This post was updated on May 1, 2024
The Worst Deck Stains in 2025?
We here at DeckStainHelp.com are proud to be the internet’s number one reference for all things wood deck restoration-related. If you have had a negative experience with deck stains, you have come to the right place to warn people. We are always looking for ways to engage with our readers, so we appreciate your input and questions by leaving a comment below.
Deck Stain Failures
Have you had a bad experience with a decking stain?
Our most popular article, “What is the Best Deck Stain” has become the #1 article for consumers on the Internet for deck stain questions and answers. We have decided to create an article based on negative consumer feedback and experiences with decking stains.
We are looking for bad experiences with a particular brand of decking stain.
Please include:
1. Brand of Deck Stain
2. Type of Deck Stain (i.e. Solid, Semi-Transparent, Transparent, Semi-Solid)
3. Location and date applied
4. How long did it take for the stain to fail and how did it fail? (Peeling, Turned Black, Mold, Etc)
5. A brief description of your overall negative experience.
Note: This is mostly for fun and to allow you to vent your frustration!
What do you like as a reliable stain/sealant for a new Cedar fence in California’s Central Valley – very hot summers and mild mostly dry winters?
TWP 1500 Series or Armstrong Clark stains.
Thank you!
Is steina any good?
Never heard of it.
It used to be called ready seal
Ready Seal is still around and did not change its name. We are not fans of Ready Seal: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ready-seal-wood-and-deck-stain-reviews/
Ok last one, what about penofin? Thanks for your help.
Turns black on decks. Lots of issues.
If you are asking about Passeport Élite’s STEINA penetrating oil
I have been using it for last 3 years. I was using Home Depot products and so many peeling and rot and stuff, I had to re-do the wood. Again with Home Depot planks/boards (budget)
Pré-pandemic, price for 2.79L Steina was $69 CDN, Now 2023 it is $92 CDN. tyoo expensive for me but works goods, I was doing 2 applications (spring and late fall) the first 3 season (North East Montreal Canada area). Good results, Works good, Easy Application, Looks good. Does does not last more then a season. Still I prefer it to having to take everything off (onetime I even rented a floor sanding machine) Simply re-apply. Sadly, now price are way over my budget
We were going to use SWP Dock & Deck on our deck but there’s a shortage right now and our painter wants to use UGL. Does anyone know how good of a product it is?
We would not use either brands.
Some of these photos absolutely show that some people were simply putting new stain over top of another older product , without proper prep that caused total failure of your chosen coating. If your not going to spend the proper amount of time prepping the wood , it will not matter what brand you use because it WILL FAIL WITHOUT PROPER PREPPING OF THE WOOD. Everyone always is quick to promise and swear how good of a job that they did prepping and the truth is 90% are simply lying . They did not do the prep properly they got anxious and in a hurry , not wanting to spend all of the time that is required.
Certainly some stains are junk IE Thompson & Olympic to name a few. In my experience , some of the lesser known smaller manufacturing companies are making great products. I personally used the Behr deckover product. (The stuff that resembles truck bed liner) . Its been on 4 years with ZERO ZERO ZERO PROBLEMS.
The stain product called “storm protector ” is also a good one. Its easy to blame the product insted of taking the blame for your own doing. OWN WHAT YOU DO.
is beat-tone oil based deck stain any good
Never used it.
That is supposed to read Beauty-Tone (Darn that auto correct). It is a stain put out by Home Hardware and is supposed to be oil based. I have my doubts, as there is a restriction here in Canada with certain VOC levels; this one is 250g/L. I am tired of paying good money only to have stain last one year. I hope this is not the case, but I am skeptical.
Lol BeautiTone
You can still have oil based paints/stains in Canada if they are a specialty paint. Wood Shield Best Oil Deck and Siding stain is considered a specialty coating so it is allowed to have an oil base. It uses tung/linseed oil.
There are plenty of oil based stains allowed in Canada, they just have to be 250 VOC compliant. Examples: TWP 200 Series. TWP Semi-Solid Low VOC, Armstrong Clark Stain, Ready Seal.
I have had very good luck with Beauti-Tone Woodshield Best, even when applied over a faded previous stain (of maybe the same product, from maybe 10+ years ago), on an exterior of a cedar Pana-Abode garage.
I’ve had extremely good results on a cedar deck chair that I had sanded down and then stained.
In both cases, read the directions, w.r.t. the prep, re-stain and cure times. Deck prep is the absolute worst, as you need to be concerned with dirt, mould,, etc…..
And as you’ve probably seen/heard, condition and prep needed are huge factors.
As a note, though…. When I was at my local Home Hardware, they did recommend as their best product for a new outdoor cedar planter that I had made, some American stain, which cost around 80 (CAD) for a 4l. I couldn’t bring myself to pay more for the stain/sealant than the wood cost… I settled for a clear Woodshield Best, as the sealant–still not cheap, but it does look good and it survived its first rainstorm well.
