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!
Ask a Question or Post a Review
3988 Comments on "The Best Deck Stains?"
South Central Kansas
Deck on east side of house – full sun/shade in evening
Pine
No
No idea on previous products – if any
Deck is 10+. Just cleaned with outdoor bleach
Try the Restore-A-Deck Wood Stains or the TWP 100 Series.
Ohio
Full sun
Untreated Yellawood (sorry, unsure of spelling!)
No mold, but wood is very gray from elements (swingset is about 2 years old)
No stain, sealant ever applied
Thx for your help in choosing a stain plus sealant
Prep with Restore A Deck Cleaner and Brightener Kits. Stain with Armstrong Clark in a semi-solid stain.
1.New York, Upstate (winter a lot of snow and ice)
2.Shaded in morning full sun in afternoon 12-6 in afternoon
3. Pressure treated pine
4. No
5. We used a terrible product called Deck Over. Lasted one year and peeled. We removed this mess last year and now the deck is ready to be stained. The deck is very gray. I have ordered Deck and Wood Cleaner/Brightener 1 & 2 to prep the deck first.
6. Deck Over which is basically a thick paint (awful stuff)
Try TWP 1500 Series or Armstrong Clark wood stains.
Illinois
Full sun
cedar
no Mold
Behr stain
This is an older pool deck. Very faded
What would the Best stain be??
Also need it to not be hot on feet!!
THANKS
You will need to strip and sand to remove the Behr. Brighten all when done. Stain with Armstrong Clark or TWP 1500 Series.
1. Shenandoah Valley Virginia
2. Full sun a.m., shade afternoon
3. pressure treated pine
4.. some algae, some cracks
5. don’t know brand; semi-transparent stain
Prep correctly first. Sain with TWP or Defy Extreme stains.
1 Central Illinois
2 full sun in a.m., shade in afternoon
3. Cedar
4. Looks dirty. Cleaning removes stain with the dirt.
5. Not sure of the brand but think it was semi-transparent stain
Prep with the Restore A Deck Stripper/Brightener kit so all dirt and old stain is removed. Stain with TWP 1500 or Restore-A-Deck Wood Stains.
1} Michigan
2) full sun to shade in PM
3) treated pine, 25 yrs old
4) moss & algea
5 & 6) Sikkens SRD 5 – 6 yrs old
After sb
Scrub and hard power wash.
What’s better, preferred than Skikkens.
Thanks
You will need to remove the Sikkens for the prep as you cannot apply another brand on top. Use the Restore-A-Deck Stripper and Brightener Kit. Once removed, try TWP 100 Series or Restore-A-Deck Wood Stains.
Deck in eastern PA
Eastern exposure-Fullsun AM and till mid afternoon
Cedar
No mold mildew
Peeled and blotchy from previous application of Zar Clear Wood Sealer last year
Will sand it off and apply ?????? Help!
After removal, try the Armstrong Clark or TWP 1500 Series.
Deck Location State: Northern Illinois
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full Sun in Am, Shade in Afternoon
Wood Type: treated
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: Wore off in first year
Previous Coating? If so brand name and type of stain (Transparent, Semi-transparent, Semi-solid, Solid Stain): Thompson Semi-Solid
Strip and or sand to remove the rest of the Thompsons. Brighten all wood when done. Stain with TWP 1500 Series or the Armstrong Clark.
Southwest Ohio
deck is probably 25 or so year old pressure treated lumber.
On west side of house receiving no morning sun. Does receive afternoon sun.
Some mildew in shaded areas.
Does not appear to have ever been stained but I found a folder when I moved in indicating some type of treatment was applied in 2015 by a company called “Seal Smart”.
Never heard of “Seal Smart”. Prep by cleaning and brightening the wood. Stain with TWP 1500 or the Armstrong Clark.
Thanks for your help!!
Southern Ohio
Shade in morning/ full sun noon – 7:00
PT lumber 3 years old
No mold or mildew, minor algae around furniture
No previous stain failure, 2 years since last staining, want a high quality semi-transparent or semi-solid
Sikkens Cetol SRD
Strip and brighten to remove the Sikkens. Stain with TWP 1500 or Armstrong Clark wood stains.
Northwest Arkansas
Covered deck/stairs area sun 3/4 of the day full sun
cedar/treated lumber
slight mold/issues
just bought house deck cedar was done (unknown product) treated wooed decking not done at all
unknown previous coating to none applied
There is an old coating on the wood. Strip and brighten this for the prep. It will be an easy strip. Stain with TWP 100 Series or the Restore-A-Deck Wood stains.
