Transparent Deck Stain? 5/5 (1)

Use transparent deck stain?

You should not use a transparent deck stain, especially if your deck is in full sun part or most of the day. Transparent deck stains do not protect against sun damage. The color in tinted deck stains protects the wood from graying in the sun. Transparent deck stains have only a small amount of tint. Semi-transparent deck stains like Armstrong Clark, TWP, and Restore-A-Deck provide more UV protection while still allowing the grain of the wood to show through.

Key takeaways

Avoid transparent deck stain if your deck receives full or partial sun exposure throughout the day.
Transparent deck stains provide little to no protection against UV sun damage to wood.
The color pigment in tinted deck stains is what protects wood from graying caused by sun exposure.
Transparent deck stains contain only a very small amount of tint, making them poor UV blockers.
Semi-transparent deck stains like Armstrong Clark, TWP, and Restore-A-Deck offer significantly better UV protection.
The best semi-transparent deck stains protect against sun damage while still allowing the natural wood grain to show through.

More information on transparent and semi-transparent deck stains

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Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 Owner

As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior wood and deck restoration. Scott and his Deck Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 decks in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the deck restoration industry and has contributed to numerous wood restoration forums and informative sites. All the products he suggests through this site are sold through online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them.

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