Armstrong Clark in Rustic Brown
Update 2018 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 15,000 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 our most popular answers to remember, before proceeding with any questions below:
- 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
- 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!
Deck Location State: Toronto, Ont
Full Sun in Am, Shade in Afternoon
Wood Type: Pressure Treated (Pine), Sienna Brown (From Home Depot)
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: N/A. Deck is only 3 months old. Has not been stained
Previous Coating? N/A
Please recommend the best stain. I prefer transparent, natural look or something close. I want to avoid stains that peel
Thanks
Nav
Armstrong Clark or TWP 200 Series.
Best Stain?
I’m staining car-siding that will be used as the ceiling for my porch.
1. Indiana
2. Full Shade
3. Pine
4. Possibly…minor (north side of house)
5. Never stained. New untreated pine boards
6. none
Thank You!
Look at Armstrong Clark.
What is the best stain to use on my deck?
I live in Michigan directly on the shoreline of Lake Huron. Two 10ft maple trees growing up through the deck. Shade under those trees at all time whereas rest of deck sees morning shade and full afternoon sun. Mold and mildew and issue in shaded areas. Wear, flaking and peeling an issue in high sun, high traffic areas. Wood is pressure treated lumber and it is 25 years old and weathered. Previous stain was Behr premium wood toned weatherproofing wood finish.
You will need to remove the Behr first. Strip and sand and then brighten the wood. Use TWP 100 Series after.
what is the best deck stain wood deck stain?
Location, Lansing MI
Full Sun
Wood Type – Pressure Treated Deck lumber
Yes – mold issue
Just needs to be redone –
Thank you for your advice.
Prep well to remove all previous coatings. Brighten the wood when done. Try TWP 100 Series or Restore A Deck Wood stain.
Hi,
I would like some recommendations for the best wood stain. Here is my information
1. Deck Location State: Raleigh, North Carolina
2. Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full Sun in Am, Shade in Afternoon most of the year
3. Wood Type: New Pine, Pressure Treated, aged 10-12 months
4. Mold or Mildew Issues: Yes
5. The reason for Previous Stain Failure: New deck. Has never been stained before.
Previous Coating? see above.
Thanks in advance for your help!!
See this for tips on new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
This article is BS. Based on this article I used the Armstong Clark deck stain on a brand new cedar deck that weathered 6 months, and it did not even make it one season. On a different section I used the Olymic Elite and it still looks great. So much for these guys and these high end stains…
I am sorry you are having an issue but the article is far from BS and we have helped 10,000s of consumers with their decks and without issues. AC is a great stain and works very well. We personally have used it on many 100s of decks with no issues.
What is the best deck stain for my cedar deck? We live in Wisconsin. Our deck runs the entire length of the house on the east side. Morning sun, afternoon mostly shaded. No mold or mildew. Our deck has been stripped of previous stain, the old stain peeled after the first winter. I don’t remember what brand we used then.
Try Armstrong Clark or TWP 100 Series.
I live on the Central Coast of CA at an elevation of about 600 feet. My deck is west facing and as such gets a lot of Sun However, it can also be foggy and moist so mold, mildew, and algae can be a problem too. I just finished, pressure washing, sanding and am ready to use a deck brightener. Any suggestions on stains or sealants would be helpful.
Try Defy Extreme or Restore A Deck Wood stains.
Would Defy Pine or Natural give me the wet redwood look and ample protection? I am a mile from the ocean.
Natural Pine is like a wet look.
Thanks!
What is the best stain for my deck?
1. Location/state: Virginia (northern)
2. Full sun/partial shade/full shade: Partial shade in am, full sun in afternoon
3. Wood type: Ipe
4. Mold/mildew: Yes, appears so.
5. Reason for stain failure: Unknown. We are new owners. Now sure if maintenance done on regular basis.
6. Previous coating: Unknown. We are new owners.
We have had a few estimates for deck cleaning and staining, and each company has recommended various types and brands. A few of these are not highly rated on this site.
Thanks.