DO YOU NOT RECOMMEND ARMSTRONG-CLARK?? sorry about the caps
You could use the AC as well.
Thanks for your help I have ordered samples from each company, have a great day
New York
Full afternoon sun
Treated lumber 30 years old
no
normal wear not done for 3 years
Olympus Semi-transparent
Thank you
Strip and brighten for prep and stain with TWP 1500 Series or Defy Extreme Stains.
What should I use to strip the deck? can you brighten the same day? Can you strip and brighten if it rained last night?
Try the Restore A Deck Stripper/Brightener Kits.
Best stain for my deck
Atlanta Ga
Pressure wood
No mold
Installed 9months ago
Full sun
TWP 100 Series or Armstrong Clark.
Minnesota
Morning full sun, afternoon shade
Cedar tone green treat
No mold
Never stained, 3years old
Clean and brighten the wood for the prep and stain with TWP 100 Series or Armstrong Clark.
Deck Location State: upper Minnesota
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full east Sun in Am, Shade in Afternoon on the back deck. On the side sun all day.
Wood Type: treated
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: have not stained yet one yr old
Previous Coating? we were thinking cabot semi-solid stain
Clean and brighten the wood for the prep and stain with TWP 100 Series or Armstrong Clark.
If you want a semi-solid, look at the Armstrong Clark. Much better than Cabot.
Pine deck in Missouri 7 months old. In the sun Most of the day.No mold or mildew. Has not been stained. Want to use semi transparent stain. What’s best to start life out with? I should also add this is by a pool.
Clean and brighten the wood for the prep and stain with TWP 100 Series or Armstrong Clark wood deck stains.
1. Massachusetts
2. Full sun a.m., shade from mid-afternoon on
3. Pressure-treated wood installed 24 years ago
4. No mold/ mildew
5. Peeled quickly, and continues to. Showed wear in traffic areas, especially from dog, within a couple of months of application. Done 4 years ago.
6. BEHR Premium
Thanks
Start by removing the Behr. Strip, pressure wash, power sand if needed, and brighten when done. Once prepped, try the Armstrong Clark wood stains.
Hi
We have a deck that we are looking to redo this summer.
1. Deck Location State: Manitoba, Canada
2. Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full Sun in Am, partial Shade in Afternoon
3. Wood Type: appears to have been treated wood
4. Mold or Mildew Issues: No
5. The reason for Previous Stain Failure: Dried Blotchy and Peeled after first Winter.
6. Previous Coating? A semi transparent stain. Can’t remember the brand name
Thanks in advance!
The current stain will need to be fully removed first. Stripping and or sanding will be needed. Brighten all the wood after. After the prep, stain with Armstrong Clark or TWP 200 Series.
l. Location: Massachusetts
2. Full sun on part in afternoon; otherwise shade–it’s a covered porch, but steps are exposed
3. Cedar
4. No mold or mildew
5. Rained too soon after–but also a few years ago
6. Previous–unknown
thanks!
How to prep and what stain to use depends on the stain type that is on the deck now. Please post a picture or two.
Unsure of type of wood but it was both stained and has been painted. We have power washed it twice as well as sanded it down but there is still some dark brown paint remnants on there. We live in South Dakota so there is a lot of weather changes. What type of stain will withstand our winter conditions and very humid summers? I’m also hoping for something that will look okay and blend well with some darker brown paint that will not come off.
You cannot blend with pain when using a semi-transparent stain but you can cover this with a solid color stain. Try the Flood Solid Stains.
Hello,
1. Redwood deck is a little over 2 years old.
2. It was treated with SuperDeck Log Home Oil Finish (Amber Hue) when new.
3. There are graying and black spots in exposed areas.
5. There is no obvious evidence of previous oil finish.
6. Do I need to strip & brighten or can I get away with just power wash?
7. What stain do you recommend (want to preserve original appearance)?
Strip and brighten will be needed. Very easy to remove the Super Deck. Try Restore-A-Deck Wood stain or TWP Stains.
We are currently staining our deck that is at least years old. We used SherwinWilliams Super Deck Solid stain and are pretty happy with the results.
My question is this. We wanted to add a second coat to the part of the deck that gets full sun today but weather report shows rain for tomorrow. Should we apply the second coat today or can we wait until the weather is dry?
Thanks
Wait to be safe.
