Hi, I’m Scott Paul, a licensed exterior restoration contractor with over 30 years of experience and 10,000+ deck restorations. This review of Sherwin Williams SuperDeck stain is based on my own hands-on field testing, not manufacturer claims. See my full credentials and testing stats here.
Sherwin Williams SuperDeck is the deck stain line sold in every Sherwin Williams store, and in my 2 year field test the semi transparent oil based version scored 6.9 out of 10. It looked good when first applied, but it darkened, grew mildew, and needed a full strip before it could be recoated. Below are my scores, how the rest of the SuperDeck line compares, and the penetrating stains I use on customer decks instead.
- Scored 6.9 out of 10 in my 2 year test of SuperDeck semi transparent oil based on a cedar deck in full sun
- Held about 80% of its color and did not peel, but darkened and grew mildew by year 2
- Recoating requires a full strip, adding about one day of prep
- Coverage tested at about 175 sq ft per gallon, well below the 250 to 350 listed
- The solid color version scored 7.0 but wore through on about half the floor boards in 2 years
- Better alternatives: TWP 100 Series (8.69), Restore-A-Deck (8.63), Armstrong Clark (8.5)
In This Review
Sherwin Williams SuperDeck Stain Rating: 6.9 out of 10
Sherwin Williams SuperDeck semi transparent earned a final score of 6.875, rounded to 6.9, after 2 years on my cedar test deck in full sun. It gives decent short term results, but it falls short of the top penetrating stains on durability, mildew resistance, and how easy it is to recoat.
- Durability: Below average compared to the top brands
- Ease of Application: Moderate, and finicky on dense or smooth wood
- Appearance: Good at first, darkens by year 2
- Maintenance: Higher than penetrating stains because recoating requires stripping
- Best Use: Short term improvement on newer wood
The Sherwin Williams SuperDeck Product Line
Sherwin Williams SuperDeck is a full line of exterior wood finishes, not a single product. It comes in transparent, semi transparent, semi solid, and solid color versions, with both oil based and water based formulas. The more pigment a version carries, the more it acts like a surface film instead of a penetrating stain, and surface films are what peel on deck floors.
Sherwin Williams acquired the SuperDeck brand in 2013, then discontinued its Deckscapes line and folded it into SuperDeck. If you used Deckscapes in the past, SuperDeck semi transparent is the closest current equivalent, though the formulas are not identical. My full test of the old formula is in my Sherwin Williams Deckscapes oil based review.
I have field tested two SuperDeck versions on dedicated test decks. Here is where each stands:
| SuperDeck Version | Field Tested by Me | What I Found |
|---|---|---|
| Semi Transparent (oil based) | Yes, 2 years on cedar | 6.9 out of 10. Did not peel, but darkened and grew mildew. Full strip required to recoat. Reviewed on this page. |
| Solid Color (water based) | Yes, 2 years on pressure treated pine | 7.0 out of 10. Wore through on about half the floor boards by year 2. See my full solid color review. |
| Semi Solid | Not on a test deck | More pigment and more surface film than semi transparent, which raises the peeling risk on horizontal wood. |
| Transparent | Not on a test deck | The least pigment, so the least UV protection. Readers in the comments below report it turning black within a year. |
What Sherwin Williams Claims About SuperDeck Semi Transparent
Sherwin Williams markets SuperDeck semi transparent as a professional grade finish for decks, fences, siding, and outdoor furniture. These are the manufacturer’s claims, not my test results:
- Iron oxide pigments for UV protection
- Tung and linseed oils, which Sherwin Williams says help inhibit mold and mildew
- Carnauba wax for a lustrous sheen with scuff resistance
- Resists tracking and foot traffic patterning
- Tintable to a 63 color palette
My test did not support the mildew claim. Linseed oil is a food source for mildew, and my test deck showed noticeable mildew growth at the 2 year mark.
