7 Best Deck Stain Reviews for 2023
For more info, see our Deck Stain Facts section with over 150 simple Q&A articles that answer all the questions that you have regarding deck staining, cleaning, and prep.
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Top-Rated Deck Stain Reviews
See below for more in-depth reviews of the top-rated deck stains in 2023.
Best Deck Stain Oil-Based | Best Deck Stain Water-Based | Best Solid Color Deck Stain | Best Applying Wood Deck Stain |
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Questions on Which of the 7 Best Deck Stains to use?
Want personalized help? Post your questions below in the comments and we’ll be glad to guide you toward the best deck stain and sealer. Please include any pictures you may have and a brief history of the deck.
Our Professional Deck Stain Advice
Our favorite deck stains have always been penetrating semi-transparent and semi-solid stains. These stain types allow the wood grain to show, and if they truly soak into the wood grain, reapplying is easier down the road. The problem we have noticed in the last 5-10 years is that not all semi-transparent stains are penetrating. Many manufacturers have gone away with the true penetrating stains because of VOC laws and for profitability. These non-penetrating stains will dry on top of the wood and will be prone to peeling and failure while looking more like paint than a stain. Believe it or not, deck stains performed better 10-20 years ago with wearing and peeling than they do in 2023. There have been some major advancements though with UV protection in the past 5-10 years. Nano-particles of zinc oxides and improvements to trans-oxides have shown excellent UV resistance.
The good news is you can still find some quality deck stains in 2023 that will offer UV protection, penetrate deep into the wood grain, and highlight the natural beauty of the wood all while making the ease of reapplication a breeze down the road.
Top Deck Stain Reviews & Ratings
Each deck stain review that we do offers two rating types. Our DeckStainHelp.com review is based on our experience with the deck stain and the Consumer Star Ratings, which are based on actual customers’ experiences with using the same stain.
Deck Stain Star Ratings are based on these criteria:
- Ease of Application
- Appearance After Application
- Preventing UV Graying at 2-Year Mark
- Wear and Tear After 2 years
- Color Shifting/Darken in Color (5 Star = No Darkening)
- Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae at 2-Year Mark
Listed below, we summarize our Best Deck Stain Ratings for the 2023 deck season, based on the criteria stated above. We have also broken them down into the top oil-based and water-based versions.
Top 4 Oil-Based Deck Stain Ratings
1. TWP 100 Series
2. Armstrong Clark Wood Stain
3. TWP 1500 Series
4. TWP Pro-Series Semi-Solid
Top 3 Water-Based Deck Stain Ratings
1. Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain
2. Defy Extreme Stain
3. Defy Hardwood/Cedar Stain
The 7 Best Deck Stain Ratings
1. TWP 100 Pro Series Stain Review
TWP 100 Series penetrates well into the wood, fades lightly in color, and holds up to wear and tear. We like that when it is time to redo the wood in 2-3 years, the TWP can be cleaned and re-coated or even removed with ease. This makes the reapplication process much easier. TWP 100 Series is only allowed in 35 States and cannot be used in Canada.
Stain Type: Penetrating Semi-Transparent Oil-Based. Full Curing Wood Stain.
Consumer Star Ratings:
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a scale of 1-10): 8.69
See the Review Article Here: TWP 100 Series Review
2. Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain Review
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain can be applied to dry or damp wood. Applying to damp wood allows you the ability to prep and stain on the same day, saving you a tremendous amount of time. Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain is an advanced, water-based, semi-transparent stain formulation designed to penetrate deep into wood pores for maximum protection and longevity. Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain protects the wood from harmful UV rays and damage caused by water penetration.
Stain Type: Penetrating Semi-Transparent Water-Based. Full Curing Damp Application Stain.
Consumer Star Ratings:
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a scale of 1-10): 8.625
See the Review Article Here: Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain Review
Restore-A-Deck Consumer Video Review
3. Armstrong Clark Wood Stain Review
The Armstrong Clark Wood stain has been a solid performer since we started reviewing and using it about 10 years ago. We really like how it penetrates deep into the wood grain and applies easily. Reapplication is simple with a good deck cleaner for the prep. One thing we have noticed is to make sure you do not overapply. You want the AC to soak completely into the wood. Compliant for all US states and Canada.