Andrew
I am looking for a weather protector from my new cedar boxes, located in Ontario Canada. The boxes have no soil in them, nor come in contact with the ground. They essentially hold stones. I have had good experience with Sikkens when the wood is vertical which these boxes are. I just want to protect the boxes for the summer elements (boxes will not be exposed to snow / cold weather). Should I just use a Thompson’s Water Seal?
Thompsons is useless. You need a pigmented stain.
Is there a specific brand you would recommend? Lee valley has water based pigment stains. I have not experience with these types of stains. Thanks.
TWP 200 Series or Armstrong Clark.
Do you have reviews for Beauti Tone Wood Shield Best Oil Deck and Siding stain
We do not.
I have used it and find it very good, last 2 to 3 years and does not chip
Brand of Deck Stain- Easycare woodsman
2. Type of Deck Stain (i.e. Solid, Semi-Transparent, Transparent, Semi-Solid)-suppose to be oil formula semi transparent
3. Location and date applied-October 2020
4. How long did it take for the stain to fail and how did it fail? (Peeling, Turned Black, Mold, Etc)-4 months,peeling bad
5. A brief description of your overall negative experience. our deck had never been treated with anything and it was only 3 years old….We pressure washed the whole thing and let dry…..applied the paint….busted our butts working on this as its a big deck….it started peeling after only a few months and looks horrible….i would not reccomend this stain to anyone!
Can you provide a review on Rymar Premium Cedar Stone Stain for a deck?
We have not personally reviewed it. Mixed comments on this site from consumers.
Hi, I have a 3 year old deck out of pressure treated brown. Is Behr transparent stain/sealer good? How about Saman exterior or Olympic? I would prefer an acrylic, transparent. Thanks!
Behr is one of the worst stains: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/behr-deck-stain-review/
Olympic is not much better: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/olympic-elite-wood-stain-review/
For a quality acrylic semi-transparent stain, try Defy Extreme or Restore A Deck Stains.
Thanks for the advice. I cant see where to buy Defy or Restore A Deck in Canada (Quebec) aside from online. Any suggestions?
Have you ever tried Saman deck stain?
No decent stains we know of are sold locally in Canada. Never heard of Saman. If you mean Sansin, then w have people complain of it peeling.
Beauti Tone vs Behr semi transparent stain for green pressurized deck
Neither. Both are poor stains. Try TWP 200 Series or Armstrong Clark for Canada.
I’m going to be building a new fence with rough surface Eastern White Cedar. I’m in New Brunswick, Canada, where there is a lot of humidity and temperature range. I want a semi-transparent stain that will give the cedar a light brown colour. I can’t afford the shipping costs to get the TWP or other American products here and can’t cross the border to get it, or I would!! I believe you can stain rough cedar right away and I plan to stain all four sides before installing. I have read so many reviews and I can’t figure out the best product to use in my case. Any suggestions for products sold in Canada?
Sorry but no quality products that we know of are sold in Canada. We do not live there and it seems most of them are poor big box brands.
Try Superdeck or Messmer’s stain. They offer a wide range of colours and quality product. To achieve optimal performance with them, a clear top coat would be ideal to offer the most resistance to humidity. Both brands have and have had latex options, but i’d recommend the oil based products.
Have you any rating on California storm oil stain. Just used it on a pressure treated side deck.i haven’t found any reviews regarding this product.
We have not tested it.
As a contractor and previous paint store owner,
I Have been using storm stain and California paint products for over 30 years. Their product lines
Are some of the best. Highly engineered !!
What is this rated? Why does most of my deck bead the water but some of it doesn’t?
It is not a very good stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/pittsburgh-paramount-exterior-wood-stain-review/
Thank you so much . So what would be your best advice so next time I have to seal it ? The wood is cedar tone wood from menards.
What would you recommend to use next time then? The wood is cedar tone from menards. Pressure treated cedar tone.
Strip it off and use one of thee products.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Ever used a wood preservative instead of a stain? Example ArmorAll mocha brown which contains zinc naphthenate and is primarily used to seal end cuts. How do you think this would hold up in Canada?
it will not provide proper UV protection or water repellency. They even state yo not use it as a finish coat.
HOW IS Beauti-tone best solid stain rated? Most of the products rated here are not available in Canada?
Sorry, but we have never used it or even heard about it from other posters on this site.
Sorry,I should have included the name Weather-Sheild Best as well as Beauti-tone. It is widely sold in Canada by Home Hardware. It comes in acrylic and oil based. I cannot get the other top brands recommended by this site, even online.
I have used the weather shield before and have had pretty good results I live in Osoyoos and its very hot here in the summer and it handles the heat and sun well we do not get a lot of rain and it’s not very humid here so don’t know how it handles that Also I should mention the I’m a professional painter So I have a good knowledge of paints and stains. One thing I always say is if you are buying top of the line products you usually get a very good product.
