Armstrong Clark in Rustic Brown
Update 2019 Please read this article and post any questions you have in the comment are below. Our newly enhanced website now offers the ability to upload and post pictures of your exterior wood or deck. This will help us determine the proper prep and overall condition of your deck, leading to better performance.
This is an updated version of our most popular article What is the Best Deck Stain? We have had over 17,000 Q&A questions for the first article, helping consumers find the best wood and deck stain for their deck and specific environment.
The point of this article and DeckStainHelp.com is to offer guidance in choosing a quality deck stain that works well and will not create larger issues down the road when time to reapply. We have updated our original article by including answers to some of the most popular questions that we receive.
Here are some of the more popular answers to the most common questions:
- No deck stain will last 5+ years. A good quality stain will last 2 or maybe 3 years on a deck floor (horizontal) and typically twice as long on railings, siding, etc. (verticals).
- Penetrating stains will have less chance of peeling as they soak into the wood grain and do not film on top of the wood grain when fully cured.
- Penetrating deck stains are easier to maintain by cleaning and reapplying after 2-3 years.
- Filming Deck Stains that dry on top of the wood are harder to remove and/or reapply as they are more prone to peeling, wear, flaking, etc.
- Not all Deck Stains are penetrating. Even when they claim otherwise.
- Semi-transparent, Transparent, and Semi-Solids will show the grain of the wood to some extent. Solid stains, Deck Resurface Coatings, and Paints will not.
- Clear sealers without any pigment/color will not prevent UV graying. Lighter Pigmented stains that are Transparent, Semi-Transparent, or Semi-solid will have less UV protection than Darker Pigmented stains in the same transparency. More color/tint = better UV protection.
- Deck Stains are either Oil Based or Water Based. Filming or penetrating. Transparent, Semi-Transparent, Semi-Solid, Solid (opaque) Stains or a Deck Resurface Coating. See here for more info on Deck Stain Types.
- Oil-based stains can still be used in all States and Canada as long as they are compliant to local VOC regulations.
- When switching brands of deck stain it is always best to remove the old coating first. Do this by using a Deck Stain Stripper and/or sanding.
- Always apply a Wood Brightener after prepping with a Stain Stripper or Wood Deck Cleaner to neutralize the caustic.
- New Decks (less than a year) are treated differently than older decks (more than 1 year). New decks need to be prepped and usually cannot be stained right away. See this about Staining New Decks.
- Prep, Prep, Prep = increased longevity of a stain.
What is the Best Deck Stain For My Deck?
This is the top question by far that we have gotten on DeckStainHelp.com. Unfortunately, there is not a “best” deck stain out there that will outperform every other stain, every single time.
A better way to approach this common question is to ask, “what is the best stain for my deck and it’s environment?” A wood deck stain that performs well in humid South Carolina does not mean it will perform well in the snowy Midwest states. VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) Laws come into effect for different parts of the country as well. This may limit what is available in your state or country. For example, TWP 100 cannot be used in 17 states and Canada that have a low VOC content of 250.
To understand a deck stain and its potential longevity, we should first look at why deck stains fail:
- UV rays from the sun will damage the wood resulting in degradation of the wood cellular structure. This will break down the stain while causing the wood to oxidize (turn gray).
- Water, snow, and ice will cause damage to the wood by breaking down the exposed cell structure.
- Freeze/thaw will expand and contract the wood resulting in the stain “bond” with the wood cells to fail.
- Mold, mildew, and algae will leave the wood unsightly/dirty and can result in rotting.
- High traffic areas will wear faster.
- The previous stain used was of low quality or applied poorly.
- The Stain was not applied properly or the wood was not prepped properly prior to application. Bad prep is the number one reason stains prematurely fail!
Once we figure out the main reasons for failure, then we should research what stains would better for your deck or exterior wood.
In our example deck, we will ask 5 questions. Based on these answers (Answers are in Red) we will narrow the choices to 2-3 stain brands:
Example Deck Questions and Answers:
- Deck Location State: Michigan
- Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full Sun in Am, Shade in Afternoon
- Wood Type: Cedar
- Mold or Mildew Issues: No
- The reason for Previous Stain Failure: Dried Blotchy and Peeled after first Winter.