For IPE, you want an exotic hardwood stain. We like the Armstrong Clark in one of their 3 hardwood colors or the Defy Hardwood stain. Prep is key. Make sure to do this correctly.
Thanks much for your prompt reply. I will discuss with deck company. Your website is extremely helpful and informative.
Deck location Nashville Tennesee 37212. Yellow pine treated decking installed 10 months old Like transparent or semi transparent stain. Sunny from 9am till 1 pm. Best stain to use.
Clean and brighten the wood for prep. Stain with TWP 100 Series or Restore A Deck Wood Stains.
What do you think about Defy stains?
They are one of our top-rated stains: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Deck Location State: Mountains of Southern California (Big Bear City); Elevation 6,700′ south facing, approx. 11 years old
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full Sun for most of the day
Wood Type: Unknown, assumed to be pine like the house
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: Didn’t properly sand/prepare; may not have put on thick enough. Deck also sat a couple years when house was vacant so boards have some cracking/splintering.
Previous Coating? Cabot Deck Correct solid
Also starting to fall below 50 on a nightly basis so not sure if we now have to wait for next year.
Do I need to clarify that I’m looking for a recommended stain? Sorry! Any help is much appreciated.
You will need to fully sand off the Deck Correct first as applying over it will not work and you will have more issues with peeling. Once fully removed, you can use a penetrating stain like the Armstrong Clark.
Thank you!
Deck Location State: Puxico, Missouri
Full Sun, Partial Shade(edge of deck against brick gets full shade
Wood Type: AC2 pressure treated
Mold or Mildew Issues: yes against brick in shade
The reason for Previous fail: new deck replacing old deck in same location.
Previous Coating? None
We get hot summers and snowy winters. What is the best stain/sealer for my deck? Do we have to prep?
See this for tips on new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Carver, MA 28×16 foot that gets most of it’s sun in the afternoon. I just finished pressure washing it. No soaps or strippers just water. Figured I should let it dry for a few days then next weekend put on what for stain?????
TWP 1500 Series.
Deck located in Wisconsin
Deck is shaded until late afternoon.
New cedar boards were stained in the shop before installation in the fall and 2nd coated in the spring using SuperDeck Semi-Transparent oil based stain.
4 months after completion deck is black and appears that the mold is embedded in the stain
What are the recommended products to strip clean & re-stain?
What are best practices for mold prevention going forward?
FYI, Super Deck turns black and attracts mildew for many people. Best to remove with the Restore A Deck Stripper/Brightener Kits. It will come off easily. Stain with TWP 100 series after. Does much better with mildew/mold.
Hi I live in Smithfield VA I am having a difficult time finding the perfect stain . Our deck is directly in the sun and is around seven months old. Any input is greatly appreciated!!
Thanks so much !
Kellie Harkins
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Try TWP or Armstrong Clark.
I have a deck that is in full sun, lots of water on the deck at all times form the dogs.
Try TWP 1500 Series.
#1 clear deck sealer to use that is constanly exposed to sun
Clear with no color at all = zero UV protection from graying. You must have a tinted stain for UV protection from graying. Most use a semi-transparent stain.
What is the best stain for my deck? I live in western Nebraska , my deck goes on three sides of my house , the south deck would be exposed to full sun, the others partial sun, there is no mold, My previous stain was water based , semi transparent, Behr brand in natural color. I am removing it with sanding. What would be the best stain to use to protect now?
TWP 100 series or Armstrong Clark.
After I apply the stain what happens in the future? I understand other comments to say I would need to wash and clean my deck and reapply. Does that mean I would not need to strip or sand again?
TWP and AC can be cleaned and recoated. They do not need to be stripped.
Thank you
1. Illinois
2. Partial Shade
3. Pressure Treated Lumber
4. Yes
5. No stain or seal. Just built deck in 9/17. This will be first application.
Prep with a deck cleaner and wood brightener. Stain with TWP 1500 or Restore A Deck Wood stains.