I am a professional painter and have used Weather-Sheild Best in 100% acrylic sold at Home Hardware stores in Canada. Used semi-gloss on a covered deck with great results and also used it on exposed wooden steps that look great 7 months later after a very wet fall and winter plus shoveling snow off them. Must apply 2 thin coats and follow re-coat and drying times instructions. Haven’t used any oil based, because
The PPG Ultra Advanced stain and sealant is the absolute best for fences. I used the Honey Gold on my fence 2 years ago and it looks as good now as the day it was finished. This product was purchased in the USA, cannot find it in Ontario. Too bad.
Question, canadian resident here purchased stain locally, can says its oil based on front however having doubts as the surface scratches easily as if there is a film on surface. Can anyone confirm whether oil based easily scratches from moving deck furniture?
Depends on the brand and type of stain you used?
Unexpected rain came two hours after alllication of Pittsburgh stain and sealant. What will happen?
Hard to say until the rain stops and it dries off the wood. Look at it then and assess if any damage.
Is it ok to use outside stain on a bar top? . If so can you seal it with poly ?
You can use stain for an outside wood bad but you cannot top coat it with a poly.
I am having a problem with Cabot Gold, the red finish. It’s been almost a week, and it’s still sticky. On top of that, it seems like there are permanent water marks in it from the rain a couple days ago. How do I fix this? Already spent over $150 on the stain, not including everything else like sand paper, drop cloths, ect… This DIY project has become very expensive.
The only way to fix this is to sand it off and start over. Sorry.
I have a pine-clad bunkie in the Kawarthas that was constructed last November. It was too cold then and too wet and cool this past Spring to stain it. Hopefully a more pleasant (and bugless Fall) will provide an opportunity to do the job. The contractor suggests using Benjamin-Moore Arbor Coat stain but, like so many VOC restricted products here in Canada, you give it a very poor satisfaction rating. I want to avoid the hassles of importing products from the States so is there any superior, Canadian sourced, semi-transparent stain that deserves a high recommendation?
Not that we know of, sorry.
I have used B M Arbour Coat on my house exterior, 8 years ago and it is still as fantastic as the day I painted it! I live on the west coast of BC, high up, cold and windy. A painter friend told me to spend the extra and I wouldn’t regret it… he was right. I put one good coat on to aged (30 plus) cedar that had been stained once upon a time with no more prep than a good swipe of a wire brush and a soft brush before hand. The cream Arbour coat trim on spruce is wearing a little where the water pools on the sills. I love it and have painted houses for others. I would always recommend this Arbour coat which is why I am bothering to write this! Came here looking for reviews on CIL Distinction!
Try Sansin
Is this site run by the makers of Defy and Restore-A-Deck products, two that I have never heard of? Yet three major manufacture’s products are listed at the worst? Humm.
Nope, read the very first article on the home page (with the additional links) and it explains in full detail where our experience comes from and who we are.
They are for sure getting paid to sponsor those stains.
Obviously you didn’t bother reading the articles.
Everyone on Reddit is saying that is website is extremely biased and sponsored by the makers of Defy. I totally believe it.
Really?! Did you bother reading about who we are as explained in the comments above? This site is not run by Defy or any of the manufacturers and the very first article on the home page explains this and who runs it. The Reddit article is inaccurate. We have always been upfront about this. and BTW, if you do not like our free help and advice, go somewhere else. It does not bother us at all.
I would avoid getting defensive with comments since your About Us page lists you as an owner of eCommerce sites where you can purchase these brands and you admit to being biased based on your experience over time. RAD, Defy and TWP are all available online from the same website e-commerce structure which is yours. You may not be sponsored by the brands, but admittedly you make money off of them – which is a little bit of a conflict of interest only if they are duds. Which as far as I can tell, most people love them – so that bias is totally warranted.
Unfortunately, here in Canada where you have a lot of readership we can’t get them right now. There are no retailers that carry them and your online sites are not accepting orders. If we could get them after the borders open again, the exchange rate makes them costly with the shipping. Would love to know if you have any thoughts on an alternative brand in Canada that may not be as good but won’t totally suck for a cedar deck. If not, thanks for making the shipping to Canada an option on your site, hopefully we can use it in the future.
We appreciate your advice on not getting defensive but it is very annoying that we spend countless hours per day answering 100s of questions only to be trolled by someone who does not get who we are and what we do. We have always been upfront about this. As we said numerous times, you do not have to like our site or want to use any of our free advice. Just move on and go somewhere else but to try and call us out for something that is wrong, is just ignorant.
As a painter with some pretty good knowledge on paints/ stains and how to do decks I would give definitely give this site a recommendation. And I have for awhile on Reddit. But there is so much bad info on Reddit it’s ridiculous, I tried giving people plenty of general paint advice on avoiding behr products inside and out or how to properly clean a deck. But ignorance still reigns there.
