This post was updated on May 1, 2024
Best Water-Based Deck Stains 2024
We appreciate you visiting Deckstainhelp.com as we continue to be your go-to source for the latest in deck restoration news and trending topics through 2024. If you are looking for honest deck stain ratings, look no further. We base our ratings on our personal experiences as well as the input from thousands of project managers. Feel free to leave a comment below about your water-based deck stain of choice.
With a lot of water-based deck stains on the market today it can be difficult to find the best one for your deck stain project. Looking at the reviews for the best water-based deck stain, one stands in a class by itself. Defy Extreme deck stain is a newly blended formula using nanoparticle technology that improves stain performance by 200%-600%. Nanotechnology uses nanoparticles and synthetic resins to significantly increase the stain’s functionality.
This synthetic resin-based deck stain blocks and absorbs harmful UV rays like sunscreen. This technology is a first in the industry. Blocking UV rays is crucial to protecting the wood. Sunlight can gray out and fade decking. It can also dry out the natural oils of the wood jeopardizing the wood’s longevity. Defy Extreme Stain blocks these damaging rays keeping the wood looking new by preserving its appearance.
Not only does Defy Extreme’s technology diminish wood graying and fading, but it also helps block water intrusion while contesting fungal growth. This is also highly crucial as fungal growth like mold, mildew, and algae can cause wood rot potentially leading to costly premature structural damage. UV rays and water intrusion are the two top causes of wood decking failure. Using the best water-based deck stain available is well worth the investment.
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain is an advanced, water-based, semi-transparent stain formulation designed to penetrate deep into wood pores for maximum protection and longevity. Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain protects wood from harmful UV rays and damage caused by water penetration. Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain is safe to use, has a low odor, and is easy to clean up with soap and water. It is ideal for all wood types including pressure-treated pine, cedar, fir, or redwood. Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain is the only stain we have tested that can be applied to dry or damp wood. Applying to damp wood allows you the ability to prep and stain on the same day, saving you a tremendous amount of time.
Defy Extreme is also certified “green” and environmentally friendly, unlike some oil-based stains. Defy can be shipped to all 50 states due to being extremely VOC compliant. A water-based stain like Defy Extreme is proven to be more durable and to dry quicker than many other tinted wood finishes. In a leading competitor comparison, Defy outperformed four other leading national stain brands. Better performing, resistant to fungal growth, eco-friendly, and new light stabilizing technology are the reasons that Defy Extreme and the Restore-a-Deck Wood Stains are the best water-based deck stain on the market today.
Top Water-Based Stain Ratings
1. Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain
2. Defy Extreme Stain
3. Defy Hardwood/Cedar Stain
The Different Types of Deck Stains Video – DeckStainHelp.com
I have a 10 year old composite deck but not 100% certain of the precise composite make up of the deck. It looks like a dark brown but now faded in appearance. I want to put a water base stain on but I’m concerned because of a backyard water well 50 feet away and we have small children and plants. Can you tell me what would be the absolute best stain be for my situation ? Thank you.
Sorry but not all stains will work on composite wood and we stopped staining composite wood years ago so our experience is limited. We only work on natural wood decks.
Is there a water based sealant and light shine for a deck that has been painted with a water based dark stain. I would like my deck to have a light shine to it. The stain I put on has a real matte finish.
No, having a shine means it will blister and peel on a deck floor. Also, you cannot add a sealer over a deck stain.
Can I use marine epoxy over it for a gloss finish?
No, never apply a gloss coating or any sealer over a deck stain. It will fail by blistering and or peeling.
What is the end result for color? Shiny? Matte? Thank you
The Defy extreme is a matter finish with no shine.