10 Best Semi Transparent Deck Stain for Old Deck- Reviews & Buyer’s Guide 2021

When it comes to restoring an old wooden deck, there is no better way than cleaning it up and staining it and not just with any stain but with the very best semi transparent deck stain for old deck. Most of these stains work as sealers too. 

With these stains, you can say goodbye to all those termites and bugs that infest old decks and destroy them in the process. The sealing aspects of these formulas ensure that water won’t seep through the cracks and destroy your deck from the inside. The anti UV in the stains also ensures that the sun rays won’t decolorize your deck. 

With so many deck stains out there, I have reviewed some of the very best deck stains that will work wonders in restoring and maintaining your old deck. Before going to the product reviews section, take a look at the buyer’s guide with all the aspects you need to make the right choice of semi transparent deck stain.

Best Semi Transparent Deck Stain for Old Deck Comparison Table

 

Best Semi Transparent Deck Stain for Old Deck Buyer’s Guide

Before purchasing a deck stain, there are some essential factors worth considering. If you get this right, rest assured that you will get the very best stains that you can use to bring back to life your old deck. Here are the said factors:

• Price

Building a wooden deck is not a cheap project. It can be costly. The products we’ve reviewed are priced reasonably in comparison to their effectiveness. No one likes to build a lovely deck then compromise on the finishing. That’s not to mean that the most expensive deck stain out there is the best. Therefore, analyze before you purchase.

• Opacity

How much you prefer the wood grain to show through will determine what you will buy. A semi-transparent or transparent stain will reveal the wood’s texture quite clearly, giving it a natural rustic finish. However, if you prefer to go with solid colors, a concrete deck stain might be more appropriate. Opacity also determines the longevity of your deck and how soon it will need to reapplication.

• Added Protection

With most deck stains out there guaranteeing protection against moisture, check out for additional protection such as damaging UV rays that can fade the wood’s surface and increase the risk of cracks and splintering. Mold, algae, and mildew resistance is another added value you should look out for to achieve a long-lasting result. 

• Type of Wood

Different types of timber will yield different results. Knowing what works best for your wood type will be primarily influenced by your desired look. To be sure, you can apply a small amount on an inconspicuous part of your deck to determine if it indeed works for you.

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Level of Toxicity

Whether eco-conscious or not, you don’t want to go around endangering the environment by contributing to air pollution and climate degradation. Check to ensure that the stain you are purchasing is VOC compliant and safe for use around people, pets, garden applications, marine life, leaving no harmful residues in soil or water.

Types of Semi-Transparent Deck Stain for Old Deck

Most semi-transparent deck stains in the market are either oil-based or water-based, and choosing between these two can be somewhat confusing. We have ensured to simplify this for you so you can easily decide what befits your project. 

Oil-based stains are better for exterior purposes, while water-based stains for interior surfaces. Since oil sheds water naturally, an oil-based stain will protect against moisture damage ensuring protection against rot, algae, and mildew. Oil-based stains work best for woods that don’t have natural, rot-resistant oils in them, such as pine, spruce, and fir.

Water-based stains, however, don’t contain oils and are therefore recommended for use on cedar, cypress, redwood, and other woods that resist rot naturally due to their natural oils. Depending on their added protection, like advanced sunblock UV defense, most water-based stains are also suitable for outdoor surfaces. They are also preferred as they have little to no VOC content and are eco-friendly.

Best Semi Transparent Deck Stain for Old Deck Product Reviews

Here, my focus is on individual products. I’ll discuss their different features, advantages and disantantages in a bid to help you have a deep understanding of the formulas before picking the right one for your projects.

1. Ready Seal Semi-Transparent Deck Stain and Sealer

Unlike most wood stains which involve applying two coats, the Ready Seal Semi-Transparent Deck Stain and Sealer adds color and seals the wood from moisture all in one step. It is an oil-based stain that penetrates deeply to protect and preserve wood from the elements such as moisture and UV rays giving your wooden surfaces an impressive, bright color finish.

This product is 100% biodegradable when it touches soil or water; therefore, you don’t need to worry about it being toxic to you or the environment. Moreover, being oil-based prevents mold and algae from growing. 

The Summary of Top Features 

• It is an oil-based stain
• You can use a paint sprayer, a paint roller, or a brush for application.
• The formula is 100% biodegradable.
• It requires no wet-line application; the product will blend itself.
• This formula prevents mold and algae from growing.

Advantages

• It is goof-proof. It repels water and reduces the risk of mold & algae growth.
• The formula doesn’t require back brushing and won’t leave runs, laps, or streaks.
• It requires no specific temperature range for proper application.
• Easy maintenance. You won’t need sanding or stripping during reapplication.

