What Are The Types Of Stains You Should Use For Staining A Deck
Your deck is one of the most famous and desired additions to a homes exterior. It expands your living space and provides you with a place to entertain the guests or relax during the summer months.
Many products are available on the market for building a deck. Still, wood is the best option due to its undeniable beauty and durability.
However, wood alone does not generally withstand the elements excellently. An untreated, exposed deck can rust or rot with time. Thats why it is critical to treat and stain your deck frequently.
So, the question is, which types of stains should you use for staining a deck?
Well, lets find out.
You can use either water-based or oil-based stains.
Olympic Stain Maximum Deck Stain Best Outdoor Deck Stain
I believe that you will have great results for the Olympic brand as this is a really great stain, suitable for different deck types. It contains both stain and sealant. Therefore, it allows you to reliably protect wooden surfaces from rain and ultraviolet radiation, as well as giving the wood a natural beauty.
You can read that the stain wipes off faster than usual in some reviews, but this is hardly true. A reliable manufacturer guarantees quality, and many positive reviews indicate the high quality of the stain.
What I Like:
- Has a dual component protective formula.
What I Dont Like:
- May take longer to dry than stains from other manufacturers.
What Is The Return Policy
Return policy is the most important thing to consider regarding the best oil based stain for decks from a manufacturer. If youre unsatisfied or something goes wrong with your purchase, youll want to know that you have some way to go about it. Additionally, weve compiled a list of highly reputable brands based on their return policies and customer service to help people find and choose the best oil based stain for decks.
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The Difference Between Stain And Oil Products
Whether the desired look is matt, glossy, dark or natural, an essential part of any deck maintenance is staining or oiling. The problem people normally face is understanding the difference between these two types of products. By choosing the right product this will ensure your outdoor area is finished to the way you want.
When deciding on what finish to use, many deck owners feel clueless because they don’t know enough to make an informed decision. At Cabots, we regularly receive enquiries from our customers who either feel overwhelmed by the choice in front of them, or have used the wrong finish. But fear no more. Here is some handy advice to help you decide on which option is right for you.
Both oils and stains have their own distinct advantages. Essentially, what differentiates oils from stains is that a stain will improve the appearance of the deck by changing the timber colour while an oil will enhance the current colour if you are wanting to leave your wood as is.
Firstly, establish if you would like to change the look completely of your timber or just enhance it. If the deck is Merbau, Teak or Jarrah for example, you will most likely want to use an oil to enhance the natural beauty of the timber. Alternatively, if your deck is Treated Pine, you may want to use a stain to change the colour and achieve a more rich, solid look.
Cabot’s
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The Newer Generation Of Products Resist Peeling
Some on the newer products to market, products like Defy Extreme Wood Stain , #1 Deck Advanced Solid Color Stain or Restore-A-Deck Solid Color Wood & Deck Stain have some pretty incredible technology in their cans making them especially resistant to the peeling issues that plagued some of the older solid color products from the past.
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Clear Wood Deck Finishes
Clear Deck Sealer
Clear Deck Finishes offer little to no UV protection and will gray quickly. Typically used as sealers or water repellents and will not last over 6-12 months before the need to be re-coated.
Pros: They do not change or alter the appearance of the wood. Extremely easy to apply.
Cons: The wood will gray and oxidize in months from the suns UV.
Best Deck Stain For New Decks: Ready Seal 512
The best stain for new decks will largely depend on aesthetic preferences and the quality of the materials youre using. But in almost any case, Ready Seal 512 will be a serious contender. One of its most appealing features is that this stain is only slightly thicker than water. As a result, this formula doesnt require back-brushing, making the application particularly fool-proof. You dont have to worry about streaks or runs unless youre exceedingly sloppy when applying it.
From natural cedar to golden pine, from mission brown to burnt hickory, Ready Seal 512 is available in nine different shades. Its worth noting that the amount of UV protection you get will partially depend on your color selection as lighter colors tend to fade quicker.
Consider The Decks Age And Design
The deck will experience inevitable damage and multiple restaining sessions as it ages. Therefore, getting a darker or more opaque deck stain is better for an old deck.
But it is okay to go for a lighter and more transparent product when working with a new deck.
In addition, an older deck may have more imperfections, and you are better off covering them with a darker and more opaque formula.
However, please repair or replace damaged and broken deck supports and boards.
Lastly, always choose a color that compliments your deck and homes design.
Also, you may want a hue that looks good with the surrounding landscape and vegetation. Therefore, please do your research before selecting a product.
