This post was updated on July 2, 2024
I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in deck stains and wood sealers. My help tips are based on my history as a wood restoration contractor and actual hands-on testing. See here for more info about me.
Deck Sealer or Deck Stain
See below for my tips and article that explains the difference between a deck sealer and a deck stain and when to use each. We appreciate your input. Feel free to leave a comment below and pictures of your completed projects if you have them.
Deck Sealer versus Deck Stain
Some might think that a deck sealer and a deck stain are basically the same thing, but in reality, they are two different products. They both share the same purpose, in general, to preserve and protect the wood, but there are some major differences. Most people use sealers or stains to protect exterior wood from the elements. Surfaces such as decks, wood siding, fences, and so on need a protective coating to keep from weathering so fast.
What is a Deck Sealer?
A deck sealer typically has a clear or transparent finish penetrating the wood or forming a clear film on top. It helps to lock out moisture and reduce water intrusion. Unwanted moisture can lead to fungal growth and wood rot, so reducing the chances of jeopardizing the wood’s longevity is crucial. A deck sealer, however, will not protect from sun damage. UV rays can be very harmful to exterior wood. Prolonged and unprotected exposure to sunlight can lead to graying and fading. It also dries up the wood’s natural oils, causing cracks and splitting. So, although a deck would benefit from a sealer by repelling moisture, it will still turn gray and become sun-damaged.
My Pro Tip on Deck Sealers: If you want to protect the wood from water and mold but are okay with the wood graying, there’s nothing wrong with choosing a deck sealer as your coating.
Clear Deck Sealer
What is a Deck Stain?
A deck stain has the same water-resistant qualities that a deck sealer does. A deck stain, however, has added pigment or tone, which gives the stain some color. The opacity of the stain can vary from solid to semi-transparent, but it will still have added color, even if it is partially transparent. This added pigment gives the stain UV-blocking abilities to help reduce sun damage. The darker the color or the more pigment added, the more sun protection the stain will provide. With stain, there are many shades and tones, such as natural, cedar, walnut, or redwood. Choosing the perfect tone and opacity can help enhance the natural beauty of the wood while providing adequate water and UV protection.
My Pro Tip For Deck Stains: Use a penetrating semi-transparent stain for best results and ease of reapplication.
Different Types of Deck Stains Video
i have 4 deck post holding up the deck about 25 years old set directly concert I would like to freshen up the wood before the new patio overlay with no future maintenance, What product would you recommend? Sealant, semi stain. Faces north so does have some green alige on wood after winter.
Thank you, Gale
Post some pics so we can help with prep. Where do you live?
Hey there – I recently stained my pressure-treated deck (2 years old) using “Restore-a-Deck” semi-transparent stain product. This is my first time staining a deck, and I assume I should also apply some type of water-seal on top of the stain? Do you have a product you’d recommend? Thanks a bunch in advanced.
You cannot do this. Applying a sealer or top coating over a deck stain will result in severe peeling.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/can-you-apply-a-clear-sealer-or-polyurethane-over-a-deck-stain/
I am building a deck and piers at my place in Antigua.
I understand that I need to protect the boards from moisture ingress.
The article seems to accept that the boards need to be protected from water ingress and UV. It explains that the staining enables UV protection to be included- and that the darker the stain, the better UV protection it will provide.
Fine. However we are in Antigua. The market the deck colour, the hotter it becomes under the blazing sun. So, great I stain my boards a dark colour – but then cannot walk on them barefoot ( as you do out here!)
Why can’t UV protection be provided in a Grey coloured stain?
Gray-colored stains offer UV protection.
Do you see any issues with using a Gracco airless sprayer and then back brushing with TWP 100 series?
No issues.
I have a new Cedar Deck – transparent stain applied 14 months ago, deck has since oxidized where in sun. I have met with professional sealing companies that offer 25 year guarantee. One time application, maintenance is annual deck clearing. These services are about 3 times more costly than having deck stained. They claim that their sealer penetrates the wood and seals from the inside of the wood. Is this sealing process effective and truly work for 25 years? I am intrigued , but a bit hesitant in believing
It is a gimmick and does nothing for the main reason you have to prep and stain a deck and that is for UV protection from graying. Even if you do what they offer, you will still have to clean and stain every 2-3 years if you want it to look good.
Don’t waste your money.
Do you recomment using a product that has both the stain and sealer? If I use either TWP or Armstron Clark oil based stain; what sealer would you recommend?
All deck stains are sealers as well and you can never apply a different sealer over a deck stain as it will peel.
I like the natural colour of my deck now that it is washed and previous solid wood stain sanded off(blue tint) . Can I use a semi transparent oil finish tint base on it but not add any tint. Will it dry clear and show the natural wood through?
