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This post was updated on May 1, 2024
Wood Deck Stain Manufacturers
We have compiled a full list of all of the 2024 manufacturer websites that make exterior wood and deck stains, cleaners, brighteners, strippers, etc.
The list is for all brands that we have currently tested and reviewed:
Sikkens PPG ProLuxe Wood Stains
What is best applicator pad or brush to apply oil-based stain to deck? I used a pad applicator a few years ago and it made application very smooth but alas, the stain was poor quality. I cannot seem to find any stain applicator pads with good ratings and want to use the best.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-applicators-for-deck-stains/
Look at the floor brush for horizontals. Very easy.
what if my deck got rain on after about 2 hours. What can be done with it?
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/it-rained-shortly-after-staining-what-to-do/
My covered deck was stained with this product – PPG Timeless Advanced Penetrating Oil Technology – after 4 years it needs to be restained especially stairs and handrails. Can I apply the same product on top or does it need to be completely stripped first?
That would depend on the condition it is in. Pics would help with prep advice. Thanks
Thanks for your help!
It has worn unevenly so if you just clean and recoat, it will stain unevenly where it has worn off. The stain you used prior is not a true oil-based stain but a waterborne acrylic. PPG lied about that and that is why it is failing as it never fully soaked into the wood but dried on top of the wood.
You might want to remove it fully and go with a better stain brand.
Hi, I have a deck needing stain. Have used TWP in the past. Stain still adhering to parts of spindles. Considered stripping, but due to stripper being runny it would be nearly impossible to keep the thin stripper on the 4-sided spindle surfaces long enough without it dripping on the lower spindle railing, etc. (Times that by about 60 {spindles} and that I will be paying someone to do this for me . . . ) So if stripping isn’t feasible, my second thought is to pressure wash and use a solid oil based stain. Would that cover successfully?
Thanks in advance.
Solid stains do not come in oil based anymore but you can use a water based solid stain.
Thanks, but water based doesn’t last nearly as long, right? Would water based solid work longer on vertical surfaces like spindles? I’m thinking maybe I could use water based solid on the spindles and other vertical surfaces that would retain old stain after preparing (we have some large support posts due to the deck being between floors) and an oil based semi-solid (does semi-solid come in oil based?) or the next closest oil based color, on the horizontal surfaces. Is that a feasible idea?
There is also the underside of the deck that will at the least need power washing. However, I prefer to apply stain/sealant to that as well.
Please advise how you would approach this project yielding the greatest protection and appearance possible without rebuilding. I know I’m asking a lot, but I am getting a lot of conflicting advice. I attach a few pictures to help.
Water-based solid stains will last just a long as oil-based and as we mentioned, they do not make oil-based solid stains anymore. You always have to prep when recoating, no way around that. Strip and brighten all wood for prep. Use the Restore A Deck products for the prep and stain.
where can this product be bought in montreal qc
What product?
Have you guys rated a stain called Sundance?
A fellow contractor friend in the deck staining biz in KY started using it and swears by it. I never heard of it…wondered how it might stack up with TWP or Armstrong and Clark? I checked their site and it looked like a quality product with good reviews.
Sorry but never used it.
Your opinion of Richards Semi-Transparent Deck Pro Alkyd Based
Sorry, but we have never used it.
I am looking to clean and stain my cedar playset. Most of the stain is gone from the playset and it is about 7 years old. Can you give me recommendations on what to us to bring back to life.
Strip and brighten with the Restore A Deck products and then stain with the Restore A Deck Stain or TWP Stains.
Hi, we have a cedar deck in northern california. Previously treated with a Thompson Stain/Sealer. After just two years it seems to be going away. What is the correct way to fix this? What you you recommend for refinishing? Thank you.
Strip and sand to remove fully. Brightener after. Use a penetrating stain after. TWP 1500 series or Armstrong Clark.
Thank you for the very prompt response. -John
Why isn’t Restore-a-deck available in retail stores in my area?—northwest Indiana.
