Does your beautiful wooden deck look dull and weathered after a long summer? Sun, rain, and snow take a heavy toll on outdoor wood. Over time, your deck can turn gray and splinter. It loses its charm quickly!
Choosing the right deck stain or sealer feels like a huge task. Should you use oil-based or water-based? Do you need a transparent finish or a solid color? Picking the wrong product means wasted time and money, and your deck still looks sad. Many people feel lost in the aisles filled with confusing labels.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the key differences between stains and sealers. You will learn exactly what your deck needs to look fantastic and last longer. We cover everything from application tips to choosing the perfect color.
Ready to restore your deck’s beauty and protect your investment? Keep reading to master the world of deck stains and sealers.
Top Deck Stains And Sealers Recommendations
- Requires no primer. Ready Seal is darkest when first applied. It reaches its true color in approximately 14 days. Do not apply Ready Seal over painted or newly stained surfaces. Sealed surfaces inhibit penetration.
- May be applied using sprayer, roller or brush onto the woods surface.
- Requires no back brushing and will nerver leave runs, laps, or streaks.
- Requires no wet-line application, the product will blend itself and can be applied in any temperature range for proper application.
- Requires no diluting or thinning prior to spray applications.
- SEMI TRANSPARENT EXTERIOR WOOD STAIN: Our outdoor wood stain and sealer allows the natural wood grain to show through, highlighting the beauty of your decks, fences and sidings and preserving its natural look.
- ULTIMATE UV PROTECTION DECK SEALER: Shields wood from damaging UV rays, preventing fading & graying. Lasts longer than deck paint for wood decks, siding or fences & is better for the planet because it's water based with less than 50 g/l VOC content.
- WOOD DECK STAIN AND SEALER IN ONE: This outdoor wood protector serves a dual purpose as both a stain and sealer. It adds color to your wood and seals it, designed to penetrate deep into wood pores for maximum protection and longevity.
- BEAUTIFUL WOOD STAIN COLORS: Our semi-transparent wood deck stain comes in stunning colors that dry to a flat and natural-looking finish. Enhance the beauty of your exterior wood with our natural, cedar, light walnut, gray, and dark walnut colors.
- EFFECTIVE ON DAMP WOOD FOR FASTER APPLICATION: Our wood stain sealer works on damp wood, cutting down wait times between cleaning and staining. Once your wood deck is visibly dry, it's ready for staining, speeding up your project.
- WATERPROOFING STAIN – Bring out the beauty of your outdoors with Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Multi-Purpose Waterproof Stain. Proven to waterproof concrete, brick, exterior wood and other exterior surfaces.
- CLEAR STAIN – This outdoor wood stain and sealer provides a clear finish. It will hide the grain, but still allow the texture to show. It provides complete protection while adding enhancing the natural color.
- FADE RESISTANT FINISH – The advanced polymers in this outdoor wood and deck stain deliver fade-resistant color so it stays looking great year-round. The coating resists UV damage, so you can apply with confidence.
- EASY TO USE – Whether you’re refinishing an existing fence or putting the finishing touches on a new patio, this concrete, brick, wood sealer is easy to apply. Clean the surface thoroughly prior to use for best results.
- THOMPSON’S – Protecting & maintaining all your exterior surfaces, can easily be simplified if you know where to start. Thompson’s WaterSeal is here to take the edge off, thanks to our one-coat products, informative how-to guides & decades of expertise.
- Requires no primer. Ready Seal is darkest when first applied. It reaches its true color in approximately 14 days. Do not apply Ready Seal over painted or newly stained surfaces. Sealed surfaces inhibit penetration.
- May be applied using sprayer, roller or brush onto the woods surface.
- Requires no back brushing and will never leave runs, laps, or streaks.
- Requires no wet-line application, the product will blend itself and can be applied in any temperature range for proper application.
- Requires no diluting or thinning prior to spray applications.
- SEMI TRANSPARENT EXTERIOR WOOD STAIN: Our outdoor wood stain and sealer allows the natural wood grain to show through, highlighting the beauty of your decks, fences and sidings and preserving its natural look.
- ULTIMATE UV PROTECTION DECK SEALER: Shields wood from damaging UV rays, preventing fading & graying. Lasts longer than deck paint for wood decks, siding or fences & is better for the planet because it's water based with less than 50 g/l VOC content.