Thank you.
happy Friday
I have a year old roof top pressure treated deck in Philadelphia. The deck is made of pressure treated and is in full sun all day and has never been stained. What do you suggest?
Clean and brighten for the prep. Armstrong Clark in a semi-solid color when in full sun.
Help….new homeowner, first time woodeck owner with carpenter bee damage. Exterminator coming in the next week. Husband wants to DIY the repairs and protection, but we dont know where to begin for how to best proect it going forward.
Deck Location State: West TN
Full Shade due to wooded surrounding wraps NW Deck/porch to NE screenelevated sunporch.
Wood Type: unknown/assuming a pressuretreated pine? Home was built in 2008
Mold or Mildew Issues: slight
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: unknown. Just purchased the home Feb 2018.
Previous Coating? I can see there was something, but don’t know specs. Look like a solid paint?
Might be best to cover all with a solid color stain as the current coating cannot be stripped off. try the Flood solid stains.
Hi, I am putting in a new redwood deck in partial sun in northern CA (down to 35 in the winter, up to 100+ a few times in the summer, 15″ of rain per year, otherwise a medium-dry climate).
Want to preserve as much natural redwood color while still giving UV protection. Fair amount of foot traffic with 2 boys.
Also, do you recommend finish on the underside of the deck before installing? The wood has already seasoned for about 1 month.
Thanks! Vince
Hello,
See here for new wood tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
No need to stain undersides nor can you prestain wood.
Deck Location State: Washington (Seattle)
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full Sun all day – rooftop deck
Wood Type: Cedar
Mold or Mildew Issues: Not really, but underneath a drain yes (one small spot)
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: Dried Blotchy and Peeled after 3 months
Previous Coating? If so brand name and type of stain (Transparent, Semi-transparent, Semi-solid, Solid Stain): Thompson’s WaterSeal Pre-Tinted
Hi there – any advice would be super helpful please! New house with a rooftop deck that the builder painted improperly and most likely while wet. We have stripped it with a light pressure washer and stain remover (JoMax stripper). We’re planning on sanding the deck afterwards just to smooth it out and remove some hard stains – do you recommend we do this by hand (say 80 grit?) or maybe a drill bit attachment? Or some other way? We have a total of 400sq ft. so I’m def not looking forward to this part
. Secondly, what stain / product do you recommend for wet Seattle weather that is going to last more than 3 months before it peels? Would love something that we can reapply every 1-2 years at least.
THANK YOU!
80 Grit at max. Hand sander or palm sander. You want a penetrating stain. TWP 100 Series or Armstrong Clark.
Thanks so much! One more question, we have some wood discoloration, do you recommend we do a wood brightener as per your other post? And any suggestions on what kind?
Not sure if it will help or not but it would not hurt to try. Does not matter on brand.
Deck location: SW Pennsylvania
Partial shade in AM and full sun in afternoon
Wood: Pressure treated pine
Some mold/mildew in spring
Reason for previous failure: Not sure. Looks dull and some peeling of stain
Previous coating: Used Sikkens Cetol for the last 20 years which was great. Last year when we put on what we thought would be the same product, we were very disappointed. It never looked the same and was not as glossy as before. We were told that PPG bought Sikkens and changed the stain. It was a 2 step process at first but then only had to put on top coat every 2-3 years. Is there another product available that would look and work as good as the old product did? Do we need to sand off the old stain and start again? Do you have another suggestion?
After removal by stripping and or sanding of the old coatings, try TWP 1500 or Armstrong Clark. They are what Sikkens used to be. Brighten the wood as well after the prep but before staining.
Deck Location State: SW Iowa
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full Sun in Am, Shade in Afternoon/Evening
Wood Type: I’m not much of a “wood guy” and wasn’t the homeowner when the deck was installed. I’m hoping you can tell me from the pictures.
Mold or Mildew Issues: Minimal green mildew on the surface (this was removed when I pressure washed). Included a picture of below the deck as well to get your opinion.
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: old and needed replaced (see pictures of stairs)
Previous Coating? No idea as I’ve only owned the home for approx a year.
Narrative: Last night I pressure washed what I could before the sunset I intend to finish today. If you look at the pictures, you can see a “before / after” if you look at the stairs as I haven’t gotten there yet.
I plan on using Behr no 63 (as the previous owner left this, and you can’t beat free…) after I’m completed with pressure washing, unless you suggest something else. I then intend to sand it all, then put on stain/sealer. I didn’t think I needed a sealer as most of the current stain came off with the pressure washing and I’m hoping the Behr no 63 takes the minimal remainder off.
