Best Overall
Valspar One-Coat Solid Stain & Sealer
Best Bang For the Buck
Behr Premium Solid Color Waterproofing Stain & Sealer
Upgrade Pick
Cabot Solid Color Acrylic Stain & Sealer
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If your deck depend commonplace and worn out , a fresh pelage of solid deck stain can improve its appearance and protect it from wet and ultraviolet ( ultraviolet ) ray . A good solid deck stain will also hide some of your deck ’s imperfectness and jade , and it can even make the deck last longer . We recently tested six of the top whole deck of cards dirt in a side - by - side comparison to find out which ones did the best job of covering Grant Wood metric grain , balk the elements , and holding up to human foot traffic . After apply each grime to yearn decking , we subjected each one to rain , terrace furniture , shoe , and even paws to identify the top - performing solid woodwind instrument smirch .
Our favorite was theValspar One - Coat Solid Stain & Sealer . It ’s an affordable unanimous outdoor Ellen Price Wood stain that produce a fluent finish and offer especial protection from rainwater and infantry traffic . Plus , it ’s reasonably priced .
That being say , Valspar ’s deck stain is n’t the only one that impress us . This guide will give you an overview of our six favored solid deck dirt recommendations as well as general advice on choosing the best solid deck stain for your pauperization .
Before You Buy a Solid Deck Stain
Unlike semisolid and semitransparent stains , solid deck of cards stains cover the wood texture and texture with an opaquelayer of color . If you ’re nifty on protecting your deck but also desire to see the woods ’s character , a semisolid or semitransparent deck stain might be preferred .
upstanding stain for decks is alsodifferent from deck paint . Paint forms a film that sits on top of the wood ’s surface . satisfying deck stains interpenetrate the wood , create a strong bond . This is why pack of cards blusher is more probable to undress off , while the best solid deck stains tend to last longer .
An significant musical note : If the decking is structurally compromised , no stain or pigment will lick the problem . Fixing that requires replacing the decking boards — and perhaps the deck ’s frame — before applying a finish .
How We Tested the Best Solid Deck Stains
We strictly tested each of the sixdeck stainswe pick out for this guide to determine the top performers . Our scoring was base on four criteria : covering , visual aspect , lastingness , and value . We began by assessing the ease of program and dry out time . After apply each stain , we deal its appearance , including the smoothness of the destination , the accuracy of the colour , and the deck stain ’s ability to cloak wood grains .
Since a deck filth ’s deserving is mostly square off by its ability to protect a deck from weather and foundation traffic , we made an endeavour to model both . We control mule electric resistance by placing furniture on the finished area and walking on the deck , noting any scratches or mule leave behind behind . We also sprayed each expanse with a hosiery , evaluating how well each resisted water . Finally , we considered the time value of each solid stain by take its coverage and price .
Testing Stats
Our Top Picks
To facilitate you beak the right solid deck stain for your needs , we rounded up our favorites below , giving each one an awarding base on its standout caliber .
ThisBob Vila Approvedproduct carries our brand ’s highest grade of recommendation .
Bob Vila Approvedrecognizes the house and DIY products that print us most in our real - world examination and that represent core economic value of the Bob Vila steel , let in workmanship , innovation , and value for the dollar . Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally O.K. by Bob Vila .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
Our rating : Application4/5 ; Appearance5/5 ; Durability4.5/5 ; Value4.5/5
Valspar ’s solidexterior wood stainand sealant tick all the box seat for what one might want out of a solid stain . Suitable for deck , railroad siding , fences , and even out-of-door wood furniture , it ’s formulated to make a moisture barrier in just a unmarried bed . It also beautifies the wood , and though the product we ’ve highlighted comes in a “ Smoke Signal ” colorway , there are a sort of other upstanding pack of cards discoloration color proffer . It dries promptly and is capable of baulk rain just a few hours after covering .