How I Rated Sherwin Williams SuperDeck Semi Transparent
My Sherwin Williams SuperDeck review uses an 8 step process, with each category scored from 1 to 10. The final score is the average of all eight:
- Appearance after application
- Preventing UV graying
- Peeling or wearing
- Cost per square foot
- Preventing mold and mildew
- Ease of application
- Color shifting
- Ease of reapplication
8 Step Review of Sherwin Williams SuperDeck Semi Transparent
1. Appearance After Initial Application: 7
SuperDeck went onto my cedar test deck in a single coat of the Cedar color. After drying, the finish stayed tacky and uneven for several days before it settled.
2. Preventing UV Graying at the 2 Year Mark: 8
SuperDeck scored well in this category. At 2 years, nearly 80% of the original color was still intact in full sun.
3. Wear, Tear, and Peeling: 8
SuperDeck showed no peeling at 2 years, but it wore in the high traffic areas. My test deck doubles as the main entrance to the home, and the stain was substantially worn off at the entry.
4. Cost Per Square Foot: 7
SuperDeck semi transparent runs about $42.99 per gallon. My 500 square foot cedar deck, plus its railings, used 4 gallons. Counting the railing surface, that works out to about 175 square feet per gallon, well below the 250 to 350 square feet the label claims.
5. Preventing Mold, Mildew, and Algae: 7
SuperDeck showed a noticeable amount of mildew in the finish after 2 years of weathering. The cause is the formula itself. SuperDeck semi transparent contains linseed oil, which mildew feeds on. On top of that, the finish acts as a partial film on the wood surface instead of fully penetrating, and moisture trapped under that film creates ideal conditions for fungal growth. This is a weakness of the product, not a prep or application error.
6. Ease of Application: 6
I applied SuperDeck semi transparent to the entire test deck with a stain brush. It did not penetrate evenly, which left a blotchy finish, and it took two people 8 hours to complete the job.
7. Color Shifting After 2 Years: 6
SuperDeck had noticeably darkened by the 2 year mark, almost as if the finish was attracting dirt. A nearby tree may have added to the problem, but darkening is also the most common complaint I see from SuperDeck users.
8. Ease of Reapplication: 6
Recoating SuperDeck is harder than it should be. Because of the darkening and mildew, the old finish has to be stripped before any new stain goes on.
To remove it, apply a sodium hydroxide deck stain stripper with a pump sprayer, let it dwell 15 to 20 minutes, then pressure wash it off at 1,200 to 1,500 PSI. Follow immediately with a wood brightener to restore the wood’s pH. Skipping the brightener leaves the wood alkaline, which can cause adhesion problems with the next stain. Budget about one full day of prep for an average size deck. My picks for the job are in my best deck stain strippers guide.
Overall Score for SuperDeck Semi Transparent at 2 Years: 6.875
Sherwin Williams SuperDeck let me down most on application and on its appearance at 2 years. A high scoring stain does not darken after two years of weather exposure. Darkening is unsightly, and it turns a simple recoat into a full strip.
Scott’s Verdict
After 30 years staining decks professionally and 2 years testing this product directly, my honest take is that SuperDeck is a paint store stain, not a restoration stain. It works on a brand new deck where appearance is the main goal. If you want a finish you can maintain without a full strip and restain every couple of years, you need a true penetrating formula, and SuperDeck is not that product. For most homeowners, TWP 100 Series or Armstrong Clark will save money and labor over the life of the deck.
Sherwin Williams SuperDeck vs Penetrating Deck Stains
Sherwin Williams SuperDeck sits more on the surface of the wood than a true penetrating stain, and the semi solid and solid versions sit higher still. Penetrating stains soak into the wood fiber, fade evenly, and can be recoated after a simple cleaning.
| Product | Type | DSH Rating | Deck Floor Durability | Recoat Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SuperDeck Semi Transparent | Partial film | 6.9 | 1 to 2 years | Strip required |
| TWP 100 Series (best overall) | Penetrating oil | 8.69 | 2 to 3 years | Clean and recoat |
| Restore-A-Deck Stain (best water based) | Penetrating water based | 8.63 | 2 to 3 years | Clean and recoat |
| Armstrong Clark (best for weathered wood) | Penetrating oil | 8.5 | 2 to 3 years | Clean and recoat |
Ratings from my DeckStainHelp.com 2 year field tests. Durability varies with prep, sun exposure, and wood type. See all my picks in the best deck stain reviews and ratings.
