This post was updated on February 26, 2024
Sherwin Williams DeckScapes Advanced Waterborne Transparent Stain offers 3 way UV protection for wood by absorbing, blocking, and stabilizing the wood fibers. DeskScapes enhances the natural wood grain while preventing mold and mildew.
Note: We used SW’s DeckScapes in their water-based toner formula for our test and review.
Note: Sherwin-Williams Deckscapes was discontinued in 2016. It was replaced by Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck.
Sherwin Williams DeckScapes Stain Scores (1-10)
Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 5
– Sherwin Williams DeckScapes is a water-based acrylic formula that created a film on top of the wood after drying. The overall appearance of the redwood color was poor and the stain dried unevenly even though it was applied properly.
Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 6
– After 2 years the Sherwin Williams DeckScapes lost about 60% of its original color.
Wear/Tear and Peeling: 4
– The Sherwin Williams DeckScapes did not hold up well on our full sun test deck. After the second Winter, about 60% of the stain had peeled from the floor. This did not happen in just the high traffic areas but throughout the entire deck.
Cost Per Square Foot: 7
– We used 4 gallons of stain for our 400-foot test deck. 2 Coats of the Sherwin Williams DeckScapes was applied. The cost to stain was around $.35 a foot.
Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 9
– The DeckScapes tested very well for preventing mold and mildew. No mold was growing in or on top of the stain. Very small amounts of mold were visible in the wood where the stain had peeled.
Ease of Application: 3
– This stain is not easy to apply. We found that the Deckscapes dried incredibly fast. This made it very difficult to apply the stain as we worried about overlaps. We used a brush and roller with the application and found that the stain did not apply anywhere near the manufacturer coverage rates. We found that the Sherwin Williams DeckScapes closer to 150 feet per gallon.
Color Shifting (darkening) after 2 Years: 8
– Sherwin Williams DeckScapes does not darken in color but fades and peels.
Ease of Reapplication: 4
– Reapplication of the DeckScapes would not be easy. Since the stain had peeled badly you would need to use a heavy stain stripper followed by sanding to remove the stain from the rest of the deck. A light cleaning and re-coat would not work.
Overall Score Defy Extreme Stain at 2 Year Period: 5.75
– We were very disappointed in the Sherwin Williams DeckScapes. Having used SW paints in the past with excellent results, we expected better for their exterior decking stain. The Deckscapes does not apply very well, has a poor appearance when finished and peels.
Buyer Beware!
Sherwin Williams SuperDeck Stain Photos from Consumers
Product Information:
Where To Buy: Sherwin Williams
Cost: $36.99 per Gallon, $180.99 per 5 Gallon Pail
Stain Type: Transparent – Water Based
Available Colors: Natural, Redwood, Cedar
Application Temperature: 40-90 F
Coats Required: 2 Coats
Coverage Per Gallon: 125-150 sq. ft in field tests
Application Tools: Sprayer, Pad, Brush, Roller
Dry Time: 24-48 Hours
Cleanup: Soap and Water
VOC Compliant: 250 Compliant in all States
Manufacturer: Sherwin Williams
Test Deck Stats:
Deck Wood Type: Pressure Treated Pine
Deck Square Footage: 400 Square Feet
UV Exposure: Full Sun, Western Exposure
How Many Years Tested: 2 Years
Stain Color Used: Redwood
*All products tested and results are from our hands-on experience. We offer no guarantee of similar results. Take into consideration that results may differ widely due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.
What is the best wood stain and sealer for wood deck location in direct
sun.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-deck-stain-for-full-sun/
I had my wood deck refinished and stained last year. The company used Sherwin and Williams Superdeck. The deck looks dry and faded this summer, just under a year afterwards. This is from a large painting company in town that’s supposed to be good.
The company says they suggest redoing every year. is this the normal procedure? My husband restained and finished the deck 3 years before it was needed again.
I’m a widow on limited budget and can’t afforded every year,
Would appreciate your thoughts
Every 2-3 years is normal with a high-quality brand. Unfortunately, Super Deck has gone downhill since SW bought them.
Thank you for your speedy response. Much appreciated.
Can I get it in a color by chance
You would have to ask SW.
How soon after the first coat of Sherwin Williams deck scape is applied should the second coat be applied?
It varies based on the type of stain you have from them. Best to read the directions on the containers for this.
Old homeowner used SuperDeck Waterborne Semi-Transparent in 2018 and it looks terrible now. It is peeling and chipping everywhere.
What is the best way to remove it before switching to TWP100?
