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Best Clear Stain For Deck (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a way to give your deck a makeover, a clear stain could be just what you need. Clear stains for decks are a popular choice because they allow the natural beauty of the wood to shine through while still protecting it from the elements. However, before you go out and buy any old clear stain, there are a few factors to consider.

One of the most important things to think about is the type of wood your deck is made of. Certain types of wood work better with certain types of stains, so it’s important to choose a stain that is compatible with your deck’s wood. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the climate in your area and the amount of foot traffic your deck sees. These factors can affect the durability of the stain you choose.

So, are you ready to give your deck a fresh new look? Before you do, ask yourself these questions: Have I researched the different types of clear stains available? Do I know what kind of wood my deck is made of? Have I considered the climate in my area? By taking the time to answer these questions and carefully consider all the factors involved, you’ll be sure to choose a clear stain that will make your deck look beautiful for years to come.

10 Best Clear Stain For Deck

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
Ideal for protecting and enhancing the appearance of exterior wood surfaces such as decks, fences, and outdoor furniture.
2
Ideal for waterproofing and sealing wood surfaces such as decks, fences, and outdoor furniture.
3
Ideal for sealing and staining exotic wood to protect against water damage, weathering, UV rays, and mold.
4
The product is ideal for protecting and enhancing the appearance of wood surfaces such as decks, fences, and outdoor furniture.
5
Ideal for sealing and protecting outdoor wooden structures such as decks, fences, and siding from weathering and UV damage.
6
This product is ideal for applying deck cleaners, transparent stains, and sealers onto steel decks.
7
The product is ideal for protecting and enhancing the natural beauty of exterior wood surfaces.
8
DEFY sealer is ideal for waterproofing and protecting composite decks from moisture, sun damage, mold, and mildew.
9
The product is ideal for outdoor storage of tools, equipment, and other items.
10
The product is ideal for protecting outdoor wood from water, UV rays, and serving as a stain and sealer.
Ideal for protecting and enhancing the appearance of exterior wood surfaces such as decks, fences, and outdoor furniture.
Ideal for waterproofing and sealing wood surfaces such as decks, fences, and outdoor furniture.
Ideal for sealing and staining exotic wood to protect against water damage, weathering, UV rays, and mold.
The product is ideal for protecting and enhancing the appearance of wood surfaces such as decks, fences, and outdoor furniture.
Ideal for sealing and protecting outdoor wooden structures such as decks, fences, and siding from weathering and UV damage.
This product is ideal for applying deck cleaners, transparent stains, and sealers onto steel decks.
The product is ideal for protecting and enhancing the natural beauty of exterior wood surfaces.
DEFY sealer is ideal for waterproofing and protecting composite decks from moisture, sun damage, mold, and mildew.
The product is ideal for outdoor storage of tools, equipment, and other items.
The product is ideal for protecting outdoor wood from water, UV rays, and serving as a stain and sealer.

1. Ready Seal 500 Clear, 5-Gallon Exterior Wood Stain And Sealer, 5 Gallon

This versatile product requires no primer and can be applied using a sprayer, roller, or brush. It is perfect for a variety of projects and requires no back brushing or wet-line application. It is ideal for use in any temperature range.

With this product, you can ensure a smooth and even finish, regardless of the application method. It can be used in a variety of environments and is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.

This product is easy to use and does not require any special equipment or knowledge. Simply apply it to your desired surface using your preferred method, and enjoy a beautiful and long-lasting finish.

Pros

  • Does not require a primer
  • Can be applied using a sprayer, roller, or brush
  • No back brushing or wet-line application required
  • Can be applied in any temperature range
  • Ideal for a variety of projects and environments
  • Easy to use and provides a smooth and even finish

2. Marine Wood Sealant & Stain – 1 Gal.

Marine Sealant is a liquid formula that offers excellent UV-stable coating for protection against the elements, saltwater spray, and water damage. This sealant is perfect for outdoor furniture, thermally modified wood, and boat docks. It is safe for use over open water and non-hazardous to aquatic life.

Deck Stain is an ultra-low VOC, water-based paint that enhances the extended life of your flooring, siding, and porch. The paint forms a water-resistant shield around wood fibers at the cellular level, preserving the natural color and protecting against water damage.

Waterproof Wood Sealer is a sealer, stain remover, and finish all in one, specifically crafted for wood used on boat docks, decks, and retaining walls near rivers, lakes, oceans, and ponds. This formula offers complete protection against constant moisture.

Wood Sealant is a fast-drying protector that penetrates wood below the surface, coating the wood fibers at the cellular level, creating a long-lasting, flexible, breathable barrier. It is easy to clean with soap and water.

