This post was updated on June 26, 2024
Hi! I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in solid-color deck staining. My reviews and help tips are based on my history as a wood restoration contractor and actual hands-on testing, all designed to present you with the top product choices. See here for more info about me.
Using a Solid Color Deck Stain 2024
There are many different types of coatings when dealing with decking stains. Before searching for a deck stain, determine the look you want. Some stains (solid colors) completely hide the wood grain, similar to paint. When is the best time for a solid-colored opaque deck stain? This article will help with this topic.
Solid Color Deck Stain
Deck Stain Opacities
It is important first to understand the different opacity levels of deck stains.
Semi-Transparent Deck Stains – A semi-transparent deck stain allows most of the wood’s natural color to show through while soaking into the wood grain.
Semi-Solid Deck Stains – Most semi-solid deck stains will almost completely hide the wood grain and natural color.
Solid or Opaque Decking Stains – These types of wood stains hide the grain completely and provide the most UV protection. Solid color stains will “film” on top of the wood, masking the grain while looking like paint. It should be noted that solid-color deck stains are harder and normally more expensive to maintain.
When to Use a Solid Color Stain
So when is it best to use a Solid Color Deck Stain? Here are a few scenarios:
- Two-Toned Decks. A solid stain is used only on the verticals, and a semi-transparent stain is used for the floors. See this article for tips: Why Have a Two-Toned Deck
- Your Deck is already coated with a Solid Stain. See here for a list of the Best Solid Color Deck Stains
- Your deck is old and on its last legs, requiring a solid coating to hide all the imperfections.
- You like the solid-color look! Many people prefer a solid-color look for their deck. If that is what you want, use one of the best brands. Restore-A-Deck Solid Stain is our go-to solid stain as deck restoration contractors.
Solid Color Deck Stain Photos
The Best Solid Color Deck Stain Video
Any Questions on Solid Color Deck Stains? Ask Below!
If I want to use the same product and color (semi-solid stain) on my deck, do I need to sand the deck back to bare boards.
No.
Someone stained my deck that is only 5 years old and used a semi-solid a few years ago and now I need to re-stain it for the stain is fading in a few areas. Can I use a semi-transparent or do I have to use a semi-solid again – which I really dislike.
You would have to remove tthe semi-solid if you want to go to semi-transparent. Post some pics in the comments if you want help with this.
Do you recommend semi-transparent or solid stain for a new, covered, screened-in porch?
Penetrating semi-transparent. See here for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Great site ! I have a 19 yr old wooden deck in generally good condition woodwise. I have used clear stained on it every couple of years. I just used Sherwin Williams Stain & /Sealer Removal followed by Sherwin Williams ‘Revive’ —- pictures are attached. I’m trying to get an opinion on using semi- solid VS solid stain —- can you help ?
Oil based VS water based ???
Recommendations appreciated !!
Bill S
First pic is before cleaning etc.
Second /Third pic is AFTER cleaning
You have a lot of imperfections in this wood so we would suggest a solid stain to cover it all and so it looks food when done: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
I live in NC….have deck with full sun exposure during half the day. It already has solid stain on it and am in process of having it re-done. Can’t get RAD or Defy unless i order online. Am able to buy Flood here and wondered if that is the one to buy or if other better options. Am planning to purchase from a paint store rather than a big box store
Flood makes a decent solid stain.
I’m replacing a few boards on my deck before staining with RAD solid. Do I need to let those new boards remain without stain for 6 months or so?
3 months and then prep.
Why are solid stains considered permanent decisions? For example, how come if my deck is a solid stain currently it’s very difficult to change it to a semi-transparent look?
The only way to switch from a solid stain to something with less transparency is to power sand it all off and that is not easy to do.
Flooring and steps were replaced in my deck 3 months ago. The railings and lattice are about 4 years old. Also have a new fence that butts up to the deck on one side. Deck is shaded by several pine trees.
Have been told a solid stain is all I can use but concerned about mold growth and deck being slick when wet. I have read your reviews about Restore a deck being good but color choice is poor. I do not have a store close by that sells Defy.
I am going to put house on the market soon – should I just use a clear stain?
A solid stain would blend better all the different ages of the wood. It is not slippery when wet.
Thanks! What would you recommend if I cannot get Defy?
The trees are dropping leaves and straw daily now so will the solid stain dry fast enough or will anything that falls on it leave a mark? Would wait until spring but trying to get it done before listing the house
It should be fine as long as you have an hour or two of drying.
Flood solid stain.
Does a solid stain have to be removed before restraining the deck?
When recoating with another solid stain prep to remove all dirt, loose/peeling stain, etc. You can then cover the rest with a new solid stain.
if we use a solid stain do we have to remove it to redo the deck next time?
I have read that solid stain lasts the longest. Is this correct?
No, solid stains will not last any longer than a quality semi-transparent.
Can you use TWP solid color stain over Behr Deckover? Do we have to remove the Deckover first or can we apply over top?
TWP does not come in a solid color. In addition, nothng can be applied over the Deckover. That would have to be removed first.