This post was updated on April 25, 2023
What are the Best Solid Color Deck Stains
The Best Solid Color Deck Stains
Some new solid color stains have been introduced in the last few years and are better than previous brands due to enhancements in technology. Less wear and peeling when tested.
We always appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below with pictures of your solid deck stain projects.
#1 Best Solid Color Deck Stain | #2 Best Solid Color Deck Stain | #2 Best Solid Color Deck Stain |
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Solid Color Deck Stain Reviews for 2023
Our favorite deck stains have always been penetrating semi-transparent stains. These stain types allow the wood grain to show, and if they truly soak into the wood grain, reapplying is easier down the road. Solid color deck stains have always been a “last resort” coating, in our opinion. We have not been huge fans of the appearance or performance of solid deck stains, but we do understand that there is a need for them. That being said, there are some great solid-color deck stains on the market for the 2023 deck staining season.
See here for tips on when best to use a Solid Opaque Deck Stain: When to use a Solid Color Deck Stain?
Listed below, we summarize our Top 3 Solid Deck Stain Ratings for the 2023 Deck Staining Season
Best Solid Stain for Wood Decks
1. Restore-A-Deck Solid Color Deck Stain Rating
Restore A Deck Solid Color Stain Review
Restore A Deck Solid Color Stain will be our go-to Solid Color Stain for 2023 due to its ease of use, 5 pre-mixed solid colors (the only solid stain on the market that comes pre-mixed), and the ability to prep and stain on the same day.
Note: Restore-A-Deck Wood Stains are 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.
Stain Type: Solid Color (Opaque) Wood Stain – Water Based
Available in Pre-Mixed Solid Colors: Classic White, Coastal Gray, Desert Taupe, Cypress, Brown Oak
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a Scale of 1-10): 8.88
See Review Article Here: Restore-A-Deck Solid Stains
Where to Buy Online: Restore-A-Deck Solid Color Stain
2. Defy Extreme Solid Stains Rating
DEFY Extreme Solid Color Wood Stain is a synthetic-resin, opaque wood and deck finish that helps protect against water, mildew, mold, algae, and UV radiation on exterior wood surfaces. This V.O.C. compliant water-based product provides a beautiful finish, fortified with transparent “oxide” based Nano Particles. There are over 30 TRILLION Nano-particles per square inch that provide extreme protection for your wood by blocking out the sun’s harmful UV rays, moisture, and fungal growth.
Stain Type: Solid Color (Opaque) Wood Stain – Water Based
Custom-Mixed Solid Colors: Custom tinted to any color.
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a Scale of 1-10): 8.5
See Review Article Here: Defy Extreme Solid Stains
Where to Buy Online: Defy Extreme Solid Wood Stain
3. Flood Pro Series Solid Stain Rating
Flood Pro Series Solid Color Stain Review
Flood Pro Series Solid Color Stain is an advanced stain and sealant in one that protects wood from moisture and sun damage while adding rich, opaque color. A 100% acrylic formula provides excellent adhesion and durability. Urethane-fortified to resist cracking and peeling. Rain resistant finish within 12 hours. Powerful UV absorbers protect against fading and UV damage. It provides a mildew-resistant finish.
Stain Type: Solid Color (Opaque) Wood Stain – Water Based
Custom-Mixed Solid Colors: Tintable to over 120 colors
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a Scale of 1-10): 8.0
See Review Article Here: Flood Solid Color Stains
The Best Solid Color Deck Stain Photos
The Best Solid Color Deck Stain Video – DeckStainHelp.com
Solid Color Opaque Deck Stain Rating Questions
If you have questions on this review of solid color deck stains, please ask below. For a more in-depth article on “What is The Best Deck Stain for Your Deck” see this article: What is the Best Deck Stain
Deck Stain Help & Questions
Stain Reviews & Comparisons
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.
I started power sanding my deck, but have neither time nor patience to sand all the railings. It was last stained in 2019 with Cabot Gold Finish Satin (fireside cherry – dark red). The decking is flaking bad but the vertical railings look pretty good still.
I’m thinking of power sanding, cleaning, brightening, and TWC 100 on the decking.
For the railings however, I wonder if I could apply Restore-A-Deck Solid Color (white or taupe) over the existing dark red Cabot Gold Finish without sanding it off? If possible, how should I prep the railings?