This site definitely has all its details correct on how to properly clean a deck and what chemicals are best. And the recommendations of Clark & Armstrong and TWP that I’ve seen on here are on point.
I haven’t see the Reddit thread and would be interested to see what kind of (mis)information is in it.
Why is there so much hate on the behr product for paint or deck stain? I really appreciate the comments in this discussion clarifying what something is and is not is really helpful to the user.
Perhaps you could respond to the comments from Dee Tanzer;
About Us page lists you as an owner of eCommerce sites where you can purchase these brands and you admit to being biased based on your experience over time. RAD, Defy and TWP are all available online from the same website e-commerce structure which is yours. You may not be sponsored by the brands, but admittedly you make money off of them – which is a little bit of a conflict of interest only if they are duds.
Is this indeed a fact?
I always check to find if the site is getting paid if I buy after using the hyperlink provided by the reviewer to the commerce site. It wasn’t clearly stated in the disclosure section. Could you advise if this is indeed the case with your site?
We are 100% upfront about who we are, what we do, and where our experience comes from. This is explained on the very first article on the home page with two links that explains everything in full detail. There is no conflict of interest when all is explained and as mentioned in the articles, if you disagree with our site, then feel free to get free advice and help from somewhere else.
These articles have always been there for all to see. If you cannot find them and need help locating. See here:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/who-are-we
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/contributors/
No one is getting paid from hyperlinks. There is no “Amazon” pay if you buy from this site for links or similar.
PPG Timeless transparent oil exterior wood stain, would like to hear some feedback
On this product. 3 gallons for price of 1 at Home Depot returns. But want an excellent
Product.
Also TWP any comments. . .
See review for PPG timeless here: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ppg-timeless-deck-stain-review/
We are not fans of it.
Thank you.
What do,you recommend for my specifications?
One of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
I need some serious help. We have a newly-installed pressure treated deck with built-in benches. We have waited 8 months for it to be ready to accept stain. We want a dark gray semi-transparent or semi-solid stain with white trim accents in a solid stain. We live in Kentucky, where summers can easily reach upper 90s to 100 and humid, while winters can be below freezing–and dip close to zero. Lots of weather extremes here. We cannot find any of the deck cleaners or stains that you list locally. Can you please suggest some sort of cleaner/brightener that is available at a big box store? Also, we are looking at using ZAR semi-transparent stain, but I can’t find one single review on it anywhere. Can someone tell me something about that product? It is a hybrid alkyd/acrylic with soap and water clean up so what does this normally mean for longevity. If we wanted to use something different over it in the future would the replacement have to be oil or water based? We have read that semi-transparent stains are better/longer lasting because they penetrate the wood instead of sitting on top of it. However, everyone at our local paint stores and big box stores tells us that solid stains last longer. (We thought they were not as durable since they cracked and peeled easily.) Please help us. We are sooo confused.
You will not find anything decent at a big box store: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/deck-stain-quality-at-lowes-or-home-depot/
ZAR has no clue how to make a proper deck stain, they are a primer company trying to sell a stain.
Best to find a brand that we suggest for ease of maintaining and performance.
Solid stains for verticals: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
Semi-transparent for floors: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Thank you so much for your help. We are looking for a medium to dark grey semi transparent stain. We have searched for your recommendations, but none are available either in those colors or within hours of our house. We can get Flood Pro Series semi transparent in either alklyd or acrylic base or Cobot semi transparent in our area. Would you recommend either of these? Could you recommend a good deck cleaner that might be available in our area? Thanks again.
Order online if needed and have the products shipped if nothing is nearby. Everyone does. You can find revies of Cabot and Flood on our site. Just use the search function at the top.
Man. Here I go defending you in an above comment and then I see you write that Zar doesn’t know how to make a stain. When they have on of the best solid stain products on the market.
And Restore a Deck and Defy are the two best on your link? How long have these products been out? How many years have they lasted in your outside jobs to say they are the best?
No Storm System Enduradeck? That is up there with the best solid stain on the market and it’s not in your top 3? Well now I am questioning this site. And I’m not sure it will be in my recommendations except with the good directions on how to clean a deck.
Pro painter with deck experience. And enough experience to know that your number 3 pick, the Flood Pro Series is inferior to their previous/ discontinued solid stain: the Flood SWF.
Also no info on another well regarded solid stain for painters: Gulf Synthetic Extreme.
James,
Our reviews are based on our experience with deck stains. We have tested about 90% of deck stain brands but not all. Storm and Enduradeck are not sold where we are located so no experience using them or testing them yet. Also very little feedback with consumers using those products as well so there has not been a need or demand to test them as of yet. As for Defy and RAD stains, we never said they are the two best but they are rated high in our tests and we have been doing these for 25 years, so yes we have seen them last and perform very well for semi-transparent stains. As for Gulf Synthetic, it is reviewed on this site.