When Sherwin Williams SuperDeck Works Best
- Newer decks in good condition
- Projects where appearance is the main goal
- Short term improvement before a sale or event
When to Avoid SuperDeck
- Older decks with wear or previous coatings
- High traffic decks
- Homeowners who want low maintenance
- Shaded or damp decks prone to mildew
SuperDeck Semi Transparent Product Information
Where to Buy: Sherwin Williams stores, lumber yards, and paint stores
Cost: $42.99 per gallon, $199.99 per 5 gallon pail
Stain Type: Semi transparent, oil based
Available Colors: Cedar, Redwood, Weathered Gray; tintable to 60+ colors
Application Temperature: 40 to 95 F
Coats Required: 1 coat
Coverage Per Gallon: 250 to 350 sq ft listed; about 175 sq ft as tested
Application Tools: Sprayer, pad, brush, or roller
Dry Time: 8 to 24 hours
Cleanup: Mineral spirits
VOC Compliance: 250 VOC, compliant in all 50 states; 100 VOC version for the LA area
Manufacturer: Sherwin Williams
SuperDeck Test Deck Stats
Deck Wood Type: Cedar
Deck Square Footage: 500, plus railings
UV Exposure: Full sun
Years Tested: 2
Stain Color Used: Cedar
*All products tested and results are from my own experience. I offer no guarantee of similar results. Results may differ due to wood type, UV exposure, and natural weathering.
Sherwin Williams SuperDeck FAQ
How long does Sherwin Williams SuperDeck deck stain last?
In my 2 year test, SuperDeck semi transparent kept about 80% of its color in full sun, but it wore through in high traffic areas before the 2 year mark. Plan on recoating a deck floor every 1 to 2 years in full sun. Railings and other vertical surfaces last longer. Top penetrating stains like TWP 100 Series and Armstrong Clark consistently last 2 to 3 years under the same conditions.
Does Sherwin Williams SuperDeck peel?
The semi transparent oil based formula did not peel in my 2 year test, but it darkened and grew mildew, which made recoating without a full strip impossible. The semi solid and solid versions are more likely to peel because they form a thicker surface film on horizontal wood. On a deck floor, peeling is a realistic risk with those versions within 2 years.
Why does Sherwin Williams SuperDeck turn black?
SuperDeck turns dark for two reasons. The linseed oil in the formula feeds mildew, and the finish can stay tacky long enough to hold dirt. In my test it darkened enough to score 6 out of 10 for color shifting, and it is the most common complaint in the comments on this page. Cleaning will not reverse it. The stain has to be stripped, the wood brightened, and a penetrating stain applied.
What replaced Sherwin Williams Deckscapes?
Sherwin Williams discontinued Deckscapes and folded it into the SuperDeck line. SuperDeck semi transparent, the product reviewed on this page, is the closest current equivalent to the old Deckscapes semi transparent. The formulas are not identical, and many contractors who relied on Deckscapes have moved to TWP or Armstrong Clark for more consistent results.
Is Sherwin Williams SuperDeck the same as the original Duckback SuperDeck?
SuperDeck was originally a Duckback product, and Sherwin Williams acquired the brand in 2013. Many longtime users in my comments say the Sherwin Williams version looks milky in the can, sits more on the surface, and is harder to blend than the original. I have not tested the original Duckback formula side by side with the current one, so I cannot confirm exactly what changed. My test results apply to the current Sherwin Williams product.
Is Sherwin Williams SuperDeck oil based or water based?
SuperDeck comes in both. The semi transparent version reviewed here is oil based and cleans up with mineral spirits. The water based versions are VOC compliant in all 50 states and clean up with soap and water. In my experience the oil based formula penetrates better and holds up longer on deck floors, but neither outperforms a dedicated penetrating stain.
Which Sherwin Williams SuperDeck product is best for a deck floor?
