I Tested And Reviewed 10 Best Deck Stain For Weathered Wood (2023)

I recently had the opportunity to use the Minwax Classic Grey and Varathane Carbon Grey stains on a shed project, and I must say, I am quite impressed with the results. For the top half of the T-11 siding, I applied two coats of the Classic Grey since it was left unsanded. The instructions recommended wiping off excess, but due to the porous nature of the wood, it ended up soaking it all in. On the other hand, the shiplap had a smooth surface, so I followed the instructions and wiped off the excess after applying the Varathane Carbon Grey. I apologize for not remembering the exact number of coats I applied for the Varathane, but the end result was fantastic.

To protect the stained surfaces, I decided to apply four coats of Minwax Helmsman Water Based Indoor/Outdoor Spar Urethane. This provided a durable and long-lasting finish for the shed. The picture of the shed siding showcases the final result of this staining and sealing process.

I have always been a fan of Minwax oil-based stains, and this project further reinforced my preference. The finished product had a higher level of quality compared to other oil-based stains I have used in the past. Personally, I am not a fan of stains that are mixed with polyurethane sealants in a single application. I find that the absorption rate cannot be controlled as effectively as when using a standalone oil-based stain. Once the desired stain penetration and color were achieved, I applied the polyurethane spar separately.

In terms of appearance, I believe Minwax stains offer a deeper, truer, and more luxurious look compared to other brands, even the higher-priced ones. Pairing the Minwax stain with their polyurethane spar yielded the best results for me. In the past, I have utilized an HVLP sprayer for applying the stain, especially when covering large areas. This method ensures an even coat and minimizes any potential blotchiness or unevenness. I have used both expensive and more affordable HVLP sprayers, and they all performed admirably. Adding penetrol to the polyurethane spar helped achieve a smooth and glass-like finish, while Jap dryer shortened the drying time.

I have utilized this staining and sealing method on various projects, such as exterior and interior doors, cabinetry, moldings, and trim, and I have consistently been pleased with the results. While I acknowledge that different methods may work for different individuals, I highly recommend using Minwax oil-based stains and their polyurethane spar. Personally, I have not been as satisfied with water-based products in comparison.

I recently used #1 Deck stain to improve the appearance of my 15-year-old fence, and I couldn't be happier with the results. The fence was covered in black and green mold/mildew and had a dark, mottled grey color. Living in the Atlanta area with high heat and humidity, finding a product that could withstand these conditions was important to me.

I followed the instructions provided and properly cleaned the wood surface before applying the stain. The Light Walnut color I chose exceeded my expectations. The finished results were even better than what was advertised. In fact, my old fence now looks like it was installed just a couple of months ago. I highly recommend #1 Deck stain for anyone looking to improve the appearance of their worn-out wood surfaces.

Another project I undertook was reconditioning my 31-year-old deck during the COVID lockdown. The deck was weathered, stained, and deteriorating. After spending a considerable amount of time pulling up deck boards, sanding them, and fixing rotted places with wood filler, I decided to reverse the boards and use the underside on top.

To revitalize the deck's appearance, I applied two coats of #1 Deck stain. The results were impressive, as the deck looked almost new. The stain applied easily with a 10-inch brush attached to a broom handle, and there were no overlapping streaks. Even after two years, the deck still looks great, and I plan on applying another coat of stain in the fall. I highly recommend #1 Deck stain for anyone looking to revitalize their old deck.

For my recently purchased house, I decided to refinish the deck using #1 Deck's three-step products. The cleaner and brightener worked exceptionally well, and I had plenty of both left over for future use. However, when it came to the stain, I ordered 5 gallons for my 30' x 30' deck, and it just barely covered the surface. This was mainly because a third of the deck is protected from the weather, requiring less stain.

I advise considering the wear and tear on your deck when calculating how much stain to order. If your deck has extensive wear, you may need to order more stain. The finish is advertised as flat, but I found that it had some sheen to it, especially on the less weathered sections. Following the application instructions, I discovered that applying the second coat within 15 minutes of the first coat resulted in better coverage and drying.

I chose the dark walnut color to match the previous stain on my deck, and it made the whole deck more uniform while allowing the woodgrain to show through. Although I can't speak to how well it will hold up to northern Alabama weather, I am satisfied with the results so far.

The only downside I experienced was the shipping process through Amazon. The packaging arrived damaged and leaked, causing inconvenience and mess. However, Amazon's customer service was helpful in resolving the issue, and I received a replacement order without having to ship back the damaged items.

I recently purchased this product to touch up my heavily scratched and worn dining room table, and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. The coverage and matching of the color were beautiful. However, I did notice that once the stain dried, it tended to rub off on my hands quite easily. To prevent this, I recommend applying a topcoat right away. Once I added the topcoat, the table looked absolutely stunning and restored it to its original beauty.

Contrary to some negative reviews, I found that the black stain worked fantastically well. It was incredibly easy to apply and looked great once finished. In fact, I was so impressed that I ended up purchasing more. The ease of use and minimal clean-up made this my husband's favorite stain. It gives the wood a unique "burnt" or "charred" look, and the best part is that it can be cleaned up with just water. The small can of stain will last us a long time since it provides such excellent coverage, eliminating the need for multiple applications. We simply applied two coats, let it dry, and added a clear coat for a shiny effect.

