This post was updated on February 26, 2025
I’m Scott Paul, an exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience specializing in solid-color wood stains. My reviews and tips are based on years of hands-on experience with various wood restoration projects, designed to help you find the best product for your needs. See here for more info about me.
Best Solid Color Deck Stains – 2025 Expert Reviews
In recent years, solid color deck stains have improved significantly, outperforming older formulas with enhanced durability and better adhesion. Previously, solid stains were prone to peeling, cracking, and premature wear, but new advanced formulations provide longer-lasting protection and superior resistance to foot traffic, weather, and UV exposure.
Key Takeaways
- Solid stains offer maximum protection – If you’re dealing with an older or weathered deck, a solid stain will shield it from UV damage, moisture, and heavy foot traffic.
- Prep your deck first – A solid stain won’t adhere well to dirty or peeling surfaces, so clean, strip, or sand as needed before applying.
- Pick the right stain base – Oil-based stains penetrate deeper for long-term durability, while water-based stains are easier to apply and clean up.
- Consider your climate – If your deck gets heavy sun or rain, go for a stain with strong UV protection, water repellency, and mildew resistance.
- Best solid stains for 2025 – Restore-A-Deck, Defy Extreme, and Flood Pro Series lead the pack for durability, adhesion, and long-lasting color.
Why Choose a Solid Color Deck Stain?
Solid stains are ideal for older, weathered decks or when you want to completely change the color while maintaining the wood’s integrity. They offer:
✔ Maximum UV Protection – Shields wood from sun damage and fading.
✔ Excellent Coverage – Hides imperfections and evens out worn surfaces.
✔ Longer Lifespan – With proper prep, modern solid stains can last 5+ years before reapplication.
✔ Bold & Uniform Look – Available in a variety of colors to match your aesthetic.
The Best Solid Color Deck Stains
Important Factors When Choosing a Solid Deck Stain
Before selecting your stain, consider:
🔹 Deck Prep Matters – Solid stains perform best on properly prepped wood. Clean and strip old coatings before applying a new layer.
🔹 Climate Conditions – If your deck sees extreme sun, rain, or snow, opt for highly UV-resistant and water-repellent stains.
🔹 Wood Type & Age – Older decks benefit from thicker, more durable stains that fill cracks and imperfections.
Things I Consider Before Buying a Solid Deck Stain
Are you trying to find the best solid stain for decks? Here are a few things to consider when comparing options.
1. Existing Paint or Stain on Your Deck
Generally speaking, removing an old deck stain or coating before applying a new one is a good idea. Applying an acrylic-based solid stain on top of an existing oil-based stain can cause peeling, separation, or blistering. Similarly, painting over an acrylic-based stain with a fresh oil-based stain may prevent the stain from absorbing into the deck.
My Pro Prep Advice: How to Reapply A Solid Color Deck Stain
2. Deck Stain Appearance
Solid deck stain is just that: solid. As a result, applying a solid stain will conceal your deck’s natural grain and hue. If you’d prefer a more natural look, a semi-transparent stain may be a better fit for your deck.
3. Solid Stain Base
As mentioned above, you’ll typically need to choose between two stain bases: oil and acrylic. Take a closer look at the differences:
- Oil-based stains generally are more durable and penetrate the wood more effectively, resulting in a potentially longer-lasting stain. That said, oil-based stains may be messier and can have strong fumes.
- Acrylic-based stains have a water base and may have fewer fumes, less volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and be easier to apply.
4. Extra Defense Against the Elements
The best solid deck stains come with added protection against weather, wear, and tear, such as:
- Water repellents
- UV protection
- Mold and mildew prevention
- Anti-slip protection
If you live in a sunny or damp climate or your deck experiences high foot traffic, you may consider purchasing a mildew-resistant deck stain to keep your coating looking fresh.
5. Application and Drying Time
Finally, consider application methods and required drying time. Before selecting a solid deck stain, consider the following:
- How long does the stain take to dry? Fast-drying deck stains may mean you can use your deck faster, but slower-drying stains are typically more durable and user-friendly when it comes to application.
- How much surface prep is required? Can you remove flaking paint and dirt with a scrub brush, or will you need to strip old stain from your deck? How To Remove A Solid Color Deck Stain
- Does the stain need a second coat? If so, you must wait for the first coat to dry before applying the second.
6. My Solid Color Deck Stain Reviews for 2025
My 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. In my opinion, solid color deck stains have always been a “last resort” coating. I have not been a huge fan of the appearance or performance of solid deck stains, but I understand that they are needed. That being said, some tremendous solid-color deck stains are on the market for the 2025 deck staining season.