James we have a 25 year old deck in mountains gets lots of rain occasional snow and mostly sun. Scraped off most of old paint there are a lot of cracks and splinters. Painters have recommended they would use Zar deck and siding because it fills in cracks. I can’t find reviews but want something that will last awhile. It sounds like you are familiar with this product. Others have recommended Sherwin Williams Super Deck. Anyway what would you recommend?
I have a 55 year old pressure-treated pine deck. After prep (bleach cleaning, detergent cleaning, pressure wash, and rough sanding) i filled some hole with the lightest tan Famowood stainable filler (neutral/tupelo) which seemed to match the wood when it was dry. It rained before i used a stain, and the patches stand out too brightly against the wet wood. This makes me worry that the stain will penetrate the wood more than the filler, and i will be stuck with these bright patches. I am thinking of a tan or golden semitransparent sealer, Defy if i can find it. Should i chisel out the filler and apply a darker one, or even paint a darker filler over the tupelo color? I can upload a photo.
Update: I found your filler page, and that plus my experience above onvinces me that it will be difficult to find a filler that will stain to match the sealer i end up using. So i have chiseled out most of the filler, and will sand and steel-wool to minimize what remains. I will say that Famowood dried in under 24 hours at 75 degrees F to a very hard final substance, and it bonded well to clean wood. I left it in several area where boards were hollowing out, which adds solidity. None of that is load-bearing. So my question has drifted to the next step. Can semitransparent Defy pine-color sealer be applied with a sprayer, or is it strictly a pad and brush application? And do i need to apply two coats to my 55-year old pressure-treated pine deck? I thought i read one coat is sufficient. Oh, here is a picture of the un-chiseled dried tupelo-color Famowood filler on fairly dry (no rain for 12 hours, 75 F) pine.
You can spray on the first coat lightly and back pad or brush the second coat for the Defy.
FYI, do not use steel wool on exterior wood. It leaves metal in the wood and that turns to black rust spots.
Thanks for application notes, and especially for steel wool warning!
I have applied Defy pine-color semi-transparent to my 45 year old pressure treated pine table, to see how it looks before doing the whole deck. I applied a coat to a board, then a second wet coat. I like the color, but i have a question about “luster”. In some places, Defy says one coat, in others it says one coat plus a wet coat. They have a how-to video that seems to show three coats. If i apply one coat of semi transparent, will that give me the expected two to three years of uv protection? If a apply a clear Defy sealer for the final wet coat, would that make the wood more bright or lustrous or shiny? (I wont clutter this forum with another thanks, but i really do appreciate your comments 🙂
No, you cannot add a clear or any sealer on top of a deck stain. A shine of any level will peel and blister.
Best apply the Defy with two coats wet on wet as their directions state. Do not do more than that. One coat will not be enough.
I am having a deck finished for the first time. It is pressure treated wood. The person doing this has power washed it, but there is still some green algae on it. He did not use a cleaner. He said that since I am using a cedar tone Flood finish, it will cover the green. Is this true?
Maybe but hard to say. Post a picture.
Does anyone have experience with the Pittsburgh deck over paint?
Applied following directions perfectly and it failed in a few months, located in Minnesota.
I have a small treated wood deck around our pool. 2 years ago we used Cabot deck stain. Of course after the first year, the stain started coming off. I just pressure washed the deck and most came off. I was going to use a deck coating, until I saw all the problems with the while researching them. So now I am thinking of a solid stain. Behr is out as I dislike all their stuff. Cabot is out as well. I tried finding Defy, but no luck locally. My local ACE carries ZAR (made by UGL) is this a decent brand, or what other brand should I look for?
We dislike Behr as well. Terrible deck products. Fro a solid stain, try one of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
I am so glad to see this page and section to be quite active. I hope you can help! Our upper deck is 20 years old, never had been stained….that is, until we did it about 2* years ago. We used Behr deck stain, one of those 4x, 10x jobs. I don’t remember which one it was but in 3 moths it all peeled up, bubbled up, and left us with a disaster. I can only thank the Lord we hadn’t done our lower deck as well. UGH!! So, we have been stripping the remains off for the past 2 years. With a very wet New England winter, it made our job easier. We just power washed the two decks (the lower deck is 3 years old, never sealed or finished). We are now lightly sanding it….a little zealous with the power washer…oops. Not to mention the crud and mildew that builds when you are near trees. Wow.
SO! We are terrified to use anything again. We are looking at Olympic solid but I see you don’t care much for them. What do you recommend? We looked at Armstrong and Clark but that price tag….ouch. Then again, if it is the best option….I just don’t want to go through that nightmare again. How Behr and Rustoleum can still take people’s money and sell these products is beyond me. Shame on retailers for selling them as well. I’ve met so many people locally who are facing the same nightmare as us.
I should also mention that there are remnants of the old stain that just won’t come off on the spindles of the deck rails. No big deal to me as I’m hoping whatever we use will cover or blend enough that it won’t be super noticeable.
