Deck Stain - another NDR question

Mark W

Mark W

Well-known member
I am about to refinish my deck again and am looking for the best product to protect it with. Deck boards are cedar and this will be the second time they are stained. I'm hiring a pro to do the stripping and prep work and will stain it myself. The thought of doing all the stripping and prep made me sore.

I have had just about everything on decks in the past. First was Thompsons Water Seal. What a mistake. I have also used Penofin, Sikkens Cetol SRD, some product from Sherwin Williams that wasn't so good and a couple of others.

Time to try something different. I have read good things online about TWP100 but have also read it is a scam. I have also read about Ready Seal and that it it a good product.

Here is what I am looking for. Semi durable to last 2 years in MN. And then when it is starting to look bad, I just wash the deck and apply another coat of stain and then I wait another two years. I don't want to have use chemical strippers, brighteners and sanding just to put n another coat of stain.

Suggestions?

Mark W
 
Mark,

I would recommend power wash on the appropriate setting without chemicals. Stain once a year, especially in your climate. If you throw a cup of water on your deck and it does not bead, it is time to stain.Good luck.

RVZ
 
Mark, are you intending to repaint with a semi-transparent stain, opaque deck stain, or just a sealer coat?
 
I feel your pain. I've got a two level deck and while they are nice, upkeep sucks. I just rebuilt 10x24 section of part of it. About 5 years ago, I used an oil based version of Olympic maximum semi transparent...while it has held up great on the ballisters and rails, it didn't so much on the walking surface. I will say I rolled it the first go round and in hindsight that wasn't a good idea. They changed their formula up to a water based version and I applied it 2 years ago with a 4in brush. It has help up great to us and a couple dogs. It probably has a few more years left in but since I have to stain the part I just rebuilt, I am going to go with the solid Olympic maximum this time. Prepping and staining decks is no fun and hopefully with the solid I can go easily 5+ years without having to do it again. Skip the rollers or sprays, do it with a brush by hand...makes a world of difference.
 
Mark, are you intending to repaint with a semi-transparent stain, opaque deck stain, or just a sealer coat?
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I haven't learned yet. I was/am planning to use a semi transparent stain. I'd like to find one that I can restain over and not have problems doing so. The one I have now (Rymer or Rymar) does not allow recoating without a bunch od headaches. I was told it would last 5 years by the company and it didn't make it one year before it started to turn gray and fade.

Mark W
 
Consumer Reports says Behr (home depot) semi-transparent is their pick as best and best value. I personally like it, too. Have used Behr products professionally for years. LOL, as much as I don't like Home Depot!
Gary
 
Consumer report also claims Behr paint as number one over Benjamin Moore, I tend to believe professional experience over reports. That being said I have not used that product so I have no opinion about it just a buyer beware when it comes to companies that rate products.
 
I've done commercial and residential renovations for quite a few years. I like B.Moore paints quite a bit, but actually like Behr better. I have used the Behr semi-transparent stain on my own decks, and like it very much. As far as Consumer Reports goes, they've been around for a long time, and I think they are a good jumping-off point when looking into a product, be it paint or a refrigerator.
Gary
 
I echo Gary's comments on Consumer Reports' value and will offer some additional background information. The magazine is produced by Consumers Union, an organization that is member supported. They accept no advertising in their magazine. Their professional staff of employees does an overall very good job in their testing design and analysis of a variety of consumer products in a thoughtful standardized series of analyses. One of a very few magazines worth subscribing to.
 
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I've used cabots on a couple of jobs. They make two different types. one for decks and one for siding. The semi trans does not hold up as well as solid


Phil
 
I just did my deck with Cadott "Deck Correct" and am extremely happy with the results. I shouldn't ever have to paint it again. That stuff is awesome!
 
TWP total wood protector. I used it for 18 plus years deck looks new. Buy it on line, had deck built by Archadeck they recommended it never replaced a board but they used grade 1a treated pine boards
Ken
 
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