extreme conditions for weather.
I have spread thousands of gallons of Sherwin-Williams product.
I have used SW Deckscapes on literally hundreds of decks.
I have been happy with their product so far until they came out with their semi-solid water-based deck stain.
Within a year it bubbled and peeled up whereas I expected maybe 4 years of protection.
It does not act like a stain but more as a paint.
Absolutely horrible product stay away from it.
Hi Joe, thank you for helping me make up my mind – I was “on the fence” over which stain to use!
June 2016 deck construction stained with an oil based semi transparent Spring 2017. Reconstruction completed Oct 2024. Pressure washed, brushed Defy wood deck cleaner, then Defy wood brightener. Please recommend a durable semi solid that will unify color between the old & new boards.
Thank you
Top semi-solid stains:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-solid-wood-and-deck-stain-reviews/
You cannot stain the new wood yet. Wait until Spring and clean and brighten all wood then for prep.
Thank you, would it be better to coat the old wood before winter and coat the old and new in Spring? Which semi solid will unify the color between old and new?
No, do it all at once in Spring. Either brand would help to blend the wood.
Thank you Scott.
You are welcome!
We are building a new house with a covered wrap around porch. Our New cedar boards just got delivered. I want a solid stain color, benjamin moore hc169, is what I want the stain to be. Contacted dufy with no response. Can you tell me another good brand near Seattle. Dufy is not anywhere near me. Thank u
You cannot stain the new wood yet:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
As for the best solid stains, see here: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
I have a screened in porch that is south-west facing in Georgia. We have used SuperDeck solid stain on the floor with very good results. We applied the first coat about 10 years ago and have applied a second coat, same color, after about five years. The stain has held up very well with no cracking, flaking or peeling. The color has faded some which is why we recoated after 5 years and will do the same this year. Keep in mind it is in a screened in porch that doesn’t get significantly wet and doesn’t stay wet. It does get a fair amount of traffic with two Labrador Retrievers and two kids. We are happy with the performance of the product.
Glad it has worked for you but your results are based on a screened in porch in a warm weather state with little to no adverse weather. Put it on an exposed deck in a cold weather state, and it will not perform nearly as well.
Hi Scott, what do you consider the best solution for repainting/restraining decks? I live in KY and usually thoroughly clean the wood before appling product. I have mixed results with Behr, SW, etc.
Thanks, Jay
See this for our top options: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
does 15 one gallon can of superdeck solid stain cover the same amount as 3 five gallon cans
Yes.
Oil based superdeck was once an excellent product up until Sherwin Williams purchased the company.
clearly they have changed the formula. Will never use it again. The new water based product is not compatible with the old original product. Sherwin Williams is absolutely the worst product on the market. Don’t waste your time or money on this junk.
We agree.
I just got in a light rain splash while putting on semi transparent
it seems to have small bubbles in the paint
is this something I something I can sand over when dry and stain again
No, you will have to remove all and start over.
Just used the solid (white) super deck on new outdoor cedar steps. Looks great and went on well. After two days I walked on the steps after it rained and my shoes were a little dirty. The dirt will not wash off the steps! Seriously? Who makes a deck stain that can’t be properly cleaned?
Sherwin Williams does.
I’ve had this stain on south facing deck now for three years. 0-120F degrees or more temps. It’s amazing. Top is 3 years old. Bottom I just restained. This is almost totally clear #1 red cedar deck. Curfed on bottom. If you ever used treated fir or pine on a deck you are crazy.
Gald it is working for you but this stain does have a high failure rate overall.
Not even one year and solid SuperDeck coming up in 3 inch patches. Starts as a pin hole and grows. I am sanding and reapplying since I paid 10,000. Class action suit against should have been paid out.
Hi Rachel. Im going through a nightmare with my deck and it’s just barely at a year. Has Sherwin offered to fix your deck based on their bad product?
I live in Canada and we had a product placed on our community decks of 115 units that peeled within the year (most likely water based). Now having to redo and have quotes from different contractors for Sherwin Williams Super Deck and Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Semi Solid Stain. Given the extreme cold during winter and wanting longevity – what is the best long term product, that you would suggest? We are open to suggestions and # of coats and if a top coat is required? Thank you
We would not use any of those brands. Try TWP 200 Series. You do not top coat over a deck stain unless you want it to peel.
Is this product available in Canada?
You can have it shipped there.
Just spoke with the manufacturer and they said the product 200 is made for roofs and not decks they have other solid amazing products in the TWP series that are unfortunately not available in Canada yet…..hopefully soon! So between the two products I mentioned above as my secondary option, which one?
Neither, both have serious issues with either turning black or peeling. Also, people use the TWP 200 for decks all the time.
Maybe look at Armstrong Clark.
I am a little confused, your topic “Wear/Tear and Peeling” I was taught stain soaks into the wood, paint or other products are TOP coatings and they can peel. Stain having soaked into the wood is now a part of the wood and wear, lots of wear is only way it erodes.
My plan stain then clear sealer (which can wear or peel needs reapplication/maintenance)
Correct me if wrong
You can never top coat a deck stain with a sealer, it will not adhere and peel.
Thank You, I was led down the wrong path
WHAT ARE THE DETAILS OF THE Sherwin Williams THREE YEAR WARRANTY FOR “SUPER DECK” WATERBORNE SEMI-TRANSPARENT STAIN?
The SW warranty is BS as it only overs product replacement when it fails and only if you follow directions 100%. The SW deck stains are not very good and will not last 3 years on a deck surface. Maybe 1-2.