Any help appreciated. Thank you!
Should also mention:
CT
20 year old deck/4 year old deck
Trees/moss/mold/wet conditions
High sun
pressure treated pine
Go with a solid stain. One of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
A lot of problems
Occur with stain because of four reasons.
1) improper prep(removal old coats mandatory for most products)
2) stain wasn’t applied in correct conditions(make sure to follow instructions of product- they are all slightly different)
3) all sides were treated(the wood isn’t fully protected if you don’t get the edges and underside(they absorb water and act like a sponge)
4) surface temperature can be different than air temperatures so make sure you check both(direct sunlight increases temperature of wood dramatically)
I have a pressure treated pine deck mostly in afternoon sun, a year and a half old never treated. I am cleaning off a little green algae now getting ready to stain, but the only stain available locally is Cabot and Valspar. I am looking at semi transparent and the Cabot is oil based and the Valspar is water based. The Valspar states 6 year lifetime, but I am doubting that. Would I be better off with the Cabot Australian Timber Oil, or the Valspar water based? Not a lot of traffic, but in Kentucky we have just about every type of weather imaginable.
We do not like either brand but if had to choose one, the Cabot oil-based is better.
Doing more searching I found the Do It Best stores nearby also carry Flood and DEFY, would those be better choices?
Defy.
Hi, I live in the Laurentians in Quebec and resurfacing my southern exposure 10 year old rear deck. I initially used Thompson’s Cedar tinted sealer. Never again… so I have used Saman Deck Stripper then Saman Deck Wash with a pressure washer and rinsing after er each. Then I sanded with a random orbital sander at 60grit. My deck is 46′ x 12′ (552sf) with two sets of stairs. Painstaking work but it is looking pretty good for its age. I have been researching several products; Cabot, Olympic, Ready Seal, MF Woodmate, Storm Stain to name few. The reviews say the best are Defy, Restore-A-Deck, TWP, Wolman Durastain, Superdeck, Sikkens but quite frankly am overwhelmed. I don’t want to buy online and I don’t want to pay $200+ per gallon US. I am leaning towards a linseed oil based product such as MF Woodmate but newer products kinda scare me. They all look great initially but the bad reviews only come out a year or more later. Looking for expert advise. I really don’t want to have to do that prep work again at my age (64). Forgot to mention, I do not want a solid or semi solid stain. Being a woodworker, I prefer a semi transparent stain to be able to see the grain of the wood. Really don’t like water based products as they are not as durable as oil based and the overlap marks are unsightly and look so amateurish.
We list the top stains on our site but if you want to buy locally in Canada you are severely restricted to anything decent and since we do not live there, we do not know what is available to suggest.
Do not use anything with linseed oil. It will mildew and turn black eventually.
Not true. While many cheaper stains will do this, a high-quality stain will also add mildewcides to prevent this.
Hello!
We are having our deck re-stained professionally and I am in search of a new color. The current color is a redish brown Cabot semi transparent and I am thinking of switching to a taupe. The painters have suggested that I go with a solid oil-based stain, so I am looking for recommendations. I was going to go with Cabot again, but the reviews online are terrible (including the reviews on their own website). Which brand would you recommend?
Also we live in a climate that is 90s and humid during the summer and below zero during the winter.
Do you want a solid stain? If so see this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
The painters said we needed oil-based because of what the previous owners had used. All of the stains listed in the article are water-based. Do you have any other recommendations?
Solid stains do not come in oil based anymore. Haven’t seen any in years.
I have been using Pittsburgh revitalize at home and in Canada on all my decks, I have used everything and this is the best stuff I have found ever
Restaining our deck on north side of house. Gets both east and west sun. Will powerwash first. What is best stain to prevent mildew? Semi transparent, solid, or clear. Linseed oil? Read linseed oil promotes algae. Solids tend to peel and look bad after a year.
Try Defy Extreme or Restore A Deck Semi-Transparent. All old stain must be removed first.
Was thinking TWP 150 series, I will have to check if we can get the other 2 here, small town USA.
We cannot get either one of those anywhere close to me, so we bought the TWP 100 oil based.
If I’m putting a solid stain on the ceiling of a covered deck, will it crack and peel?
Probably not.
Thanks for all your help
Cathy, I also have a covered wrap around deck with a T&G 1″ x 6″ red pine ceiling. I used a Fruitwood tinted Watco Danish Oil applied to the visible underside before installation about 13 years ago. Still looks great, although a little yellowed which is normal for pine but haven’t done anything to it since. Danish oil is very watery so cover everything, including yourself.
Actually solid stain can act as a bonding primer. The seeping into the surfaces can strengthen adhesion!
If I like a color of solid stain in one brand, can they make if it’s a different brand?
Make it in a different brand. I think I’m going with Cabot but color I like is in Pittsburg
Yes, they should be able to custom color match it.