Also, I intend to put on brackets on the railings as the 45-degree nails aren’t holding very well. Any issue here?
You will need to strip and brighten for this prep so all of the old stain is removed. The Behr Cleaner cleaner will not remove the coating fully. Do not use Behr Stains. Horrible reviews: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/behr-deck-stain-review/
As for the stain, try the TWP 100 Series or Armstrong Clark.
Thanks! Do you have a stripper/brightener you’d recommend?
The Restore A Deck Stripper and Brightener Kits.
Also, any insight on sanding? My intent was to get rid of all splinters.
See this for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-sand-your-wood-deck/
Deck location: Nebraska
West facing – partial sun am, full sun PM
Wood type: pine – 10 years old
Mold or mildew: no
Reason for previous stain failure: had a contractor clean and restain deck about 2 years ago. Follow manufacturer’s directions, even sent pictures through out process, within 6 months the stain was peeling. Manufacturer repaid us cost of stain.
Previous coating: Cabot acrylic exterior neutral base
Need to redo, what should I use?
Sand off the Cabot fully. Clean and brighten after. Stain with a penetrating coating so it does not peel: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
What stain and color would you recommend for our deck?
Deck Location State: Michigan
Full Sun
Wood Type: I am not sure
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: Aging and weathering
Previous Coating? I am not sure because we just bought the house, but I think it was Thompson’s Waterseal Deck & House oil Stain, semi-transparent, Russet
Strip, pressure wash, and sand to remove. Brighten all when removed. Stain with TWP 100 Series or Armstrong Clark.
Does it matter what color we choose? It is currently a dark color. Do we need to strip off every little bit of stain? Thanks!
Yes on removing the old stain fully. You can then use any color you would like.
Do you recommend semi-transparent stain over semi-solid color stains?
We like semi-trans better for most scenarios. AC does make the only semi-solid that we actually like if you want to go that route.
This is what our deck looks like after using the stripper. We still need to apply the brightner. Would you recommend sanding first? Or does it look ok to directly do the brightner?
No need to sand. Go ahead with the brightener.
I have a cedar deck, partial shade in Western Oregon (lots of rain). I’ve been using Inwood for the last decade, every 2 years, but Inwood is no longer sold. I prefer a semi-transparent finish. What would you recommend?
Try Armstrong Clark or TWP 100 Series.
1.Deck Location State: Kansas
2.Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Shade in AM, Sun in Afternoon, however, most of the deck has a roof
3.Wood Type: Cedar
4.Mold or Mildew Issues: I think so. Deck turns very dark
5.The reason for Previous Stain Failure: Dried tacky in places (probably my application was too heavy)
6.Previous Coating? I’ve used Penofin probably 5 times–red label, blue label, and marine version. Dislike that it looks very dark–It seems to be mold and mildew because I can take it off with an oxy-type cleaner or a mildew cleaner. I’ve never been happy with the Penofin even though I keep being told “it’s the best”.
PLEASE offer some good advice on a better product. I’m just about to jump off my deck–the thought of prepping and recoating everything makes me so overwhelmed. It is a very large deck that wraps the back and sides of the house. I’ve even considered replacing all the spindles and handrails with alumimum ones to lessen the maintenance.
Thanks so much!
Penofin turns black on everyone. Time to change. Strip and brighten with Restore A Deck Wood Stripper Kits. Stain with TWP 100 Series or Restore-A-Deck Wood stains.
I am not really sure what to do now. All I know, I just want to get it done, and done right.
1. Kentucky
2. AM shade to full sun after noon. Steps are in shade
3. Pressure Treated Pine
4. Steps green with some black. deck (horizontal boards) cut ends blackish
5. No previous stain, but decks is 2 yrs old.
So far, I used a pressure sprayer with a bleach and water solution on the horizontal deck surface, and just used pressure sprayer on the railings since they were not gray. What do you recommend I do now? Also, looking at using semi-transparent stain. Suggestions, stain recommendations, any advice would be greatly appreciated! By the way, it cleaned up nice, but there are some whitish spots. See pics.
The white spots are oxidation graying that has not been removed fully. You can buff those off or pressure wash again to remove. Stain with Restore A Deck Wood Stain or TWP 100 Series.