Disadvantages

• It takes up to 48 hours to dry after applying.
• Highly flammable in its wet state.
• Not long-lasting. It requires constant reapplication.

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 2. DEFY Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain, Driftwood Gray

 Do you consider yourself as an eco-conscious individual, always looking for the eco-friendliest option available? Or you are planning to restore a wooden deck though hesitant to use an oil-based stain due to the pungent smell? The DEFY Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain is pretty much what you need.

It is an eco-friendly deck stain that is 100% VOC compliant and highly durable. The formula offers resistance to UV rays and is semi-transparent, allowing the wood grain to show through with a natural matte finish.

This formula has the highest quality resins available with better resistance to fading and darkening, applying this product to your wooden deck will keep it looking great for longer. It contains zinc nanoparticle technology which acts like sunscreen for your wood. These tiny zinc particles dispersed throughout the stain reflect harmful UV rays, thus preventing premature graying and color loss.

The Summary of Top Features

• It resists fading and graying.
• Easy to apply. You can easily brush or use a sprayer.
• It is a water-based acrylic.
• 100% VOC compliant.
• The stain offers maximum durability. It contains quality resins that prevent fading.
• This stain offers mold and mildew-resistant.

Advantages

• Ease to apply and maintain. To wash off, you only need to use soap and water.
• Eco-friendly. It works well for both indoor or outdoor purposes.
• It offers resistance against UV rays.

Disadvantages

• It is prone to peeling, flaking, chipping.
• It stains any surface so fast.
• If you plan to apply a second coat, use the wet application because the first coat dries fast if you wait too long, preventing the second coat from soaking in.

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3. #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain for Decks

Nothing beats a glossy, well-maintained wooden deck. If you’re especially looking to wow your visitors then you should consider the #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain. 

As its name suggests, this wooden deck stain is arguably one of the best out there. It is a water-based stain with a low VOC content. It has the latest technology to protect your deck from fading, graying, or peeling caused by the sun’s UV rays.

What makes this semi-transparent wood stain from SaverSystems stand out from the rest is that it can be applied to damp wood, minimizing the wait time between cleaning and staining. 

Similarly, it is dual purpose working both as a deck stain & deck sealant in one. With this wood stain, you will therefore not require any primer. It is also available in 5 beautiful, semi-transparent deck stain colors that allow the wood grain to show through.

The Summary of Top Features 

• Eco-friendly. It is VOC compliant containing less than 50 g/L VOC content.
• Protects against color fade and prevents graying.
• It works both as a deck stain & deck sealant in one.
• Easy to maintain. No sanding or stripping is needed. Wash off with soap and water.
• It can be applied to damp wood.

Advantages

• This formula has a nice even finish.
• It works effectively for both interior and exterior surfaces.
• Highly resistant to mold and mildew.

Disadvantages

• Requires recoating after some time

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4. Rust-Oleum 313835 Varathane Weathered Wood Accelerator, Grey

Ideal for any interior and exterior wooden surface, the Varathane Weathered Wood Accelerator creates a weathered look on bare or untreated wood. It is known to replicate the aging process in nature by reacting with the wood to create a unique one-of-a-kind aged gray look.

This formula works on all types of wood. However, the final look will vary on wood type. Once applied, you don’t need to worry about any unpleasant smell as this water-based formula is low in odor.

It works effectively on both bare and untreated wood. However, you need to sand down raw wood with fine-grit sandpaper in the grain’s direction before applying the Varathane Weathered Wood Accelerator. 

It also reacts differently with different wood types, so before applying, try testing it on an inconspicuous area to verify the final look. The formula is easy to use and maintain. You will only require soap and water to wash it off. To apply, you can use a sprayer, roller or synthetic bristle, or foam brush onto the surface of the wood.

The Summary of Top Features

• It imitates the aging process that happens in nature, achieving a weathered look
• The product works efficiently on both bare and untreated wood.
• Easy to maintain and apply.
• It is suitable for all types of wood; however, the final look will vary on wood type.
• Ideal for interior wooden surfaces.

Advantages

• It is low in odor.
• It is easy to apply by the use of a brush or a sprayer.
• You can apply to reclaimed wood.

Disadvantages

• Not suitable for outdoor wooden surfaces.
• Requires sanding 

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5. Cabot 140.0017417.007 Semi-Solid Deck & Siding Stain

Protect your exterior wooden deck and enhance its natural beauty with this linseed oil-based stain. The Cabot Semi-Solid Deck & Siding Stain is guaranteed to provide long-lasting, vapor-permeable protection that beautifies and enriches exterior wood surfaces. 

It contains non-fade, earth tone pigments to weather slowly over time. These lightly pigmented stains enhance the wood’s natural beauty by allowing the grain, texture, and color variations to show through. 