Thanks for the response. Is an oil based or water based semi-transparent stain be the preferred?
Either is fine as long as it is a quality stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews-2020/
Thanks for your help!
I’ve used superdeck before, unless your able to stain all 6 edges your going to have peeling of the paint .
We have a summer home on the ocean with westerly winds and winter rain.
I’ve been replacing boards over a couple of years and painting all sides and they are standing up to the weather.
With our weather conditions we get 2-3 yrs before I paint again. Covered area 4 years and still looks good.
Don’t get the color Oxford Brown! It’s purple and Sherwin Williams won’t do anything about the fact that the swatch is completely different than the paint.
Not sure what I could have done better/different to prepare my PT deck for Sherwin Williams Super Deck. After three liberal brushed on coats it looked good when the sun was shining, but when it rained only 25% beaded water. worse than that, less than six months later there appears to be a slight blackening, that I’m hoping will sand off easily. regardless of how I get it off, Sherwin Williams will never be going back on.
The prep:
Pressure treated was applied around February 2019 (I didn’t own the house at that time). Sometime in July, once I felt the wood had some time to dry and before it began checking like crazy, I. began to sand the wood. I realize many people never take this step (especially to the degree I did) but we intend to spend the majority of our time on the deck barefooted. Also, I wanted the uneven areas where butt ends meet to be perfectly flush. I started at 40 grit on a Festool rotex sander, and went up to 80 grit. after blowing off all the fresh sawdust, we applied three coats of Sherwin Williams Super Deck with the recommended Sherwin Williams brush. We did not apply the stain in direct mid day sun, and made sure previous coats were plenty dry prior to additional applications. I would also note that while sanding the wood, the dust did not clog up the sand paper. this indicated to me that the wood had enough time to dry out prior to being finished. The deck faces SSW, and is in full sun throughout the bulk of the day.
After spending so much time on prep, with the mindset of doing it right the first time, I cannot express how dissatisfied I am with this product.
Were you able to paint all sides
Stay away from the Superdeck with SW label! It’s not the same product that Duckback has been making for years and which I still purchase through other retailers, such as Ace Hardware and local lumber yards. Buy the product with the Duckback label (leaf on the can..and it does not say “Sherwin Williams”) and you won’t be disappointed. I believe SW, who purchased Duckback, put the Superdeck name onto their Deckscapes line which is tintable. Tintable seems great, but if the finish is awful, who cares how many colors they can make for me! I successfully sanded and stained with the non-SW product a few years ago. The client was extremely happy and had me back two years later for the same process. This time I grabbed the Superdeck with SW label for convenience, otherwise it was the identical product (oil based formula, semi-transparent, stock “redwood” color). The result with the SW labeled product was vastly was INFERIOR. It looked brassy and sat on top of the wood, unlike what I expect from Superdeck: a rich oil that penetrates beautifully into the wood. Same crew. Same deck. I’ve been on a mission to figure out why the difference, and eventually a SW rep told me what’s what. Stick with the Duckback label product sold OUTSIDE of SW. It’s excellent. I’m an 18-yr deck refinishing contractor and it’s our go to.
Is there any guarantee with this product? My deck was power washed prior to application and two years latter it shows all sorts of wear including on the tops of the railings.
Best to check with them but it does not surprise us that it peeled. We see it a lot.
Absolutely horrible product.
10 year warranty I was given. It peeled up in 18 months. I got replacement product from SW at no cost, but cost a fortune to have it redone. Labor is not covered.
There isn’t a product on the market that could guarantee 10 yrs.
I had a different reputable deck company follow the SW rep advice and sanded and reapplied the stain provided. Six months later and it is bubbling and peeling up again in only six months this time and only winter and spring sun. I just had the rep deliver two more gallons. Plan on selling the house soon. Will file a claim with Maryland home improvement commission.
My show it in 6 months super bad paint
One of the franchise deck restoration companies uses the sherwin Williams line of superdeck products and they include a guarantee on chipping, peeling, and fading. The franchise has been around for about 30 years and would seem that if they are giving this. Type of guarantee that they’d have to change it as there would be too many problems with people asking for guarantee type issues either refunds or corrective measures. Could it be that SW has tweaked the ingredients to help on the issues you described ?
SW Super Deck does not chip or peel when done correctly as it is penetrating. It will turn black or fade. No way around that. Of course, the warranty is limited otherwise they would be redoing decks for free every year or two.
No company we know of has been around 30 years. We are in our 27th year of restoring decks and one of the very first.
DeckReady of Reisterstown, MD offered me a 10 year warranty using Superdeck 9600. Labor was excluded after the first year. It peeled up 50% after 18 months. It took them 6 months of me fighting them through BBB and state licensing to get them to give me a few gallons of this horrible product. Had to pay another contractor a fortune to sand and reapply and it still looks awful. Looks like it will be peeling up again in no time.
Don’t buy S.W decks is bad
Used this garbage 2 months ago on a customers deck was fine for 1st 2 months now all the sudden it has started to blister bad under sunlight anyone lmow why i powerwashed an left dry for 3 days b4 i stained it
It’s a crap product. Sherwin williams says it doesn’t do well with strong sun shining on it – called it an extreme condition.
Too much bubbling!! I followed all the instructions but there were way too many unsightly bubbles left on the deck surface.
I have been using this product and its predecessor for 15 years on my porch which wraps around to a deck in the rear. I take my time and prep everything correctly. Two coats as directed. It works well for me. I reapply every 4 years.