- Previous Coating? If so brand name and type of stain (Transparent, Semi-transparent, Semi-solid, Solid Stain): Behr Premium Semi-Transparent
Michigan is currently a high 550 VOC state, so all decking stains are currently available. If you reside in Canada, East Coast States, or California, then you may have different options. We would suggest a penetrating stain semi-transparent or semi-solid stain that does well with UV protection and fades evenly over time. Making future reapplication easier.
Based on these questions and answers we would suggest one of these stains:
- TWP 100 Series (TWP 1500 if you are in a Low VOC State)
- Armstrong Clark Deck and Wood Stain
- Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain
- Defy Extreme Wood Stain
Ask in Comment Section Below. Make Sure to Include Answers to the 5 Questions.
Feel free to ask what are “the best deck stains for my deck”? Just post a comment below and make sure to include the answer to the 6 questions.
Adding a picture or two of the current condition will help!
Feel free to include any additional information that would be useful!
Location: Colorado
Full sun until 2pm
Wood type uncertain
No mold or mildew
Recently purchased this home and the deck obviously needs work
Previous coating: Valspar semi-trans
I was considering Cetol SDR or SW Superdeck. Would you recommend either of these or something else? Also if it’s an oil based stain on it currently due I need to stick with oil based?
You have to remove the current stain. Strip and pressure wash. Brighten after. Super deck turns black and the SRD is not much better. You can read reviews on both on this website.
Once you prep correctly, try one of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Great! Thanks
Deck Location State: Virginia
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full Sun in AM, Shade in Afternoon
Wood Type: Pressure Treated Pine
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
The Reason for Previous Stain Failure: N/A (deck has been rebuilt due to age)
Previous Coating: N/A
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Deck Location State: Idaho
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full Sun in Am, Shade in Afternoon
Wood Type: Redwood
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: Darkening to black, stain not penetrating.
Previous Coating? If so brand name and type of stain (Transparent, Semi-transparent, Semi-solid, Solid Stain): Super Deck redwood semi transparent.
Deck is pressure washed and cleaned prior. Will sand this year. Just looking for a top of the line quality redwood natural stain.
Strip and brighten for the prep with Restore A Deck Products. Stain with TWP 100 Series or Restore A Deck Wood Stain.
Hi need some help…endless research and reading reviews has me no closer to a decision in the best stain to use. I live in Canada 1/2 hour north of Toronto. I’m building a pergola with western red cedar and I’m looking to maintain the original color and protect. It’s a full sun spot until about 5-6 in the evening. It’s new so no issues to solve for. All info states to use high linseed oil based stain on cedar but hard to determine best product for that….TWP is available by order only so can’t buy locally and assess colors so challenging. Superdeck. Messmers Uv? Cabot …..appreciate any help deciding.
From what we know, there are not any decent stains available locally in Canada since the VOC laws changed there. Of the three you mentioned, Messmers would be the best.
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Please help, I have been researching and need to know the best stain to use for my deck!
Deck Location State: Maryland
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Most deck Full Sun late afternoon but near house gets very little sun and prone to mildew
Wood Type: Pressure treated lumber
Mold or Mildew Issues: Yes, Near house
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: Restore was used year ago, allowed for it to mostly peel off and contractor has pressure washed, scraped and now sanding entire deck to bare wood and replacing bad boards
Previous Coating? Previous was Restore 10X (horrible!!!) but now down to bare wood and some replaced boards. Would like to use a semi-solid stain to help hide some imperfections and damage done during the stripping process.
You cannot stain your new boards right away: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Once you wait and prep, try Armstrong Clark in a semi-solid color.
Thank you, would a semi-transparent stain work better so I can apply it sooner? If so what would you recommend for that?
No. Doesn’t matter the type of stain, you still have to wait and prep.
1.Deck Location State: Northeast MO
2.Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Large deck, some in full sun, some covered and full shade.
3.Wood Type: Pressure Treated Pine
4.Mold or Mildew Issues: No
5.The reason for Previous Stain Failure: Just Time to Recover
6.Previous Coating? If so brand name and type of stain (Transparent, Semi-transparent, Semi-solid, Solid Stain): A couple years ago I cleaned with Defy Wood Cleaner, applied Defy Wood Brightener, and then used Defy Extreme Wood Crystal Clear and this was on a new deck.
