This post was updated on January 15, 2025
PG Proluxe (Sikkens SRD) Wood Stain Review 2025
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In 2017, PPG transitioned the name of Sikkens branded products for exterior wood to PPG ProLuxe in North America. While the name and packaging have been updated, the PPG ProLuxe product line continues to feature the same trusted Sikkens ProLuxe formulas you’ve relied on for years.
If you’ve used PPG ProLuxe or have any questions about the product line, feel free to reach out or leave a comment—we’re here to help!
Sikkens PPG ProLuxe Cetol SRD Deck Stain Review
PPG Proluxe (Sikkens) Cetol SRD (Siding Railings Deck) is a high solid 1 coat wood and decking stain. The SRD offers 3-way protection for your exterior wood. Protection from water damage, UV radiation, and Mold. Sikkens SRD penetrates deep into the wood and does not film on top of the wood.
Containing Translucent Iron Oxide Pigments, PPG Proluxe (Sikkens) SRD can be used on all unfinished exterior wood.
Sikkens PPG Proluxe SRD Wood Stain Rating (1-10)
Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 9
– The PPG Proluxe (Sikkens) SRD displayed a very nice natural cedar color to the pine dock. We were pleased with the penetration into the wood. Much better than other PPG Proluxe stains that filmed on top of the wood like a varnish.
Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 6
– At the 2-year mark, Sikkens PPG Proluxe Cetol SRD lost a lot of color after 24 months of full sun exposure. The stain that was left on the dock had either deteriorated away or darkened in color.
Wear/Tear and Peeling: 7
– The Sikkens SRD exhibited bare spots on 30% of the flooring surface after 2 years. The dock exhibited a wear pattern down the middle of the walkway.
Cost Per Square Foot: 8
– The SRD is priced at $45 a gallon. Coverage per gallon was closer to 200 feet per gallon. We used 6+ gallons for the 1200 sq. feet. This equals $.23 a foot.
Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 5
– After 2 years we noticed a lot of black mold growing on the dock. On inspection, we noticed that the mold was embedded into the stain that was still left on the dock. About 40% of the SRD had this problem.
Ease of Application: 6
– We were not pleased with the application process. PPG Proluxe (Sikkens) suggests brushing the SRD into the wood. We took their advice and use a Wooster Stain Brush. It took close to 8 hours to apply the stain this way. We had many issues with the SRD dripping into the water below the dock creating an oily haze to the water.
Color Shifting (darkening) after 2 Years: 5
– Very poor. The high solids of the SRD stain darkened significantly. The original golden cedar color had turned a dark brown. The addition of the mold made the leftover stain look almost black in color.
Difficulty of Reapplication: 6
– A full stripping of the SRD would be needed. This will ensure that the reapplication of a new stain will achieve even color and proper penetration into the wood. Failure to remove/strip will result in the stain darkening even more (where the stain is left) and very light in the bare areas.
Overall Score PPG Proluxe (Sikkens) SRD at 2 Year Period: 6.5
Sikkens Stain Review: A Disappointing Experience
Akzo Nobel/PPG is one of the largest stain manufacturers globally, with Sikkens standing as one of their most well-known and widely used brands. Given their reputation, we had high hopes for their signature stain, but unfortunately, the results fell short of expectations.
Our Concerns with Sikkens Stain
- Color Darkening: One of the biggest drawbacks we observed was how significantly the stain darkened over time. This not only detracts from the wood’s natural appearance but also makes future maintenance and reapplications far more challenging.
- Disappointing Performance: While Sikkens is often praised for its initial look, the long-term performance didn’t meet the standards we expected from a brand of this caliber.
While Sikkens remains popular among many, our experience highlights some key issues that may be worth considering before committing to this product.
Have you used Sikkens Stain? We’d love to hear about your experience. Leave a comment below and let us know how it performed for your project.
Product Information:
Where To Buy: Commercial Retail Stores
Cost: $59.99 per Gallon, $289.99 per 5 Gallon Pail
Stain Type: Semi-Transparent Oil-Based
Available Colors: 60 Colors
Application Temperature: 50-95 F
Coats Required: 1 Coat
Coverage Per Gallon: 200-300 sq. ft
Application Tools: Pad, Brush, Roller
Dry Time: 6-25 Hours
Cleanup: Mineral Spirits
VOC Compliant: 250 Compliant in All 50 States
Manufacturer: PPG ProLuxe
Test Deck Stats:
Deck Wood Type: Pine Boat Dock
Deck Square Footage: 1200
UV Exposure: Full Sun
How Many Years Tested: 2 Years
Stain Color Used: Natural Cedar
*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.
I agree with the lower score for sikkens, we used the 1 and 23 product. All around I would give it 1 star. Over an 8 year period we have sanded to bare wood at least 5 times. Every time we believed the product would be better this time. every time has been a terrible disappointment with product peeling and mold invading the cedar wood. You would think we would have learned sooner however this is the recommended product from all the suppliers locally. Well no more sikkens for me, i have used a simpler product that doesn’t have so many parts. I dont know how this product ever received such support from all hardware stores and paint stores.