I also used this stain on rough sawn cedar for a different project. It worked exceptionally well on both the smooth and rough-textured surfaces, giving a uniformed look overall. The only issue I encountered was that there were some unnoticed glue spots from the assembled project. However, I was able to carefully remove these spots to reveal the bare wood and reapply the finish. This allowed the finish to react with the bare wood and produce the correct look. The end result was a beautiful grey weathered wood effect.

I recently used the Varathane Gel Stain in Dark Walnut and I must say, the results were absolutely stunning. I applied two coats of the stain using a foam brush, without wiping off any excess. After waiting 24 hours between each coat, I then applied two coats of the minwax water-based wipe on poly for added protection. The process was incredibly easy, and I was extremely impressed with the final outcome.

The color of this gel stain is a rich mahogany hue, which gives my pieces a beautiful and luxurious look. I have received numerous compliments on my furniture pieces since using this stain. The gel consistency of the product ensures that the color remains consistent and doesn't streak or blotch.

One particular area in my home had been an eyesore for quite some time due to overlapping doorswings that had been damaged by the previous owner. I had tried various stains and fillers, but nothing seemed to work. That was until I discovered Varathane Gel Stain. I decided to give it a try, not expecting much after my previous failed attempts. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the results.

I didn't even bother stripping the previous failed attempts, I simply applied the Varathane Gel Stain over the damaged area. To my amazement, the colors remained consistent on both the patch and the natural part of the door, even after drying. The patch was slightly noticeable after the first coat, but after a second application and some additional wood grain drawing, the repair work became completely invisible.

I am so thrilled with the outcome that I plan on using this stain to refinish all of my doors, trim, and kitchen cabinets. The stain truly enhances the beauty of the wood, making it look smooth and elegant. The visible grain adds a touch of character without overpowering the overall look.

I cannot recommend Varathane Gel Stain enough. It is a game-changer when it comes to refinishing furniture and woodwork. The ease of application, the consistent color, and the flawless finish make it a top choice for any DIY enthusiast. If you're looking to bring out the best in your wood, this stain is definitely worth trying. Thank you, Varathane, for creating such an exceptional product!

I am extremely satisfied with this product. As a clock and antiquities restorer, I often work with raw antique wood, and this water-based stain is perfect for achieving the exact depth of color I desire. It provides a deep, dark, and nondescript finish that is ideal for my restoration work. I have conducted tests to assess its compatibility with older "ink" type stains, and I am pleased to report that it is fairly pH neutral, which is essential for a restoration specialist like myself. The fact that it is more affordable than India Ink and offers the same stable and indistinguishable deep color makes it even more impressive. Additionally, the heavy-duty container it comes in is definitely a plus.

Sometimes, I take risks by trying out new products, but this was not the case with this stain. It has proven to be the perfect solution for my needs, and I will definitely be ordering it again in the future. Its odorless nature and easy cleanup make it a joy to work with. I have even recommended it to my colleagues at the NAWCC Watchworks of Montana, Clock Restorations British Horological Society, and Scottish Antiquarian Society.

On a personal note, I was searching for an odorless water-based stain for my wood desk, and this product delivered exactly what I was looking for. The color and texture are perfect after drying, and the finish looks incredible. It dries quickly, goes on easy, and the clean-up process was a breeze. There was absolutely no odor at all, which is a huge bonus. I am so satisfied with this stain that I will be purchasing more, and it will be the only stain I use indoors from now on.

Furthermore, I had the need for a water-based stain that could penetrate dense bamboo decking, and this product did the job flawlessly. The end result looks great, and I am very pleased with how it turned out.

After using 12 gallons of this stain on our house last year, we were impressed with the color and its ability to last. While it did require two coats and had a paint-like consistency, the end result was worth it. According to the Cabot website and other reviewers, the stain can last up to 5 years, and so far, we are happy with its durability into year 2. We would definitely recommend this product and plan to use it again in the future, hopefully in another 3+ years.

As long-time users of this product, we have always been satisfied with its performance. However, we were initially unable to find it in our area and were pleased to discover that we could purchase it through Amazon. The price was reasonable, and we received the product quickly.

One of the standout features of this stain is how it leaves the wood looking great and its forgiving application process. We were able to bring a 3-year weathered garage door back to life with this product. The wood grain becomes more noticeable, and if you take the time to apply a second coat, the end result is like a work of art. Our neighbors have even expressed envy over our beautifully stained deck using Cabot's stain.

Considering the quality and performance, we believe Cabot stain is simply the best on the market. While it may be priced higher than other stains, the superior results make it worth the investment. We love how it enhances the natural grain of the wood, creating a stunning visual effect. We highly recommend this stain to anyone looking for a high-quality product.