I would like to go to a darker stain then clear maybe a semi-transparent. I like applying with a sprayer as seems the cleanest and easiest. I have heard you can’t apply oil-based stains with a sprayer. Is this true, and do you lose a lot of longevity with water based over oil based? I can do brush and roller if there’s a big advantage to oil based.
I definitely do not want to apply a product that has to be power sanded before re-coating in a few years.
So I guess I’m asking what semi-transparent stain would you recommend for me in a water based and an oil based, and then whether the sprayability of the water based is worth it. Or maybe they’re both sprayable.
You can spray some oil-based semi-transparent stains. TWP 100 Series and 1500 Series for example. High-quality oil-based and water-based will last about the same. Any of these top brands will work: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Deck Location: Central VA Richmond
Full Sun until afternoon, some full shade
Pressure treated Pine
Mold or Mildew? yes on shaded parts
totally striped base of deck 95% Last year with restore a deck (awesome product BTW)
Deck is 6 yrs old
Rails are solid white stain….. only a very few stain lifting spots
Now what……..
Pressure wash the railings. Clean and brighten the floor. Go with a two-toned deck. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/advantages-to-having-a-two-toned-deck/
Deck Location: Ottawa Canada
Full sun in the afternoon
Cedar
No mold or Mildew Issue
It peeled right off after the first year.
It was Olympic solid stain or Behr, can’t remember which. We are looking at the Sherwin-Williams Super Deck as a possibility.
You will need to stick with a solid stain unless you want to power sand it all off. Try Flood Pro Series Solid Stains.
Deck Location State: Indiana
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full sun in afternoon
Wood Type: Unsure
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: peeling, stain wore off
Previous Coating? If so brand name and type of stain (Transparent, Semi-transparent, Semi-solid, Solid Stain): olympic maximum, acrylic/oil, semi-transparent, Rosewood
For prep, strip and brighten the wood. Sand if needed to remove all the stubborn Olympic if the stripper cannot remove all. Stain with Armstrong Clark.
Thank you. I stripped and brightened, but the olympic will not completely remove. I will go with the Armstrong Clark. Thank you!!
Our deck is a semi-transparent Rosewood and the railing is still very much red. What stain should I get in order to achieve a uniform appearance? Semi-transparent Redwood or go with the hardwood Mahogany?
Best to test some samples.
Deck Location State: North east Pennsylvania
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full sun until the afternoon
Wood Type: pressure treated pine
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: Never stained deck was new in November 2017
Previous Coating? None
Looking for a transparent/natural stain-Thank you
Pep with a cleaner and then a wood brightener. Stain with Armstrong Clark or Restore A Deck Wood Stains.
Deck Location State: Wisconsin
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full Sun in Am, Shade in Afternoon
Wood Type: Pressure Treated. Deck and pergola were allowed to weather for first year, stained second year (last year)
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: Dried Blotchy and Peeled after first Winter.
Previous Coating? If so brand name and type of stain (Transparent, Semi-transparent, Semi-solid, Solid Stain): THOMPSONS WATERSEAL 042851-16 Semi Transparent Stain, Cedar
Recommendation for product to strip off current Thompsons and best brand to use to stain in order to gain better results after the Thompsons is gone. Totally disappointed with Thompsons product.
This is not an easy strip. Try the Restore A Deck Stripper with the 2 additives to remove as much as you can: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
You may need to sand as well after the stripping to get all the Thompsons off the wood. Stain with TWP 100 Series or Armstrong Clark.
Cleaned 25 yr old redwood deck in Colorado with Defy & then power washed. Applied TWP 150 stain but some of boards still tacky after 2 days. Do you think this will dry?
Yes, it will dry.
Huntsville, Alabama
Morning, mid afternoon sun, late afternoon shade
Pressure treated pine–deck is about 5 years old
No mold or mildew issues
Previous stain is worn off, some peeling from frequent use by family and 2 lab dogs
Sorry I don’t know the previous coating, it was stained with a solid brown, stain when we bought the house
Thanks
You will need to stay with a solid color stain unless you want to sand it all off?