Oil Based Deck Stains In Canada
Having a deck in Canada means putting up with harsh weather, especially in the winter. This is the most vulnerable time when an exterior wood deck is subjected to moisture from rain and snow. It is also prone to freeze and thaw damage that occurs when melting snow and unwanted moisture penetrates the wood and then freezes again. This continuous cycle can cause major structural issues as well as splitting, cracking and board warping ruining a deck in a few short years.
A protective coat of a deep penetrating stain is needed on a regular basis to lock out moisture and prevent this type of damage. Oil based deck stains are known for excellent penetration and protection. Unlike film forming types of deck stains, oil based deck stains in Canada are not prone to flaking or chipping and are easier to maintain.
The trouble with oil based deck stains in Canada is that some of them are not compliant due to harsh VOC laws. Finding a quality oil based deck stain that is compliant in Canada can be tricky. From our research many professionals suggest a deck stain like Armstrong Clark stain, which is compliant in most states and Canada. This type of oil based deck stain provides superb protection in a low VOC formula.
Our Best Oil Based Deck Stains for Canada Are:
Best Oil Based Deck Stain: Cabot Wood Toned Deck Siding Stain
By combining oil and resin, Cabot Wood Toned Deck Siding Stain provides everything you might expect of the best oil based deck stain. Its great at keeping out moisture, protecting from mildew and mold. Its resistant to cracking and peeling and dries after about an hour or two after application. The oil-based formula helps ensure its long-lasting, and the resulting matte finish speaks for itself.
Cabots stain is only available in five wood tones, ranging from cooler gray to warmer browns. And in particularly harsh weather, or with an especially thick coat, youre at greater risk of suffering cracks, which can end up requiring more routine maintenance. But if youre going to use a shade of brown and want something that will need as few regular reapplications as possible, Cabot is a great choice.
Oil Or Water Based Decking Stains
Oil Based vs. Water Based Decking Stains
Whether you want a deck stain that is more natural looking or one with a bit more color it’s important to protect the wood with some type of water repellant wood stain. All types of wood decking are subjected to harsh weather conditions that can cause UV fading, water damage, and mold/mildew issues. One of the main choices you will have to make when choosing a decking stain is whether to go with an oil based or water based stain.
Oil Based Decking StainsOil based stains are used for all types of wood projects such as decks, fences, gazebos, and outdoor furniture. Both synthetic and natural oils are used in oil based stains. The more common oils used are Linseed, Tung, Paraffin, and Rosewood Oil.
Oil decking stains penetrate wood very well and provide excellent protection. Oil molecules are smaller than water molecules so it penetrates better in comparison. The better a wood decking stain penetrates the better it performs and lasts.
Most oil based stains have a strong odor and can expect to have longer drying and curing times compared to water based deck stains. Though a longer drying time can be inconvenient it actually assists the stain to accomplish a more even finish.
Water Based Decking StainsWater based decking stains have become increasingly popular in recent years due to stricter VOC laws in many states. Water-based stains can retain their color better than oil based but they are not as user-friendly.
Twp Oil Based Deck Stains
The TWP brand has been along for many decades. Their line of oil-based deck stains is an EPA registered wood preservative designed to penetrate wood substrates and outperform other oil-based brands. TWP has several oil-based formulas and multiple colors to choose from. Their 1500 series and 100 series stains are semi-transparent while their 200 series brand is a clear transparent finish.
TWP 1500 Series Oil Based Deck Stain
TWP replaced its old 500 series formula with the new 1500 series. It is designed to penetrate better and dry faster. This formula prevents structural damage and wood deterioration, which could lead to expensive repairs and replacements. The 1500 series stain treats fencing, decking, log homes, wood shakes, and wood siding surfaces. The water-resistant blend stops unwanted water invasion that causes wood splitting, warping and cracking along with harmful freeze damage in cold weather areas. Semi-transparent stains come in 9 different TWP colors for the 1500 series line.
TWP 100 Series Oil Based Deck Stain
TWP 200 Series Oil Based Deck Stain
What To Consider Before Buying Oil Based Deck Stain
Even deciding on an insignificant purchase can make you feel like choosing between the red pill or the blue one. But is the headache really worth it? Online shopping was meant to make our experience simpler, easier and enjoyable. But in reality it is quite easy to get confused on the decision which one to buy?
This is where our efforts come in! This list of oil based deck stain will surely save you valuable time and effort. However another question remains, what makes our compilation the best? Or on what basis you should trust this oil based deck stain list.
Is it virtually possible to know every detail of a product for making a perfect purchase? The answer is definitely NO, its not! Then how do you make the correct decision while buying oil based deck stain? Well, the complexity of selecting a single product from a sea of them can be simplified taking into consideration a few key metrics regarding the product.
