This post was updated on February 28, 2024
PG Proluxe (Sikkens SRD) Wood Stain Review 2024
Here at DeckStainHelp.com, we have worked hard over the years to become your trusted reference for deck stain reviews and information. In 2017 PPG changed and transitioned the name of Sikkens branded products for exterior wood to PPG ProLuxe for North America. The PPG ProLuxe product line will contain all of the same Sikkens ProLuxe products and formulas, but will now showcase the updated PPG ProLuxe name and new packaging.
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
– Akzo Nobel/PPG is one of the largest stain manufacturers in the world with Sikkens being the most popular. We hoped that their signature stain would perform better but we were very disappointed with the final results. We are not fans of stains that darken significantly in color. This makes future maintenance much more difficult to perform.
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. Take into consideration that results may differ due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.
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/
Looking for information on the fire rating for this product if you could be of any help
Sorry but no idea.
I live by the ocean. The deck is brand new. It is wet due moisture from the ocean. What type of
Which stain is recommended and do yo recommend a sealer afterwords. I like the natural wood color. The speck is of redwood
See here about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Can Proluxe Log and Siding be added over Proluxe SRD?
Not sure. Best to ask PPG.
What is best stain for refinishing a mahogany deck? And I need a solid color or semi solid color product.
Solid colors will not work well on Mahogany wood. Try a semi-solid like the TWP: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series-wood-and-deck-stain-review/
I have a deck that is south exposure that I treated with PPG Proluxe natural cedar 3 years ago and it looks terrible now. What can I do to make it look good?
Reply back in comments with some pictures for prep help.
Treated with Proluxe natural cedar now what can I do to make it look good again
Use the RAD stripper for prep with both additives. Sand any stubborn areas that do not strip. Brightener after:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
What is a good stripper for Sikkens ProLuxe Cetol SRD (translucent matte wood finish)?
Pictures, please of the deck.
West facing deck pictures.
The deck is WRC, west facing in the Seattle area.
This a second story cedar deck with a western exposure.
RAD Stripper with both additives: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
I spent 2.5 days sanding my 350 sq. Ft. cedar covered porch down to the bare wood. Applied Siko Proluxe SRD Re wood finish as instructed by dealer. Nice day, low humidity, no rain. 15 days later it is still tacky all over, dirt and leaves sticking to it. I don’t know how to get it to dry?
can anyone recommend a solution? Horrible product as now I’ve got a mess. Used a Para product previously which lasted for 13 years but is now unavailable.
You will need to remove and start over with a better stain that actually cures fully.
Unfortunately you over applied the product. I’m not sure what method you used, but I always back-brush starting at one end of the board to the other. You only want to put down as much stain as the wood will accept. Then by back-brushing you help force the product in, even out the pigment and remove any excess stain ( pools or puddling). You can try to wipe some lacquer thinner to remove the shinny spots but for the best results you’ll probably have to start all over by removing the existing stain. Good luck.
I have been using Sikkens srd on my deck for 20 years. They discontinued the redwood color that I love. I just recently sanded the whole deck and railings for a new application. Would the teak color match the redwood better than the mahogany? Is there a better stain that would match the old Sikkens srd redwood color. Would like to stay with a semi transparent stain. Deck is in midwest with full sun most of the day in summer and lots of snow in winter.
Use TWP 1500 Series or Armstrong Clark. Both are much better products than the Sikkens.
Same situation for me see #089 redwood discontinued and not sure mahogany would color match good.
What option did you opt for
Do you need to varnish after applying
You can never apply a varnish on a deck or over a deck stain. It will blister and peel.
How do you know that wood is dry enough
How is sickens proluxe cetol srd different from sikkens proluxe srd
Same.
I was told Sikkens deck stain was outlawed in nh now. I just want to stain over the sikkens caoba (mahogany) stain I had used previously several years ago. What can I use now over the old stain. I replaced a few pressure treated boards that were splitting. Need to restain deck as due. Same color .
You will need to remove all previous coating and start over with a new stain brand at this point.