I can’t find it. Very frustrating.
I keep getting told I have to order it online. If it’s the best, why isn’t it more easily available??
You would have to ask them but it is normal to buy deck stains online now and the better brands are never sold in big box stores.
Hi, what is the best protection for a south facing pressure treated pine deck, wood from Home depot and living in central Florida. We have temps most days around 90 degrees with high humidity? Looking probably towards a semi transparent rather than clear because it seems to last longer and still show of the grain unless I’m told otherwise? TIA
Is this new wood? If so, see here: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
It’s exactly a year old, grey and weathered looking so moisture has probably gone.
Prep with Restore A Deck Cleaner Brighener Kits and stain with Restore A Deck Stain Semi-Transparent stain or TWP 100 Series.
Thanks, I kind of thought the same because I read the article on this site but Florida is a world of it’s own and don’t really want to be doing it every year. Thanks.
We used Valspar One Coat Exterior Stain & Sealer – Transparent. Our deck workers applied one coat on 9-12-20. A second coat was applied about 2 days later. A soft rain came on 9-18 and left water spots. So we tried to hose the deck and clean with a broom. Nothing changed. Called Valspar and was told to clean with Simply Green and a brush. The water spots are still there. Any suggestions on what we can do? The pictures below are of 2 different boards.
No pictures but most likley the only way to fix is to remove all and start over.
I saw a be deck paint that came from west Bloomfield much what’s the name and is it any ggod
Sorry but no idea as to what you are asking.
We have a two year old cedar deck, that had failed Behr semi transparent stain that we stripped with RAD stripper. but stain still clings to many places. We would have to sand a lot to remove the stain that absorbed into the knots. We are seriously considering just turning the boards over and starting from scratch with the rigorous deck prep we did before using the Behr. stain. We definitely want to get it right his time.
We are in the process of deciding between the RAD semi-transparent stain and a Defy product. We tend toward the Defy extreme because of the nano-particles. (We live in the Pacific NW and have mold/mildew issues.) The Defy Deck Stain website says that because cedar is oily, Defy Deck Stain for Hardwoods would soak in better because it doesn’t have the larger zinc nano particles. I have looked at many articles on your website and have seen no mention of the Defy Extreme nano particles preventing the soaking of the stain into cedar.
You mention in your ratings that you use Defy Extreme on 30-50 deck restorations/year (though in the midwest, not the Pacific NW). What has been your experience using it on cedar, and would you expect the same results in the Pacific NW?
We like the RAD for the colors and because where we live we often don’t get several rain free days in a row, but mold/mildew is a concern. We want to be able to enjoy our deck with minimal problems, and will appreciate your comments and advice. Thank you.
We have no issues with the Defy Extreme on cedar. You just have to make sure that you do not over apply and that the stain fully soaks into the wood. The RAD will work just as well as the Defy and can be applied to damp wood. Either would be a good choice.
Thank you very much.
Are there any TWP dealers in Michigan, and if so, where?
https://www.twpstain.com/contact/twpstain
I would like to know reviews for the best longest lasting deck stain
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Would this hurt composite decking?
??? No idea as to what you are asking?
Where can I buy Armstrong Clark wood stains in the London Ont. area?
Check with them for help.
Live rural northeast. Only deck cleaner/ brighter around is Benjamin Moore ( bleach based I believe). Have new PT deck minimal dirt and 5 y old deck needing new stain. Plan to use same stain product , ATO. Have had good luck with it. Should I keep hunting for RAD products? What are your thought on oxiclean, then a generic brightner? Thanks so much.
Oxiclean is not a deck cleaner. TRy the BM products if you cannot find anything better.
OK, just spent the day stripping and brightening 🤪. How do I know I am ready to stain?? The deck is older ,had a semi transparent stain from 10+ years ago but a covered porch so wood in good shape. I am doing this so I can match it to a new addition deck. I know the color will not be perfect but would like it to be close. It is “lighter” in color then a section that I did not strip/brighten due to established creeping hydrangea that I did not want to damage. I will try to attach a photo. Thanks so much , this website is awesome! Hopefully I was able to load photos.