During testing , we liked how easy this grease was to apply . We test the aforementioned Smoke Signal , which is a gray-haired gloss , and we were impressed with its ability to mask Ellen Price Wood food grain and knots . However , we find it was n’t quite the one - coat intersection Valspar bills it as . We necessitate two coats to get a consistent close on our piece of test lumber . We did like how well-fixed it was to apply , though . The grease covers well and dry out to an attractive semi - gloss last that leaves a nice sheen without being too glossy .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
It ’s very durable , too . With its thick consistence , this stain make a hard shell over our psychometric test piece of timber that survive shoes and furniture being dragged across it . It ’s also weather - ready in just 4 hour and endures wet weather well . weewee beaded up and rolled off easily during our spray test . impart to that its reasonable price and this is unfeignedly a great all - around deck stain .
Get Valspar firm deck of cards soil atLowe ’s .
Best Bang for the Buck
Our Ratings : Application4.5/5 ; Appearance4/5 ; Durability4.5/5 ; Value4/5
Behr ’s Premium waterproofing stain and sealer might be the pick if your budget is tight . One gallon can cover up to 400 square feet with one coat , allow for more reporting than many competition . This smirch and sealer has an acrylic infrastructure with a penetrating formula that plume into the wood . It seals against water to prevent attenuation and prohibit the growth of mold and mold . Plus , it ’s quick for rain in 4 hours , and it can be well applied with a crimper , brush , or atomiser .
This solid vividness stain run on heavyset and cover well during testing . We enforce two coats , but it felt like we had applied four . Not surprisingly , it throw up very well to our scuff tests and caused water system to bead off during our spray test .
That said , we were n’t as slaked with the character of the finish . Of the six solid deck of cards stains we tested , Behr showed the most brushwood marks . While that does n’t matter if you ’re apply it with a hair curler or spray , it make it less suitable for projects that demand a copse . This formulation also dried to a glossier cultivation than the other ones we tested . While this shinier finish is slap-up for unblemished wood , it will show imperfection in older wood more clearly .
We did do it the fact that Behr offers it in 1,600 tradition color , grant you to coat your deck in virtually any hue you want . Most make only offer six or seven colors . This colour variety , coupled with the stain ’s excellent conditions resistance and coverage , makes this a quality budget option .
Get the Behr unanimous deck stain atThe Home DepotorBehr .
Our rating : Application4.7/5 ; Appearance5/5 ; Durability4.5/5 ; Value4.5/5
This option cost a little more money than some of the other dirt and sealers out there , but we think it ’s worth the additional price . During examination , we find it to be an all - around great stain . With its thick consistence , it goes on well , making diligence a breeze with a skirmish or roller . It also cover up extremely well , producing an opaque , uniform finish that all conceal forest food grain and any imperfections after just two coats .
It does take longer to dry than other stains we examine , which could be an issue if wet atmospheric condition accidentally hit . But it ’s also more versatile than most solid stains , as you could utilise it on concrete and composite decking along with wood .
This grease from Cabot was one of the most durable wood stains we test . It had no problem shedding water during our nebuliser test , and it resisted marking and scuffing well . Despite its thicker body , it settles well , producing a suave , even terminate with deep , rich colors and nigh no visible brushstrokes . Once dry , it leaves a semi - gloss finish that ’s attractive while still masking any imperfections in the Natalie Wood . It also incorporate additives to provide mildew underground and ultraviolet illumination protection . If you ’re after an first-class finish and great lastingness and do n’t mind pay a lilliputian more , Cabot is a great pick .
Get the Cabot satisfying pack of cards smear atLowe ’s .
Best Fade-Resistant
Defy Solid Color Wood Stain Sealer
Our Ratings : Application5/5 ; Appearance4.5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4/5
This stain from Defy stands out from the pack due to its durability . Out of the bottle , it ’s light that this mathematical product is more than subject of protecting your deck from the elements . While all the solid Natalie Wood stain sealers we prove have a thick consistency , Defy ’s was the thickest . It get over well , completely masking Grant Wood grain and any imperfection in two coats . Not surprisingly , it held up well to feet and furniture while also causing water to dance off it .
regrettably , that thick consistency mean you ’ll need more of it to cover a deck of cards than other stains , as its reportage maxes out at 300 square feet per coat . Given that it ’s the most expensive solid deck blot we test , covering an entire pack of cards could get dear .