I’d like to clean and protect my beautiful mahogany deck. The stairs are particularly beginning to show wear. The wood is in good structural shape, but is beginning to visibly dim. I’m thinking that I may just do the steps this year and wait another year or two before doing the entire 800 SF deck, but am wondering if that’s wise. The steps are the steps from the street to the front door, so they get much, much more use than the deck itself does. They also get shoveled when it snows and are occasionally treated with pet-safe ice melt, which the deck does not get shoveled and is not treated with any melting products.
I’ve purchased Wolman’s EHT Deck Cleaner and Brightener and my intent was to use the Wolman’s EHT Clear because I know that’s what was used previously. I’m having extreme difficulty finding Wolman’s EHT Clear in metro Boston, so before I go to great lengths to obtain it, I thought I’d check here for your input on whether it’s my best option for the work I need to do.
The photos attached are of the front steps, the deck boards on the main deck and then a closeup of the edge of one step, where the difference in wear between the part that’s walked on and the part that’s under the railing can be clearly seen.
Deck Location State: Massachusetts
Shade in AM, full sun in afternoon
Wood Type: Mahogany
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: Has not failed. Has been 10 years since deck was constructed and, particularly on stairs, I want to brighten and protect it.
Previous Coating? Wolman’s Exotic Hardwood Treatment Clear
There are better stains than the Wolams EHT. Defy Hardwood or Armstrong Clark are a couple. Also, you should strip and brighten for the prep. Not clean and brighten,
What is a good stain to use for a 1,000 sq ft cedar deck and is covered in California? I have been reading a lot about all the stains and want to make sure we get a one that will hold up. We did like the sample Red label Penofin bark stain but seems like there product is not as good as we hoped for. At least not on the forms. Any suggestions you have would be great.
Penofin turns black in most scenarios. Try the TWP 1500 or Restore-A-Deck Wood stains.
Thanks you
Not sure which stain to buy. Upstate NY, there is a little bit of mold on the railings. The deck is 2 years old and we haven’t stained it yet. Deck is full sun it is a little damp in our backyard.
TWP 1500 Series or Restore-A-Deck Wood Stains.
Deck Location State: Ontario, Canada
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full Sun in Am, Shade in Afternoon
Wood Type: pressure treated, older, greyed Spruce
Mold or Mildew Issues: slight green tinge remaining after power washing – how to address this?
The reason for Previous Stain Failure: no previous stain
Previous Coating? If so brand name and type of stain (Transparent, Semi-transparent, Semi-solid, Solid Stain): none
Looking for a clear coating, despite not having UV protection. Just looking to extend the life of this deck, as there are many other pieces of the deck of the same grey colour and not wanting to change the colour of the rest.
Much thanks and great site!!!
Defy Extreme Clear is what you would want for this. You cannot get the green pressure treated chemical out of the wood fully.
I think the green is mold / algae.
Would a simple water and bleach wash resolve it, or is there a better dedicated product?
Thanks again – your the deck stain KING!
Try the water/bleach.
Not sure which stain to buy. Upstate NY, there is a little bit of mold on the railings. The deck is 2 years old and we haven’t stained it yet. Deck is full sun it is a little damp in our backyard. We are pressure washing and cleaning it this week.
TWP 1500 Series or Armstrong Clark.
Hi I live in north Florida and want something for my pressure treated deck. Has a roof on it but open on all sides. I want something semi transparent. Help? I want to prevent cracking, mold, mildew and want to waterproof it as well as uv resistant. I appreciate it.
Dena
Lake city, Florida
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stains or TWP 100 Series.
We want to fix up the deck on the house we just bought. I’m not sure what it is made of. Deck is located in Pennsylvania, and the deck has southern exposure, so it gets light all day. I am not aware of any mold or mildew issues, but some of the wood does have splintering. I don’t think there is any current stain on the wood, though the benches and rails have been painted.
You have what is called a two-toned deck. Solid color on verticals and a semi-transparent for the floors. There is a light colored stain on the floor. For this, you would strip and brighten the floor and try a stain like the TWP 1500 or Restore-A-Deck wood stains. For the railings, pressure wash to remove dirt and any peeling stain. Use another solid stain to cover. Flood Solid Stains.
Hi. I will be staining a fence. Built from pressure treated lumber. I built it last summer/fall. Now I’m trying to figure out what stain to use? I live in Wisconsin. Since it’s a fence it receives sunlight almost all day on some part of it or another. No mold issues. I will need to clean it first. Any suggestions on that as well would be helpful. Nothing has been applied yet. I don’t want solid color or a clear product. I would like something semi transparent or semi solid.