Your can stain with a solid stain over the Cabot. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-reapply-a-solid-color-deck-stain/
I have sanded my older deck because it was flaking so bad. I am now wanting to use Restore-a-Deck or Defy solid stain. Before I apply the stain, should I use the cleaner and brightener? Also, what is the difference between Defy solid color stain and Defy Extreme solid color stain? Thank you.
Post some pics of your prep so far for help. Use the RAD Solid Stain over the Defy (Extreme) Solid Stains.
Here are pictures of the deck that we just sanded. I still need to sweep off the dust from sanding. I don’t need to power wash do I?
You should use a wood brightener and then a light pressure wash rinse to open up the wood pores after the sanding.
Whats the best solid stain that is the easiest to clean with just water after footprints are left behind
All solid stains should be able to be cleaned from footprints but in general, go with a darker color so they do not show as much.
Are you familiar with storm 4 solid stain and if so, what do you think of the product?
No, we have not used it.
Hello, We have a 3 month old deck that we would like to stain the pressure treated posts a solid black in the near future. 1. What prep is needed before staining? 2. What solid black stain do you recommend? I am considering ordering from a Defy authorized dealer who offers a custom black color. Thanks for your time.
1. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
2. We do not know of any deck stain brands that have a solid black stain.
I need to match a red color in a solid stain. I can’t find flood or defy locally or a sample online to be able to match. and RAD doesn’t have red. What do you think about Storm cat 4 endura deck stain.
No experience with this to give an honest review. Nothing has been mentioned on this site by consumers about it.
Hi,
I have a new covered pressure treated porch and looking for the recommended stain for opaque grey and white. Attached a pic from this site to show what we’re trying for (maybe even a little darker grey for the deck). Any recommendations?
thanks
Bob
See here: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/why-have-a-two-toned-deck/
I’m getting ready to refinish three decks – all have used Behr semi-transparent acryllic stain in the past – assuming I prep correctly (power washing, cleaning, brightening), would I need to sand any places where the stain is still in good shape? I plan on giving the lid of the deck a good sanding, but would prefer to avoid sanding the ballusters as they’re in good condition as far as the stain goes and a huge pain in the butt to sand. We’re going with the Flood as it’s available locally and tintable to my wife’s color preference. Using the Defy cleaning/brightening kit
If switching to a Flood Semi-transparent stain, then you need to fully remove the Behr first by stripping and sanding.
Sorry – going with the Flood Pro-Series Solid Stain. Should have clarified.
Strip off what you can and then cover the intact stain that is not peeling with your new solid stain.
Hmm. Last comment never showed up… Sorry – I should have clarified – we’re switching to the Flood Solid Stain. Would the solid stain adhere to acrylic stain in good condition?
(edit- and now, of course, my first reply showed up… ;))
As long as you prep to remove any peeling stain.
I have deck that has already black stain which is peeling. I am planning to sand it. Not sure everything will come off. I want to use black solid stain. Which one should I use? I can’t find a good black color one on flood, defy or restore.
Sorry, but we do not know of any brands that are good and make a black solid stain.
What do you recommend to use it here? If I am not able to sand all the paint?
You do not have to use a black solid stain. You would use a very dark brown. It will cover the black.
Restore a deck has an espresso color. Planning to use that. After sanding, do I have to use any other cleaner or brightner? Can I use the restore a deck solid stain after sanding?
Cleaning and brightening will allow the stain to penetrate and adhere better after power sanding.
Which product should I buy for cleaning and brightening? I am using the RAD stain
Use the RAD Prep Products.
Which cleaner do you recomend?
How doi change light grey and white deck stained with Sherwin williams opaque water based stain to a charcoal brown. No pealing issues. Many thanks
Switch to another brand of solid stain. Look at this brand: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-solid-color-stain-review/
We have an older deck in Colorado at high elevation. We have replaced any boards that were in bad shape, allowed them to dry for a couple months and have stripped the old solid color from the deck. We plan to do a light sanding and then want to reapply a solid stain. If there is a small amount of residual product left do we need to worry about whether we use oil or water based? My husband is concerned about adhesion and longevity in those spots if we use a different base than what was on there originally. Photo shows small amount of stain left as well as different ages of boards. Also, are we right to choose solid stain in this scenario? Thank you!
You are okay to stain now with a solid stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
What is the brand name of the #1 brand and where can I find it as I think I need 5 gallons
Teh top-rated stain is it her article above.