No tint = no UV protection. This means it will gray in months. Must have a tinted stain to prevent graying.
Hi,
I’ve just cleaned and sanded deck and had new railings put up. I was recommended to use a sealer product ‘Home Builder Advance Formula Wood Protector” (Canada) There is no tint to this and goes on clear. This product has acrylic technology and says it will protect from water and UV damage for 2-3 yrs (depending on exposure) My deck is full sun exposure. My question is what happens to the wood in the next few years if I go with the sealer, will it grey again and have to be continually cleaned and sealer reapplied? I’m really wondering if I should reconsider and go with a tinted stain. Does stain have to be reapplied yearly and what product would you recommend that I can purchase in Canada Thanks Liz
It will gray in a matter of months. This product is a gimmick.
What would you suggest?
You want a penetrating semi-transparent stain. Issue is there is not any decent ones on the shelves in Canada per Canadian commentators so many are having them shipped from the US. Stains like Armstrong Clark or TWP 200 series.
What is the best product for deck around a pool. Concerned for stain getting in pool as well as chlorine penetration of treated deck
No deck stain will be immune from the chlorine/bleach. They will all have issues with fading and deterioration from water splashing on the stain. You will need to reapply annually most likely.
Will stain get in the pool? Oil based or water based for around pool? Wife likes Armstrong Clark Mahogany. Good choice?
Does not matter on type. AC Mahogany is a good stain, might want to test colors.
Adding to existing deck. Would like to stain old and new wood same stain color (Armstrong Clark mahogany). What suggestions do you have to accomplish even coloring throughout. Thank you in advance.
It is not possible to have older wood and newer match when staining the first time with a semi-transparent stain. The new wood will always stain lighter since it is less absorbent.
How can I get my new clear cedar deck to look like this? Is this a clear oil based product? or a tinted stain? I like the ambering effect of oil based products. I’ve done some research and some information says that clear finishes don’t have UV protection? I do have some Thompson’s Waterseal Waterproofer PLUS CLEAR Wood Protector that claims UV protection.
You need a penetrating semi-transparent stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews-2020/
Thompson’s is useless. Do not use it.
Thank you for the information! I have ordered some Sansin products for testing.
I have a rough cut wood barn that I need to protect (2700 sq ft). The wood was from pine trees we cut off our land and had the local Amish mill band cut. The wood then sat for about 3 years before being put on the barn. I’m in Missouri (4 seasons and humidity) and it gets plenty of sunshine.
What would you recommend? Being such a large sized barn, I’d like to not have to spray it too often… meaning Id like something that last at least 5-10 years.
Also, what about preparation??
Your thoughts would be most appreciated!
Thank you
K
Use a semi-transparent wood stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews-2020/
What stain color is this? Thanks!
Armstrong Clark Mahogany color on IPE wood.
Thanks!
Ok, so I thought I was confident in buying a clear deck stain.. they told me at the store that means I just buy a sealer.. that’s clear.
We hated the paint that was ion there before. My husband worked hard took it all off and sanded. It’s in good condition. Can we just seal it? Or is it better to do a transparent seal and stain? That’s what I’m seeing as the options and feel like just sealing isn’t enough
You need a penetrating stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Would the best protection be stain then a sealant?
You cannot apply a sealer over a deck stain. No need anyhow.
Is a stain and sealer all in one a good product to use on a 4 year old deck that has not been treated thus far?
Deck stains are sealers. Use one of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
so a stain is a sealer — but with pigments. not too different.
a better explanation would be the difference between types of penetrating compounds (oils) or some that provide a film or layer on top (acrylics, polyurethanes?) found in types of sealers and stains.
there still is a massive confusing array of products out there — but i bet they come down to only a few different technologies whether old school paraffin wax, linseed and new school urethanes and so forth.
notwithstanding, your website is amazing and good for you.
Should you stain your deck then a month later seal your deck or is that over kill?
You cannot apply a sealer over a deck stain.
Hello! See attached picture. This is my 2 year old deck. The top beams are untreated pine wood. As you can tell, there is mildew on the beams. My plan is to either pressure wash or use the Armstrong restore-a-deck kit. My question is – should I stain or seal the top untreated pine wood beams? I’m leaning towards staining since the untreated pine wood isn’t directly exposed to the sun since the clear roof provides UV protection. The Armstrong Clark semi-trans cedar color would be a nice bonus as well. My concern is the moisture which makes me lean towards sealing.
Based on my situation, would you stain or seal? Is there a difference since the untreated pine wood is inside the deck and not directly outside exposed to the sun? Thank you in advance for your help, I appreciate it!
P.S. The side of the desk are treated wood so I plan to leave that the way it is.There is a small amount of mildew so I do plan to power pressure wash this area.