Seal-Once is a user-friendly wood sealer and stain that effectively protects your lumber or concrete against water damage. Its products do not harm pets, plants, or people, providing satisfaction to its users.

Pros

  • Marine Sealant offers excellent UV-stable coating for protection against the elements, saltwater spray, and water damage.
  • Deck Stain forms a water-resistant shield around wood fibers at the cellular level, preserving the natural color and protecting against water damage.
  • Waterproof Wood Sealer provides complete protection against constant moisture.
  • Wood Sealant creates a long-lasting, flexible, breathable barrier and is easy to clean with soap and water.
  • Seal-Once is user-friendly and does not harm pets, plants, or people.

3. Exotic Wood 2-In-1 Stain & Seal – 5 Gal Clear

Protect your exotic wood with this specialized wood sealant that can penetrate even the densest of hardwoods. The Exotic liquid formula works on Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, Teak, Brazilian Mahogany, and cherry hardwoods, as well as Thermally Modified Woods. It creates a UV-stable coating that protects your wood from the elements.

Looking for a wood sealer, furniture and deck stain, and finish for your tropical lumber species? Exotic is the solution you need. This penetrating wood sealer forms a water-resistant shield around wood fibers at the cellular level, preserving the natural color of your wood.

Enhance the lifespan of your deck or porch with this waterproof wood sealer, which is water-based, ultra-low VOC, and easy to apply. Simply avoid brushing with other waterproofing products and apply each coat in the shade or out of direct sunlight.

Looking for a fast-drying stain for your exotic woods? Look no further than this no-fuss, easy-to-clean product that is perfect for exterior use. Protect your wood from water damage and ensure a long lifespan.

Protect your wood or concrete against water damage with Seal-Once wood sealers and stains. Our user-friendly products are safe for pets, plants, and people, so you can have peace of mind while using them.

Pros

  • Specialized formula penetrates even the densest of hardwoods
  • UV-stable coating protects wood from the elements
  • Water-resistant shield preserves natural wood color
  • Easy-to-apply, fast-drying products
  • Safe for pets, plants, and people

4. Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Wood Stain, Crystal Clear 5 Gallon

Enhance the natural beauty of the wood with this water-based semi-transparent wood stain. It offers a stunning matte finish that allows the wood grain to show through. This versatile deck stain can be used on various outdoor surfaces such as decks, fences, siding, playsets, and patio furniture. It is fortified with Zinc Nano-Particle Technology that acts as a protective layer against harmful UV rays, preventing premature graying and color loss.

This DEFY Extreme wood stain is made with top-quality resins that offer better resistance to fading and darkening, making it a durable choice. You can easily maintain the deck by applying a single maintenance coat of DEFY Extreme Wood Stain when the wood starts to show signs of wear. It is water-based and VOC compliant, making it an eco-friendly option for your outdoor projects. Please note that it is not compliant in California due to its 250 VOC rating.

Pros

  • Water-based semi-transparent stain with a natural matte finish
  • Fortified with Zinc Nano-Particle Technology to protect against UV rays
  • Made with high-quality resins for better resistance to fading and darkening
  • Easy to maintain with a single maintenance coat
  • Eco-friendly and VOC compliant (except for California)

Cons

  • – Not compliant in California due to its 250 VOC rating

5. Olympic Maximum Clear Wood Sealer – Ultimate Protection!

Protect your exterior wood surfaces with this clear waterproofing deck and fence sealant. This penetrating formula provides enhanced protection to your wood decks, fences, siding, railings, outdoor furniture and other wood surfaces. With this weather-ready application, you can easily clean and stain on the same day with temperatures down to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Your deck will be ready for rain in just 8 hours. For best results, apply one thin, even coat and easily clean up with soap and water.

This sealant is recommended for use on exterior wood surfaces that are exposed to harsh weather conditions. Whether you have a new deck or an old fence, this clear waterproofing deck and fence sealant will keep your wood looking great for years to come.

Don't let the weather damage your wood surfaces. Protect them with this clear waterproofing deck and fence sealant today!

Pros

  • Weather-ready application allows you to clean and stain on the same day with temperatures down to 35 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Deck is ready for rain in just 8 hours
  • Penetrating formula provides enhanced protection to your wood surfaces
  • Easily clean up with soap and water
  • Recommended for use on exterior wood decks, fences, siding, railings, outdoor furniture and other wood surfaces

6. Tri-Poxy Deck Sprayer – 2 Gal

The 2-Gallon Tri-Poxy tank is a durable and reliable option for all your spraying needs. It features a 4-inch wide funnel mouth opening which makes filling and cleaning easy and hassle-free. This tank is compatible with various deck cleaners, sealers and transparent stains, making it a versatile option for all your outdoor cleaning and maintenance tasks.