Deck Location – New Hampshire
Sunny south facing
Wood type – mahogany
Mold or mildew – yes
I have a mahogany deck railing that I cleaned and power washed in May, then sanded and finished with TWP 1500. The parts I had sanded and finished got moldy in the surface (not under the stain, luckily), much more than parts I had not yet finished. I cleaned with Jomax and bleach yesterday and they look ok now. I had hoped to finish the rest of the deck this fall when it is dry enough but I’m wondering why it got so moldy and if there is a better stain choice for preventing mold.
TWP contains an EPA registered mildewcide already and that will help prevent any mildew from growing in the stain. What a deck stain cannot prevent, is mildew growth on top. No deck stain can do this. There are newer products on the market though that will aid this issue and can be applied on top of the stain. Look at a product called wet and forget. Use the TWP. Once dry a week or so later, apply the Wet and Forget. This should minimize the mildew issue on top of the stain.
Thanks I’ll do that.
What an amazing resource! My q&a and pics:
Deck Location State: Utah
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: mostly full sun in summer, shade in winter
Wood Type: came with the house, not sure
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: I don’t see any stain at all
Previous Coating? If so brand name and type of stain (Transparent, Semi-transparent, Semi-solid, Solid Stain):
No idea, can’t see a stain
Since I don’t know much about the wood/stain, I’ll include more than one picture. Wood is strong and study but gives kids splinters.
Thank you so much!!
For the prep, use the Restore A Deck Cleaner/Brightener kits. This will remove the gray and restore the wood. If needed, lightly hand sand or pole sand any splinters after the prep. Try the Restore A Deck Wood Stain for this or Armstrong Clark.
Thank you!!
Thanks for all this information.
Here are my vitals:
1. Location: NJ on a lake one mile from the ocean.
2. Mostly full sun. Some sections get only a half day of sun.
3. Wood type: Pressure treated lumber. I’m not sure what wood was used.
4. No mold or mildew issues.
5. Boards are graying. Some minor cracking and warping. Deck was installed 6 years ago.
6. Thompson clear water seal is currently used. I’ve been power-washing and reapplying almost every year.
I appreciate your recommendation.
Strip and brighten for prep and use a penetrating semi-transparent stain. Look at TWP 1500 or Armstrong Clark.
Deck Location State: Echo Summit, Sierra Nevadas, CA
Full Sun, deck is covered, but south facing
Wood Type: redwood
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: neglect over 5 seasons of snow clearing
Previous Coating? Unknown, applied by previous owner, but looks like solid stain
We have alreadyrepaired loose and warping boards, and sanded half the deck. There are many cracks and some slivers. I’m wondering if I can stain this deck again, or if I need to move to the Gulf Synthetics Deck Revive. It takes a beating in winter with snow and snow shoveling, as well as the sun in the summer. What would you recommend? (The 1st picture is the before, 2nd is with half the deck sanded.)
Thank you for your time.
We would suggest using a penetrating semi-transparent. Do not sand with grit finer than 80. Do a cleaning and brightening after the sanding for the final prep. Stain with just one coat since you sanded. Try TWP 1500 or Restore A Deck Wood Stains
I have a new rail system and arbor made of cedar. The posts are smooth 4×4″ cedar with aluminum balusters and rails. The arbor is rough sawn cedar. It was installed in July. We live in Central Ohio where it rains a lot. The exposure is full sun. We are noticing some graying of the cedar. Should we try to treat it this fall or wait until the spring? Do we need to wash and bleach the cedar first? I was also considering using Defy. What are your suggestions?
You should do it this year. Prep with the Defy Wood Cleaner (not bleach) first before applying the Defy Extreme Stain.
One coat or 2 for the stain?
Thanks!
Just one coat.
Defy wood cleaner has oxygenated bleach. Are you sure I should use it on posts, trim and arbor?
Also, it all sits over a composite deck. Will that product harm the deck?
The defy wood cleaner has an oxygen bleach. You are recommending not to neutralize it with wood brightener?
Also is the wood cleaner and brightener ok with contact to a composite deck?