If you are set on SuperDeck, the semi transparent oil based version on newer wood in good condition is the lowest risk choice. It scored 6.9 in my test and did not peel. I would not use the solid or semi solid versions on a deck floor. The solid scored 7.0 overall but wore through on about half the floor boards in 2 years, and both versions form a surface film that peels on horizontal wood. A penetrating stain like TWP 100 Series or Armstrong Clark will last longer and recoat without stripping.
How do you remove Sherwin Williams SuperDeck before restaining?
SuperDeck needs a full strip before you apply a new stain, especially if it has darkened or grown mildew. A light cleaning is not enough. Apply a sodium hydroxide deck stripper with a pump sprayer, let it dwell 15 to 20 minutes, and pressure wash it off at 1,200 to 1,500 PSI. Follow with a wood brightener to neutralize the wood’s pH. Plan on one full day of prep before any new stain goes on.
What is a better alternative to Sherwin Williams SuperDeck?
A true penetrating stain will outperform SuperDeck on both durability and long term maintenance cost. My top rated alternatives are TWP 100 Series (8.69, best overall), Restore-A-Deck Stain (8.63, best water based), and Armstrong Clark (8.5, best for older or weathered wood). All three soak into the wood fiber, fade evenly without peeling, and can be recoated after a cleaning instead of a full strip.
Sherwin Williams SuperDeck Stain Photos from Consumers
Best Deck Stain Reviews Video
This video covers my top rated deck stains, including the penetrating alternatives I recommend over SuperDeck.
Have You Used Sherwin Williams SuperDeck?
If you have used Sherwin Williams SuperDeck, leave a comment below with your wood type, the version you used, and how long it held up. Photos help other readers most. I answer questions in the comments as well.
This product looked beautiful when we applied it….however after only 1 winter it’s wearing off!!!!
Everywhere the snow blew on it it wore off. After 8 months we have to re-stain it! It was so expensive.
Find something else!
I’m here to warn you NOT use this stain/ paint.. first of all it peels up and it’s far from a stain and semi transparent . I know it’s water soluble, but it’s clearly paint. I did my deck not once but twice on a brand new deck and it’s only been on there for four months and already peeling and did everything by the book. and read the small print on their warranty!!!! They don’t warrant their product just the value of the paint, which means if this product ruins your deck you’re screwed they’ll pay you just for your stain 🤬 which is ridiculous. I will never use this product or recommend this product to anybody. Hopefully this will help somebody so you won’t go through the hell I did . go to Home Depot and get bear stain….
We agree but Behr is just as bad or worse.
What about Deckover?
Horrible: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/behr-deckover-review-updated/
I have used the db superdeck Heart Redwood and Cedar colors (prior to SW buying them) many times and loved the product. When I could no longer find it, i saw that Sherwin-Williams had “superdeck”, and it appeared that they had bought the company or at least the rights to the product name. Having just used it, I cannot speak to its lasting ability, BUT I can say that it is not the same product. Upon opening the can, it has a milky white appearance, whereas the original db Superdeck product was clear, oil based. The SW products appears to sit on the surface a bit more that the original. They call it “Modified-oil formula.”
My main objection is the application. It is very difficult to blend while applying, and shows overlaps. Although I was extremely careful to get full coverage, many bare spots showed up after it dried. It simply does not ‘flow’ . I had some of the original db superdeck product and I finished the rest of the deck with it. A world of difference. It went on much easier, and gave flawless coverage, and no overlaps.
I will be looking for a new oil-based transparent product.
TWP 1500 series or Armstrong Clark is what you want in teh future.
I followed the application instructions as provided by Sherwin Williams. Our cedar deck had aged for 10 months, was power washed 1 week prior to application, I applied one coat avoiding excess, and had no rain for > 24 hours after application. The initial appearance was great! There was no tackiness within a day and the natural appearance of the cedar came through. However, not even 4 months later, the > 2,000 sq ft deck, railing, posts are now grey to black. I spoke with the manager at SW and he stated Superdeck is a poor product and has a history of doing this. His recommendation – strip it, use a brightener/revive, followed by a higher end stain. I put close to 30 hours in and have at least twice that to completely redo the deck. AVOID this stain at all cost.