This formula is especially effective on rough-sawn exterior surfaces. It works excellently on cedar, fir, pine, cypress, spruce, redwood, and plywood panel siding. One feature that makes this product viable is that it combines penetrating oil-based properties with easy soap-and-water clean-up water-based finishes. 

To maximize its performance and achieve a nice, even finish, the surface to be stained should be clean of loose wood fibers and other foreign matter before applying this formula. Previously semi-transparent stained or weathered wood surfaces must be sanded, scrubbed with a detergent solution, or power washed. 

The Summary of Top Features 

• Provides long-lasting, vapor-permeable protection that beautifies and enriches exterior wood surfaces. 
• Formulated with non-fade, earth tone pigments to weather slowly over time 
• It is mold and mildew-resistant.
• Protects against damaging UV rays.
• is for use on exterior wooden surfaces.
• It combines the penetrating properties of oil-based with easy soap-and-water clean-up of water-based finishes.

Advantages

• One coat application.
• It is scuff and fade resistant.
• The stain clean-up using soap and water.
• Easy to apply. You can use a brush, roll, paint pad, or sprayer

Disadvantages

• Not suitable for interior surfaces.
• It requires sanding. 
• Its effectiveness varies on the weather conditions of a place.

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6. General Finishes Oil-Based Gel Stain, GRG

Consider using this oil-based gel stain if you desire to achieve a “hand-rubbed” look without so much work. Loved for its lustrous finish, the General Finishes Oil Based Gel Stain, GRG has a heavy-bodied gel formulation that permits it to flow out evenly. It prevents drips or runs and uneven penetration, thus ensuring consistent color control. It is most effective in interior wooden surfaces. 

Most users attest that it is easy to apply. You can use a foam brush or lint-free cloth. It is self-leveling. Thus, this formula is heavy-bodied and does not penetrate as deeply into the wood as liquid oil-based stains do, hence providing the deepest, richest colors of any oil-based paint available. 

Finally, you don’t have to worry about sanding. It is optional. You can choose to apply over existing finishes and save you time and energy, or you can choose to sand it down before using this gel stain. Both options will yield pleasing results. The difference will be the number of coats applied. 

The Summary of Top Features

• It has a heavy-bodied gel formulation ensuring it flows out evenly, avoiding drips or runs. 
• Easy to apply. You can use a brush, a roll, or a lint-free cloth.
• It has a glossy, even finish.
• Suitable for interior wooden surfaces.
• It doesn’t penetrate deeply into the wood as compared to liquid oil-based stains do.
• The formula works well with both hardwood and softwood.

Advantages

• No sanding required.
• The stain has a glossy effect.
• It doesn’t leave drips or runs.
• This formula has less odor.

Disadvantages

• Not suitable for exterior surfaces.

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7. KILZ L832211 Exterior Waterproofing Wood Stain

Most, if not all, tend to consider the quality and durability of any product before purchasing. With so many brands promising great results, it can be somewhat difficult to discern which one to buy. 

User reviews play quite a significant role in our final choice. However, what can influence one’s decision more than knowing that a particular brand has an internationally recognized award under its belt?

Manufactured by Masterchem Industries LLC, KILZ was named Paint Brand of the Year in 2015 in the Harris Poll EquiTrend Rankings. The KILZ Exterior Waterproofing Wood Stain is an excellent wood stain offering long-lasting protection and a waterproofing finish that maintains the integrity and beauty of wood in variable outdoor conditions. 

This semi-transparent stain protects against mold and mildew and has been formulated with 100% acrylic to protect the wood from damaging UV rays. It is highly durable, warranted up to 3 years on decks and up to 5 years on fences and siding.

The Summary of Top Features

• The formula contains 100% acrylic for UV protection.
• It offers long-lasting protection
• This stain has a warranty of up to 3 years on decks and up to 5 years on fences and siding.
• It is semi-transparent; hence it allows the wood grain to show through.
• Suitable for exterior wooden decks, shingles, wood patio furniture, railings, siding, shakes, and fences
• It is mold and mildew-resistant.

Advantages

• It is waterproof.
• Very durable.
• Easy to apply with a brush, roll, paint pad, or sprayer.
• It is semi-transparent, allowing the wood grain to show.
• The formula has a warranty of up to 3 years on decks and up to 5 years on fences and siding.

Disadvantages

• The product is not suitable for interior surfaces.
• You need to sand before application.

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8. ECO-Safe Wood Treatment – Stain by Tall Earth Wood Preservatives

Professional woodworkers and DIYers who tend to be eco-conscious will find this non-toxic ECO-Safe Wood Treatment Stain with zero environmental impact and zero VOC content ideal for their interior or exterior wooden decks. 