Location: Greenwood, Indiana
Full Sun spring summer; winter with rain, freezing rain, snow. Temp changes a lot in winter.
Wood is Cedar. Railings are not all cedar.
No Mold or mildew issues.
Used Cabot Semi transparent oil based. Failed because my prep was insufficient and applied too soon. (Deck is less than 3 years old – applied to fresh cedar). Have power washed and will sand with 60 then 80 grit paper. Some of the stain remains after power washing. Concerned it may show thru and look bad with any semi transparent stain.
Cabot Gold Sunlit Walnut – If TWP 100 is recommended would want a color recommendation that is similar or even a little darker
Post a picture of the prep.
I have not sanded yet. I would welcome any advice such as do I clean or brighten or what??
You should use a stain stripper and then pressure wash off. Brightener after. Shoot for 95% removal or more. Use a stain color that is the same or darker than used before.
Thank you for your help!
Don’t know if I hit send or not.
Wisconsin
Full Shade
Pressure Treated…Pine?!
On lake so yes to Mold/Mildew…lots
No history on deck. Replacing all deck boards and the rotten rails and spindles this week.
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Sapphire Valley, NC mountains (literally designated as a rainforest!!)
Partial shade
Recently purchased and do not know the other answers. Most of the old finish is worn away. Presume cedar, but unsure
Post a picture of the current condition.
Location Tybee island GA
New pressure treated deal and stairs. Yellow brand, from home Depot 1 month old
35′ from tidel salt water marsh, high humidity, 40+ inches rain yearly, lots of dew and occasional fog
Anywhere from 30 to 100 degrees depending on time of the year
Partial shade am partial to full sun pm
Mold and mildew prone
Would like to use something semitransparent in a honey or light Amber color
See this for new wood deck tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Deck Location State: Colorado
Full Sun, Full Sun all day
Wood Type: Redwood
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
New deck, installed Feb 2019, Installer advised to seal after 2x rain/snow with drying in between, which it has happened.
Would like a semitransparent to not cover the beauty of the wood.
You need more weathering than what he said. See this for new wood deck tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Location: Charlotte, NC
Exposure: Afternoon sun only
Wood: pressure treated lumber?
Mold: none It’s less than a year old
Never been stained/sealed yet but has started to exhibit some slight cracks/weathering
Clean and brighten the wood for prep and stain with TWP or Armstrong Clark.
Deck Location State: Maryland
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full shade in the AM, Partial shade/sun in the PM
Wood Type: Pressure treated deck boards..not sure what type of wood?
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: N/A new decking replaced July 2017 but never got around to staining or sealing it yet.
Previous Coating? If so brand name and type of stain (Transparent, Semi-transparent, Semi-solid, Solid Stain): N/A
Prep with a deck cleaner and then a wood brightener. Stain with Armstrong Clark Wood Stains or TWP 1500 Series.
Thank you! Should I stain 1 or 2 coats? It’s technically new wood but 1.5+ years old already.
2 light coats wet on wet application.
Location: North Dakota
Shaded in morning, full sun in the afternoon
Wood type: pine
No mold/mildew issues
Stain came off after first winter
Do not know previous stain but it looks to be a solid stain.
Pressure wash for prep and reapply another solid stain like Flood Pro Series or Defy Extreme Solid Stain.
Pressure treated wood deck in southeastern VA — hot & humid, sun all afternoon. Used Behr Semi-transparent water-based the first time. Ready for 2nd staining. Do I read this forum correctly? Are there water-based, semi-transparent stains that are wood penetrating?
You will need to remove the Behr first. Then use a penetrating water based stain like Defy extreme or Restore a Deck Wood stains.
Deck Location State: PA
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Shaded all day, later afternoon sun
Wood Type: pressure treated standard deck wood, 15 years old, OK condition
Mold or Mildew Issues: Yes, turns green easily, wood getting old
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: worn off, turning green again
Previous Coating? If so brand name and type of stain (Transparent, Semi-transparent, Semi-solid, Solid Stain):Olympic Maximum Tinted Waterproofing Sealant – Penatrating acrylic/oil formula
Look at this for removal of the Olympic Acrylic: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
Once removed, try Armstrong Clark or TWP 1500 Series.