I recently purchased the Rosewood stain from Furniture Clinic to try and darken my scratched up oak coffee table. I wanted a simple stain that I could easily apply and leave without having to do much preparation. I must say, I am extremely pleased with the outcome. The table came out much richer and darker than it originally was. The Rosewood color was exactly what I was looking for to deepen the tone of the wood. I didn't even have to sand the table, I simply wiped it down to remove any dust and applied the stain with a dry cloth. The process was quick and easy, and the result was exactly what I wanted. I highly recommend the Furniture Clinic stain in the Rosewood color for anyone looking to enhance the color of their wood furniture.

I was also impressed with the overall quality of the stain. Unlike other canned stains, this one had minimal smell and was very easy to use. It dried quickly and didn't produce any toxic fumes or health hazards. It's a forgiving stain that can be easily worked with. I would definitely recommend this product to others.

In addition to my coffee table, I also used the stain on my golden oak cabinets. I was searching for a water-based stain that would give them a subtle rosy hue without saturating the color. Even after sanding off the previous stain, the cabinets still had a yellow hue that I disliked. However, this stain did the trick. It gave my cabinets the desired red oak look that I was aiming for. The stain comes in a convenient bottle, making it easy to pour onto a rag and wipe onto the wood. It's forgiving and easy to work with, making the staining process a breeze.

The Walnut stain from this brand also impressed me. I used it on two small side curios and a large one both inside and out. One bottle was enough for two coats, and I used sponge brushes to achieve a deeper color. The result was exactly what I had envisioned.

The stain I used was simply fantastic. It applied smoothly and effortlessly, leaving a gorgeous color on the surface. I utilized it to stain my cedar pergola, and the end result was truly remarkable. The color remained consistent across all the cans I used, which was a relief. Moreover, the stain helped to even out the slight variations in the natural wood color, giving the pergola a more polished and uniform appearance.

One aspect I particularly appreciated about this stain is its semi-transparent nature. This allowed me to still appreciate the beauty of the wood beneath the stain. It strikes the perfect balance between adding color and preserving the natural aesthetics of the wood. I must say, it has truly enhanced the visual appeal of my pergola.

I recently had the opportunity to try out Defy Ultra for my deck and side porch made of cedar wood. I must say, I was thoroughly impressed with the results. I opted for the Light Walnut color and applied two coats for a deeper color and satin finish. The product was incredibly easy to work with and the finish it provided was outstanding. As a 71-year-old woman, I was initially hesitant about taking on this project myself, but Defy Ultra made it so enjoyable. I highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a reliable and high-quality deck stain. Additionally, the customer service provided by Defy was exceptional, with prompt responses to my inquiries both over the phone and via email.

In addition to my deck and side porch, I also decided to restain my cedar fence, which had been installed over 14 years ago. After trying various other stains on the market, I decided to stick with Defy due to my previous positive experience. While I did have to clean and strip the fence multiple times to remove the older stain, the effort was well worth it. I opted for the Semi-transparent Cedar Tone stain, which did darken the wood to an almost redwood shade. To achieve my desired effect, I ended up mixing the Cedar Tone stain with the Defy Transparent Natural, which lightened it up slightly. The application process was seamless, with easy brushing and even coverage.

When it comes to finding the right stain, I had a difficult time finding a product that met my expectations in local stores. However, I was thrilled to discover Defy stain on Amazon. I opted for the Pine stain and applied it with a brush, immediately rubbing it in with a cloth as I went along. The results were fantastic, and I am extremely satisfied with my purchase.

One of the most impressive aspects of Defy stain is its durability. Just as I was finishing up the staining process on my rear deck, a sudden deluge of rain occurred. I was convinced that my hard work would be ruined, but I was pleasantly surprised the next morning. The deck looked beautiful and spotless, with no signs of damage. The Redwood color I used provided a stunning finish comparable to previous oil-based stains, but with the added bonus of easy cleanup.

I recently tried the Varathane Weathered Wood Accelerator and I must say, I am impressed with the results. The instructions were easy to follow, and I was able to achieve the desired weathered look on my wood panels. I lightly sanded the bare wood and stirred the accelerator before applying it, just as directed. Even the wooden stirring stick ended up with a beautiful weathered look, which shows the effectiveness of this product.

When I applied the accelerator, the wood initially appeared darker due to being wet. However, as it began to dry, I could see the transformation happening. The wood started to take on a weathered look, which was exactly what I was hoping for. After half an hour, I applied a second coat, which made a significant difference in the final result. If you find that the wood only looks slightly different after applying the accelerator, I recommend trying another coat. It made a big difference for me.

I appreciate that the Varathane Weathered Wood Accelerator delivers on its promise of giving wood a weathered look. Some people have mentioned that it made their wood have a blue or purple tone, but I believe this may be due to applying it on wood that already has a stain or sealer. As advertised, this product works best on bare and untreated wood. I tested it on wood with a white stain, and it did result in a purple-blue color because the wood could not absorb it properly. It's important to use this product on the right type of wood for optimal results.

I found the Varathane Weathered Wood Accelerator to be unique and effective. It goes on almost clear but develops a beautiful color as it dries. I have included some reference pictures to show the difference it made on various types of wood, including reclaimed wood, smooth wood with a glossy brown stain, and distressed wood. The comparisons should give you a better idea of the product's capabilities.