#1 Best Solid Color Deck Stain | #2 Best Solid Color Deck Stain | #2 Best Solid Color Deck Stain |
 |  |  |
From $65.99 *Ships Free | From $66.06 *Ships Free | From $59.99 *In Store Pickup |
Top-Rated Solid Color Deck Stains for 2025
After extensive hands-on testing and real-world application, here are my top picks for the best solid deck stains this year:
1. Restore-A-Deck Solid Stain – Best Overall
Restore A Deck Solid Color Stain Review
⭐ Best Overall Performance
✔ Exceptional adhesion to wood and previously stained surfaces
✔ Fast-drying, water-based formula for same-day application
✔ Long-lasting protection with minimal peeling
Restore A Deck Solid Color Stain is our go-to Solid Color Stain for 2025 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.
✔ Key Features:
- Water-based, eco-friendly formula
- Self-priming and excellent adhesion
- Allows same-day prep and staining
- Strong resistance to peeling and UV damage
✔ Why I Recommend It:
Restore-A-Deck’s solid stain is a game-changer, allowing homeowners to prep and stain on the same day, cutting down on labor time. It penetrates deep into wood fibers, making it one of the longest-lasting options with minimal peeling.
Stain Type: Solid Color (Opaque) Wood Stain – Water Based
Available in Pre-Mixed Solid Colors: Classic White, Coastal Gray, Desert Taupe, Cypress, Brown Oak
My DeckStainHelp.com Rating(On a Scale of 1-10): 8.88
See My Review Article Here: Restore-A-Deck Solid Stains
Where to Buy Online: Purchase Here
2. Defy Extreme Solid Stains Rating
⭐ Best for Custom Colors
✔ Synthetic-resin, opaque finish for superior protection
✔ Water-based and VOC-compliant formula
✔ Fortified with over 30 trillion nano-particles per square inch for extreme UV, moisture, and fungal resistance
✔ Ideal for homeowners looking for a custom color finish while maintaining top-tier durability
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 VOC-compliant water-based product provides a beautiful finish fortified with transparent “oxide” based nano-particles. Over 30 TRILLION Nano-particles per square inch 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.
My DeckStainHelp.com Rating (On a Scale of 1-10): 8.5
See My Review Article Here: Defy Extreme Solid Stains
Where to Buy Online: Purchase Here
3. Flood Pro Series Solid Stain Rating
Flood Pro Series Solid Color Stain Review
⭐ Best for High-Traffic Decks
✔ Thick, highly pigmented formula with superior wear resistance
✔ Works well on older decks needing a refreshed look
✔ Excellent color retention in harsh weather conditions
Flood Pro Series Solid Color Stain is an all-in-one advanced stain and sealant that protects wood from moisture and sun damage while adding rich, opaque color. A 100% acrylic formula provides excellent adhesion and durability. It’s also urethane-fortified to resist cracking and peeling and offers a 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 Rating (On a Scale of 1-10): 8.0
See My Review Article Here: Flood Solid Color Stains
7. Best Solid Stain for Decks FAQs
Am I still learning about the best solid-color deck stain? Check out my FAQs for more information.
What’s the difference between a solid deck stain and deck paint?
The main difference between deck stain and deck paint is how each product absorbs into the wood. Deck paint is thicker than solid deck stain and coats the wood, while deck stain, on the other hand, usually soaks into the wood. Application methods and density may also differ.
What’s the advantage of using solid color deck stain?
A solid deck stain can hide unwanted knots and textures in your wooden deck. It may also provide a protective barrier from the elements, helping keep your deck in tip-top shape longer.
How long will solid deck stain last?
Solid deck stain longevity can vary depending on the stain used. However, some solid stains can last up to 5 years with proper care.
How many coats of solid deck stain is optimal?
The optimal number of solid deck stain coats can vary depending on the type of wood you’re painting. Two coats are the general rule of thumb, with some hardwoods only requiring one.
Is it better to brush or roll solid deck stain?
I recommend a hybrid approach when applying solid deck stain: Use a roller brush to apply the first coat of paint, then smooth out any drips or bumps with a paintbrush.
8. My Solid Color Deck Stain Maintenance Tips
Are you looking to change from a solid-colored deck stain to a transparent or semi-transparent stain? To do this, you must fully remove the current solid stain. See the link below for tips.
How to Remove A Solid Color Deck Stain
One question I often get at DeckStainHelp.com is how to prepare for reapplying a solid-color deck stain. Is it necessary to remove the prior stain first? See the link below for my reapplication tips.
How to Reapply a Solid Color Deck Stain
Sanding a deck can seem like a big project. Fortunately, all it takes is a little preparation to prepare your deck for a fresh coat of stain. But if you’re not sure how to sand a deck or the best way to sand a deck, you’re in luck. My deck sanding guide will walk you through the process and offer insights and tips from our team to make the job a breeze.
