Wood Deck Stain and Cleaner Manufacturers 5/5 (5)

This post was updated on February 20, 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:

Armstrong Clark Wood Stain

Bakers Gray Away

Behr Wood Stains

Benjamin Moore

Cabot Exterior Wood Products

Defy Exterior Wood Products

Extreme Solutions

Flood Company

Gulf Synthetics Deck Revive

Gemini-Coatings

IPE Oil

Messmers Wood Products

Olympic Decking Stains

OneTime Stain

Padco Stain Pad Applicators

Penofin Stains and Cleaners

Ready Seal

Restore-A-Deck Cleaners

SaverSystems

Sherwin Williams

Shurline Stain Pads

Sikkens PPG ProLuxe Wood Stains

SuperDeck Wood Care

Thompsons Water Seal

TimberOil Brand

TWP Stain Dealer

Wolman Products

Please Rate This. You may also post comments or ask questions below.

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Mike Kirkland
Mike Kirkland
10 months ago

what if my deck got rain on after about 2 hours. What can be done with it?

Debbie A
Debbie A
11 months ago

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?

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Debbie A
Debbie A
11 months ago

Thanks for your help!

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Donna Blackburn
Donna Blackburn
7 months ago

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.

Donna Blackburn
Donna Blackburn
7 months ago

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.

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tom burke
tom burke
1 year ago

where can this product be bought in montreal qc

Mark Lamb
Mark Lamb
2 years ago

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.

Dolores Parker
Dolores Parker
2 years ago

Your opinion of Richards Semi-Transparent Deck Pro Alkyd Based

Mark Turner
Mark Turner
2 years ago

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.

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JOHN SCOTT
JOHN SCOTT
2 years ago

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.

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JOHN SCOTT
JOHN SCOTT
2 years ago

Thank you for the very prompt response. -John

Karen
Karen
2 years ago

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??

Drewski
Drewski
3 years ago

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

Drewski
Drewski
3 years ago

It’s exactly a year old, grey and weathered looking so moisture has probably gone.

Drewski
Drewski
3 years ago

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.

Marian Veldhuizen
Marian Veldhuizen
3 years ago

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.

Bill
Bill
3 years ago

I saw a be deck paint that came from west Bloomfield much what’s the name and is it any ggod

Teresa Looney
Teresa Looney
3 years ago

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.

Teresa Looney
Teresa Looney
3 years ago
Reply to  Teresa Looney

Thank you very much.

Jackie
Jackie
3 years ago

Are there any TWP dealers in Michigan, and if so, where?

Yvonne Hewitt
Yvonne Hewitt
3 years ago

I would like to know reviews for the best longest lasting deck stain

Kathy
Kathy
3 years ago

Would this hurt composite decking?

Bill Walker
Bill Walker
3 years ago

Where can I buy Armstrong Clark wood stains in the London Ont. area?

Sam
Sam
3 years ago

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.

Sam
Sam
3 years ago
Reply to  Sam

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.

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Sam
Sam
3 years ago

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?

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Teresa Looney
Teresa Looney
3 years ago

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.

Rick
Rick
3 years ago

Hi, What product(s) would you recommend for clear sealing a natural outdoor bamboo pole (not reeds) fence with full sun midday? Thank you!

Jack Lawson
Jack Lawson
3 years ago

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?

Auntie
Auntie
4 years ago

Aloha, Do you have any reviews for Penofin Stain Sealer for a new wood Kdry cedar fence?

Sal Messina
Sal Messina
4 years ago

Where do we buy RAD products

Ken
Ken
4 years ago

I don’t see SEAL ONCE reviewed or mentioned on your site.

Ken
Ken
4 years ago

If you haven’t tested or tried it, other than high price, what do you base your opinion on? Have you tried RainGuard?

John Montgomery
John Montgomery
4 years ago

I don’t see the Woodrich Timber Oil review…

mike
mike
4 years ago

Thank you!

mike
mike
4 years ago

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?

mike
mike
4 years ago

Where do I purchase RAD products in central IL?

Shirley Hanna
Shirley Hanna
4 years ago

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

Ric Schug
Ric Schug
4 years ago

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?

Gregg
Gregg
4 years ago
Reply to  Ric Schug

No longer available. GAF bought United Coatings and stopped production on the in-wood stain line.

Ric Schug
Ric Schug
4 years ago
Reply to  Gregg

Gregg, thanks for the info. Bummer because I thought, in my opinion, it was the best stain one could buy.

Carol Wenzel
Carol Wenzel
4 years ago

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.

Mariann Hansen
Mariann Hansen
4 years ago

I am looking to redo our composite decking…what brand of stain is recommended for that and where can it be found??