I wanted to let you know that I used Sikkens Cetol 1 and Sikkens Cetol 23 Plus before the product went to PPG. I used it on an outdoor swing on my patio at the beach in southern California near the water and It looks great. It is almost a year now that I have used it and I love love love it. It looks great, not that hard to apply except for the way the swing was made there were many narrow spaces. However, I am very pleased with the results. I grew up on the east coast in a boating community where this was used on boats.
Can I restain with Sikken’s Deck Stain on top of another Stain product that has failed and is coming off?
No, the old coating has to come off first.
What is hte best product to use on old barns (1905 redwood). since i have owned it the last 20 years, i have applied “oil based semi solid stain” to both penetrate the wood to lengthen its life and to match the original ranch ‘green”. Since i live in California , everything seems to be reformulated for VOC emissions. the last product ‘floated’ on the surface, yellowed and also got very moldy.
Any woods of advice?
and btw,…. i am not looking for picture perfect finish and with 4 40ft silos, 3 barns and more, i am looking for some economy yet preserve this old old ranch. (at least for california its old)
You have to remove all the current coating to fix this correctly. Do you have pictures?
I have a 5 year old cedar deck. Used sikkens cetrol SRD. I am not happy with the dull dirty look. Any recommendations?
Strip it all off, brighten the wood, stain with one of these top brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews-2020/
We also have a deck treated with sikkens, just 2 years old and looks like crap!! So disappointed. Expected to get more for the money it cost!😡😔
I agree, I did my deck carefully last year and it looks awful
Same bad experience here. Less than 2 years old and, as the review mentions, the deck is almost black with mildew embedded in the stain. Will need to strip and find a new brand. This bad experience (and expense) makes me wish I had paid extra for composite decking.
We have used Sikken in both clear and pigmented applications. Overall, it’s a great product. However, we have experienced shiny flashing in areas even after drying. These areas flashes even in field areas where there is no overlapping of material. What causes this and how can it be remedied?
We have used Sikkens SRD in clear and pigmented colors. Overall it looks great except for shiny streaks. They mostly flatten out after drying but a few remain after fully dried. What causes this and how can it be remedied?
It was over-applied. Not an easy way to fix.
I just sanded down to bare wood and put the first coat of Mahogany Cetol Dek. It has no sheen at all. I am going to do the 2nd coat in the next couple days. Do I need to do any light sanding or scuffing before applying the required 2nd coat? And will it be shiny like furniture, just like the first time I did it many years ago? I have a feeling that they changed the product and it will not look like the first time, which was gorgeous. Thank you, Bob.
It is not supposed to be shiny, that means it will be prone to peeling. As for another coat, just follow their directions.
I own a log sided cabin in the N.C. mountains. Many years ago I had it stained with Sikkens and it was brushed on. I was disappointed at the short time that the stain held up. The deck and house is in bad shape now and I would like to know what to use for stain. I will pick a color for the house and the deck will be clear. Thanks!
Try TWP 1500 Series for this.
It says can be purchased at Walmart or Home Depot and we can not find the Sikkens product we have been using it for over 25 years why can’t we find it. We are in desperate need. Please help us out. 570-604-8808 Ken noll
Go to the Sikkens website for help locating.
It is now PPG. Sikkens was sold. The product is not the same
My parents went with the recommendation from the hardware store to use water base stains
It didn’t last long so they pressure washed it off.
Can they apply your oil based stain overtop once the deck is stripped?
If it is fully removed, then yes.
Re the suggestion for the mistake I made using plastic wood and then stained w Sikkens Cetol SRD #078. Here are pictures of before and after.
Filler cannot be stained to match with exterior deck stains.
Any suggestion on a Sikkens deck stain/covering that will cover a “ mistake” I made by filling cracks with plastic wood that went on in a cream-like color and turned a bronze-like coloring after I applied Sikkend Cetol SRD 078 (natural)? Willing to try a different color to completely cover the bronze-like repair work.