Stain Type: Penetrating Transparent, Semi-Transparent, Semi-Solid Oil-Based. Paraffin and Curing Oil Blend. Full Curing Stain.
Consumer Star Ratings:
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a scale of 1-10): 8.5
See the Review Article Here: Armstrong Clark Stain Review
4. TWP Pro-Series Semi-Solid Wood Stain Review
What we like best about the TWP Semi-Solid Stain is that it is easy to apply, will be easy to prep and reapply when the time comes, and holds color very well from the UV. We are very excited and look forward to using the TWP Semi-Solid colors. Maximum UV protection and a much larger color palette is the top reason we will offer the TWP Semi-Solid to all of our customers. TWP Semi-Solid is only allowed in 35 States and cannot be used in Canada.
Stain Type: Penetrating Semi-Solid Oil-Based. Full Curing Stain.
Consumer Star Ratings:
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a scale of 1-10): 8.50
See the Review Article Here: TWP Semi-Solid Series Review
5. TWP 1500 Series Stain Review
TWP 1500 Series is one of the better wood and decking stains and is one of our top choices. As contractors, we really like stains that penetrate deep into the wood and can be reapplied without sanding. TWP 1500 fits this and more by adding excellent UV and mold protection. Maintaining TWP every 2-3 years is easy. TWP 1500 is compliant for all US states, but not Canada.
Stain Type: Penetrating Semi-Transparent Oil-Based. Full Curing EPA Registered Stain.
Consumer Star Ratings:
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a scale of 1-10): 8.5
See the Review Article Here: TWP 1500 Series Review
6. Defy Extreme Wood Stain Review
We find the Defy Extreme Wood Stain to be one of the best-performing water-based deck stains on the market. The zinc oxide Nano-particles do double duty in preventing UV fading and preventing mold or mildew growth. The Defy Extreme penetrates into the wood grain extremely well for a water-based stain, resulting in a non-filming coating that is not prone to peeling or wear from traffic. We use the Defy Extreme on about 30-50 deck restorations every year in the Midwest and is one of our go-to brands. Compliant for all US states and Canada.
Stain Type: Penetrating Semi-Transparent Water-Based. Full Curing Stain with Nano-particles of Zinc Oxide.
Consumer Star Ratings:
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a scale of 1-10): 8.47
See the Review Article Here: Defy Extreme Stain Review
7. Ready Seal Wood Stain Review
Ready Seal Wood Stain contains the non-drying oil paraffin, which dives into the wood fibers and does not cure on the surface. There are many positives to paraffin stains, such as a user-friendly application and an even finish. The negatives can be poorer UV resistance and coverage rates with an oily finish that can stay on top of the surface. For an easy to apply even finish Ready Seal Wood and Deck Stain is a great choice. It may be necessary, however, to reapply every 12-18 months due to color loss.
Stain Type: Penetrating Transparent Paraffin Oil-Based. Non-Curing.
Consumer Star Ratings:
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a scale of 1-10): 7.75
See the Review Article Here: Ready Seal Stain Review
Best Semi-Transparent Deck Stain Review
Best Deck Stain Reviews
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain can be applied to dry or damp wood. Applying to damp wood allows you the ability to prep and stain on the same day, saving you a tremendous amount of time. In 2018, our first full year of using the Restore A Deck stain, we had zero issues with performance and saved a tremendous amount of time with the ability to prep and stain on the same day. We will continue to offer the Restore A Deck Wood Stain as one of our go-to decking stains for the 2023 restoration season. The Restore A Deck Stains come in both Semi-Transparent and Solid Colors.