Deck is pressure treated wood about 20 years old And in relatively good condition. Has been stained with a semi transparent stain and recently power washed to remove mildew. Location is lower west Michigan. Mostly sun all day. Wood is quite clean looking and free of any traces of flaking, rot or other issues. I want to use a good semi transparent stain to refinish it …. what do you suggest.
You will need to remove the previous stain fully before switching brands. Did you do that?
Yes
Location is southwest Michigan
TWP 100 Series or Restore-A-Deck Wood Stains.
Location: Toronto, Canada
Full sun from morning until late afternoon
Brown pressure treated wood
No mould or mildew issues
Brand new deck (2=weeks old)
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Location: Central Coast of California, Oceano
Sun: Full sun 75% of the day
Wood Type: Redwood
Mold or Mildew issues: yes on railing, not on deck surface
Reason for previous failure: I think it was paint, one coat, quickly done for sale of house. It is flaking and peeling off.
Unknown what previous product is.
I was told to not sand redwood. I’d like to know why stain versus paint? I prefer non-toxic products like citrus stripper, etc. Thank you for this service.
This cannot be stripped. You will have to sand to remove and there is nothing wrong with sanding redwood. Once done, use a penetrating stain that is semi-transparent so it does not peel again: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Sun: Full Sun 90% of the day
Wood Type: Cedar
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: Peeling — wood exposed it completely weathered and gray
Previous Coating: Rust-Oleum 4x Deck Coat
You will have to remove this product and that means power sanding. Strippers will not work. Once removed, clean and brighten for final prep. Stain with a penetrating stain like TWP 1500 or Restore A Deck Stains.
Have you had any experience with One Time deck sealer products? Are they what they holding up to their claims to l;ast for 5 to 7 years?
Garbage in our opinion and many others: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/one-time-wood-deck-stain-review/
Nothing lasts 5-7 years on deck.
Thanks! Do you have any comments on Gulf Deck Revive?
Good product if that is the look you are going for.
New Jersey; AM shade, midafternoon full sun, late afternoon shade; Pine; mold under some railing pieces where no sun reaches them; will be first coating; 1 yr old deck; near a pool, used to come in house after being in pool; thank you!
Clean and brighten the wood for the prep. Stain with TWP 1500 Series or Armstrong Clark.
deck location: nevada
full sun
wood type: cedar
no mold or mildew issues
reason for previous stain failing: peeling and wearing off
previous coating: Behr semi-transparent
See this about removing the Behr: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
Stain with Armstrong Clark or Restore A Deck Wood Stain.
I want to stain new cedar siding .board andbatten style. I live in florida which is mostly in the sun except when it pours.
any recommendations?
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Thank you for providing this.
Deck Location State: Missouri
Full Sun most of the day
Wood Type: pine. I do not know if it is pressure treated as we are purchasing the home
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: Unknown, possibly age. Deck is less than 10 years old but doesn’t appear to have been cared for in the past few years.
Previous Coating? Unknown
Prep with a deck stain stripper and wood brightener. Look at Restore-A-Deck Kits. Stain with TWP 100 Series or Restore A Deck Wood Semi-Transparent Wood Stain.
Location: Michigan
Shade in morning; full sun in afternoon
Wood type: Cedar newly installed 2017
Mold or Mildew issues: No
Reason for previous stain failure: Peeling after first winter
Previous Coating: Cabot Gold Fireside Cherry
I would prefer to sand the old stain off with an orbital floor sander as I don’t like using toxic chemicals. Is this a viable method to remove the old stain with is much worse now but I couldn’t send updated pictures as it is now snow covered.
See this about sanding: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-sand-your-wood-deck/
Once removed, look at Armstrong Clark Wood stains.
deck location state: pennsylvania
full sun, a little shade very late afternoon
wood type: pressure treated pine
mold or mildew issues: yes
reason for previous stain failure: fading, peeling, graying
previous coating: Cabot semi transparent
would Armstrong Clark do well on our deck?
Yes on the AC. Strip and brighten the wood for the prep.
Could you also recommend a water based stain (we’re not sure which we want to do).
Also do you recommend one over the other?