We agree it is a crappy stain that is known to turn black after a few months or year. It can be easily stripped with the Restore A Deck Stripper and Brightener Kits.
BTW, we moved your post to the semi-transparent versions as you posted under their solid stain version.
Sealed my new cedar fence with two coats Super Deck clear. Washed off the areas where the sprinkler hits in 6 weeks. Called Sherwin Williams, said I need to apply second coat within the first 2 hours for it not to wash off. I will never buy this product again at $50 gallon.
I have a first generation Trex deck which has faded and become porous. What solid color stain options are available? I know it is not recommended to stain Trex but I am willing to attempt and just wondering what product has the best chance of working.
You don’t want a solid stain; you want a penetrating, semi-solid stain. TWP Semi-solids work great. More info here: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-composite-decks
We used Sherwin-Williams super deck, semi transparent. Riverwood stain for three decks that we have. Within a year they started to crack, peel and fade. I had the company come out that sealed the deck and look at it, and they sent a Sherwin-Williams rep out to see it. His response was normal wear and tear. For a stain listed as three years we barely got one year out of it. I’m very disappointed in the quality of this stain. We’ve used Sherwin-Williams paints for years, but I would never ever recommend the stain. It’s costly, not worth it, you might as well buy the cheap stuff. If all you’re going to get is a year out of it.
Thee contractor guaranteed water based super deck will cover an oil based stain that they couldn’t match. After only 4 months every walk area had worn down to the wood. Now we have rotten boards rusted nail heads and deck boards that will not clean. Is this due to poor application? How does he fix this? He has offered the superdeck 2600.
You should remove it and start over.
Replace the nails/screws that are rusting,
Do you think the super deck 9600 will work? When you say remove it do you mean sand it all and then use the super deck 9600?
Yes, sand or strip. See for tips:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-remove-a-solid-color-deck-stain-or-paint/
There are better solid stains than Super Deck:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
What are your thoughts on Deckover product?
I find that Super Deck works really well when applied appropriately. The weather cannot be hot or cold, the surfaces are best coated when not on direct sunlight, and the prep work can be extensive. There are a lot of trees whose deadfall causes a chemical reaction with Super Deck. Birch is especially bad, leaving the whole surface black if not properly sanded. I sand everything with an orbital sander, and I go hard.
It’s a pain to work with, but when done right, the product delivers.
Not for DIY. Pro’s only.
What do you recommend for a stained sealer on a 100-year-old Log Cabin and also what is % of UVprotection?
Use one of these brands for a log cabin:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Unfortunately, our SW superdeck solid stain product did not actually “stain” the decking but is instead peeling, much like paint, leaving raw, unprotected wood. Sherwin Williams representative came to our house and indicated the “conditions” (sun and sometimes rain) made the product release from the decking. Coincidentally, the stain on our covered deck is also releasing from the decking. The pressure treated decking had been dried for approx 9 mos- 1 yr and pressure washed before product was applied. We will definitely be searching for another deck stain that will actually STAIN the wood but of course, we’ll wait til the SW superdeck has released. Hopefully, we can get stained color on our deck by next year.
You will have to power sand this all off to fix it.
We built a new deck and followed all the directions. This is year two of the stain and it is junk. It is peeling off for no reason in areas that have hardly been used. Every person with this problem deserves a refund…not just someone telling you how to get it off!
Can these products also be used on a cedar fence? If so which would be best on a 15 year old cedar fence that has not been stained or sealed for 7 or 8 years.
Use one of these products in this article and make sure to pre correctly first:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Hi:
I had a new cedar fence installed in September 2021. Sherwin Williams recommended Super Deck Cedar Semi Transparent stain applied at 250~300 Square feet/gal by spray application. Had a reputable painter spray, back roll with a guy coming behind and catching any drips with a bristle brush. Poor penetration and after 3 days or 75 – 80 degree temperature, parts of fence still tacky and splotchy PLUS- MY FENCE WAS YELLOW! Sherwin Customer Service in December told me to wait until Spring (March) and the splotchy sections would have evened out. It is now worse than before. Was told to get with SW store manager for resolution. SM told me to sand and start over. I reminded him of their 100% Customer Satisfaction policy. I was told they (SW) could do nothing more.