This product’s safety and effectiveness are internationally verified using lab tests. It is safe for use around kids and pets, safe for garden applications, including vegetable garden beds, and it leaves no harmful residues in soil or water.

With this stain, you are sure to restore your old wooden deck without compromising on the quality and finish. This formula penetrates wood fibers, permanently changing the wood structure at a molecular level, ensuring that it will never fade. It provides a silver to brown patina depending on the wood type and leaves a soft sheen. The formula creates a lovely artificial aging look on weathered wood.

Moreover, it never peels or flakes and doesn’t require scraping. One easy application is guaranteed to work for the life of your wooden deck. No reapplication is needed. Similarly, no special surface preparation on a bare, clean wooden surface; however, you’ll need to sand it to allow the stain to penetrate evenly.

The Summary of Top Features 

• Eco-friendly. It has zero environmental impact and zero VOC content.
• Safe for use around kids, pets, and garden applications. It leaves no harmful residues in soil or water.
• Provides a silver to brown patina depending on the wood type and leaves a soft sheen. 
• Suitable for exterior and interior wooden decks.
• It never peels or flakes and doesn’t require scraping.

Advantages

• One-time application.
• The formula has zero VOC content.
• It is easy to mix and apply.
• This stain dries quickly.

Disadvantages

• For best results, sanding is necessary.

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9. Olympic Maximum Wood Stain and Sealer

Are the dangerous UV rays from the sun wearing out your wooden deck? Grab yourself an Olympic Maximum Wood Stain and Sealer and watch while it works wonders in restoring and maintaining your wooden deck. 

It is guaranteed to prevent water damage for a minimum of six years on decks and eight years on fences. This wood stain and sealer has advanced sunblock UV elements to strengthen, protect and condition wood fibers, ensuring the wood’s natural beauty lasts.

The formula allows you to stain when you want, not when the weather dictates, and still achieve excellent results, you can clean and stain your wood on the same day – even after a downpour. This stain is rain-ready after just 8 hours, you can paint when air and surface temperatures are as low as two degrees Celcius (35°F). If the surface is too hot, lightly mist the surface before application of the stain.

The Summary of Top Features 

• It has an advanced sunblock UV defense.
• It provides a mildew-resistant coating.
• It is guaranteed to prevent water damage for a minimum of six years on decks and eight years on fences and siding.
• You can apply it down to two degrees Celcius (35°F)

Advantages

• It is goof-proof. It offers enhanced waterproofing protection.
• It doubles up as a stain and sealant. 
• It is a weather-ready application.  
• It protects against mold and mildew.

Disadvantages

• It requires proper sanding before application.
• Applying in direct sunlight will make it dry too fast, and thus it won’t penetrate properly.

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10. SEAL-ONCE MARINE, 7614

When maintaining or restoring a wooden deck in a high-moisture environment, you need a stain or sealant that creates a flexible, breathable barrier that allows water vapor to escape rather than the one that’ll trap moisture below the surface. This key feature helps prevent damage to wood caused by water intrusion, such as wood rot, decay, mold & mildew growth, cracking & splitting. 

Leading the innovation in cutting-edge nanotechnology to penetrate beneath the surface of wood, SEAL-ONCE MARINE provides superior, long-lasting protection against water damage & decay in moist locations. It doubles up as a wood stain and sealer and is an excellent investment to enhance & extend the valuable life of boat docks, piers, wooden decks, and outdoor furniture.

With an ultra-low VOC, this formula is non-toxic and will not harm people, pets, plants, or marine life. It does not contain nitrates, phosphorous compounds, or heavy metals like many oil-based sealers & stains on the market today. It also allows the wood to age naturally without decay, thus extending its natural life. It is non-film forming and will not alter the natural beauty of the wood.

The Summary of Top Features 

• It prevents mold, mildew & algae growth.
• The formula is very safe for use around people, pets, and marine life. 
• It has an ultra-low VOC. 
• This product is water-based.
• Creates a flexible, breathable barrier that allows water vapor to escape.

Advantages

• Non-toxic. Will not harm pets, plants, people, or marine life.
• It prevents warping, cupping, wood rot & decay.
• Resistant to saltwater spray.

Disadvantages

• Some users have raised complaints about it being a bit thinner.

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Conclusion

A well-maintained wooden deck can go a long way in complementing the beauty of a home, a garden, or restaurant, mainly when surrounded by nature. There is something about it that evokes serenity, sophistication, and coziness. 

However, if neglected, UV rays, moisture, and extreme temperatures can take a toll on them, leaving them a real eyesore, of course, not to mention the looming danger of a possible accident happening when pressure builds up. The deck gives in and breaks, prompting deck owners to end up replacing the whole deck while they can instead get the right stain for their deck and watch as their once-old deck is renewed and refurbished.