Restore A Deck Wood stain. Both will work well. One is not really better than the other.
Deck Location State: Oregon (actually a Pergola)
Full Sun with minor shade in afternoon
Wood Type: Cedar
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: N/A, new rough-ish cut wood
Previous Coating? N/A
Best semi-transparent stain?
How can I wait until we have consecutive dry days to stain without having to clean it first?
Try the TWP 100 Series or Restore A Deck Wood Stain. The RAD stain can be applied the same days as the prep, while wood is still damp.
Deck Location State: Sacramento, CA
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Sun in Am, Shade in late pm
Wood Type: Clear Redwood
Mold or Mildew Issues: Brand new kiln dired
What is the best semi-clear stain?
Should I use full stain?
See this about KDAT: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-kdat-deck/
Once you weather and prep, try Armstrong Clark or TWP 1500 Series.
1. Deck Location State: Southeastern New Mexico
2. Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full Sun in Am, Shade in Afternoon
3. Wood Type: Redwood
4. Mold or Mildew Issues: Yes
5. The reason for Previous Stain Failure: Graying/fading + mold/mildew after 1 year
6. Previous Coating: Benjamin More Arbor coat, waterborne, clear
This is new redwood deck installed April 2018. Flooring is Trex. Handrails, balusters, cap/bottom rails & balisters, etc, – are all redwood. Deck is covered. House/cabin is located in desert/arid mountain region. Some annual rain & snow.
Is the Arborcoat on the wood now?
Yes. It was applied when deck was first finished – in April 2018. I know RAD product information advises against this? I did see a statement, however, that rough hewn/sawed wood need not be aged?
You will most likely have to sand it to fix this. Arborcoat is very hard and sometimes impossible to strip. It needs to come off as you cannot apply another brand over it.
What Deck Cleaner and Stain best to use for my deck? Deck Location: Casstown, (Central) Ohio #1 Mostly full sun, 25 years old #2 Wood Type: Pressure treated pine #3 Mold and Mildew issues: A few only on top rail of railings #4 Maintained: Thompson Water Seal 1st 2 years, Olympic Maximum Stain + Sealant after that, Nothing done last 5+ years #5 Now mostly bare wood with some stain areas around edges.
Best to strip to ensure all the Olympic is removed. Use the Restore-A-Deck Stripper/Brightener Kit. As for the stain, try the Restore A Deck Stain or the TWP 1500 Series.
Deck Location State: Pottsboro, Texas (Just south of OK on Red River)
Deck #1 Covered – faces south, at least 1o years old;
Deck #2 Full Sun all day– faces south 1 years old;
Deck #3 covered– faces north 10 years old; lots of leave blow on to deck- mold is an issue
Deck #4 partial sun – faces north 5 years old.
Wood Type: All decks are pressure treated – no stain or seal every done
Mold or Mildew Issues: yes on North facing decks in certain spots.
Clean and brighten all wood for prep. Stain with Restore A Deck Wood Stain or TWP 100 Series.
Deck Location State: Buffalo, New York State
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full Sun from early morning on
Wood Type: Pressure treated
Mold or Mildew Issues: Yes
New Deck Installed late summer last year.
Product: ECO Life AWPA U1 Above Ground use
What stain should I use ?
What do you think of Thompsons Penetrating Timber Oil
Clean and brighten the wood for the prep. Stain with TWP 1500 or Armstrong Clark.
Thompsons is junk.
Deck Location State: Illinois
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: shade in am, Full afternoon Sun.
Wood Type: Pine
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: It’s just time to stain again.
Previous Coating? If so brand name and type of stain (Transparent, Semi-transparent, Semi-solid, Solid Stain): Used to use Benjamin Moore Transparent Cedar stain, but am very unhappy with their newer products.
Thanks for any help you can give!
Strip and brighten the wood for prep. Stain with TWP 1500 or Armstrong Clark.
The best deck stains for my deck. It’s actually a dock on a small river.
Deck Location State: Minnesota
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: mostly full sun
Wood Type: green treated pine
Mold or Mildew Issues: posts will be in river under water but most above
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: new wood that has dried outside for a year
Previous Coating? none
Clean and brighten the wood for the prep. Stain with TWP 100 Series or Restore A Deck Wood Stains.