Best Semi-Solid Deck Stain Review
Best New Semi-Solid Stain for 2023: Available in 30 Custom Colors, the TWP® Semi-Solid Pro-Series will keep your wood beautiful, fresh, and looking new longer! The ease of application and maintenance will allow you to enjoy your investment for years to come. TWP® Semi-Solid Pro-Series provides a broad spectrum of weather protection, is water repellent, and aids in color retention. TWP® Semi-Solid Pro-Series resists water absorption that causes warping, cracking, splitting, and prevents freeze damage in colder climates.
Top Deck Stain Reviews Ratings Video – DeckStainHelp.com
Deck Stain Ratings & Review Photos
Popular Best Deck Stain Questions:
What deck stains will protect from UV graying?
Answer: To protect from UV graying the deck stain must be tinted. We prefer the semi-transparent stains as they will not mask or cover the wood but highlight the wood grain while providing UV protection.
What deck stains perform the best?
Answer: Our favorite deck stains have always been penetrating semi-transparent and semi-solid stains. These stain types allow the wood grain to show, and if they truly soak into the wood grain, reapplying is easier down the road.
What deck stain types can be cleaned and recoated as needed?
Answer: Penetrating deck stains are not prone to peeling and you can clean and reapply as needed. Deck stains that dry or film on top of the wood are much harder to maintain and prep when reapplying.
Can I use a deck stain on wood siding?
Answer: Absolutely! Deck stains are wood stains and work very well for wood fences, vertical wood siding and log cabins. They last even longer on vertical wood.
Additional Deck Stain Rating Questions
If you have questions on this review of deck stains, please ask below. For a more in-depth article on “What is The Best Deck Stain for Your Deck” see this article: The Best Deck Stain
Top 7 Deck Stain Rating Results in 2023
As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior wood and deck restoration. Scott and his Deck Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 decks in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the deck restoration industry and has contributed to numerous wood restoration forums and informative sites.
All the products he suggests through this site are sold through online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them.
I’m redoing our Redwood deck, it’s 30 years old, in good condition. These steps look good?
Thanks!
Do you have a prior coating on the wood? If so, that needs to come off. Post pics for prep tips.
Hey thanks for the reply! The last coating was water based, three years ago.
Strip and brighten for prep. Use the Restore A Deck Stripper kits. Stain after. No need to sand.
I’m sanding down and restaining my log home. Would you say these products work just as well on vertical as they do the decks they are reviewed for? thanks!
Yes, they work even better on verticals.
Hi – we are restaining our front porch in Priest River, Idaho. It faces south and is covered. Please advise on best stain to apply.
Thank you,
Lynne
Prep is the most important part and can determine the type of stain to use. Please post some pics.
Scott, I am about to stain a cedar fence. Do your ratings for deck stains apply for fence stains?
Yes, they do. They work even better on vertical wood like fences and will last 2-3 times longer than a deck surface.
I have a new aluminum dock with cedar decking to be used from May to October in a northern New England fresh water lake and would like your recommendation for a water based stain/sealer. I am considering Restore-A-Deck with lots of tinting or Defy Extreme Solid or Semi-Solid Color with the nano-technology but am intrigued by the Defy Marine Seal. The dock has been installed since early June and I am planning to treat both sides (?) in late September. Thank you
Use the Restore A Deck Stains in semi-trans or solid color. The Defy Marine is the same as the Defy Extreme, just a relabel.
I have a multilayered deck of pressure treated wood most of the deck being at least 25 years old with odd boards replaced over the years. The last application was of Cabot australian teak oil approximately 5 years ago.
in 2011 we had the deck power washed with a chemical and stained with
Benjamin Moore, ARBORCOAT semi solid stain:
Color; ABBEY BROWN
The brown semi solid stain still shows in some areas. How and with what products do I clean, strip and prepare the deck and what stain do you suggest. I would prefer a semi solid stain. thanks
Preston
Use the Restore A Deck Stain stripper with both additives. Brightener after:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
See here for semi-solid stains:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-solid-wood-and-deck-stain-reviews/
Im going a small side deck (new wood). I want to get a white washed look with lots of woodgrain showing through. I don’t want a solid white look. What would you suggest? Thanks.
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
It is not possible to white wash a deck or get the look you want.