We feed thousands of data to our AI regarding these products through advanced algorithms. Based on the relevant data i.e. brand, features, specs, ratings and reviews and many others a list of best oil based deck stain has been prepared by the AI.
Simple Tips To Consider When Applying The Best Semi
Water, whether its hammering rain or truckloads of snow, wreaks havoc on the finish of your wood deck. If your deck stain resists moisture, it means it is still protecting the wood. If not, the time to stain again is ripe.
You do not want to invest your money, time, and effort in staining your deck and then watch your hard work go down the drain. Instead, you need to reap the benefits thereof. Use the tips below to help you enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Sikkens Cetol Dek Finish
Sikkens Cetol Dek Finish receives shining reviews across the board. It boasts excellent performance and durability, with protection lasting up to two to three years when applied and maintained as directed by the manufacturer. Sikkens products have the most recommendations from consumers and professionals who have used them, which is why Sikkens appears at the top.
- Recommendations
- Durability
Low Voc Stains And States
Currently, there are 18 States that restrict Decking Stains and Coatings. These states require a lower amount of Volatile Organic Compounds to be released into the air. This mainly affects oil-based coatings. By lowering the amount of solvents that can evaporate into the ozone, you need to increase the amount of solids. This can cause issues with oil-based stains, as they may have drying and curing problems. There are still a few good oil-based stains allowed in the Low VOC States, but not as readily available at your local stores. You may need to go on the Internet to find them and have them shipped. A couple of examples would be TWP 1500 Series and Armstrong Clark Wood Stains.
Current Low VOC States:
California, Colorado, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Northern VA, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana.
So The Main Differences Are:
- Oil based stains penetrate the wood and acrylic stains lay on top of the wood like a shell.
- To remove and clean oil based stains you will need mineral spirits and for acrylics you can clean your tools with water.
- Oil based stains will fade as they age and acrylic stains will chip away.
- Oil based stains require raw wood to apply and acrylic will require you to sand.
- Choose oil-based stain if you have a limited budget and you will get a price-quality favorable solution.
Here are the top deck stains of the most popular manufacturers.
How To Choose The Best Deck Stain: Buyers Guide
While choosing the proper deck stain, you can face some difficulties. Pick the product that fits your needs, as well as budget. Remember, it doesnt matter how much you spend on a stain if the topcoat isnt correctly applied or protected from the elements.
Do not forget to seal, protect, and use with proper application, you wont have to do that again. You also need to consider that there are several different types of stains.
Deck Advanced Solid Color Wood Stain
This stain is a 100% acrylic formula that is made to protect your wooden deck for years to come.
The finish of this solid stain is completely opaque, meaning no wood grain will show through at all.
This stain does an excellent job at hiding previous finishes and can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed on the deck. It will dry in about 1-2 hours depending on the temperature and humidity. Its the best solid deck stain if you live in an area with unpredictable weather.
The stain comes in several popular colors. #1 Deck Stain also has a semi-transparent line of stains. A new trend thats becoming popular is for deck owners to stain the horizontal boards with a semi-transparent stain, and the vertical posts and railings with a solid stain. This has a really nice look, and youll get an extremely long lifespan out of your vertical posts and railings with easy maintenance on your horizontal boards.
Defy Extreme Wood Stain Best Water
Water-based decks stains like the Defy Extreme Wood Stain are more environment-friendly. Also, this wood stain will have a nice semi-transparent finish that will ensure that the wood grain still shows and that your wood still gets maximum protection.
With different colors to choose from, you will easily get something that will suit the specific wood you have. And given that this is a water-based deck stain, you can be sure it will take less time to cure.
The application will be more straightforward, and you can choose to brush or spray it on depending on what you find easiest for you. When it comes to maintenance, there will be no sanding required as you only need to wash the surface and apply another coat. Better yet, the zinc nanoparticle fortification minimizes graying and fading for minimal maintenance.
Many people prefer being able to apply their deck stain at any temperature but with this one, you do not get that freedom as it will not work well when you apply it at very high temperatures. But, this is a small drawback that should not be a deal-breaker.
Pros:
Solid Color Decking Stains
Solid deck stains look like paints. They cover the wood so you will not see the wood grain anymore. Once you apply a solid decking stain, there is little chance you will ever be able to go back to a transparent stain. Solid stains come in both oil and water-based versions.
Pros: Excellent UV protection.
Cons: Films on top of the wood and do not penetrate as well. Prone to peeling. They look like paint. Harder to apply. They cannot be removed with a deck stain stripper effectively.