How to Sand a Solid Color Deck Stain
The Best Solid Color Deck Stain Photos
The Best Solid Color Deck Stain Video – DeckStainHelp.com
9. Want Help? Solid Color Deck Stain Questions?
Please ask below if you have questions about my solid-color deck stain reviews or need help choosing a solid-color stain. Just post a comment below and include as much information as possible.
Scott, my best friend wants a solid color oil stain so badly that he has purchased the Cabot Oil Based version and had it tinted to a dark gray color. What would you expect to see in the future on his KDAT deck if he follows through and uses that stain ? Would using a brightener before applying that Cabot help at all ?
It will be fine for a couple of years, but all filming stains will eventually have some wearing or peeling. There will also be an issue in the future where he cannot find the oil-based versions anymore. He will have to remove the oil-based version by power sanding if switching to a water-based solid stain.
Sorry if I missed an earlier post about this but I previously used a Defy semi-transparent stain and wish to re-stain with a solid stain. Can I stain over it without completely removing the old stain?
Thanks
Yes. See this for tips. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-reapply-a-solid-color-deck-stain/
Hey Scott, I am going to go with restore a deck solid stain. Sorry if I missed it somewhere on the site, but I was going to use zinnser’s peel stop primer before stain. Have you had any experience with this or would you recommend against using it?
Do not use a primer Before using a solid exterior stain like the RAD.
I’m finding it hard to believe that their isn’t a single paint with a national brand that been around for decades – with R+D teams evolving them over the years that can hold a candle to Restore-A-Deck – and the other never heard of brands recommended. I hav ego wonder – with not a single product made by any major brand – from Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, Cabot, Behr, Caspar – etc. – If these reviews aren’t Sponsored by the companies?
Hello, You can read about who I am here. It is on every page below the articles and the very first page and article as well:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/about-deckstainhelp-com/
As for the national brands.
-Benjamin Moore is a paint company that has failed miserably at making deck stains. Look up Arborcoat reviews on the Internet.
-Sherwin Bought SuperDeck and ruined the brand. They changed the formulas to save money while cheapening the quality.
-Cabot was sold to Zinser about 15 years ago. It used to be a top-three stain, but the formulas were changed to save money while cheapening the quality.
-Behr might be the worst of the four. Their products are terrible, and so are all the consumer reviews. They constantly change formulas and product names, trying to get it right.
Please feel free to read our reviews for each brand on the site and, more importantly, the consumer’s comments and reviews below each brand mentioned above.
If you still doubt my experience or intentions, then feel free to try another one of these brands and post your experience after a year or two. It will not hurt my feelings. 🙂
Scott, we have replaced new boards on our deck and I’d rather just seal it. Should I use oil base or water original deck is 15 years old & weathered except new boards. I have white rails& like light natural. Thoughts?
Sealing doesn’t do anything for UV protection. Do you want the wood to gray in a matter of months?
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/will-a-clear-sealer-prevent-graying-on-deck/
Not really – don’t want gray but a natural wood color & match the new wood. A Low maintenance for future care as well. Should I send a picture?
If you do not want it to gray then you can’t use a clear sealer. Did you read the article we sent? For UV protection your stain MUST be tinted and that means you enhance the natural color of your wood depending on the tint you choose.
We stained our previously unfinished but well aged cedar deck with BM Arborcoat Solid Stain. It’s not peeling or flaking, but it’s a dark ebony color and always looks dusty dirty. Can we recoat with the same color but in some other more durable brand? Would a topcoat help?
You can never “clear topcoat” over a deck stain. Not sure if durability is the issue when it comes to dirt sitting on top of a stain. The only way to prevent it from looking dirty is to not get dirt on it. Not sure if that is possible.
Scott I have 20 year old stamped concrete deck with layers of stain and paint, ready to grind them off. the stamped imprint has the gulleys, which have always been a challenge to get down into to care for and remove old
besides the mid range rating for olympic rescue max and the behr advanced deckover stains, was looking for other product reviews. what do you like?. thanks in advance
For concrete? We review and rate wood coatings. While we have some experience with concrete sealers, we have not used any paints or deck resurface coatings on concrete.
no problem, thanks for getting back on a sunday,
i saw you weren’t super high on the olympic max or the behr deckover, so thought you might have come across one you liked better, I;m sure one of those two would work a-ok
The Gulf Deck Revive is a better resurface coating than either one of those two. It can be used on concrete and wood.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/gulf-synthetics-deck-revive-review/
thanks, will give it a try!
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.