Len Miller
Len Miller
4 years ago

Where can I purchase the Wolman Woodwox Deck Brush?

elliott lauter
elliott lauter
4 years ago

can i stain over a trex deck

Walter Sorrenti
Walter Sorrenti
4 years ago

Are their stores near Staten Island N.Y. 10312

Larry
Larry
4 years ago

After using 30 second cleaner do I need to use a brighter

Also should I rough up serface before I start

Linda
Linda
5 years ago

We first used a bear product that was semi-transparent and it just peeled a week after we used it be called up to company it was called deck over they gave us another product to use which actually covered the peeling cuz they told us to put it right over to peeling now the deck is colored but the pop-up of old appeal is obvious we spent a lot of money on it for nothing never never used as product or anything from there I posted another picture of the deck on asking what to do with it because we can’t figure it out

Linda
Linda
5 years ago

Do not use any Bear products

Aaron
Aaron
5 years ago

I am a painting contractor. We have “peeling decks” over the entire area I live/work (Wisconsin) primarily because of the prominence of Sherwin Williams, and the mis-information they are dealing out through contractors. Most of the contractors will use whatever SW is selling, including whatever they offer for decks, and they will tell their customer’s that SW sells the best products (SW has a powerful marketing campaign and ridiculous ‘40% Off’ sales, monthly). They have hedged out the competition who are quietly selling equally good-or better-products). The trouble is, SW only seems to offer water-based Deck stains (paints). I usually get a call in about 2 years, asking if I can fix a deck that another contractor painted. I am asked about a dozen times (or more) a year if I know anyone that can re-finish decks. (So, if anyone is looking for work re-finishing decks in Northeast Wisconsin, there is a lot of work here!) The floor sanders will not sand the decks, because it wrecks their machines, and the painting contractors don’t want to do it either, because there is better work available. The customer’s are just switching to Trex Decks (or similar) because they don’t know what to do. It’s a mess. Wood decks are vanishing at a rapid rate, only to be replaced with plastic (non-recyclable, non-biodegradable decks that are destined for a landfill). I no longer offer stripping services for many reasons, among which is that I don’t enjoy fixing others mistakes. I have 2 main approaches when dealing with my customer’s decks. New wood is treated with a semi-transparent oil stain (brushed-in with a 4-6″ china bristle Deck Brush on a pole). Aged wood is cleaned/brightened and treated with Cabot’s semi-solid oil based Stain. Cabot’s semi-solid is my bread-and-butter stain, and have good success with it. It covers well so it looks good, and because it is semi-solid it still penetrates fairly well, and cosmetically it enhances aged, grey, weathered, and small splitting in wood decks. It is easy to re-coat, and will only mildly peel if over-applied before it is ready to be stained. I consistently get three years or more in direct sun, and up to five years in sheltered locations (although mildewcide needs to be added). Previously stained decks, that have been stained (by someone else) with a water-based stain is pressure washed and the peeling areas are scraped. They are then re-finished using existing product with a strong disclaimer. I usually only take these “problem” decks when I am painting the rest of a home. Otherwise it is not worth the effort, knowing it will inevitably peel again. I tell them that it is an approach that will need to be repeated every 2-3 years. I will occasionally fix these decks by stripping and re-staining, but have been moving away from that line of work. — For new decks: I have avoided Sikkens (although I think it is a good product) because it seems to develop a sheen in parts… Read more »

David Epstein
David Epstein
5 years ago

What do you think about Defy stains. I do not see any information or comments about them.

Kelly Dempsey
Kelly Dempsey
5 years ago

I think I need a semi sold stain for my upper deck that is exposed to UV 24/7. Paint did not work and absorbed moisture cracked and peeled. What is the best rated oil based semi solid stain? Thanks

Carl DeMarco
Carl DeMarco
5 years ago

New deck built 11/16. Stained new deck 7/17 with olympic semi transparent. Stain now is chipping and flaking. 18/18.
Can I apply a solid color stain over semi transparent without stripping . If so,should I use a Brightner instead of a Cleaner?

Carl DeMarco
Carl DeMarco
5 years ago

Thank you for a prompt answer. wasnt looking forward to stripping. have presssure washer will travel. You are now among my “favorites”.

Barbara Sawich
Barbara Sawich
5 years ago

Can polyurethane be applied to deck after staining with Olympic Elite Stain to preserve finish

Mike
Mike
5 years ago

Great site guys! Good info for those of us doing research.
A compny I do not see reviewed that has tested their product aginst TWP is called WoodRX. Have you tested this in any way?

Gil
Gil
5 years ago

what best deck stain and sealer for state of MIssouri?

Andy
Andy
5 years ago

I plan to follow your advice to a tee regarding prep for redoing my ipe deck and cedar pergola both 7 years old. Is there any problem using either pentofin hardwood oil or messmers hardwood product as they are kept in stock locally, as is Ipe oil. The pergola is in all day sun, the deck is morning sun. I am located in coastal South Carolina. Appreciate your input and love your site.

Pippy
Pippy
5 years ago

I have Sikkens sealer on my deck and would like to reseal with TWP 100 series, need to know what I need to do if I change productq

Wooddefender
6 years ago

What is your rating of the Wood Defender product line?

John Longman
John Longman
6 years ago

Who in New Zealand the Cobats deck stain remover

Thomas
Thomas
6 years ago

One of the most authoritative sites ON ANY Subject let alone the information I need now – thanks! Have you guys run across Woodrich Timber Oil and if so, what do you think?

Claudette
Claudette
6 years ago

We had to replace the railings and stairs, with brown pressure; after Wichita apply 3 coats of stain. Now we have remove carpet from the same deck and had to replace some wood with pressure
Treated brown would; the older wood was pressure treated , it hadn’t had anything done! Problem is 2 different wood, mew and older, 2 different colors, green ,brown how to do a good job . STAIRS ARE 🆕 ALSO new, would like to apply a transparent stain also this year! HELP!

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