Anyone have a favorite blue for deck ceiling? Going to do in a solid color
Never done a blue.
Has anyone used zar exterior deck and siding semi transparent in rustic dark? This is the first time our deck is being stained (installed summer 2018) and the color looks rich when put on with two coats but with rain water it leaves a “camouflaged” look that dries out when the sun gets to it and then you can’t see the water marks anymore. Wondering if anyone else has experience with this stain?
Never used it.
Can I stain over a semi transparent brown stain.? Want to use blue solid stain on a deck ceiling
Yes if you are using a solid stain.
Thank you!
I had my deck professional cleaned and stained last June with a paint from Pittsburg called Revitalize resurfacer.
This year I am putting in a claim with menards which is still selling and promoting this paint. It is horrible. My deck looks really bad. Peeling, cracking. I have taken pictures to summit with my claim.
I paid a company to come out and clean and prepare it and stain it with this paint. Now I have to have them come back out and remove all this inferior paint. Frustrating to say the least and the good money that was wasted on this paint plus labor. My deck is over 10 years old, just needed some TLC, but this really ruined it.
Buyer beware I will let you know how our claim goes with Menards and Pittsburg paints.
Any suggestions on how to handle this that we have not thought of.
Hi, I stained my pressure treated wood deck (installed in 2016) in 2017 with CIL Fine Wood in natural (tinted transparent)~ I only did one coat as it was very dark…. last year it started to look foggy/faded out and looks dirty now this year… when it’s wet it looks great, the color is deep but when dry it looks dirty.. I’m wondering if I should have applied a protective coat? There is no flaking as it was a stain but now I have to redo it.
Two questions, should I switch to a better brand and what do I have to do in order to prep the wood? Second, I still have two unopened cans of stain as I over bought the first time (I also stained my fence which has held up great!) so should I try again with the current stain and do 2 coats?
Thanks!
You cannot apply a coating over the top of a deck stain.
Try a different brand like the TWP wood stains.
Thanks! Do you think I need to do any prep or just go on top of it?
I can’t seem to find TWP locally (I’m in Canada) I heard a lot about Sikkens – any thoughts?
Not a fan of Sikkens. Nothing can go on top of tour current stain. You will need to strip and brighten for prep when switching brands.
I had good success with Olympic Semisolid Elite deck stain in Royal Mahogany that was sold by Lowes. Unfortunately Olympic stains are now being sold by Home Depot and the colors have changed because the base has changed. Home Depot has not been able to match the Dark Chocolate color of Lowes’ Royal Mahogany. I am wondering if anyone knows of a stain/color that is close to a glossy Dark Chocolate brown. Thanks
Gloss coating will not work on decks. They will peel.
Sorry…didn’t really mean a true ‘gloss’ like with paint but rather a slight ‘sheen’ look…just basically trying to find a Dark Chocolate color. Thanks
Has to be no gloss and penetrating. Anything else will lead to peeling.
Dark chocolate color, try Armstrong Clark in Espresso color.
Do you have pics of this Armstrong Clark Espresso color stain on a deck? Thanks
We do not. They offer samples.
Try Pittsburgh Paints for the Olympic stain. It’s the only place I can find my original color.
I am building a house in Austin with a lake-facing front deck. The house is framed and has been sitting for 4 months. The Douglas fir columns and beams have some cracks in them now. I feel that I need to use solid stain on them? (Should I fill the large cracks? If so, with what product? ) I have cedar rafter on the upstairs window for metal awnings that I need to match. We are retired and want a low maintenance house. What would you recommend? We also have tongue and groove pine deck ceilings and soffit. How should we go on those? Thanks
Do not fill cracks. Wood filler does not work for exterior wood and cracks are normal. Prep with a cleaner and pressure washer. Use one of these solid stain brands:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
Thanks so much for the prompt reply. Do you think it is worth the 40 minute drive to see the Defy stain colors, etc.? Or am I going to be as happy with Flood which is available only a few minutes away? Restore-a-Deck just doesn’t have the color choice I need. (This is a moderately high end Mediterranean modern house so it needs an appropriate treatment.) Also should I do solid stain on the tongue and groove pine ceiling and soffits? Do I have the choice of and is it appropriate to switch here to something more transparent? I will have to match it all inside too since the t&g and roof beams extend into the living room. Also I have been told to prime the cedar awning rafters before using solid stain. Is this a good idea? Thanks
Do not use a primer with a solid stain. Defy Soldi stain will come in any color you want as it is custom mixed. We like the Defy over the Flood. You can use the solid stain on all areas but can choose a semi-trans if you like. That is your preference.
Thanks. Can’t tell you how much I appreciate the sharing of your expertise plus prompt response.
When should I sand? Before of after power wash? And should I use a wood brighter?
Sand after. No need for the brighten if using a solid stain.