Look at Restore A Deck Wood Stain or Armstrong Clark. Clean and brighten the wood for prep.
Hello!
We’ve lived in our home a year and are ready to treat our deck. Our house is a graphite color and I’m torn between just sealing the deck or a colored stain. I appreciate your recommendations! Great site!
1. Iowa
2. Deck is mostly shaded (roof over deck), stairs and railing exposed to full sun
3. Treated lumber (? I’m not sure the wood our builder used)
4. No issues
5. No stain ever used – brand new home
6. No previous coating
Thanks!
Clear sealrs will not prevent UV graying. Best to use a semi-transparent stain. Try one of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Here are my five answers:
Georgia
full sun
cedar
no
fades quickly
TWP cedartone 101
What should I buy?
Personally we would stick the TWP 101. Other choice is to use a semi-solid color for a little better UV protection in full sun. Try the Armstrong Clark in one of their semi-solid colors.
Not Restore-A-Deck?
You could use that as well.
Best stain for my deck. 15 years old. Pennsylvania. Full sun. Don’t know on kind of wood. Had Rust-Oleum restore which peeled so we scrape it off and now we are sanding it and staining it. Some areas do get mold.
Make sure 100% of the Rustoleum is removed. Try the TWP 1500 Series or Defy Extreme.
What is your opinion of the Cabot gold super prem. Satin for Ipe steps and entrance deck am to mid day sun 7 years old previously stained with cabots old type ato, which some blotches still remain, which i am stripping/sanding. I was planning on using messmers uv plus hardwood, due to local availability. My prep so far has resulted in a less gray more light brownish color as opposed to the medium brown reddish color of new Ipe. I am trying for color of wet Ipe prior to graying.
If not Cabot gold is the new tinted ato any good for wet Ipe look, which color?
Appreciate any feedback and enjoy your site.!
The Cabot Gold is a filming coating that will leave a sheen. This will lead to blistering and peeling. Not a good idea for decking.
For IPE wood, try the Defy Hardwood or Armstrong Clark.
Best SOLID deck stain ? (dark chocolate/oxford/tudor brown). California, sun for half the AM, shade PM, new cedar, immediately next to 12 x 15′ concrete garden koi pond; back porch. Plenty of traffic (house to exterior grounds via this deck, approx 10 x 12′, above ground approx 1′. Old decking boards were redwood and coated with Olympic oil based stain either solid or semi-solid (not sure) decades ago held up GREAT (many years under an awning) but we just replaced entire deck b/c framing members underneath, not redwood, rotted badly.
Flood Solid stains
What stain would you recommend for my deck ?
1 location eastern Long Island, ny
2 full sun to partial shade
3 cedar
4 no mold or mildew issues
5 not sure if product failed. Just not happy with existing
6 Thompson waterproofing wood protector
Deck has been coated for several years with the Thompson. I have cleaned it with Behr all in one wood cleaner and power washed it. What would you recommend now ?
Armstrong Clark or TWP 1500 Series.
Hi I am trying to fix my grandparents deck over the summer I would appreciate any advice.
State: Connecticut
Sun: Full sun in morning shade in the afternoon
Wood type: Pressure treated soft pine (I think)
Mold/mil: No
Reason for failure: The floor stain is 5 years old it did not chip but it just wore away over time. The railings are terrible and are chipping and bubbling like crazy.
Previous Coating: The floor is stained with a Solid Stain of a (unknown brand) . The railings are painted with oil based exterior paint and primer (unknown brand).
I am planing to use a pressure washer, primer stripper for the floor, and paint stripper for the railings. I dont know if I need two different strippers and dont know what is the best to buy. I then want to stain the floor with the longest lasting solid stain I can find. The railings are going to be white but I dont know what to use please help me.
This will most likely not strip off fully. Remove as much as you can leaving intact (non peeling) stain. Try the Flood Brand of solid stains.
Thank you
Live in Central New York. Deck faces South but is shaded by a structure in the early AM. Good direct sun for the rest of the day. Pine 2×6 decking not 1x. No mold or mildew issues. 20 year old deck has been neglected for 5 years. Little or no stain left. Deck is very weathered and gray. Moderate amount of vertical grain separation. Help.
Prep by using a deck cleaner and then a wood brightener. Stain with TWP 1500 or Armstrong Clark.
Will the deck cleaner remove the few spots of leftover stain?
Depends on the brand that was used 5 years ago?