I live in WY. we have harsh winters. we have a porch cedar deck. Only 2 yrs old. the product I first used started to peel in 1.5 yrs. the TWP, as well as some other brands sound good. Most of the railing is in fair condition. The deck is stain is nearly gone. I would like to maintain the natural color of the cedar if possible. What would u recommend?
Make sure to remove the old coating fully first. Try the TWP 100 Series. You need one of the tinted coors if you want UV protection from graying.
Is there any chance you are going to review (without bias) other National brands of deck stain? There are lot of other ones out there that aren’t just the ones you sell on the online store you operate. I feel as though it would be a great benefit to the consumers. Specifically Olympic, Cabot, Thompson, Benjamin mohr.
All of those brands you mentioned have been reviewed on this site numerous times by us and have 100s of consumer reviews as well below each. You can use the search icon (to the right of main menu) to find them or just scroll through all the wood and deck stain reviews. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/category/deck-product-reviews/deck-stain-reviews/
I’ve built a new redwood deck and it has aged about 3 months now. I’ve sanded with 60 grit to remove the sap, tannin bleed, and even out the surface. I plan to clean the wood next using Behr wood cleaner to make sure any mill glaze and sanding dust is removed and then stain with Cabot ATO mahogany flame. Do I need to do anything after using the wood cleaner prior to staining other than letting it dry a couple days?
No, but you might want to consider better prep and stain products. There are much better brands.
Have you tried Expert Stain and Seal, boasted as the best stain on facebook groups??
We have. It is not bad but not as good as other brands. It has not warranted a review as of yet due.
We want to re-stain a 20 year old composite deck that was stained 7 years ago. There is no peeling, but the first stain job was tacky for 2 weeks, What prep and coating products do you recommend?
Pictures?
The company that I hired to stain my deck has applied Behr Arborcoat on my deck. They had fist applied a coat of Sherwin Williams semi transparent stain but it turned out that it did not cover equally due to work that was not done properly. The Arborcoat is covering well but I happened to check the comments that it was not the best product and that it would peel easily.
I have not yet payed them and I really not know what to do. What it says on the can is that it is a sem transparent stain and that it is oil based. What should I do? I hired them because I wanted the work to be done professionally.
You have to pay them for doing the work.
Deck is 5-6 years old treated lumber-1st application was Cabot Semi-Transparent and looked great. 2nd application 2-3 years ago used same product and seemed to not soak in as well. Getting ready to coat again but had peeling last time so have areas of bare wood and some areas of covered stain. Have cleaned/washed and am doing a light sanding. what product would be best. It is a brown stain used in the past.
Post some pics for prep advice. For the stain, try Armstrong Clark stains or Restore A Deck Stains.
Can I apply epoxy resin to oil base stain so it could last longer
Thank you
No and it would would actually make it worse.
After reading your reviews, and a few others, for best deck stains I decided on Defy Extreme for a set of wood steps leading down into my yard from the shaded patio. Most of the steps get shade with the bottom one getting a bit of sun. After leaving to overwinter, I cleaned and brightened the day before staining and already saw an improvement. The light walnut shade of stain looked more like cedar… very orange…but my biggest problem was that I overapplied. I used the defy hand held brush and applied wet on wet but I could see it leaving behind small patches of puddling after the second coat. I repeatedly tried to empty the brush and brush over the patches but they just kept puddling. Is this what you meant by “difficult to apply” in the review? Can overapplication happen by applying second coat while first coat is still too wet? I’m going to be building a replacement kiln-dried deck in part sun, part shade and I would like a new product suggestion and/or application tips please. The sun shines through the trees for about two to three hours per day on small patches of the deck. I liked that defy would provide UV and anti-mildew protection and I liked that it was water based, low VOC. And I would probably go with a walnut color to prevent the orange look. Yikes this turned into an essay.
Just apply one coat and you should be okay. Applying too much stain can lead to issues.