Thanks
So disappointed. We’ve had a large deck since 1992, having replaced it in 2013. Except for a gazebo, it’s in the sun and surrounds a pool. We’ve used many stains over the years but none has disappointed us more than the one applied last summer, Pittsburg Ultra Advanced stain and sealant, semi transparent. I put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into this project, and within a couple of months it began to wear off. These are current photos taken today.
We used Pittsburgh Ultra Advanced semi-transparent on our deck in September of 2018 and by March of 2019 it’s all peeling off. I’m furious! The amount of time and money spent to have it peeling off only 6 months later. I’m tempted to go to Menards and ask what they can do about it since they sell this piece of crap stain.
I agree. My time was hard to come by and could have been spent doing much better things. Now the issue is what to do with a deck that is partially stained. I would rather not pressure wash in an attempt to remove the remainder so I can apply new DIFFERENT stain.
I asked Menards if there was a guarantee through the company and he said only if I used their specific deck cleaner first…which we didn’t. Would have been nice of Menards to inform us of this when we were purchasing the stain!
I agree. A deck cleaner was not mentioned by them to me.
What about Australian Timber Oil? 105 degrees and 10 hours of direct afternoon sun during summer months. Would it maintain the natural color of our fence and deck? Is it a better option than clear wood sealer? We bought Thompson’s WaterSeal, but haven’t opened it yet…
See here for review: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/cabot-australian-timber-oil-review-2016/
Finally got husband to do 22 year deck/railings and captain paneling. Pressure washed got most of the old up….some spots no and many dark spots..Been told to make it all blend have to use solid stain. Tried semi in spot with several dark spots, does not blend. REALLY do not want solid color but not much of a choice at this point. Have had input from many, PPG, Behr, SW, Cabot and Olympic. Saw on here Flood. HELP needed in Georgia where husband despises painting and maintaining!
Post a picture.
I have had great success with ready seal. It is essentially mineral oil, linseed oil and different tints of stain. Soaks in deep, penetrates is easy to apply with no lap marks. Great product.
Is it paraffin oil, not linseed or mineral. It does not cure or seal because of this as it is non-drying.
California Storm Deck Stain is not good. We built a cedar deck and stained all the boards top, bottom and sides. The first year it faded out pretty quickly. We sanded the tops of the boards and re-stained this past summer. Over this winter, 2018-2019. It is currently March 2019, the stain is coming off. We do not shovel our deck we use a broom and there has been little to no traffic on this deck all winter, but the finish is coming off. We thought because of the linseed oil it would penetrate the wood and provide a long lasting finish. I have painted homes for twenty years, both interior and exterior. I have never run across a product this poor. Not sure if there are any other options, but once you start with a product it is not good to switch. In the spring we will be sanding and staining again. I would not recommend this product.
How long was it until the stain started to fade away? Normal for decks to need to be redone every couple years. Was it semi trans oil? Clark and Armstrong is the standard for that, use it next time.
On new decking you need to wait 30-60 days at a minimum before staining. It’s also not a good idea to stain all sides. The stain failed because you stained it too early.
Storm category 4 has been on my boat dock for 4 years and still looks great! Dock gets snowed on, rain, heat, kids, dogs…
Best stain I’ve ever used.
Never stain under floorbords, moisture will come back through the top, since cant ventilate underneath
Agree 100%, Storm System by ICP is the worst! We renovated a 100 yr old Craftsman in Southwest Ohio . To stay true to the original architecture, we added porches covered and uncovered with real fir flooring and cedar railings. All work was done by a professional contractor. Within 2 weeks of the Storm application in August 2018 , the stain began to fade and wear, it progressively worsened thru the Fall. We were told that the only alternative was to sand and re-stain which, due to weather, couldn’t happen until late Spring 2019. Sanding the stain off caused the wood to split and splinter. Then, the second stain attempt did the same thing, it began to fade almost immediately, followed quickly by unsightly black mold. We were told to use the Storm product to get rid of the mold which basically bleached the stain and wood. It looks worse than ever! Our contractor has been working with ICP for over a year trying to find a solution with no end in sight as we head back into Fall. See pictures and looking for help.
Strip it all off and then brighten the wood and then redo with a better brand like TWP 100 Series or Restore A Deck Wood Stains.
Pittsburgh stain on my cedar gate is the best I found. Perfect color and it has that bit of a sheen. I love this this stain. Perfect.
Pittsburgh Ultra Advanced semi transparent stain and sealant isn’t very advanced in my book. This is the worst performing deck stain we’ve had in our 26 years of deck ownership. It was applied in May 2018 and was showing signs of wear by summer’s end.
Wow…I totally agree about Pittsburg. I bought the Most expensive Pittsburg Paramount semi transparent and it looks like your photo after one year! Totally disappointed and looking for a replacement product to use in the exposed cedar! Not going to use Pittsburg! Also used Cabots on another deck and it was terrible!