- WOOD DECK STAIN AND SEALER IN ONE: This outdoor wood protector serves a dual purpose as both a stain and sealer. It adds color to your wood and seals it, designed to penetrate deep into wood pores for maximum protection and longevity.
- BEAUTIFUL WOOD STAIN COLORS: Our semi-transparent dark wood stain comes in stunning colors that dry to a flat and natural-looking finish. Enhance the beauty of your exterior wood with our natural, cedar, light walnut, gray, and dark walnut colors.
- EFFECTIVE ON DAMP WOOD FOR FASTER APPLICATION: Our dark walnut wood stain works on damp wood, cutting down wait times between cleaning and staining. Once your wood deck is visibly dry, it's ready for staining, speeding up your project.
- Ready mix, ready to use semi-transparent wood stain and sealant all-in-one
- Waterproofing deck and fence protection, dries in 24 hours
- Durable water based sealant that provides waterproofing protection with resistant coating
- SUNBLOCK UV defense
- Exclusive SCUFF GUARD Technology
- WATERPROOFING STAIN – Bring out the beauty of your outdoor wood with Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain. Along with adding smooth color, it’s a deck sealer that prevents water damage to help you maintain your outdoor living spaces.
- TRANSPARENT WOOD STAIN – This outdoor wood stain provides a transparent finish. It will hide the wood grain, but still allow the wood texture to show. It provides complete protection while adding boldly tinted color.
- FADE RESISTANT FINISH – The advanced polymers in this outdoor wood and deck stain deliver fade-resistant color so it stays looking great year-round. The coating resists UV damage, so you can apply with confidence.
- EASY TO USE – Whether you’re refinishing an existing fence or putting the finishing touches on a new deck, this waterproofing wood stain is easy to apply. It can be applied to damp or dry wood. Clean the surface thoroughly prior to use for best results.
- EXCEEDS INDUSTRY STANDARDS – Thompson’s Waterproofing Exterior Wood Stain exceeds Industry Standard ASTM D-4446 for waterproofing wood.
- 💎BRUSH SPECS: 7” (180mm) wide x 2” (50mm) thick. Giant Block Stain Brush. This large brush with threaded handle can be attached to an extension pole or a long broom handle. Stand Stain Brush Applicator, free up your back and knees as you paint deck floor and wall ceilings.
- 💎THICK and WIDE: Interlocked Synthetic Bristle Filament, thick Paint Brush, High Capacity to apply wood brightener, deck sealer, oils, water-based stains, waterproof, latex, emulsion, limewash, seal/ sealant on large surface areas. Easy to control in lightweight application and heavy paints. A paint materials saver. Stainless Ferrule, makes the brush more durable.
- 💎FLEXIBLE and STRESSED: The Stain Brush is soft enough to spread paint evenly, gets in between deck boards and cracks with ease, giving you a smooth stain application finish. The brush filament features medium stiffness stress, flexible to force stains on wood, floor, decking, docks, shed and fence. A labor and time saver.
- 💎VERSATILE and EFFICIENT: This 7-inch mega Staining Brush works extensively for various rough surfaces, patio concrete, cedar siding and log stain. Specifically efficient for very large decks, back brushing deck stain, old weathered decks with crevices, masonry, brickwork and all other outdoor, interior/ exterior big painting projects.
- 💎QUALITY BRUSHES: No Loss of Bristle. No Paint Streaks. Easy to Clean in proper way for repeated use. Quality Guaranteed.
Choosing the Right Deck Stain and Sealer: Your Complete Buying Guide
Your deck adds so much to your home. It’s a great place to relax. Protecting it from sun, rain, and wear is very important. A good stain and sealer keeps your deck looking new for years. This guide helps you pick the best product.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look for these important features. They tell you how well the product will work.
- UV Protection: Sunlight fades wood fast. Good stains have strong UV blockers. This keeps the color bright.
- Water Repellency: The sealer must push water away. Water causes rot and mildew. Look for strong water beads on the surface after rain.
- Mildew and Mold Resistance: Damp areas grow gross stuff. Make sure the label promises resistance to mold and mildew.
- Durability/Wear Resistance: Foot traffic wears down the finish. A durable product lasts longer before needing reapplication.
- Penetration: The best stains soak *into* the wood, not just sit on top. Deep penetration means better protection.
Important Materials: Oil vs. Water-Based
The base of the stain matters a lot. It affects how you apply it and how long it lasts.