This tank comes with 3 poly fan nozzles that provide fine, medium and coarse spray patterns, ensuring that you get the right coverage and finish for every job. The poly shut-off with reinforced hose ensures a steady and consistent flow of liquid, while the ergonomic handle makes pumping and carrying easy and comfortable.

Whether you're a professional cleaner or a DIY enthusiast, this 2-Gallon Tri-Poxy tank is a great investment for all your spraying needs. It's built to last and offers a range of features that make it easy and convenient to use.

Pros

  • Durable 2-Gallon Tri-Poxy tank
  • 4-inch wide funnel mouth opening for easy filling and cleaning
  • 3 poly fan nozzles for fine, medium and coarse spray pattern
  • Poly shut-off with reinforced hose
  • Ergonomic handle for easy pumping and carrying

7. Defy Extreme Wood Stain 1-Gallon (Crystal Clear)

The WATER-BASED SEMI-TRANSPARENT WOOD STAIN is an eco-friendly deck stain that allows the natural wood grain to show through with a beautiful semi-transparent, natural matte finish. This stain is perfect for staining wood decks, fences, siding, playsets, and outdoor patio furniture. The fortified Zinc Nano-particle technology in this stain acts as a sunscreen for the wood. The tiny zinc particles dispersed throughout the stain reflect damaging UV rays, preventing premature graying and color loss.

DEFY Extreme wood stains are made with the highest quality resins available that have better resistance to fading and darkening. The result is a quality semi-transparent deck stain that typically lasts a season or two longer than competitive products. This wood stain is extremely durable and will keep your deck, fence or siding looking great for longer by using DEFY premium wood stains. When it’s time for a maintenance coat, there’s no need to sand or strip the surface again. Simply brighten the wood with DEFY Wood Brightener and apply a single maintenance coat of DEFY Extreme Wood Stain.

This product is 100 VOC compliant and can be shipped to all states, including California. The WATER-BASED SEMI-TRANSPARENT WOOD STAIN is a high-quality product that will make your outdoor space look beautiful and protect your wood from the elements. It's easy to apply, environmentally friendly, and will last longer than other competitive products.

Pros

  • Eco-friendly and water-based.
  • Fortified with Zinc Nano-particle technology that acts as a sunscreen for the wood.
  • Extremely durable and lasts longer than other competitive products.
  • Easy to maintain, no need to sand or strip the surface again.
  • 100 VOC compliant and can be shipped to all states including California.
  • Allows the natural wood grain to show through with a beautiful semi-transparent, natural matte finish.

8. Defy Crystal Clear Composite Deck Waterproofing Sealer, 1 Gallon

Protect your composite deck from the harmful effects of the sun with this water-based, clear composite deck sealer. DEFY Composite Deck Sealer is fortified with zinc nano-particle technology that acts as sunscreen for your wood. The tiny zinc particles dispersed throughout the stain reflect damaging UV rays, preventing premature graying and color loss. This sealer is made with extremely durable, high-quality resins that have better resistance to fading and darkening compared to other competitive products. As a result, DEFY Composite Deck Sealer is a premium-grade, clear deck sealer that typically lasts a season or two longer than other similar products. With DEFY, you can keep your weathered composite deck or fence looking great for longer. It's easy to maintain and, when it's time to do a maintenance coat, there's no need to strip the surface. Simply make sure the surface is clean and apply a single maintenance coat of DEFY Composite Waterproofing Sealer.

Pros

  • Fortified with zinc nano-particle technology that acts as sunscreen for your wood
  • Made with extremely durable, high-quality resins that have better resistance to fading and darkening
  • Premium-grade, clear deck sealer that typically lasts a season or two longer than other similar products
  • Easy to maintain and apply a single maintenance coat
  • Does not change the natural look of your composite deck

9. Lifetime 60243 10 X 8 Ft. Outdoor Storage Shed

The storage shed has an attractive appearance and design that will complement any backyard or outdoor space. It is made of dual-wall high-density polyethylene and sturdy steel reinforced construction that ensures durability and longevity of the shed. The customizable shelving and storage system provides ample space for storing tools and equipment, while the heavy-duty steel trusses offer additional roof strength. The high-pitched roof enables quick drainage of rain and snow, keeping the interior of the shed dry and protected.