So what can I do. The fence cost $36,000.
Does anyone have any ideas???
Thanks,
James-
It needs to come off. Did you use the oil or water-based version of the SW SuperDeck? Post some pics as well for removal help.
The Super deck product is SW modified oil.
Try Restore A Deck Stripper with both additives for removal. Do in sections and let dwell for 30-45 minutes and then pressure wash off: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
The RAD Brightener after fully stripped. Stain with a better brand that actually soaks in and works:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Given the price per gallon of Super Deck exterior stain, when will samples be available in Sherwin Williams stores?
I cannot justify spending $50/60 for a gallon of stain that ends up different than what was previously stained.
You would actually make money selling samples,
We do not make Super Deck or work for Sherwin Williams so no idea. Super Deck has numerous issues as well. We would not suggest it.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/sherwin-williams-superdeck-stain-review/
your article talks of the semi transparent which i had on my deck and it beaded (but I had a milky appearance problem and was suggested to use SOLID instead of semi transparent…the SOLID does NOT bead…is this your experience with the SOLID..water just lays on top or puddles…thanks for any help tim draper
That is normal. The need to bead water is a misconception.
I have composite deck that stain and I would like to change the color also. Will superdeck do the job?
No, look at the TWP Semi-solid. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-composite-decks/
I believe super Deck should rate higher on the initial application after staining, the first category mentioned here. I just finished a deck with semi-transparent cedar color and my first and only coat is, and looks extremely even. Maybe for whoever wrote this review the prep job on the deck was not up to par. I spent a fair time sanding the surface down so there were no rough places to irritate the feet and it was well scuffed for Superior product adhesion.
Also, a side note, it rained within 12 hours of application and it looked funny after I used a blower to remove the standing water. But once the deck fully dried it looked smooth, even, and fantastic. I would recommend super Deck to all my customers. I particularly like the waterborne products. They’re extremely gentle on nearby vegetation, easy to work with, easy to clean and far more forgiving than an oil-based stain. It’s easier to put on evenly and it shows very little overlap marks where you let it dry as you were applying it.
Let me be clear, there may be better oil products out there, I haven’t tried everything. I would highly recommend the waterborne stain. That stuff is fantastic. Some people may say that it peels after a couple of years and they don’t like that but that can be removed pretty easily and I’ve seen oil products peel as well. There’s no reason not to go with a waterborne. And remember, and always helps to properly prepare your deck for staining.
Less than 1 year after application & following all the instructions, the product literally pealed off in sheets. The absolute worst product I ever purchased. I bought 7 gallons for the job. The SW rep came to the house & said “I” need strip it all & redo with another product. I won’t be using SW products again. Their was a class action lawsuit on this product because of its failure to perform. I have received no compensation for the cost of the product nor all the effort for preparation & application.
I have been using Superdeck Cedar #2001 and now find out that is is no longer available. Any suggestions for an equivalent from Sherwin Williams or other?
Sorry but no.
3 years and we have scrubbed and scrubbed…now repainting. This product does not hold color and gets so dirty. Won’t ever use again…
Switch to waterborne. I posted a couple comments about this but the waterborne product is fantastic and incredibly easy to work with as well as far less harmful to the vegetation around your project. I’m assuming it’s far less harmful to the environment in general being waterborne. It seems to hold up pretty well and repels water extremely well even shortly after being applied. I just did a fairly large deck and it rained within 12 hours probably less and it pulled up on top, I blew it off with a blower and my finish still looked fantastic. Don’t worry about what other people say about waterborne products, they’re pretty good and I will recommend them any day of the week to all of my customers.
I have twice used the oil based Semi transparent Super Deck in Coastal Gray with very good results. But now I’ve been trying to buy it again with no luck. How can I get it in Puerto Rico? Please, answer me.
We do not live there so we have no idea as to how to get it in PR.
