Why is My Deck Stain Not Beading Water? 5/5 (1)

This post was updated on October 21, 2024

Hi! I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood staining and restoration. My simple deck stain facts and tips are based on my history as a wood restoration contractor. See here for more info about me.

Question: Why is Deck Stain Not Beading?

Deck stains come in many different opacities, including transparent, Semi-Transparent, and Solid Colors. All deck stains act as a sealant that protects the wood from weather, moisture, and UV rays. They help lock out moisture and reduce water intrusion.

I often get a question at DeckStainHelp.com: “Why does my deck stain not bead water, and what should I do?”

Myth About Deck Stains Beading Water

For years, TV and Radio commercials have promoted the need to add a sealer or stain that relies heavily on the ability to bead water. This is not a good idea. High-quality deck stains and sealers actually will shed water, not bead water. The reason is that you need to have your deck stain breathable. This reduces the chance of peeling. 100% sealing of your wood surface can also lead to internal rotting of your wood.

To summarize, if your deck stain is not beading water, do not worry. It will be fine.

Note: A High-Quality Deck Stain may bead water when initially applied, but it is normal to stop doing this after a month or two.

Deck Stain Sealer

Beading Water on Deck  Stain

More information on Deck Stains Beading

Have a Deck Stain question? Ask in the comments below.

For more info, see our Deck Stain Facts section, which includes over 150 simple Q&A articles that answer all your questions about deck staining, cleaning, and prep.

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Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 Owner
As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior wood and deck restoration. Scott and his Deck Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 decks in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the deck restoration industry and has contributed to numerous wood restoration forums and informative sites. All the products he suggests through this site are sold through online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them.
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Phil
Phil
3 months ago

We recently applied RAD semi-transparent stain. Followed the 3 steps and it was allowed to dry and cure. Our first significant rain happened days after application. After a rain some areas have standing water that eventually dries.
Is this standing water an issue? Should it be pushed off?

Dan
Dan
5 months ago

I just stained my deck 48 hours ago , today we had our first rain. The deck beaded for abit but now it soaking in the rain. So you’re saying this is ok?

Car
Car
4 months ago

Hello, We are going to be using RAD semi transparent stain over our cedar deck treated with a penetrating fire retardant (that still allows penetration afterwards). We confirmed the RAD stain has a sealer in it, which is what we need over the fire retardant to keep water from getting to the wood because the fire retardant will “wash” away over time otherwise. So the answer above about water soaking in being ok is confusing. If the water soaks in, isn’t it time for another coat? A good application of RAD isn’t going to let water penetrate for well over a year, correct?

Carol
Carol
5 months ago

My deck was oil base stained this past Monday. It was applied in heat index over 100 degrees in Illinois. 30 hours after application there is heavy rain. Within about 80 hours another rain for 3 hours. It appears to look okay but more like standing water not beads. A senior worried , job was done by a deck company

Susan
Susan
5 months ago

Thank you for your informative site!! I had this exact question on water beading when using a stain!

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