Can you use water-based stain after previous oil-based stain used? - Deck Stain Questions and Answers

RE: Can you use water-based stain after previous oil-based stain used?

Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 10:36:16 +0000

That's is not true and will ruin the deck stain. Bad advice from This Old House episode.

RE: Can you use water-based stain after previous oil-based stain used?

Brian — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 03:49:53 +0000

Thank you. I have heard that some people put a small amount of polyurethane into the oil-based stain to make it stronger and to help it last a little longer. Do you recommend this? If so, how much?

RE: Can you use water-based stain after previous oil-based stain used?

Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 21:35:40 +0000

2-3 years is the max you will get. Honeytone is the lightest tint inf the TWP and will always fade the fastest. For better UV protection, use a darker or richer color. To switch brands, you will need to strip off the TWP.

Can you use water-based stain after previous oil-based stain used?

Brian — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 17:42:16 +0000

We live in Virginia and have a pressure-treated pine deck around a pool (salt-water) that receives mostly full sun. It was built in 2013. We applied TWP 1500 Honeytone in 2013 and again in 2015 (after using the Restore-A-Deck cleaner.) I am a little disappointed that the TWP stain didn't last longer (2 years is about the longest we should wait between re-staining) and we have had mildew on the rails, especially the horizontal portions and some green algae in a few places. Do you have a recommendation for a different stain that would last longer and perform better? I saw the newer reviews for Restore-A-Deck stain and wasn't sure if I could use a water-based stain after having used an oil-based stain in the past.