Looks good to stain.
Here are the after pics! After all the prep work and watching weather (and some marriage counseling 😂) we are done. We will keep our fingers crossed for durability and weathering our crazy NE weather. Small section at blue tape is old decking untouched due to the creeping rare plant ready to bloom. Will do that section at a later date. Thank you for the help and guides. REALLY helped. Hope pics loaded,never sure?
Looks good!
Living in the often rainy Pacific Northwest, we like the anti-mold feature of the nano particles in Defy Extreme Semi Transparent stain, but also like the Restore a Deck stain feature that allows application on a deck that is not dry. Would it be possible to use the Defy this year to allow the nano particles to sink into the wood, then, when time to restain, to use the RAD stain after cleaning and brightening? We don’t want to have to strip again.
Thank you for all your help.
No, you cannot apply the RAD over the Defy.
Hi, What product(s) would you recommend for clear sealing a natural outdoor bamboo pole (not reeds) fence with full sun midday? Thank you!
Sorry but we do not have any experience with staining bamboo and a normal deck stain will not work.
My deck is new untreated pine. It will get morning shade, full sun midday and shade in the evening. I’m leaning towards Restore-a-Deck or Defy Extreme. Is there any reason these would not work on new wood. How long should I wait to coat the deck?
See this for new wood tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Thanks
Aloha, Do you have any reviews for Penofin Stain Sealer for a new wood Kdry cedar fence?
Where do we buy RAD products
From the Restore-A-Deck.com website.
I don’t see SEAL ONCE reviewed or mentioned on your site.
Because it is a gimmick in our opinion. It “potentially” hardens the interior of the wood by reacting with alkali if present in the wood but it does nothing for UV protection. Even if you use it, you would still have to apply a proper deck stain every couple of years.
If you haven’t tested or tried it, other than high price, what do you base your opinion on? Have you tried RainGuard?
There was a contractor in our area that promoted this for a few years, charging very high prices to apply it and claiming 25-year guarantee. he went out of business after a few years after being sued. We had to fix numerous decks that he had done by applying a proper deck stain like TWP 100 Series. So yes, we have a lot of experience seeing it fail.
Nothing lasts more than 2-3 years on a deck and anyone how claims longer, is essentially lying to you.
I don’t see the Woodrich Timber Oil review…
See here: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/timberoil-brand-stain-review/
Thank you!
We have pressure washed the paint off the deck and plan to use RAD products (if we can find them) and complete project in one day as you recommend. Can we omit the cleaner and start with the brightner then stain?
No, best to do all the steps.
Where do I purchase RAD products in central IL?
Check with their website or call them directly.
How can I preform a do it yourself moisture test for the deck a just sanded from stripping 2 layers of paint. I think I read something about applying a plastic sheet/membrane over a portion of an area?? Any information help will be appreciated. Thanks
That does not work nor do you really need to do a moisture test. Just make sure the wood is dry for 48 hours before applying a stain.
I uses an exterior stain many years ago called “In-Wood” and it had been great. I can not find it anywhere. Any idea where I can get this brand of stain for my home?
Not sure if it is made anymore. Have not seen it in many years.
No longer available. GAF bought United Coatings and stopped production on the in-wood stain line.
Gregg, thanks for the info. Bummer because I thought, in my opinion, it was the best stain one could buy.
Applied Restore in 2012 to my concrete porch. Satisfied with product on concrete, time to refresh with same color. After seeing terrible reviews for Restore/Rustoleum, I am afraid to use. What do you recommend for repainting concrete over the Restore product.
You cannot apply a different product over it.
I am looking to redo our composite decking…what brand of stain is recommended for that and where can it be found??
Sorry, but we do not know of any decent brands of stains that will work for composites decking.
Where can I purchase the Wolman Woodwox Deck Brush?
No idea.
can i stain over a trex deck
No, not with these brands we tested.