That is not an easy stain to strip as it sits on top like a solid stain. Strip off as much as you can and then power sand with 60-80 grit paper to remove fully. Use a wood brightener last.
We used Superdeck Solid stain on 32 decks ar our condo in 2017. Many are now pealing and the owners think we used paint. Should we use Superdeck solid stain after we power wash the decks? What precautions should we take to prevent pealing? Would it be better to use a semi-transparent stain?
You would have to powers sand to remove it if you want to use a semi-transparent stain.
Sherwin-Williams Deckscapes was discontinued in 2016. It is not available in any SW store. It was replaced by SuperDeck.
I was at a local SW and they no longer carry the Deckscapes oil based stain that I have used on my pergola any ideas for me?
You will have to use a water-based solid stain now: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
Ok thanks for the information I will be switching to a different brand!
Sherwin-Williams replaced Deckscapes with SuperDeck. Have your stain color made in SuperDeck. It may not be exact because they are going to a different product. Your local SW store can help you with the conversion. SuperDeck comes in oil for transparent and semi-transparent.
I have always used Sherwin Williams paints for years. But for my deck sherwin williams stains is horrible. It peeled, faded and mildew. I will go to Behr in home depot.
Behr is even worse.
Will super deck waterborne formula exterior deck stain freeze
Yes.
I’ve had nothing but success with Deckscapes. Only have to redo every 5-6 years. From the looks of this, most are using an actual stain. The Deckscapes Portibello color we use is phenomenal
I used clear Deckscapes to seal the ceiling of the porch three years ago. No problems, except the wood has aged but the putty used to fill the nail holes has not. so I am looking to paint the entire ceiling. What prp work do I have to do to make sure the paint adheres to the Deckscape?
Just pressure wash should work.
I am building a Pergola. 15’W X 35′ L . 6×6 post, 2×12 girders, 2×10 rafters & 2×2 sun slats.
Instead of building the pergola first and then staining the wood after, i decided it would be more efficient to stain the lumber then build. I purchased the wood and shook it out. pressure washed it and let it cure.
(pressure treated pine #1) Once it was cured i bought SW Woodscapes Advance Waterborne Formula Exterior House Stain. Semi Transparent in the Cedar Mill color. First I tried rolling the product on. Thought it was going well till it started to dry. It looks smooth when wet, but drys will roller lines. So i applied a second coat. This time it dried with spots all over. So i applied a third coat. Wow what a mistake. The stain doesn’t want to adhere to its self and almost pools as if the previous coats are resisting the stain like water. (because it is water based acrylic) Correct me if i am wrong. Now with the third coat it looks like a just painted the wood brown. So I switched tactics, I started to spray the stain with an airless sprayer, 1st coat thin and very runny. 2nd coat looked good going on, but yet again as it dried it looks horrible. spotting and streaking. I am a month behind schedule on this build and I am very unhappy with this “stain” and i put it in quotes because this isn’t a stain. It is pretty much a very thinned out latex paint. There is some penetration on the stain, but very little. Now I am stuck with either finishing the stain or sanding the wood back to bare wood and building the pergola without a stain. If i do this what grit sandpaper should I use? Or is there a faster fix to this issue? My wife wants the wood to be stained, but at this point I am not sure I want to go through with this headache anymore. If I sand the wood back to an almost natural color can I apply a Oil based stain instead? I need a point in the correct direction, and any feedback would be appreciated.
The SW is a poor stain.
You will need to sand to remove. Once removed, use a penetrating stain like the Armstrong Clark or TWP stains.
What grit sand paper should i use?
60-80 grit.
After just one year our deck turned black!! My mother’s deck look the same as ours…black!! It works great on cedar siding, but wouldn’t recommend it for desks!!!
Okay we stained our 5300 sq foot log home with deckscape stain. We have not had the issues with peeling etc but our problem is Sherwin Wms has discontinued the deckscape stain and we can not locate a conversion formula to match the old stain. We have several repairs and our local Sherwin Wms has been trying for weeks to match their stain. Does anyone know if a conversion formula exists for discontinued stains?
You shouldn’t be using deckscapes on your home. Use woodscapes…it’s still available.
Hey Melissa I have a 5 gallon bucket of Deckscape for sell. Send text to 757 907 9567 if interested
The SW product tested here is was a waterborne, mostly transparent stain. The testers acknowledged that they applied the stain to the deck floor via brush and roller which is a 100% rookie/amateur way of application. This product, and all other deck stains should be applied in the shade, the old-fashioned way by 4 inch brush, taking 2-3 (MAX) boards at once, evenly without puddling, all the way across to the end of each board, working backwards out of each corner. When applied this method, it really doesn’t take much more time and will provide a professional appearance that will resist the fading and mildewing which occur quite rapidly with oil-based stains.