We have a deck that has been painted with Olympic Rescue. There’s very little peeling and the deck is in good shape, just want to change the color. Can we use a solid stain or would we need to cover with Olympic Rescue in a different color?
You have to remove the Olympic to fix the problem and that will require power sanding to get it all off. You are then able to use a solid stain or even a penetrating semi-transparent stain.
Can we paint over the Olympic Rescue with the same product in a different color?
Yes, but it will peel again and will make it even harder to remove when it does.
Is it ok to put an outdoor rug on a stained (twp1500) pool deck. The rug is made of polypropylene yarn content?
Yes.
I have a 10-year-old cedar deck that was neglected for several years (in mid-Michigan area). I’ve sanded all the wood to remove the previous stain and the weathered/aged wood. I’m ready for the next steps; looking for advice on what to do. I’d like to use Defy Extreme Solid Stain in black on the railings. What do I need to do to prep them for this stain?
Use the Defy Wood Cleaner and then the Defy Wood Brightener.
Thanks! I can’t get the Defy products locally, but I already have RAD cleaner and brightener from a front porch project. Would that work just as well?
Yes, and you could try the RAD Solid stain as well: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-solid-color-stain-review/
Thanks for your quick responses. I’d love to use the RAD solid stain, but I’m going to stain the railings black. It doesn’t look like the RAD solid stain comes in that color.
How is the defy black solid stain after one year? Looking for a black color?
Hello!
I have an older deck, (20 years)- that was painted roughly 5-6 years ago. Paint is peeling in areas and just generally looks awful and I hate it. I just met with a powerwash/painting contractor who claims he can stain over the paint without completely removing it. Is this a thing?
Yes.
Thanks- it doesn’t seem possible, like you would need to remove all existing paint in order for the stain to adhere?
Correct.
ok- thanks! It just doesn’t seem possible, like you would need to completely remove the old paint in order for anything to adhere?
I’ve sanded all the railings to our deck with 80 grit. What do I need to do next before I apply a solid stain?
Use a deck cleaner a light pressure washing for prep.
What should i use? I know my deck hasn’t received any care in the last 20 years. I cleaned with oxiclean and pressure washer, scrub brush, 3 times. Looks good, ready for stain and sealer. I bought Valspar but I’m wondering if I should use something different?
Deck Location State: Boise Idaho
Mostly sunny, there is 1 tree in the middle, so some shade
Wood Type: Pressure Treated Pine
Mold or Mildew Issues: no
Reason for Previous Stain Failure: mostly lack of maintenance.
Restore a Deck Stains or TWP Stains. Return the Valspar, it is not good. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/valspar-one-coat-stain-sealer-review/
We making regular concrete patio in the back yard . So is it advisable to stain deck pillars with
Behr solid color waterproofing stain and sealer before the patio is made or after the patio is made?
After: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
We have some old railings for our deck that I think have been painted with an exterior paint? In some places, the paint has peeled off completely and in other places it is still stuck very well. We are trying to sand as much as we can but it is hard because of all the banisters, etc. What do you suggest doing? Do we need to sand or power wash? Do I use a primer and exterior paint or a solid stain? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Remove all peeling paint and then apply a solid stain.
We have an old deck that they had used behr deckover on. That product had peeled in many places. We have sanded back down to the raw wood in most places but there are spots here and there of the behr product still (though sanded as much as we could). Can I use a semi-transparent stain or do I need to use a solid color? Is one product better than the other?
You have to remove the Deckover 100%. No other stain type can be applied over it.
I included photos of what our cedar fence looked like (1) originally, (2) after lots of sun exposure and (3) after sanding.
The previous owners stain gave it a reddish tint, which we liked a lot. We replaced the sides of the fence last year (not pictured) and kept the back part. But the sun turned the original stain to a brown. I sanded down the old wood but can’t get the stain out completely.
1. Is it possible to get a decent match (doesn’t need to be perfect) of the old and new wood using RAD strip and brighten kit and a semi-transparent, like AC mahogany, amber or redwood? If so, do you have any color recommendations? We’d prefer something that looks closer to the original stain.
2. If I need to do a solid stain to get a match, what color do you recommend?
3. If we use a solid stain, do we need to strip or brighten?
Use the RAD Stripper and Brightener kits with the Thickening gel to the old wood and Cleaner and Brightner for the newer wood. Use the Armstrong in Amber or Redwood Tint. You have reds and yellows in your current wood so hard to mimic that.