I live in New Brunswick, Canada. In 2008 we had some major renos done on our home. One of those was a 100′ long veranda or porch which wrapped around 3 sides of the front portion of our home. This decking material is New Brunswick cedar which I sanded with 120 grit paper, (huge job…) and we finished it with the original Sikkens, the good stuff. The veranda and the 3 sets of steps looked beautiful. We applied two coats of Sikkens. It took several days to dry before the second coat was applied. Then several years later we resurfaced our deck with cedar. This cedar, like our veranda cedar was dry and also sanded with the 120 grit. When I went to purchase the Sikkens I was told it was discontinued but was replaced with a water based product, which I was told was exactly the same as the ‘good’ stuff. Well it was terrible. The following year it was peeling off. Then I had to scrape and sand the 22′ x 13′ deck and reapply. The next year the result was similar. I went back to the dealer and the guy told me I was in luck as Sikkens realised they screwed up and brought back the oil based product. I bought the stuff and decided to sand the deck yet again, along with the 3 sets of steps and reapplied with the ‘new and improved’ version, which is SIK250077C, cedar 077. It is a matt finish as that is what I have used since 2008. The problem now is this stuff does not have the same finish as the original stuff. So, all the refinishing I did last year now has to be scrubbed somehow as it is dark and dirty. While doing the refinish job last year, I also refinished all the outer cedar boards on my large veranda, so now all that will have to be scrubbed. I am not a happy camper. And I will not use a power washer on my cedar so it will have to be manual labour. Does anyone know of a product I can use to wash the cedar?
I have a 12X 16 pressure treated deck that’s going on 20+ years old and I took care of the deck – cleaning and using the original formula SIkkens Cetol SRD ( I think that was the name but I could no longer get the original formula in MA the past few years). I used the replacement product by SIkkens for the last couple applications (now PPG) but it’s been awful. The deck became sticky in some spots after application and it doesn’t last. The pressure treated wood is drying out much faster than it used to do. It’s a south facing deck – full sun all year and I have to look at restaining it again this summer when I did it in the Fall of 2019. It was a rich redwood coloring but now looks dirty brownish red because of the lame replacement “Healthy” product I had to buy. Please help recommend a product I can purchase in MA to help reclaim my once proud deck.
Your first issue is removing the Sikkens. Post some pictures for prep help with this.
Thank you – Here are a few pics – there is some pollen on deck and furniture/grill, but the flat dull coloring and dried out wood still comes through.
Once removed, use the TWP 1500 Series or Armstrong Clark Stains. Use the RAD stripper for prep with both additives. Brightener after: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
I need to find a finish for my western red cedar siding (T&G), I’m not sure which one to choose between SRD and Log and siding. I get the satin finish on log house, but I’m not sure it would look nice on tongue and groove siding, and again from what I read Log and siding seems to be more durable.
Use a penetrating semi-transparent stain. There are much better options than the PPG Proluxe:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews/
I have been using Sikken natural teak stain and clear sealer for my sailboat for last 8 years. Are these two [products still sold by Proluxe (Sikken) ?
Not sure if the same formula is still being sold.
I used the Sikkens SRD stain/sealer on several redwood projects (exterior furniture) I built 2 years ago. The sales pitch was that 1 coat would provide 5 years protection from the elements. Unfortunately it did not hold up, and I just refinished everything with 2 coats of a Spar Urethane product sold by Rustoleum.
I would rate this at ** 2 stars at most.
Your spar urethane will blister and peel. It cannot be used on outside wood.
OK, Scott, what do you use for exterior wood?
Hello. We used Sikkens Cetol SRD RE on our deck. We know this is a one time application but if we wanted to do a second coat could we wait approx 30 days, lightly pole sand and apply second coat?
Sorry, but you would have to ask Sikkens directly. We stopped using their products due to issues many years ago.
trying to send rebate in for stain having trouble with it not accepting upc .we have 4gal cans
Why are you asking us about rebates? We are not Sikkens or PPG.
I have used sikkens cetol srd redwood stain for years to stain and maintain my redwood deck, it is no longer available. Is there another product to use and what prep is required
You cannot apply anything over it so it will need to be removed. Post some pics of the deck so we can offer some help with that.
Best recommendation for exterior stain on Douglas fir
See here: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Try the Restore A Deck Stain or Armstrong Clark Stains.
We put a new outside porch fir flooring and used sickens proLux stain. After this winter flooring turned black in a lot of places. Do we have to sand it down and put restore a deck stain on top of sickens? So disappointed 😢
Hi I applied PPG prolix 079 the product did not cure completely. Any ideas on how I can fix this?
Remove all and start over if it does not cure within a week or so.
We have used the original sikkens deck stain for many years. Loved it. But when changed to Pro Deluxe it’s horrible. The formula definitely changed. So very very disappointing. Never ever will I use again.
Yes, used to be decent, but not anymore.