The only reason to stain would be for appearance so up to you.
I stained my new deck Tyson summers ago. But did not put any sealer. Now it’s all pealing. What do I do ?
Remove it all and start over.
I thought staining acts as a sealer but with a tint? Sorry so confused! Lol
Deck stains are sealers as well. You also cannot add a sealer over the top of a deck stain.
What can I do if deck is already stained, and now splintering? Sand to remove stain then start over? Which should I apply first? Stain or sealer?
Post a picture of the deck.
Can you add a stain on top of a sealer?
No.
Your site suggests that a stain is the way to go over a sealer. However, we have been looking and can only find “stain with sealers” (for example- Olympic Maximum 1 gal. Redwood Semi-Transparent Exterior Stain and Sealant in One). Can you please suggest what you would consider the best product to put on a new deck with KDAT decking planks that is going to be covered by a three season room? Thanks. I did read the article mentioned in the comment below (damien) but we are still confused as to what product to purchase and the best place to purchase those products.
See here: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
and here about KDAT wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-kdat-deck/
New deck put in last summer. Do I use stain, sealer or a combo of both. I’m edging towards just stain, but appreciate your take on this. I’m looking to use as clear as possible stain. Where I am is hot summers and frigid cold winters
You want a semi-transparent stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews-2020/
We’re going to stain our KDAT deck with either a Sherwin Williams Superdeck or a Cabot stain. Would we still need to seal the KDAT? Thanks!
You might want to read the reviews on this site and other sites about the SuperDeck and Cabot as both have major issues.
You cannot add a sealer over a deck stain.
i want to seal the tongue & groove ceiling over my porch, as it won’t get any direct sun i’m more concerned with moisture barrier. We live in the caribbean on the water, so think humidity, salty spray & hurricanes. I would like to go with a transparent Armstrong but am wondering if it’ll give me the protection that I need. Maybe i should use a semi-transparent? Does the TWP have better moisture barrier? Advice please?
The TWP will do a little better with mildew over the AC but otherwise, they would both work well. Since it is a ceiling, either a semi-transparent or a transparent will work equally well.
Is the photo in the picture a seal or stain? and if stain, what is the color?
Stain in the picture. Not sure about the color but it is IPE wood.
We are wanting to stain and then seal our deck. Is this a good idea or will the stain itself be enough?
You cannot apply a sealer over a deck stain.
We want to stain our small cottage the same dark green solid stain as the cottage next to us. They used Behr stain 4 years ago and it still looks great. Behr has two options, Premium solid Color weatherproofing stain and sealer or Solid Color house and fence wood stain. The latter is half the price of the former. Would the more expensive choice be better or is there no significant difference between them? Thank you.
No diiference.
We purchased a home and the deck had been neglected. Stain is very patchy. I power washed it and don’t know that we will have time to stain it before fall arrives being the temps are cooling already.
1) the hardware guy told us to scrub, sand and seal the deck then until we can stain next summer? What are your thoughts on this?
2) if we do stain it this year, does it take 2-3 hours to dry and how long should we try to avoid rain for?
Thank you!
1. You cannot seal the wood first and then stain.
2. Best to just stain it this year. As to when it dries, that depends on the brand you choose?
Hi I just sealed my deck a couple of weeks ago should I do a second coat
No.
whats in sealer? difference from polyurethane?
Polys cannot be used on decks. It will peel and blister.
what’s the composition of sealer? Polyurethane?
There is no poly in any deck sealers or stains.
Can a stain be applied over a sealer ?
No, it cannot. Strip off the sealer first.
Can a stain be applied over a stain? In the context of a good slathering before winter hits and snow sits on it all winter…montana deck
It would have to be the same brand and you have to prep correctly first.
I just completed a test section on my deck using Thompson’s Water Seal-CLEAR, and it’s too dark for me. Is there another product that I can use that is truly clear? The wood needs to be protected-I would like to protect the nice new light color. I hope you can help me!
Thanks
A true clear sealer will give zero UV protection from graying. It will gray within months. Must be tinted. Also, Thompsons is a poor product.
Recommendation for an oil-based sealant that dries/cures quickly and is low VOCs? This is to rehab an aging playground structure at a daycare center. Work will be done on weekend but needs to dry quickly to be ready for the kids on Monday. Needs to be oil based. Seattle area.
PS thanks for your awesome reviews. I used TWP 100 on my deck four years ago, based on your reviews, and it has been holding up great!
Use the TWP 1500 for low VOCs or the Armstrong Clark.
I have a 10 x 20 deck that is about 1 year old. I got an estimate for cleaning and staining for approx. $2,000.
Is this a reasonable price?