Photo: lowes.com
Along with this long-lasting performance , we also love the fact that Defy practice Zn nanoparticles in its formula . This additive resists ultraviolet illumination rays , which means you could look this stain to provide ripe - than - modal fade resistance . That said , we did feel like the color we prefer , light walnut , was a check mark off of the color shown in its on-line product description and on the bottle . While it was n’t enough to bother us , it may fret those hear to coordinate the color with their family ’s siding . Color beef apart , Defy is a great choice if you require a solid pack of cards dirt that will weather and do n’t heed pay a premium Leontyne Price to get it .
Get the Defy substantial deck discoloration atAmazonorDefy .
Best Waterproofing
Thompson’s WaterSeal Solid Color Wood Sealer
Our Ratings : Application3.4/5 ; Appearance4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value3/5
Thompson ’s WaterSeal is well regarded for its ability to protect wood from water , and this solid stain is no exception . pee beaded up and danced off the deck of cards control surface during our garden hose spray test , demonstrating that water ohmic resistance is clearly the long suit of this intersection .
The quality of the finish was miscellaneous . It fit on well with a brush and lead a very smooth finish with no seeable brushstrokes once dry , but it did n’t cover quite as well as some of the other solid deck of cards stains we tested . We ended up having to apply three coats to get good coverage over the Natalie Wood grain . Luckily , Thompson ’s is one of the most low-cost solid Natalie Wood stains you could buy . So , while add together a third coat mean more work , it does n’t equate to a observably high cost .
Photo: homedepot.com
While we liked the smooth ending , we were n’t peculiarly thrilled with the color . We purchased “ natural cedar tree , ” but it ended up look too orangish for our liking . It is also usable in five other colors , none of which we test .
If you ’re looking for maximum security from water and do n’t mind a little variation in colour , Thompson ’s WaterSeal is an ideal solid stain .
Get the Thompson ’s WaterSeal solid deck stain atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orAce Hardware .
Photo: lowes.com
Also Consider
SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Wood Stain
Our Ratings : Application4.3/5 ; Appearance4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4/5
Of all the intersection we tested , this self-coloured deck stain was one of the best at masking . With its thick consistency , it had no problem conceal woods grain , knots , and other imperfections with just two coats . This exploit was peculiarly impressive considering we were using white , a color that usually does n’t cover well .
SaverSystems does dry to a matt cultivation than other spot we tested . While we wish this more understated looking , it may not invoke to others who care a showy sheen on their deck . That matte finish also may not hold up as long as harder , glossier cultivation . The solid stain go on well , and we value its low - volatile constituent chemical compound ( VOC ) formula . While SaverSystems was one of the quick dry out formulas we tested ( its 2d coating dried in only an hour ) , it did leave more noticeable brush marks than the other hearty spot we test .
Photo: amazon.com
In terms of durability , this stain did an exceptional job of resisting scuffs , and H2O beaded off of it nicely during our sprayer test . Unlike some solid Mrs. Henry Wood stain , this wood stain also work with a broader scope of wood species , including sequoia , cedar tree , mahogany , and various hardwoods . SaverSystems is also one of a few solid deck stains that includes white and a lighter shade of grey deck of cards stain , form it an first-class filling if you ’re after a lighter color on your deck .
Get the SaverSystems solid deck stain atAmazonorWalmart .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Solid Deck Stain
Below are the most of import considerations to keep in mind while betray for the best solid deck grunge .
Base
grunge issue forth in two diversity : water system / acrylic paint - based and oil color - free-base . These designations refer to the liquid in which the producer mingle the paint and discourse chemical .
Acrylic - based stainsuse water as the solvent . These stain are easy to apply , and they scavenge up with soap and water . They ’re also less noxious , thanks to the low-down - VOC content . But they do n’t penetrate the Natalie Wood much , so they are n’t as long lasting as oil - base deck stains .
Oil - base stainsare all about longevity because the oil soaks into the woodwind instrument and protect it from within . However , cleanup is more unmanageable , ask mineral spirits , and the fumes can be potent , so wearing a gas helmet while working with the stain may be necessary .
Photo: amazon.com
Wood Type, Wood Condition, and Final Appearance
dissimilar types of deck stainswill provide very different results . When using a clean , semitransparent , or semisolid deck blot , the Natalie Wood species and color will affect the colouring and ending of the stain . Red chromaticity from redwood and cedar will shine through the spot , while the yellows from pressure - treated pine board will lighten up the stain .
