Stain type - Deck Stain Questions and Answers

RE: Stain type

Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 — Sat, 01 Jul 2023 14:54:06 +0000

Oil-based is not going to be better for older wood. Penetrating stains do not leave any shine. Does not matter the base.

With the new boards, you have to let them weather. The easiest is to do that first and then do all the wood at the same time.

RE: Stain type

franz — Sat, 01 Jul 2023 14:33:17 +0000

And if replacing 2 deck boards with new wood, do we just do the prep on them in 4 months, in place on the deck, amongst the other fresh stained boards? What's the best process there if they are not aged/weathered yet (probably going with TWP 1500).

RE: Stain type

franz — Sat, 01 Jul 2023 14:28:18 +0000

I hear you say water or oil based doesnt matter, just quality and penetrating stain type is the key. Is it true though that oil would be better for older wood -- like 17 years. And I wonder if oil gives a more matte finish?

Thank you

RE: Stain type

Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 12:39:15 +0000

Best to read the reviews: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/

RE: Stain type

franz — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 12:30:08 +0000

Thank you! What are the main differences between TWP 1500, RAD stain and Armstrong Clark besides price?

RE: Stain type

Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 19:20:32 +0000

Does not matter if oil or water as long as it is a quality penetrating stain brand. You can use the TWP 1500 in IL. You still have some old stain on the floors in that last pic so redo the stripping and then brighen all when done.

RE: Stain type

franz — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 16:31:10 +0000

Thank you! So, which would you recommend, the oil based or just a water-based, penetrating stain? I thought I had understood your findings that oil based would be less maintenance each year? Less maintenance is the goal. We would appreciate to know what you would suggest though: your top choice is TWP 100 oil which looks like we can’t use here in IL? — so your next top recommendation(s)?

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Then should we do a semitransparent?

But first apply brightener again or not worry about blotchy spots?

The non stripped railing elements yes will remain and get maintained as is since that stain application is working.

RE: Stain type

Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 11:11:14 +0000

You do want a penetrating stain so that you do not repeat the issues you have had. RAD Stain, Armstrong Clark, or TWP 1500 Series for IL would work and are penetrating. If you want oil-based, then the AC or TWP 1500.

What are you doing with the railing that has not been stripped? You might want to consider a two toned deck.

https://www.deckstainhelp.com/why-have-a-two-toned-deck/

Stain type

franz — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 19:36:17 +0000

Hello Scott

We live in Illinois, have 17 year old (2 new pieces), pressured-treated decks, part shade/sun, no mold/mildew. Previous stains have always peeled. Last was Behr Premium! semi-transparent which came off few months during snow. So now its our 1st time using cleaner and brightener chemicals for prep: we have orbital sanded down to bare wood, stripped whole deck to try to get rid of stuck stain (did not work), dried and sanded even more, cleaned and brightened. Is splotchy now so thinking have to do more brightener (faulty pump sprayer). Rain for past few days, but if you think this might be is ready after more brightener, we are now trying to confirm the stain choice. I thought you were recommending the 'penetrating oils' to your readers . But now I see you are also recommending the Restore a Deck water-based penetrating stain.

Which might be best for our situation?

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