Thanks.
You can not get the oil based stain any longer because stinking CA says so.
we were fortunate enough to have found the last 5 gal can at a hardware store nearby.
will be looking for a new brand someday.
Superdeck was my favorite stain for years. But no more
You can still get an oil-based stain in CA, it just has to be compliant with the VOC laws there.
My deck was stain 2 – 3 years ago with Sherwin Williams Semi Transparent oil based stain. There was not enough gray color and painter said I had to wait 18 mo for next coat…. ?
Now I am staining again, can I switch brands to another oil based and just use cleaner and brightener?
I think I have to strip.
You will have to remove all first.
I bought Sherwin-Williams Superdeck since it was so highly rated. After less than 5 months the cedar wood is turning black with mold. I spent weeks completely stripping the wood so there was no old stain showing. We even added extra mold and mildew inhibitors. I am super disappointed with Superdeck and will never use this product again
You shouldn’t spend weeks removing any product from anything. I would recommend power washing, using a removal product and sanding. Of course use power tools, don’t waste your time sanding by hand. Use a nice heavy grit, like 60 for your sandpaper. Get in there and tear it up. Even that rough grit will leave a deck nice and smooth and ready to accept a coat of your alternative product.
Is the SW Superdeck the same as Duck Superdeck?
Sort of. The added some lines and then kept one the same.
Terrible Product. I did my whole log house using the log house superdeck stain. In 3 years my whole house is black. Hzve to sand and do it all again. DONT USE IT!!!!!!!
What is the top 3 choices?
See this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
I applied the Sherwin Williams Superdeck Transparent to a newly installed cedar deck last fall. The “Transparent” color was darker that I anticipated once the entire 600 Sq Ft deck was complete. The deck is in full sunlight. After 9 months, the deck was very dirty and oily with deck color changing to BLACK. The color was so black I could not see the nice cedar grain. How disappointing !!! Washing the deck removed loose dirt but did not remove the black color. I am extremely disappointed in this product. I am in the process of hand scrubbing the deck and removing the Sherwin Williams product for a more reliable product that is clear when applied.
I will NOT be recommending this product to anyone as it is not worth the money. I always have stood behind using Sherwin Williams, but not in this case. If I could get a refund I would request one.
what is the best wood stain with non slip mixed in with it
You would need a deck resurface type coating like this link if you want anti-slip. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/gulf-synthetics-deck-revive-review-2015/
It will not work other stain types.
Just recently stained a deck that has never been stained. After letting stain sit for three days noticed that the tint of the stain was sitting on the surface and did not soak into the wood the color was SuperDeck birch white and mountain ash the deck was pressure washed and let sit for 2 days to insure drying before applying stain it is a semi transparent stain. Applied in 50 degree weather no rain or high moisture. Why is the tint sitting on the surface when all conditions were within the perimeters recommended by this company. Also tested on a new piece of wood that was stained inside with 76 degrees temp and still had the same issue
We have had issues with the Super Deck not curing correctly like this and is when of the reasons it will turn black shortly as well. It stays sticky and attracts dirt, etc.
It is why we will not use it on our customers’ decks and do not recommend it.
Horrible product. Failure in less than a year.
I have been using Superdeck for 21 years here at 9,000′ elevation in Colorado. On my rough sawn siding there are still sides of the house that have not been re-treated since 1997 and still look good. On redwood decks, nothing will last more than 2 years in our harsh UV conditions but Superdeck holds up pretty decent and soaks in deep for a good penetrating seal. When reading about “peeling” I can’t even picture how this could happen unless the wood wasn’t prepped right and the product was just applied over an existing finish.
We followed all directions and applied SuperDeck to our covered porches. Within a month there were signs of peeling. The product did not soak into the wood at all. In less than 2 years significant amounts of the product had peeled off. Again, this is not a high traffic area, and is protected from direct exposure to elements.
DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT!!!!