I have an exterior deck with pressure treated wood from that I stripped by sanding. The old stain was Cabot acrylic deck stain. However, I can’t completely remove some of the old stain in hard to reach spots. Do you think I should go ahead and try TWP 100 series or do I need to use the same product as before? If I use Cabot again, do I still need to clean the surface since their stain sits onto of the wood? I reside in Michigan Thank you in advance!
Post some pics of the prep.
Thanks for getting back to me! The deck is in the shade now, which gives a darker appearance in the photo.But here you go:
We would go ahead and use the TWP for this. It should be okay to stain.
To add, parts of the deck are wet due to rain this morning.
Would you recommend Cabot Gold? It leaves a nice satin sheen finish to the wood. I would be applying it to a pressure treated deck.
No, it will peel. You cannot have a shine on a deck.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/deck-stain-with-sheen/
You want a fully penetrating stain so you will not have any peeling and more importantly, future maintenance is much easier with cleaning and recoating.
we let our new cedar wood deck set unstained for about 18 mths. we cleaned it with seal once cleaner then stained it two coats marine once sealer. 5 mths later water stains get on it from planter pots, in the direct sun area it has turned grey as if we had nothing on it. they sent us 4 new gallons but i’m afraid to use it again. whaat would be a good stain to use , in oregon.
You will have to remove it all first if switching. Post some pics for prep tips.
I have thoughts about trying a product that implies
covering and filling in small 1/4” or less cracks on
my deck as an alternative.What are your thoughts about these types of products to use?
What brand? Most are junk.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/behr-deckover-olympic-rescue-it-rust-oleum-deck-restore-do-they-work/
Hi there, thanks for all your information here.It’s much appreciated. You helped us two years ago when we restained our deck. We followed your advice using the cleaner and brightener + two coats of Defy Extreme Semi Transparent stain after letting the new wood season for a year in place unfinished. This is what it looks like today. Obviously a lot of wear where it gets the most traffic, but I’m curious if these photos look like what you’d expect 2 years in or if we need to try another approach.
Many thanks!
It looks like the stain did not fully soak into the wood. This can happen when overapplied. Do you want to try a different brand that will have less chance of this repeating? If so, use TWP 1500 Series or Armstrong Clark Stains. Strip and brighen for prep with Restore A Deck kits.
Hi again. We messed up. We sanded it down and forgot to brighten first. We put one coat of defy semi transparent and it doesn’t look great. What are our options here? Can we clean and brighten or is it too late.
You proabbly will need to remove it and start over. Post some pis.
Here you go. It’s not horrible, but I think it could be better. A lot of the wood is only 2 years old. Looking at these, does it seem like it’s a strip then brighten sort of situation? Thanks again for all your help on this.
Yes, you will have to remove and then brighten after to fix this issue f the darkening internally.
Staining in Denver, Round 2!
Round 1 was spring 2020, with much help from you all at DeckStainHelp.com !
** We cleaned year-old untreated cedar with percarbonate mix, brightened with DEFY, and stained with Armstrong Clark
Round 2 is this spring
:
** We’ll clean and stain the same way …but do we need to do brightening again? Not sure if brightening is a ‘ do it every time you stain’ thing or not…
Thanks for any advice — and keep up the awesome work!
We always brighen after cleaning or stripping. It is an easy step and helps the end result.
I used RAD stripper followed by RAD brightener with light power washing. Then coated with Penofin marine oil.
Followed same steps one year ago and my deck looked great. This year it is splotchy with light and dark spots.
Ipe installed 2010
400 square feet
Do I need to strip/light sand/brighten and then apply a semitransparent stain or Ipe oil?
Yes, strip it off and buff the floor after with a 80 grit sanding disc to smooth it down. You should also use a hardwood stain for your wood type.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ipe-exotic-hardwood-stain-review/
I recently had my deck stained with Sherwin Williams Dock and Deck solid stain and do not like the color. Can I apply a different color over this new stain?
It would have to be another solid color deck stain.
Hi, 2nd time staining deck and ran out. Still need more coverage. Is it OK to add a different kind/color of stain? Used Thompsons waterseal
Probably not. You would have to remove and start over if switching brands or types of stains.
weill restore a deck get wax that was in thompson sealant. I tried their product and I am having a hard time removing this wax that’s in the wood.