We have the Sherwin Williams Deckscape product on our deck, just finished redoing the surface area w/ another product. We are leaving the railing and such w/ Deckscape for now b/c it’s in decent shape (the surface was awful as your review notes). We have some areas that need a touch up – can we do that w/ another product w/o removing all of the original product? What do you recommend the SuperDeck or should we opt for a completely different product color matched to touch up ?
When switching brands of semi-transparent stains you will need to remove the previous coating. We are not fans of the Super Deck stains.
Thanks, that’s what I thought – we are not a fan of the Deckscape stain and will trust your lead on Super Deck. ok, will have to ponder how to address. Might have enough left in the last can to do touch up to last til next season.
Can’t get any of those brands in the Minneapolis area unless you order on line. Are there any decent stains that we can buy at local hardware stores in this area?
Look for Defy at a local Do-It-Best store.
My 1000 sq ft 2-level deck (in the Seattle area) is a blend of ages of wood; some of it is up to 30+ years old (prior owner), the upper deck is cedar planks, the lower deck is 2×4 PT fir. I replaced about 15-20% of the 2x4s 3 years ago, and I’m now replacing an additional almost 50% of the 2x4s now with more PT fir boards. It was last stained 3 years ago with Valspar solid stain after sanding the deck with a floor sander (not a rewarding experience!) I also have 162 spindles with the railings. I intend to re-stain with a same/similar color stain.
I presume the best approach for the deck is to strip the spindles and railings as well as the remaining horizontal boards that have not been replaced. My question is how to approach my situation with several boards, some of which are new and some that are already stained. Do you think it’s OK for me to undertake the stripping and re-staining once I’ve installed the new PT wood, or do you recommend that I wait a time interval until the new wood has weathered a bit to take the stain better, then strip the older boards that are already stained, and then stain the entire deck? If you recommend waiting, I presume next spring/summer (when our Seattle rainy season is over) would be an appropriate interval?
Secondly, the lumber yard told me their supplier advises applying Wolman RainCoat One Coat clear sealer as a one-time application for optimal performance of the PT wood; the can states it’s “ready for use in 48 hours”. I also see that the parent manufacturer of this product is Rustoleum, which has a suboptimal reputation in the reviews. Do you recommend any treatment to the new PT boards before staining?
Finally, at the recommendation of a local paint store, I already treated the upper deck cedar planks with a coat of Daly’s Seafin Ship’n Shore penetrating waterproofing sealer; they advised I should be able to stain over this. (They carry Olympic deck stains.) However, we had a little rain after I’d applied this, and the rain water beaded-up pretty well. Now I’m suspecting that was bad advice and may also impair my ability to adequately stain the cedar planks on my upper deck. What is your recommendation?
Thanks!
You will need to wait for the new wood to season: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Next Spring would be better to prep all and stain. You can never apply a sealer first before applying a deck stain as it will hinder the stain’s ability to soak in and adhere. Remove the sealer you already applied.
Do you recommend my trying to remove the sealer now, or wait until next spring/summer to remove it when I strip the rest of the old stain? (And it does sound as if I didn’t get good advice from my local paint store!)
Just remove the sealer next year. Your local paint store gave you bad advice.
Of the solid deck stains you recommend, which has the hardest most scratch resistant surface?
I will be applying to original first generation Trex. Its medium light gray, non-encapsulated composite made from wood product and polymer blend, approx 20 years old. Surface and structure still very good but somewhat stained in places.
We have lots of small sharp pebbles and grit that foot traffic spreads about, and steel furniture. My concern is solid stain, especially darker colors like browns, will show drag marks from metal furniture and scuffing and scratches from foot traffic. And that the light gray original color will eventually show through and highlight those scratches. Consequently we want to use the stain that drys to super hard finish. Any recommendations as to the brand and type of solid stain to use? Defy Extreme declares synthetic resins and Flood Pro is 100% acrylic. Not sure which yields a harder surface or if there are other choices to consider.
Many thanks in advance!!
They are all the same to scratch resistance and onion will dry to a super hard finish. That is not possible with deck stains as it will lead to cracking and peeling on exterior surfaces. The coatings need to be flexible to some point.
If I apply Defy Extreme Solid Color to my deck and decide a few days later that I dislike the color, can I apply another Defy Extreme Solid Color directly on top of the original color without doing anything to the original color?
Yes, that should be okay.
Thanks!