This was an expensive disappointing experience. We used the superdeck semitransparent stain for our beautiful clear cedar fence boards. I’ve painted decks, ceilings, walls, and refinished furniture for years and I’ve never had such a horrible experience! I read the instructions; we did a test board and it was a little more orange than expected, but we were okay with it and figured it would lighten in time. BUT after painting 35 boards under cloudy skies, we noticed there were brush streaks and the stain was not absorbing well. I tried to even out the stain but it made it worse! Thought perhaps a second coat would help so left the boards to dry overnight. Very discouraged in the morning to see how awful the boards looked. We decided to take a finished and unfinished board to Sherwin Williams to chat with the professionals about what to do…. The only option was to use a stain remover which they offered to give us at no charge and revive it…then restain. Needless to say the time it will take to refinish is unrealistic for something that will likely not turn out the way we want and we still have more boards to match…they will never match! We are out the cost of the cedar boards and labour…..DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT
I have used superdeck cedar transparent stain for a few decks and am very happy with the results and durability. surpised to see the negative results and comments.
After initial application, how long should the product last before it needs reapplied?
Maybe a year or two with the SW Super Deck.
Sherwin Williams won’t stand behind this product. They say no guarantees.
I used Jo-Max stripper followed by Olympia Deck Wash and Brightener, sanded, applied first coat of Cabot Gold (Sunlit Walnut) with 5″ brush, sanded again, then applied 2nd coat of Cabot’s with 5″ brush. About 19 hours start to finish (including board replacement). The results speak for themselves.
Looks really good but… a filming coating like this that leaves a shine may blister and peel within a year in most cases. Hope it doesn’t because it will be a pain to fix. 🙁
Yeah, I’ve thought about that. Although, when reading through reviews for Cabot Gold, I didn’t find anybody that had that particular issue. If it happens, I’ll deal with it, and then go with a more basic stain. The wife liked the shiny stuff, so that’s what I went with… 😆 😆
Well it does look good!
Thanks! I appreciate it.
A year later and I can honestly say there’s been no issues with blistering or peeling. However, it has faded a bit and lost the shine, and I’ve noticed the reappearance of some algae but nothing major. All in all, the deck still looks FAR better than it did before the stain. Cabot Gold, when applied properly, absolutely delivers.
I also now have black mold on or in surface. Don’t recommend, too much maintenance! Wish I had gone with another brand…
Still sticky after 3 months.
Full of mold.
Wish I hadn’t used it.
Terrible
I used Super Deck and had extreme peeling. Even after power washing, Sherwin-Williams stripping products and some sanding, some decking is ok but boards that had not peeled are now peeling; I need to do something with my huge deck but, short of replacing everything, what can I do?
Try to sand with a power or drum sander.
Used Super Deck for two different customers. Mildew came through a few weeks later. Local Sherman Williams dealer (40291) blew me off when I asked about the mildew.
Was meticulous in preparation and waited for optimum application conditions. Within 1 year needed reapplication. Wore as if it were paint rather than stain. Will reuse same product, but if I had enough time to remove entirely, would use a different product.
I haven’t had any problems with this product, My opinion is most people don’t properly prep a deck before you stain it. Remove any mold from the wood before you stain, otherwise you will just seal it in and it will grow and mold will grow on top of any stain given the right conditions.
I agree with Mark. We have used it many times without problems. If you don’t remove and treat the mold before you stain it will grow right back regardless of the coating you use.
I used this product last year and within 4 hours of application the paint was bubbled. It was a perfect day about 65 and what a terrible outcome. The paint within 2 days was abled to be peeled back like a banana.
terrible ,I would not reccommend this product.
My new cedar deck was stained using SuperDeck; within a two months a black mold was a serious problem and I’ve had to clean several times. Even though I have enough SuperDeck to restain I’m looking for an alternate better product to go with. I don’t recommend this product.
I bought this stain from my Sherwin Williams store last year. Why has it turned black in 1 years time?
Super Deck has a tendency to turn black. We quit using it years ago because of this. Strip and brighten the wood to remove the coating with a Restore A Deck Stripper Kit. Stain with TWP or Defy Extreme. Neither will turn black.
Can you use this on an old composite deck?
Probably not but best to ask manufacturer.