Deck Location State: Southern California
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: NE facing. Full sun most of the day, some shade in early AM and evening
Wood Type: Teak, I believe
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: Wearing off after a year and a half; looking for a longer lasting stain
Previous Coating? Thompson WaterSeal Waterproofing Stain, Transpa
rent
Strip and brighten the wood for prep. Stain with TWP 1500 or Armstrong Clark.
Hi, We have an in-ground pool that is surrounded by a huge wood deck and tiki bar. The current wood is painted solid neon blue so looking to change the color. Question is which paint is best for full-sun all day and constant water. Would also like a grip/grit option for the stairs and flooring since they get so slippery. Looking for solid color paint, not transparent stains.
Location: Kansas City, MO
Full Sun
Constantly wet / pool deck
Currently painted with thick neon blue solid paint
Professional crew hired to powerwash, prep and paint – We supply the paint
Try the Gulf Synthetics Deck Revive.
State: Mountains of North Carolina
Wood: PT pine
Sun: Early morning shade, afternoon sun, shade in later afternoon
Previous product: Behr Deckover
Issues: green mold and black mold
Condition: have done first round of power sanding deck; in process of hand sanding verticals. Tinted Behr product applied to other areas–like inside deck of screened porch and verticals of that porch. That is not peeling. See that TWC products come in standard colors where matching the Behr’s color is not possible. I’m assuming there is no stain product you recommend where a color match in possible. Right?
Questions: 1) A product you recommend where the color can be matched to the Behr product?
2) Best way to remove Behr from all deck and verticals?
3) Prep before reapplying any product?
4) If no recommended product where color match is possible, what product in company’s offered colors?
1. The only way to color match would be to use a solid stain.
2. You will have to power sand to remove Behr Deckover
3. Clean and brighten after all sanding is done.
4. Solid stains can be tined to any color you want.
Have power sanded most horizontals. Now doing verticals. There is always a residue of Deckover—like in board cracks. Do I now use a stripper? If so, your recommendation? If not, what?
What product to clean and brighten?
The Behr Deckover cannot be stripped. Sanding only. Restore A Deck Kits for the cleaner and brightener.
Colorado, elevation 5300 msl
Southern exposure, full sun all day
Pine
No mold nor mildew
Poorly applied, chipped and splotchy, dog use
Behr semi-transparent, sprayed
Thanks in advance for your time and posting this great info.
Penetrating stains are best and easiest to maintain as needed: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
You will need to strip and sand to remove the Behr. Brightener after.
Thanks for the quick reply!
Deck Location State:Connecticut
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full Sun in Am, Shade in Afternoon Full Sun in AM
Wood Type: Cedar
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: worn off form Dog and use.
Previous Coating? TWP
Prep well and recoat with the TWP or try Armstrong Clark wood stains.
Deck Location State: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Deck #1 Full sun in AM – faces east, 12 years old;
Deck #2 Full Sun all afternoon – faces west 5 years old;
Deck #3 Partial Morning sun – faces north 5 years old;
Deck #4 Full sun – faces south 11 years old.
Wood Type: All decks are pressure treated SPF
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: Never been stained.
Previous Coating? Used Thompson’s water sealer on deck#4 – 7 years ago
Thanks for your great site, tons of excellent information and guidance! Time to get my butt in gear, so bring on the recommendations! I’m planning a trip to the states to get the appropriate cleaner/brightener/stains as the selection is better there than here.
Clean and brighten all wood for the prep. Try TWP 200 Series or Armstrong Clark wood stains for Canada.
Thanks, would you suggest the RAD for the prep work?
Yes.
I’ll send some before and after pictures when I’m done! One other question – what should the minimum overnight temperature be prior to beginning prep? We’re still going below freezing here at night, so I’m a few weeks away yet from starting.
Overnight temps do not matter. Only daytime temps.
Deck Location State: Michigan
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full Sun in Am, Shade in Afternoon
Wood Type: Pressure treated pine
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: Brand new deck installed Summer 2018.
Previous Coating? None. Let it sit a full year
Clean and brighten the wood for the prep. Stain with TWP 100 Series or Armstrong Clark wood stains.
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