So a brush and roller is “rookie” but a brush isn’t? I’m confused. Have you ever tried to brush a solid stain on a floor? Especially some of the new elastomerics?
Terrible product. I would NEVER recommend this product to my worst enemy. From start to finish. We have a $1000 , 2 year old deck that looks 10 years old and we have no idea what to do with it . Stain is pealing everywhere, railing, deck surface…everywhere, not just traffic areas. This is the second summer. We are sick. Short ic tearing it down and down and starting over, we are clueless about his to fix this mess.
Use Benjamim Moore oil .
I’m surprised at all the stories of peeling, bubbling, etc. All of these issues occur with wood that has retained too much moisture prior to staining.
I live in Michigan with harsh winters and the stain did not start to wear down until 3 years. I had exposed wood in a few areas and faded color…but no peeling. After 3 years I think this is normal wear and tear, not a product defect.
I literally just finished my deck with Sherwin Williams stain and ran into all the same issues. Had a nice wood deck and now I have a brown painted deck. Very unhappy with the product, wish I had found this review prior to using it. It looked horrible after one coat and had to use two on everything I did! Waste of money, time and effort. Cannot wait until it starts peeling in 1 year!
Ours took less than 6 months to start peeling to the point of embarrassment, the deck is two years old, looks like 20, it’s actually coming off with the garden hose spray on full force
Pealed after 1 yearof application had to use almost twice as much to cover my deck, and this is not a stain, It’s a deck paint……Now I am stuck with a painted deck, don’t waste your money
Go with Simi transparent for a stain not deep base or solid
Dont go near this stuff. Scuffing and peeling off after 6 months. I did everything as instructed, including deck wash before staining. Does not penetrate the wood at all.
did you use a moisture meter to see if the moisture content was low enough to apply the stain. It does not matter what material you would use if the moisture levels are high. The moisture will push any product up if you have too high of a content
I have a large deck (approx 1,000 square feet) that has been stained with multiple coats of Sherwin Williams Deckscapes solid waterborne stain. The horizontal surfaces are stained gray and are bubbling and peeling. Sherwin Williams has discontinued their Deckscapes product and replaced it with the Superdeck product.
What is the best way to remove the layers of old stain so I can put a fresh coat of stain on the wood?
Do you recommend the Superdeck product? (I expect that I will need to stay with a solid stain in a dark color.)
Thank you.
The only way to remove multiple layers of a solid stain is to sand it all off. If going with another solid stain, there is no reason to sand it all off. Just pressure wash to remove any “loose” stain, leaving the stain that is intact. Apply the new coating over top of this.
So you recommend sanding off the loose stain then pressure washing to remove any loose remnants?
For a pressure treated deck with 5 1/2″ wide boards, do you recommend a floor drum sander or a random orbital floor sander?
Thank you!
Just pressure wash is needed.
I have already pressure washed and I keep finding more sections that lift off. Please see the attached photos. They are all of the same area with a little bit of lifting of loose stain. Power washing just seems to drive more water under the stain causing it to bubble up further.
…not wanting to make this a life-long endeavor…
I appreciate your experienced insights.
MCS
Unfortunately, you have an issue. All that solid stain is not attached to the wood and it needs to come off. Sanding as you mentioned will be required. Use a drum sander for the floors and a belt or orbital for the verticals.
I feel for you. I would be extremely upset. There is peeling, but these are sheets. Good luck. I personally do not line three deskscapes products.coverage sucks on them and not any longevity with this product.
This could be pictures of my deck, color and all. I found pressure washing only peeled more stain so I lightly use a wire brush attached to a handle and then clean with cleaner and a hose. I have used this stain several times since I didn’t want to mix brands or types, but I’ve had enough and this year will try something new. I have wasted enough money and time with this one.
How about updating your research give me a break 2008
Hmm. No reason to be rude. This product label is discontinued and relabeled under the SW Super Deck name. Which by the way, has been updated. Thanks!
OH yeah …when you are out there trying to fix your ruined deck…and you get no help from idiot on the phone the next thing you better do get signed up for a classaction law suit….I don’t care if I never see a dime and it all goes to the lawyer…at least they will have to pay someone.
We used this product on a new deck that we let weather for one year. One year after applying the stain, the full sun floor had 10% peeling. Now after 2 years almost 50% peeled. Don’t know what to do. Will be a lot of work to sand or remove unpeeled stain.