I am restoring our old cedar swing set. It looks like it was stained over 5 years ago with a standard stain (same color as the fence). I would like to cover it with a solid stain in gray. The stain at the bottom of the swing set is mostly gone but the top is still present. Do I need to remove the old stain or can I just clean it and then cover it with a solid stain?
Pressure wash off the loose and peeling stain and then you can cover it with a new solid stain. Use the Restore A Deck Solid stains in Coastal Gray color for a brown: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-solid-color-stain-review/
Hi, great site! So, I just got my deck power washed today started looking at different types of stain. After power washing, as you can see a bunch of the old Thompson’s Water Seal Deck & House Semi Transparent Oil Stain Fade Resistant Formula (Russet Color) still exists. The contractor who is going to stain my deck and pergola said that it will be impossible to remove the old stain and to just buy the same stain. So, looking for some advice here. What another stain will cover the old color? Or should I just use the old color? or Ask the contractor to remove the stain so I can put on a new color. If anything, I’d go browner vs more red.
I’m located in IL, right outside of Chicago so pretty harsh winters. Also the deck is super old, maybe 20 years old?
Thanks!
You would need a solid stain to cover this correctly and evenly. Use the Restore A Deck Solid stains in Espresso color for a brown: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-solid-color-stain-review/
Thank you for the quick response. It looks like I cannot get Restore A Deck in a timely manner because nobody carries it in IL. I have access to big box stores but i just read an article that they are pretty much all junk. I have Lowe’s Menards, and HD all near me. There’s a Sherwin Williams and Ace Hardware close by. Any other suggestions? Thank you!
Call RAD directly, they can ship to IL in a day or two. Another option is the Defy Extreme Solid stain.
have 28 year old deck about 800 sq. feet with railings and spindles all pressure treated, have used behr solid every 3 years , 2 years ago applied and this year had many large sun blisters and peeling, sometimes i could peel 2-3 ft like rubber, sanded floors completely with angle grinder, sanded railings but having problem with round part of spindles, about 95% old stain is gone and most of spindles, would like to switch to oil based like armstrong clark, semi solid but worried about small amount of stain i can’t remove, stain remover and sanding still leaves a tiny bit, what can i do? wood is looking very good, now ready to apply cleaner
Post a picture.
Hello! I am from northwest PA and we are in the process of prepping our decks and pavilion for staining. We have used Cabot in the past (3 or 4 years ago) and last year we used Olympic solid color stain. The Olympic started peeling, unfortunately – not sure if it was quality or my prep? So, we have stripped and neutralized all those surfaces. However, there is still quite a bit of stain left. We are going to use the Flood Pro Series solid color stain per your review in a darker color for the horizontal surfaces. Is it necessary to sand all of the old stain off that wasn’t removed by the stripper before we apply the new stain? Will it be blotchy, if not? Thank you SO much for your help with this!
You can cover this with a new solid stain.
I have Cabots Timber OIl in Jarrah Brown on a PT wood deck that’s about 8 years old. It’s splintering a bit and I’d like to put a solid color stain on it to help with this problem (already sanded it). Can I put a water based product like Restore a Deck on it or do I have to use an oil based product. I just reapplied Cabots last year on part of it and it looks ok but I’d like a smoother and lighter finish for the entire area.
You should strip off the Cabot so your new coating will adhere better. Use the RAD Stripper and then the brightener.
Thanks for your response. Would I need to do the same if I used the Defy Extreme Solid Stain?
Yes. It does not matter the new brand of stain, in this scenario you should remove the oil-based Cabot first.
thank you
I’ve been using the Flood solid stain for 7 years now on my deck and pine shed. It’s amazing. I like the ease of application, quality, coverage, mildew resistance. Great solid stain!
I used Ultra deck cleaner. Now I have a gummy mess. It lifted the leftover stain, which was a Flood product
What is your question(s)?
Excellent coverage, easy apply, deep coloring upon 1 coat. wash/scrub decking 24hrs before applying. I used CEDAR shade
What stain brand and type of stain did you use?
FLOOD CWF-UV . Oil wood stain. its water clean up too. that was 1 coat coverage. 1 Gallon
Water cleanup means it is water-based, not a true oil-based stain.
Which option is best for Maine’s climate? Can just pretty harsh in the winter.
Any of these 3 would work equally well.
Should I use RAD or Defy Extreme solid stain for my deck in Indiana?
Either would work well. We do like the RAD as it is pre-mixed and can be applied to dry or damp wood.