You should use the brightener as well. Will not harm the composite.
help!
Staining Gazebo with semi transparent
Staining Shutters with a semi solid or solid stain.
South Carolina, Upstate so we do get cold weather and snow.
Full Sun.
Cedar
New structure so I don’t know if Mold or Mildew Issues
Next to salt water pool, if that matters.
What stain to use for semi transparent gazebo?
What stain to use on shutters for semi solid /solid?
Want penetrating stain, maybe a “marine stain”. Don’t was to sand every few years!
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
After the wait and prep, try the Armstrong Clark for the semi-transparent and the Flood for a solid stain.
Help! Tried of standing and staining every 2-3 years. Railings are now clean and sanded down to clear cedar, ready for new stain.
Example Deck Questions and Answers: These questions are for deck railings and a cedar fence
Deck Location State: Washington, Seattle
Partial Shade, some sun in afternoon, under several Doug-fir tress
Wood Type: Cedar
Mold or Mildew Issues: some
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: Peeled after couple of years, lost coloring
Previous Coating? If so brand name and type of stain (Transparent, Semi-transparent, Semi-solid, Solid Stain: Last product used Sikkens ProLuxe Cetrol SRD, Cedar 077, other products used: Cabot Clear Soultion (waterbased) 3062 Cedar, Minwax Helmsman Clear Satin.
Debating between your top oil and water based choices, clean up not an issue. Keys are longevity of product, weather protect and enhancing wood grain.
Thank you!
Dave
TWP 100 Series or Defy Extreme.
Thank you for the quick reply!
Since the railings have been sanded down to 15o grit will the Defy Extreme have a hard time penetrating the cedar?
Yes. Any brand will have an issue when you sand at too fine of a grit.
So re sand to 80 or 100 grit? Thanks again for you input.
60-80 grit.
Hi,
We are going to put in New Shiplap Smooth Red Cedar Siding in MA with AM Sun and Partial Shade for Early Afternoon with No known mold issues. We are hoping to keep to existing color but open to a transparent/semi-transparent stain to avoid frequent re-staining. The area is going to be an accent wall surround by Dark Blue siding. What is the best technique and product out there. Would the decking recommendations work?
Thanks in advance for the feedback
Yes, you would want an exterior semi-transparent decking stain. Try the Armstrong Clark. See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
I’m having two Metal Framed pedestrian gates and Fences built with clear redwood insets. Metal frame is pre galvenized steel that will be powder coated. Reedwood inserts ( 1×6 tongue and grove) will be stained and inserted into metal frame, prior to gate/fence install. Fence contractor uses Behr premium waterproofing and sealer to stain his redwood. I want to upgrade the stain to get a better result and less headache in future maintenance. Not sure how old or new the wood slates are? He does keep stock on his readwood in the shop, but I have to assume they will not have much exposure to the elements. How shoould the wood be treated prior to the stain application? Color is important and Defy does not have a darker color? Restore a Deck Dark Walnut might work, but it may still be to red for our taste.
Looking for a dark color (black walnut or Oxford Brown) in a better water base stain to replace Behr. What would would you recommend in this situation?
Thanks in advance for the feedback!
JTD
You will need to remove the Behr first. Try Armstrong Clark in Black Walnut or TWP 1504 Black Walnut.
Roger
Deck Location State: Iowa
Full Sun in Am; Full to Partial Shade in Afternoon
Wood Type: Treated pine, 20 years old, good structural condition, stained every year
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: Poor consistency (color retention and water repellency after 1 year; some areas turn very dark)
Previous Coating? If so brand name and type of stain (SuperDeck Transparent Redwood last 5 years)
Prep well first to remove Super Deck. Stain with TWP 100 Series or Armstrong Clark stains.
Location: VA
Morning and noon sun, afternoon shade
13 year old pine
Never treated, just pressure washed
Slight mold issue on one end due to shade from a tree
Try Restore A Deck Wood Stains or TWP 1500.