Not understanding your question.
Looking to stain PTP deck that was installed just over a year ago. It’s under a tree, doesn’t get much direct sun, and we are in hot, humid, muggy Maryland. We have the RAD brightener cleaner product ready to go, but can’t decide if we should use oil-based or water-based. Main concerns are mildew and ease of application, we definitely want semi-transparent. Thanks!
Try the Restore a Deck Stain. Less chance of any mildew growth with it.
Hello Scott
Great site based on real world experience.
We are building a new home in Western Washington state with Doug Fir Timbers and vertical Cedar channel siding.
1) What is your recommendation for first treatment? TWP 100 Pro Series or something else? We have had good luck with TWP on log rail fences in the past.
2) If TWP how long should we wait to apply it?
3) How does TWP100 compare to Outlast Q8 Log Oil?
John
1. TWP would be an excellent option.
2. See this for new wood. It will apply to siding as well: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
3. We have never used the Outlast so not sure.
I used defy semi transparent stain on my deck floor. We are in Oregon, and our deck gets a few hours of sun a day, otherwise is fairly shady. Some areas get very wet during the rainy season.
Last year I applied the defy, but it was towards the end of the year, it got cold, and it got rainy. I think I was at the end of required temperature for application, and it rained within 2 days off applying. The stain peeled and is wearing away in heavy rain spots. Do you think that I applied it to thick? or do you think the stain didn’t have time to adhere very well d/t the weather? or both?
I am trying again with better weather this spring. My question is do I have to strip and brighten again before re-application since it is peeling in some spots?
Also, I am noticing our nails are turning the deck black around the nail site. My other question is, obviously a solid stain would cover that, but I am hesitant to stain my deck solid since we get so much inclement weather. Advice appreciated 🙂
I still have plenty of semi transparent stain left over, but I would be willing to explore new options. Do you think the defy is good for the type of weather I live in? or would an oil based be better?
Hard to say what went wrong as it could be many things. Improper prep, over-applying, etc. You will need to remove all to fix. How to remove varies on which Defy you sued and the condition it is in now. Pics would help.
Nails turning back is rust. The builder probably used the wrong nail type.
Hello! Last summer I removed the solid stain, cleaned and brightened with RAD then stained with Armstrong/Clark semi transparent oil. After going through the winter some of the higher traffic areas seems to have worn off. Do I clean/brighten then stain again this year? Are both steps necessary? I will be using the same stain. Thank you!
Yes, use both steps. You could do it this year or next year.
Hi, I have a batu hardwood. I have tried ipe oil as well as penofin hardwood stain for the wood and the stain barely lasts a year and fades horribly especially on the horizontal surfaces (decks). My yard has a ton of the batu wood (fencing, decks, etc…). One of the decks is also a pool deck. I’m looking for a new type for this hardwood as the penofin isnt’ working great. I really want that Brazilian hardwood color to stay and it fades pretty badly. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Your wood type requires annual recoating, but other brands will last longer than Penogin and Ipe Oil. See here: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ipe-exotic-hardwood-stain-review/
Is there a truly penetrating semi transparent white stain that you recommend? Don’t want flaking in a few years. We have a small horizontal privacy wall that extends above our deck benches that I would prefer be a distinctly different color from the rest of the deck which will be a more natural wood color. (Really don’t want gray.) It’s new pressure treated pine that has finished curing. Location: Texas
No, there are not any “white” color penetrating semi-transparent stains. You would need a solid color or semi-solid if you want white.
I’d like your suggestions for a 25 by 40 deck with 15 8 foot wide steps that is 5 years old. Never stained. Faces the South and has full sun all year. Do I power wash, use some type of cleaner, stain. You have a lot of advice but would like to get your suggestions for my situation for prep and stain…Restore A Deck maybe?
Restore A Deck Cleaner and Brightener for prep while pressure washing. For the stain, try the Restore A Deck Stains or the TWP Stains.