Seems pretty high but that could depend on your area and condition of the wood. Post a picture of the deck.
here are some pictures of my deck. We are in Lawrenceburg, KY.
That seems very high for this size of a deck. In our area, that would be closer to $600-700.
Try searching online for “Lexington Deck Cleaning”.
So my deck is less than 1 year old. What do you recommend? Sealing and/or staining?
Sorry, just confused about what needs to be done to preserve the deck. Thanks!
Penetrating stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
new deck pressure treated wood. Will a sealer be sufficient to preserve if we want the wood to gray naturally? We live in seattle area. Every time we have had a stained deck it always would bubble or peel over time and not hold up well. so we are wondering if this would be a good alternative.
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Penetrating stains will not peel or bubble: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
A clear sealer will provide some protection from water and mildew but will not prevent UV graying.
Do u need to reseal and then stain a deck
You do not seal then stain a deck. Deck stains are sealers so all-inclusive.
i have a new cedar fence that we installed on aug17,2018, just after 3 weeks, the top boards started turning black. i am not sure whats going on. i was planning to stain it in early october 2018, can someone let me know if i can stain it on the top of that black color or is there any way, i can get those black stains removed and apply stain? thanks for your time
Post a picture.
please see the pictures. it is a new cedar fence installed just one month ago, have observed these stains after 2-3 weeks and now it is spreading all over other parts also. can you suggest what to do?
That is mildew. Using a deck cleaner and a pressure washer should remove it.
Thank you. Will try. Can you suggest any specific cleaner for cedar fence
Try the Restore A Deck Cleaner/Brightener kits.
Thanks. Will do. Can I try wood bleach ?
it may work but we are not fans of bleach on wood. Harms the woof fibers.
8 years ago we built our deck and stained it with Penofin stain. We applied a fresh coat each year until 2016. The floor and top rails had turned black. I assume it is mildew. We are now sanding the deck. Do we need to sand everything before restaining, or can we just sand the bad areas and use the penofin again?
Thie black is a result of the Penofin. It always does this and is why we do not use is it and consumers are constantly complaining about it. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/penofin-ultra-red-label-wood-stain-review-2014/
Prep by stripping and sanding it all off. Try the TWP Stains instead.
I live in Chicago area and moved into a house where the siding, deck rails and the deck were all painted the same color. Deck looks like treated wood, partial shade and mildew issues on the edges. Deck is peeling, seems to be paint because I can grab a piece and pull off a 5″ piece in some areas.
I bought Wolman Deck Strip and their ASR version for acrylic since I don’t know what’s on the deck. Also bought Wolman Deck & Fence Brightener. Are these good choices?
Can you recommend a stain for me to use? Do I need to sand the deck before staining? I’m thinking a semi-transparent would be good. Thanks.
Linda
That is a solid stain and most likely cannot be removed fully with a stain stripper. To remove and use a semi-transparent, you will need to sand this off. If you prefer not to sand, then you will need to use another solid stain to cover this. What you decide to do for the prep depends on the brand and type of stain to suggest.
For over 10 years, I have been using a pigmented wood sealer on my cedar deck. The product is ADM-2000 with a Pecan color. I have been very satisfied with the product, but apparently the company that makes it is no longer in business. What deck stain/sealer would you recommend that I could use without having to completely strip the ADM-2000 that I applied three years ago?
Unfortunately, you have not choice but to strip. You cannot apply a stain over a different brand on top and expect that it will penetrate and or adhere. Once remove, try TWP in the Pecan color or Armstrong Clark in Chestnut.
Thank you for the EXCELLENT information. Do you know a Contractor in the Kansas City area? I want to use your advice, but cannot locate a Dealer. Thank you
We do not. sorry.
What product is best for STAIN? Thank you
I am just getting started (trying to pick the best that you recommend?
I also think the EFC-38 is best for deck cleaner & brightener?
Use one of these:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
A contractor I hired applied an oil based stain on my new deck last year. The application went terribly wrong and it never fully cured in areas and remained tacky and dirt stuck to it. The contractor tried power washing and it lifted the stain off in areas. It’s a real mess and the contractor won’t fix it. I’m wondering what I need to do now so I can stain it again properly. Also, what kind of stain is best to use. We live in the Pacific Northwest so the deck is exposed to a lot of rain.
What stain brand did you use and please post a picture so we can properly advise.
I have put semi transparent classic oil finish arborcoat on a piece of outdoor furniture. Do I need to put a sealer on top of it? Would it be good to put oil on it later in the season?
You cannot add a sealer over a deck stain.
So I should decided to seal OR stain my fence, not both, correct? And that is true with water or oil based products? Thank you
Stains are sealers. No need to do both. Doesn’t matter the base of the product.