Thanks
Deck Location State: Maryland
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full sun through most of day, south facing
Wood Type: Pressure treated pine
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: dried to quickly, and did not get absorption into horizontal boards, showed extreme wear within a year of treatment.
Previous Coating? If so brand name and type of stain (Transparent, Semi-transparent, Semi-solid, Solid Stain): partial, relaxed all horizontal boards 3+ months ago, existing vertical boards treated with Behr Premium Semi-Transparent cedar tone approx 3 years ago.
Strip and sand to remove all the Behr. Brighten the wood after. Stain with TWP 1500 Series or Armstrong Clark.
Deck Location State: Eastern Washington right by Idaho (10 minutes)
Full Sun
Wood Type: Cedar deck, Fir posts and beams
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
This is a brand new 16×24′ deck with a gabled peaked open roof that we are almost done building. Trying to find out the best stain. We will be staining beams, posts and deck.
See this about new wood decks: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
You cannot stain this right away. After the wait and prep, try one of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Location: Olympia, WA
Bright morning sun – shade later in the afternoon – faces east
wood type – unknown. this was a foreclosed house and the Realtor put the deck up quickly to sell in 2014. so no info on wood type or stain.
Don’t think there are mold or mildew issues – but the boards were nailed and they are now coming up. Spacing between boards also seems too close. Blotchy and peeling began the first summer. The parts of the deck with the most sun exposure are the most blotched.
thank you for your thoughts on this
Need a picture. Thanks
We have a good size deck on the north side of our house that’s about 3 years old. What kind of stain would you recommend based on the answers I provided to the above questions? Also, what kind of prep and prep products would you recommend before restraining? Thank you so much for your time, I greatly appreciate any help you can provide.
1. Deck Location State: Colorado
2. Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full Sun on most of the deck except for about 4 boards against the house which are in full shade all day.
3. Wood Type: Cedar
4. Mold or Mildew Issues: No
5. The reason for Previous Stain Failure: Dried Blotchy and Peeled after first Winter, raised wood grain after winter season
6. Previous Coating? If so brand name and type of stain (Transparent, Semi-transparent, Semi-solid, Solid Stain): Ready Seal
Thanks again for your help,
Heather
For the prep, use the Restore A Deck Stripper/Brightener Kits.
For the stain, use TWP 100 Series or Armstrong Clark.
I have two decks,one pressure treated and never coated. It’s three years old. The other is white cedar, it has been coated and stripped. It’s six years old and stripped three years ago. I l I’ve in Michigan and both decks are exposed to full sun all day. I would like stain them both with the same color. Any suggestions or hints
Clean and brighten all the wood with Restore A Deck Kits. Stain with TWP 100 Series or Armstrong Clark.
Eastern Kansas. Morning sun, afternoon shade. Mold and algae and humidity a problem. Made of cedar. Never been treated but not a new deck.
What kind of stain should I use, please?
Clean and brighten for prep. Restore A Deck Wood Stain or TWP 100 Series for the deck stain.
Location: Portland, Oregon
Deck faces south, full sun in the summer, full rain in the winter
Wood Type: Deckboards are Cumaru, Railings are Ipe
Mold & Mildew issues: Major issues
Previous stain: Penofin (hardwoods formula). First summer I gave it one coat but had to give it another one by fall as it was already starting to fade. By spring I hit it again, and the next spring, and the next spring. My biggest complaint is that the Penofin doesn’t last a year and has major mold/mildew issues. It also stops repelling water after the first couple of rains and then the water just soaks in. They claim it has mold/mildew inhibitors but that’s bullshit, it’s mildew food. I’ve spent a week this summer power washing and sanding and want to get it right this time. What would you use? I don’t mind having to clean and re-stain every year but want a product that lasts a year, and can deal with 6 months of rain. Also being able to apply it in warm temps and sunshine without having to be careful about overlapping and streaking would be a plus.
Strip and brighten for the prep and use the Defy Hardwood Stain or Restore A Deck Wood stain for this IPE. Neither will turn dark or black like the Penofin.