Scott have you ever used a ceiling drywall sander to sand decks?
If just some splinters you are removing, then yes it will work.
have you every used deck restoration penetrating stain. how does it compare to restore a deck penetrating stain?
Not sure what you mean. Most of the stains we use for deck restoration are penetrating stains.
Can you email me why you removed my added comments? are you paid by the brands you review and write about?
Your review was not approved as it strongly sounded like a paid endorsement or a direct-from-manufacture review. We do not allow these.
As for who we are, that is explained on the very first page and the very first article. We are not paid by anyone.
Im in florida with a deck wide open to the elements, lots of rain and sun. New deck built about 4-5 mo ago. Ive been told water-based is the way to go by a deck stain company. Any reccomendations on which product to use?
Id you want a water-based stain, then you would want Restore A Deck Stains or Defy Stains. Make sure to prep with a deck cleaner and a wood brightener.
Im trying to hire someone to do this work. I will have them use one of these products. A couple companies insist they should sand the wood to get best results and longevity. Another one says they wouldn’t sand. Is sanding OK, good idea, bad idea?
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/why-sanding-a-deck-can-be-an-issue/
Hi Love this website! I’m switching from Penofin to Restore a Deck for a wood door on a covered porch. I plan to use a cleaner and brightener before the Restore a Deck application. I have Penofin brand cleaner and brightener on hand already– would it be ok to use them and then apply Restore a Deck, or is there some reason I would need to get Restore a Deck brand cleaner and brightener before using their stain?
You need to fully remove the Penofin first so that may require a stripper. Please post a picture.
Two pctures of door
Yes, you definitely have to use a stripper and then a brightener. Use the RAD prep products.
I just bought a house with a 17 year old deck which was stained at some point with a semi solid but wasn’t maintained. After reading reviews I wanted to buy TWP semi solid, but unfortunately I can’t afford it as their deck stain calculator indicates that I’d need 15 gallons since my deck surface alone is 1200 sq feet! A local guy who does deck restoration swears by Shark Skin semi solid by Cloverdale which is sold by Redda here in Oregon. It’s primarily sold in Canada and the western US (OR, WA, CA, MT, ID, & AK) so you might not have heard of it, but I wanted to ask your opinion…
Thanks in advance!
Sorry but never used it or heard of it. You do have to remove the old semi-solid coating before using the TWP or any other brand of stain.
Moved in our house 4 years ago, it was built in 2001 and pretty sure the deck was original, so 21 years old. We’ve done nothing to it since moving in. Not sure what the stain on it is. I want to bring it back to life and extend its life. What would you recommend in terms of stain? I’ll repost if need pictures without it raining. Thanks!
Need some pics to help with prep and what stain type and brand would be best.
Scott,
Here are pictures. It rained a bit ago so the wood is darker than typical. The stain on it appears to be oil based as there is no peeling at all, it is totally soaked within the wood, but i’m not sure. A contractor looked at our deck yesterday and recommended SW SuperDeck product, but your reviews indicate it is a poor product. For the $$ it costs, I want it done right and with a good product (do it once do it right!). We are located in Northern Illinois if that impacts what product to use. The deck is on the south side of the house and 2/3 of it gets baked in the sun, and 1/3 is shaded. Thank you for your time and recommendations.
Jason
It’s a penetrating semi-transparent stain but could be oil or water-based. It does need to come off first. Use the Restore-a-Deck Stripper and Brightener kits for this. Once prepped, use TWP 1500 Series or Restore A Deck Stains in IL.
Thank you? Just to clarify:
Thanks again, super helpful!
1. Yes, you always have to remove when switching brands of semi-transparent stains.
2. Try their calculator: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-deck-stain-calculator
I live in Alabama. My porch is covered but about 2/3 full sun each day. Last May we prepped and applied one coat of Thompson Semi Transparent deck stain.Now the 3/4 exposed to sun has faded and looks worn and splotchy. The other 1/4 still looks ok. Do I need to strip and restain or can I put another coat directly over the whole porch?
Post some pics for prep advice.
Here are my pictures.