Hi,
I have been using Sikken cetol 1 and cetol 23 over many years, exterior of the house and garage. I was just amaze by the quality of that stuff. Recently after some years I bought again that product now own by Sico. They have change the formula. They add now, for whatever reason, linseed oïl in it. The smell is vivid. Linseed oïl ( boiled) will take month if not year to dry. Cannot be use on surface that will be touch. Siding of house I guess would still be ok. I went in a lot of of trouble because of that everlasting stickiness.
Beware
Joel Chabot
Canada
We have pro luxe cetol srd re, multi use translucent exterior wood finish on our deck, not sure how old it is as we just purchased the house. It’s peeling badly. Do I have to sand or can I just put on a new coat
You will need to remove and start over. You cannot fix the issue by adding more on top.
The order of the pictures changed on my previous post. The lighter one is after sanding.
Good Morning, I have a home in NJ, built in 1960, that has “California Redwood” siding that we have sanded down to its original state, The first 2 pictures below show before sanding and the 3rd shows after sanding. Can you recommend the best Semi Transparent stain to apply that will highlight this wood as well as protect it from UV rays?
TWP 1500 or Armstrong Clark stain.
We are going on the 12 month mark of our cedar deck with sikkens stain. The deck has lost the luster it had. Can you put an oil on it to bring back that deep rich look?
No. You would have to fully redo.
Two years ago we used sico premium deck wood finish stain in cedar color. I bought the same stain in natural color. The sales rep told me this would be better to recoat but from what I’m reading it looks like we should take off the old first. If we didn’t, would it change the color? It’s so expensive that I’m not sure I even want to use it from the reviews. We have a huge deck so…. thanks in advance.
You should remove it and start over if going in lighter in color.
Thanks
Contractor highly recommended Sikkens Cetol SRD RE and applied it to my deck last summer. Judging by these reviews, that was a mistake. I’d like apply a different product this summer. Some of the info and comments are contradictory.
1- Do I need to strip or just clean the deck before applying a different product?
2- What type of product can be applied over the sikkens? Oil vs water based?
Cheers from up North
1. For the best results, you have to remove the current stain if switching brands. Strip and or sand.
2. It has to be removed. Nothing can go over it and work correctly.
Thanks. If staying with the Sikkens, do I just need to clean and reapply another coat?
Yes, that would be correct.
Hi I have 5 gals of Sikken cetol 23 left over and I would like to use it on my bunk house that has been stripped. I do not have any of the Sikken cetol 1 base coat. I know the formula has changed. What could I use for a base coat that would be compatible with the cetol23. I live in MN.
Sorry but there is not anything you can use that is compatible with the old formula.
Hi,
It is quite a while but read this. I have many time dilute cetol 23 with a mineral spirit or turpentime to act as cetol 1. Over the last 30 years I have done this for a big garage an all the siding of my house. It has never peel or fade. Now I am using cetol maintenance to keep and protec from uv. Cetol 1 is in fact a dilute version of cetol 23 to be able to penetrate more in the wood before the thickier coat.
Joel Chabot
Canada
Can Sekkens deck stain be used after a water base deck stain has been used.
No.
Stained the deck today and there was no signs of rain,now it rained, what will happen?
Hard to say if anything will be wrong until it fully dries from the rain.
I applied the stain to my deck last weekend. Wasn’t supposed to rain, but it did approximately 6 hours after application. One week of dry weather later the deck is tacky to the touch with some spots almost back to bare wood. Do I need to strip it all of and start over or can I just recoat it?
You would have to strip it. Recoating will not fix the issue.
Where can I buy Sikkens deck stain in Winnipeg, Manitoba?
No idea. Check with them.
Windsor Plywood carries Sikkens products
PPG Cetal Mahogony stain not drying ???
Most likley due to over application. I would suggest calling them for help.
can silkens stain be used on hardiplank sliding?
I do not think so.
The original Akzo Nobel Sikkens two coat process seems to have disappeared. Our experience on a cedar home was that it lasted very well – house built in 2008, no restaining needed until last year.. A victim of the VOC regulatory changes, perhaps?
