Deck Sealer

[riverdees05 Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close riverdees05]

I need to seal my deck in TN, new deck never been sealed. What is the best sealer to use?

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

I have used Thompsans on wood. Lasts a few years before you should you need a new coat.

[1950bing Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close 1950bing]

I suggest Penofin. It's great !

[tonyg Goomba & Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tonyg]

Thompsons seems to stay a bit sticky- I don't use it any more. I would try Cuprinol or maybe even Bing's choice.

[cshelz Member Find all posts View Profile Close cshelz]

The Cabot oil based deck stains are the best I have found. Lowes stores are now carrying this brand. I have used Olympic and Thompsons but none lasted as long as the Cabot stuff. It costs a little more up front but has been worth it because I dont have to put it on as often.

Wear throw away clothes when you stain your deck, especially if you are going to use a pump sprayer.

[jericap Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close jericap]

The Cabot oil based deck stains are the best I have found. Lowes stores are now carrying this brand. I have used Olympic and Thompsons but none lasted as long as the Cabot stuff. .....

We just power washed the deck and now have to seal it again..I was doing some research and found this on Home Depot's website..

"Water-Based vs. Oil-Based: Like paints, stains are available in oil-based and water-based formulas. Water-based stains offer better adhesion to surfaces that have been previously painted or stained with oil-based stain. Water-based stains are also recommended for woods that have a natural resistance to rotting, such as cedar, redwood and cypress.

Oil-based stains are generally recommended for decks and other areas exposed to particularly harsh conditions. There are some newer latex/oil stains that offer benefits of both oil- and water-based stains.
Water-based stains are breathable, so they won’t trap moisture.
Mildew Resistance: Water-based stains are all mildew-resistant. Oil-based stains, on the other hand, can encourage mildew growth, so look for ones that specifically say they are mildew-resistant if you’re going with oil."
"

I can't remember which one we used 2-3 years ago, but there was so much mildew/moss that you could take the chairs and literally slide them across the deck. Almost broke my neck while it was raining out one day...I'm thinking we are going with the water based stain...just based on the above info.

The whole deck gets about 3 hours of straight sunshine each day..mornings are dappled shade..but we live in a wooded area, which might have something to do with the deck issue.

I will stay tuned for the recommendations

[mshatty Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close mshatty]

Before you do any sealing, try to power wash your deck first. It will look brand new if you do.

[odaddy Gold Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close odaddy]

Another serious vote for penofin!!

[Sance Member Find all posts View Profile Close Sance]

Cabots Austrailian Tinber Oil

Just used Cabot's Australian Timber Oil The Deck looks Great
Bob