That ’s not the case with upstanding deck of cards discolouration . The coinage and color of the Sir Henry Wood will have no bearing on the death result . The blot will cover everything with a uniform finish that hide knot , discolorations , and wood hues .
Existing Coating
Be certain to keep in mind the stain or paint that ’s already on the deck when pick out a stain for the new coating . If the deck of cards has an existing coat of oil - based discoloration , putting an acrylic - based unanimous stain on top of it will probably result in whip and peel . The oil in the exist stain will prevent the unexampled stratum from stick to the surface . It ’s potential to secernate in the sun or after gravid rain .
An exist level of acrylic fiber - base dirt will block the wood pores and keep oil - based stains from penetrating it . This can make the new soil to peel off . To prevent this , strip , clean , and sand the wood aerofoil to remove the acrylic resin paint before practice the fossil oil - based brand .
Whatever case of blot is on the pack of cards beforehand , it ’s essential to do some prep work . absent any loose or peeling finish , then use adeck cleanerto wash the Earth’s surface . Allow the deck to dry for at least 48 hours after clean .
Photo: amazon.com
Added Protection
gamy - calibre satisfying pack of cards stains protect decking from the chemical element , thus extending its liveliness . They repel water , preventing rainwater and snow from soaking into the decking and causing the wood to swell and buckle . Water - dowse Ellen Price Wood decking also corrode the metallic element fasteners that hold the body structure together . Good - quality blot also provide protection against the sunlight ’s UV shaft that broil the wood and cause drying and cracking .
The well solid pack of cards stains contain mildewcides that keep powdery mildew and mould from growing on the Sir Henry Joseph Wood surface . Not only do mildewcides help expand your pack of cards ’s longevity , but they also make it safer by restrain the surface from fetch slippery underfoot .
Application
Here are the staple on square stain a deck made of wood :
Drying Time
oil color - based stains often take up to 48 hours before they ’re dry enough to walk on , while urine - based acrylics can dry out within a few hours . While a tight - drying stain means being able to apply the deck sooner , there ’s value in stain with a slower dry sentence . Slower - drying stains are less likely to develop circuit marks from brushes in the close , for example .
The Advantages of Using a Solid Deck Stain
unanimous deck stains create a uniform , rejuvenated look without needing to replace battered pack of cards boards . They’re a good option for one-time pack of cards with repaired boards and rougher cereal . The unanimous stain create a clean , uniform - colour appearance , blending rough areas seamlessly . The substance abuser gets a rejuvenated spirit for the deck without needing to replace unattractive deck of cards boards .
They protect better against water , UV damage , mold , and mildew than clear treatments . upstanding deck of cards stains offer more auspices against the elements than clear or transparent grime . They harbor the deck from UV beam of light and prevent water penetration as well as mildew and cast development .
Solid deck of cards stains can last up to 10 years after program . Many of the dependable upstanding deck of cards stains can last for a decade , while some open handling require annual reapplication . Needing to stain less often saves money in the long discharge .
FAQs
If you have additional questions about select the best solid deck dirt , here are some solution to vulgar queries to help make the decision prosperous .
If you ’re applying an acrylic - based mark on top of an existing oil colour - based mark , yes , be indisputable to remove the oil - establish blot first . However , there ’s no need to remove it when adding another rock oil - base stain .
you could expend a paint roll for most of the deck of cards and a brush for detailed work around edges . Depending on your pack of cards ’s sizing and dimensions , a sprayer or flat paint pad can also be utile .
High - character solid pack of cards stains can last up to 10 years , which is about 10 time farsighted than a clear sealer that requires yearly discussion .
Solid pack of cards stains also officiate as a sealant , so there ’s no need to total a separate sealer to the stain once after covering . Depending on the climate , you ’ll need to reapply most self-coloured deck of cards grunge about once every 5 days .
Meet the Tester
Tony Carrick is a freelance author specialize in plate melioration , landscape gardening , technology , nursing home certificate , and design . His articles have been featured on such land site as Angi , Popular Science , Futurism , 360 Reviews by U.S. News & World Report , Domino , and more . Carrick has carry on strict product testing on everything from power putz to home security organization to backyard grills . With each review , his finish is to help readers determine whether a production meets their needs and if it is or is n’t worth its price tag end .
extra research provided by Tom Scalisi .
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