Yes, they changed their formulas to deal with VOC changes and costs.
Can you spray the proluxe or should it be rolled on?
Either.
I have a decking which is coated with Sadolin Deck Stain, Some boards need replacing. Others are OK. Can I use a Sikkens product to paint over the existing Sadolin on the remaining boards and the new boards or should I use Sadolin on the new areas. Ideally I wanted a dark grey or a walnut shade. I have Sadolin teak at the moment.
You need to remove when switching brands of semi-transparent stains. You cannot cover it over with the Sikkens unless the Sikkens is a solid color stain.
Thanks
We have a log cabin that we built about 20 years ago. We used the Sikkens products on the entire inside and outside and parts of it have with held the test of time. More exposed areas rotted. We were pleased with the natural Satin look it gave. We recently had all the railings redone and used Sikkens one coat process. We were told it just needed one coat and the quote was based on this….it looks nothing like the previous cabin. It is Not smooth; no satin finish and does not look finished. Colour is OK. However, because we were told it was a 1 step process that is what was quoted…now there is a dispute as we are not happy with the look. It is rough and does not look finished. Why are you advertising a one step process; when I don’t think it is. How do we continue and get the Satin look. Thank you
This is an independent review site and not affiliated with Sikkens. The issue is they changed the formula. Best to contact them for help.
I think there may be some confusion between a couple products here, the SRD is a one coat system but it is a matte finish. Some of the others like DEK , Log and Siding, Maintenance, Door & Window, or the Cetol 1 & 23 systems are satin finish but they aren’t one coat unless it’s a maintenance coat over an existing coating. Just based on what I’ve read here it sounds like you’ve now got SRD on your siding and it should have been Log & Siding or the Cetol 1,23, or maybe a Maintenance coat (which is clear). All of these except SRD are 2 coat systems minimum.
I have sikkens SRD on my porch steps and sign post. Can I put sikkens log and siding over it! Can I use a maintenance coat?
No. Stay with the SRD. The other will peel on a deck or porch.
Sikkens is disgusting . Don’t ever use it . Total garbage.
Have had Sikkens on my deck for a little over a year with no problem. When I do recoat it with the translucent stain do I sand it with 220 grit (lightly) and recoat?
No, do not sand. Pressure wash with a deck cleaner for prep.
I messed up and used a Minwax oil based stain on my freshly sanded deck. I now know that this has no sealer in it. I would like to keep the appearance it has now (medium brown stain and able to see all the woodgrain). I tried a semitransparent and my wife hated it – hence the freshly sanded deck. Thanks!
You cannot apply an exterior deck stain or sealer over the Minwax interior stain. You will need to remove it.
Bob
I treated my deck in Oct of 2015. I have a 1/2 gallon left in the original sealed container. I replaced two decking boards. Can I still use the remainder in the gallon. Will it treat the new boards ok.
Bob
The stain has most likely gone bad.
open it up stir it well find a test board, it might be just fine, i have done it with paint or stain from two years old
When applying seekins not everyone can do it right you have to apply with stain to all four sides of the wood including under the deck to keep it from blistering and popping so the moisture does not get to it and keep it washed at least once a year to prevent the mold from growing and causing it to grow under the Finish when you use this product it requires a lot of Maintenance but it is a beautiful deck once it is done
in the past i used cwf on exterior log walls of my log home. can i switch to sikkens easliy?
You will have to remove the CWF fully first before switching to a different brand od stain.
reading through all the comments I am quite shocked by the responses……we did our entire house in this product and it is amazingly beautiful! Unfortunately we did not do the maintenance step when we should have , so we had to do a bit of sanding on the east side, but other then the problem I mentioned earlier.. we are thrilled with the beauty!
Did you use SRD or another Sikkens product? Thanks!
we have a small section of our house that the painters applied sikkens to, and it rained hard the night after. With the gutter being off, the wall has a milky white coating on it that goes away after the sun hits it, but returns later. How do we fix this?
Probably needs to be removed and start over.