I know this has been discussed here before, but I couldn't find the threads. A couple years ago I had my deck cleaned and sealed with Thompson's. It was completely clean and dry when the Thompson's was applied. It looked nice and beaded water, but within a year, it was like it had never been done. I need to have it all done again, so I'd like to get some opinions on a good sealer to use. Also, am I mistaken in thinking it should last longer than a year?

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Misty

I've been happy with SuperDeck stain that I applied to my deck.

I use Behr's products.

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NRA Pistol/Rifle Inst. RSO

Our deck is sealed with Cabots. For a few months it actually beaded up the rain like a fresh car wax. Three years later it's still working great. Bought it at Lowes on suggestion of forum members.

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Regards, Ron
USASA 1965/69

Thompsons is pretty much useless. Have the deck cleaned (pressure washed) follow prep destructions and use a transparent or semi (your choice of how much natural wood or color) stain. As with most painting/sealing prep, prep, prep is most important.

I like Behr or Cabots also.

Wood Stains and Waterproofers | Behr Paint

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Still Running Against the Wind

Hi Misty:

Thompson's is kinda like putting (cheap) lipstick on a hog. It's basically liquid parafin and will not last long when exposed to the elements. I've used Behrs and Cabotts on our pressure treated (pine) deck for over 20 years with good results. I've had to restain/retreat the deck about every 3 years or so. Frankly, I think Cabotts works the best, and I have used it for the past 6 or so years.

Best of luck,

Dave

Like a dummy I wanted something that would really last so I did my whole deck in polyurethane , man I'm here to tell ya that stuff got so hot that there was no way you could walk on it without shoes . It beaded water for a lot of years but if you ever made the mistake to walk out on it on bare foot on a sunny day you would dance your way off has soon as you realize what that sensation was.

You should walk on the decks, docks and walks down here in SW Florida made out of recycled plastic.! It gets so hot it smells like burning plastic, it requires zero maintenance and will last till the end of time. Looks good but brutal to walk on.

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Still Running Against the Wind

After a few beers I can stain it anywhere I want. The bride prefers a colored stain so I eat beets a lot.

Seriously, with our 4 seasons here I have had the best luck with Behrs. Still have to do it every other and could do it yearly to make it last best.

"penofin" oil based penetrating stain. Best I've ever used. Must be good- its illegal to use in California. Not a sealer- check out their website.
Not cheap!!
Mike E

Sikkens---never use Thompson's. I sealed my daughters deck after she got it a few years ago down in Spring Hill.

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jj

Another vote for Behr.

Cabot transparent oil stain is good stuff. Stay away from Thompson's. Splurge on the good stuff. I love the transparent cedar.

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God spelled backwards is dog.

I'm on 3rd year with a product by Olympic. Oil based stain/sealant called Olympic Maxixmum Cedar Naturaltone. Used it on my cedar fence. Very similiar to Cabots I think. I used a spray gun and it turned out perfect, was a full days work on both sides.

Thanks guys! I'm going to write down the products and do some checking the next couple days.

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Misty

If you're thinking about going without some kind of protection on your deck-don't do it-it will eventually rot.

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Forum consigliere

I can tell you Thompson's is mainly WAX.... Go with a quality oil based product, like the ones mentioned, and you can expect good performance for 3-5 years. Cheers !---Dan

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HIS Trains 'a LEAVIN

I don't know about other wood but redwood doesn't need any kind of sealer. Wash it with TSP and then mop it with oxalic acid (wood bleach in crystal form) - let the wood bleach sit for 5-10 minutes and then rinse. You can then do a light mop with chlorine bleach. I've been doing this for 16 years at this house with NO rot problems. Previous house for 23 years without a rot problem.

Doing this eliminates issues related to "hot" decks and "wear patterns" on a finished deck along with the annual refinishing project.

I do mine yearly. Have to scrub it every year to get algae off of it -- we get a lot of rain and one corner of the deck is always shady (the green corner). Tried Thompson's, it didn't last to my satisfaction. Using Olympic the last few years and it's not much better.

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VIVERE MILITARE EST