Deck Location State: Huntsville, Alabama
Full Sun
Wood Type: KDAT – New Deck
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
What type of stain do you recommend, and how long should I wait before staining? Thanks.
See this for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-kdat-deck/
Deck Location State: Portland, Oregon
Partial Shade
Wood Type: Unknown
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: Longevity, applied in 2013
Previous Coating? Behr Premium Solid
How to prep for a new stain? Should we just pressure-wash, strip it, sand it or just apply over the top of the old stain?
Pressure wash to remove what is loose but leave on the intact stain. Try Flood Pro Series Solid Stains.
Where can I find this product in St. Louis, mo
Which product?
Indiana deck. Sun and partial share. Some mold. Previous stain 3 years old. Professional done.
Deck Location State: Kentucky
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full Sun (Gets morning, afternoon, and evening sun) direct Southern exposure
Wood Type: Redwood
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: Someone put Solid, orange tinted (water based) stain (on beautiful Redwood!!!)
Prior stain has been stripped (what a pain that was), power washed, brightener applied.
Look at the TWP 100 Series or Armstrong Clark.
Thank you. I don’t want the wood to gray, so do we need to adjust these recommendations? Also, water based or oil?
No on adjusting recommendations.
Location-western PA
Full sun 8 hours
cedar
mold and algae yes
dried and faded and mildewed 1 yr
semi transparent stain
Strip and brighten the wood for prep. Stain with Armstrong Clark or TWP 1500 Series.
Hi there, l’m looking for a stain for our decks. We live in Oregon (west side, Willamette Valley). The decks all get afternoon sun. Three of the four decks are covered. Our last opaque stain is peeling off. It has only been on the decks for 2 years. We have some mildew issues. What would you recommend? I’m assuming we need to fully remove the old stain.
Yes, and you will need to sand to remove the opaque stain. Once removed, clean and brighten for the final prep. Stain with TWP 100 Series or Armstrong Clark.
Hi, Live in NY and have just put in a new deck.
1. NY
2. Get’s full sun am and pm
3. Top grade pine
4. should not have mold or mildew problems
5. New wood
would prefer something at least semi-transparent.
See this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
putting in a new deck. 1. NY, 2. Full sun am and pm. 3. #1 pine, 4.no mold/mildew. 5. No previous coating/new wood. Do not want an opaque stain.
See this for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Need the best stain for pine fence inserts located 100 yards from ocean. No traffic on the fence, but brutal coastal climate with hot humid summers, and freezing in the winter.
1. Deck Location State: Coastal North Carolina
2.Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Shade in Am, Full Sun in Afternoon
3.Wood Type: Pressure Treated Pine
4.Mold or Mildew Issues: Yes and also algae
5.The reason for Previous Stain Failure: Its been four years and it just didn’t hold up. A lot of mold and alage in the shade area.
6.Previous Coating? I believe it was a Cabot Semitransparent stain.
Please recommend a good solid satin that can be applied over this.
For a solid stain, try the Flood brand.
Hi there looking for a stain for our new deck here’s the answers for the 6 questions
1) Location south eastern British Columbia Canada
2) parts of the deck have full sun in the afternoon through to the evening as well as parts have partial sun and some parts are close to full shade
3) Douglas fir
4) not sure about mold and mildew issues but deck is exposed to extreme weather changes and is about 16-24″ off the ground
5) never been stained or treated
6) new deck that has weathered and aged about 1 year
I was thinking of either the restore a deck product or the defy extreme leaning more towards the restore a deck product
Cal
Either one of the brands would work well.
Hello. I’m ready to restain my deck. I’m in upstate NY. Mostly full sun with shade in The shadow of the house. Those shady areas get mildew. It was stained with a solid stain. It gets high wear and it peels off. It wasn’t pressure washed before the last staining but I intend to do that this time. We us d a Cabot opaque stain. I want to continue with the opaque. It’s pressure treated pine I believe (not sure about the pine-but I think so. Just builders grade pressure treated lumber). Many thanks
Try the Flood Pro Series Solid Stains.