Deck Stain 'Splaining

[WR Moore]

Looking for deck stain and I'm in need of translation. I want to color the deck, having/not having wood grain show through. Some boards show grain, some don't.

What the heck is the difference/effect of semi-transparent and semi-solid???????

 

[s&wchad]

Don't put a solid color stain on your deck. It doesn't last long and it's a bugger to get off.

Clean it thoroughly and apply a preservative, or have a pro do it.

My deck is over 30 years old and still solid.

 

[VaTom]

See pictures. This is what I use on my deck. Great product. During the application. You can see the difference.

 

[sheepdawg]

Actually solid color deck stains have come a long way. Years ago they weren't recommended but acyrlic technolgy has caught up. I worked for a Memphis paint maufacturer for 35 years. I retired in 2020 and moved to NE Georgia. The deck on the house was built in 2000, it wasn't pretty. Put two coats of acrylic solid on it and I had to just touch up spots this fall.

 

[bobsguns]

+1 on going solid. More resistant to the sun bleaching it & it fading.

Sherwin Williams is top tier. They also own Valspar, sold by Lowes. Valspar comes with a 10-year warranty.

 

[sheepdawg]

+1 on going solid. More resistant to the sun bleaching it & it fading.

Sherwin Williams is top tier. They also own Valspar, sold by Lowes. Valspar comes with a 10-year warranty.

Sherwin Williams is too proud of their stuff. Try a local manufacturer who tests his product near you, not in Cleveland,Ohio.
Better read the fine print of that warranty.
I see you live in SE Tennesse. Have you ever tried Farrell Calhoun? We gave SW fits while I was with them. Our solids content always beat theirs. Price is better too.

 

[schutz5]

Whatever you end up using make sure that you don't cut corners on preparation!
Power wash it well. Identify what,if any ,sealant is present. Oil or water base. Etc. Clean off appropriately.
You can even hire to have the deck sanded first much like done w hardwood floors.
That may be over kill but it depends on your expectations.

 

[SMSgt]

Stain with sealer.

 

[tripledipper]

The Alternative

Just in case you are tired of the maintenance or have reached the age where you simply can't do what you used to do, here is our trex deck with a 50 year warranty

 

[bobsguns]

I see you live in SE Tennesse. Have you ever tried Farrell Calhoun? We gave SW fits while I was with them. Our solids content always beat theirs. Price is better too.

Never heard of Farrell Calhoun. But I am not a professional painter either.

 

[Huskerguy]

I just stained my deck. It is cedar and has been aging for over a year. I used Ready Seal. It really goes on nice, easy to work with. Use Cabot’s on our cedar fence and it not nearly as good. I expect this to lighten over the next year as the samples we made did exactly that.