Oil-Based Stains
Oil-based stains use natural oils or synthetic oils. They soak deep into the wood grain. This offers excellent penetration and a rich, natural look. They are often more durable against foot traffic. However, they take longer to dry and require mineral spirits for cleanup. They can also require more preparation before recoating.
Water-Based (Acrylic) Stains
Water-based stains are easier to use. They clean up easily with soap and water. They dry very quickly, letting you finish the job faster. Modern acrylic formulas offer great UV protection and are very flexible, meaning they resist cracking and peeling better than older formulas. They don’t penetrate as deeply as oil but form a strong surface shield.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the final look and protection depends on a few things.
Factors That Improve Quality
- High Solids Content: “Solids” are the actual protective materials in the can. More solids mean a thicker, more durable film. Always check the label for high solids percentages, especially for semi-transparent or solid stains.
- Resin Type: Look for high-quality resins (like 100% acrylic in water-based formulas). These resins bond well to the wood fibers.
- Proper Preparation: This is the biggest quality booster! You must clean and brighten the deck before staining. New stain sticks best to clean, porous wood.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Applying Too Thickly: If you put on too much stain at once, it won’t dry right. This creates sticky spots that peel off easily.
- Staining Wet Wood: Wood must be completely dry before staining (usually 2-3 dry days after cleaning). Moisture gets trapped, causing premature failure.
- Using the Wrong Type: Putting an oil-based product over a surface that already has a peeling water-based sealer can cause the new coat to fail immediately.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about your deck and how much work you want to do.
For the Beginner or Weekend Warrior:
Water-based stains are often best. They dry fast and clean up easily. You can usually apply two coats in one day. They are great for decks that get moderate sun exposure.
For Maximum Durability and Rich Color:
Oil-based stains are a strong choice. They are perfect for older, thirsty wood that needs deep conditioning. They often look richer and more natural. Be prepared for longer drying times and solvent cleanup.
Opacity Levels
The color level (opacity) matters for protection. Clear sealers offer the least UV protection. Toners/Transparent stains offer light color and better UV blockage. Semi-transparent stains offer good color and excellent protection. Solid stains look like paint and offer maximum UV protection, but they hide the wood grain.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Deck Stains and Sealers
Q: How long does a deck stain usually last?
A: Good quality stains can last anywhere from two to five years. Oil-based stains often last longer on horizontal surfaces than water-based ones, but this depends heavily on traffic and weather.
Q: Can I stain over an old stain?
A: Yes, but only if the old stain is in good shape. If the old stain is peeling or flaking, you must strip or sand it off first. Otherwise, the new stain will peel with the old layer.
Q: What is the best temperature to apply deck stain?
A: Most manufacturers recommend applying stain when temperatures are between 50°F and 90°F. Avoid applying stain if rain is expected within 24 hours.
Q: Does a sealer need to be tinted to protect against UV rays?
A: Yes. Clear sealers offer very little UV protection. Any color, even a light toner, contains pigments that block the sun and prevent wood graying.
Q: How do I know if my deck is clean enough to stain?
A: After cleaning, the wood should look bright, not dark or gray. If water soaks in quickly when you pour a few drops on the wood, it is ready. If the water beads up, the wood is still sealed or dirty.
Q: What is deck brightener, and do I need it?
A: A brightener is an acid or oxygen-based cleaner used after washing. It neutralizes wood cleaners and opens the wood pores. This helps the new stain soak in better, improving overall quality.
Q: Which type of stain is better for preventing mildew?
A: Both high-quality oil and water-based products contain mildewcides. However, oil-based products sometimes resist mildew better in very damp, shaded areas because they penetrate deeper.
Q: How long must I wait for the wood to dry after washing before staining?
A: Wait until the wood moisture content is below 15%. For most people, this means waiting at least two full, sunny, dry days after washing and brightening.
Q: Should I use a brush or a sprayer?
A: A sprayer can cover large areas fast, but you *must* back-brush immediately after spraying. Back-brushing pushes the product into the wood grain, which improves durability and prevents drips. Brushing gives the best control.
Q: What is the difference between a stain and a sealer?
A: Often, the products are combined! A stain provides color and some protection. A sealer primarily focuses on water repellency. Most quality deck products today are a “stain and sealer” combo, offering both benefits in one coat.