For added security, the lockable steel-reinforced doors ensure that the contents of the shed remain safe and secure. The shed features a low maintenance design that is UV protected to prevent weather damage. The slip-resistant high-density polyethylene (HDPE) floor protects against oil, solvents, and stains, making it easy to clean and maintain.

It is important to note that the shed requires a flat hard surface for installation, either concrete or wood. If the surface is not properly leveled, the shed will not assemble correctly, so it is essential to ensure that the installation surface is level before beginning assembly.

Pros

  • Attractive appearance and design
  • Durable dual-wall high-density polyethylene and steel reinforced construction
  • Customizable shelving and storage system
  • Heavy-duty steel trusses for additional roof strength
  • High-pitched roof allows for quick drainage of rain and snow
  • Lockable steel-reinforced doors for added security
  • Low maintenance design; UV protected to prevent weather damage
  • Slip-resistant high-density polyethylene (HDPE) floor protects against oil, solvents, and stains

Cons

  • – Requires a flat hard surface for installation (concrete or wood)
  • – If surface is not properly leveled, the shed will not assemble correctly

10. Sienna Wood Shield – Outdoor Stain Protector

Storm Protector is a high-quality semi-transparent stain and sealer that penetrates deep into the wood to enhance its natural beauty while providing protection from the elements. It is specially designed for exterior wood surfaces such as decks, fences, and sidings. This stain and sealer is a great choice for those who want to protect their wood surfaces from water damage, UV rays, and fading.

This exterior wood stain and sealer can be applied to a variety of wood substrates, including redwood, cedar, pine, douglas fir, spruce, cypress, mahogany, and pressure-treated lumber. Its versatile formula ensures excellent adhesion and long-lasting protection.

One of the biggest advantages of Storm Protector is its ease of use. It comes in a ready-to-use formula that can be applied with a brush, roller, or sprayer. Simply mix it thoroughly and apply it to a prepared wood surface. The stain dries quickly and can be recoated in just a few hours.

Storm Protector offers a variety of finishes, from clear to solid color stains, that not only protect the wood but also enhance its natural beauty. Whether you want to highlight the wood's grain or give it a more dramatic look, Storm Protector has got you covered.

Pros

  • Provides superior waterproofing and UV protection
  • Enhances the natural beauty of wood while protecting it from Mother Nature
  • Can be applied to a variety of wood substrates
  • Easy to apply with a brush, roller, or sprayer
  • Quick-drying formula that can be recoated in just a few hours
  • Offers a variety of finishes to suit your preference

Best Clear Stain For Deck FAQs

Can I use a clear stain on a new deck?

Yes, you can definitely use a clear stain on a new deck. In fact, a clear stain is a great option for those who want to enhance the natural beauty of the wood while also providing protection against moisture, UV rays, and other environmental factors.

However, before applying any stain, it's important to properly prepare the deck surface. This includes cleaning it thoroughly to remove any dirt, debris, or other contaminants that may prevent the stain from adhering properly.

Additionally, it's important to choose the right type of stain for your particular wood species and climate conditions. Clear stains are generally best suited for new or lightly weathered wood, while semi-transparent or solid-color stains may be more appropriate for older or heavily weathered decks.

Overall, with proper preparation and careful selection of the right stain, a clear stain can be a great option for protecting and enhancing the beauty of your new deck.

How long does a clear stain last on a deck?

The longevity of a clear stain on a deck largely depends on several factors such as the quality of the stain, the weather conditions in your area, and the amount of foot traffic on your deck. Typically, clear stains are not as durable as solid stains or paints because they don't have much pigment to protect the wood against UV rays and moisture. However, clear stains can enhance the natural beauty of the wood and provide a subtle sheen that lasts for a year or two.

To extend the life of a clear stain, it is recommended to clean and reseal your deck every one to two years, depending on the condition of the stain and the amount of use it gets. Regular maintenance such as sweeping debris and removing stains promptly can also help to prolong the life of the stain. Overall, the lifespan of a clear stain on a deck can vary, but with proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy a beautiful and protected deck for several years.

How often should I apply clear stain to my deck?

The frequency of applying clear stain to your deck depends on various factors such as the weather, foot traffic, and the type of wood used. As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to apply clear stain to your deck every two to three years. However, if your deck is exposed to harsh weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall or direct sunlight, you may need to reapply the stain more frequently. Additionally, if your deck receives heavy foot traffic, you may need to reapply the clear stain every year. It is important to note that clear stains do not offer as much protection as colored stains, so it is crucial to inspect your deck regularly and reapply the stain as needed. Ultimately, the frequency of applying clear stain to your deck will depend on how often you use it, the climate in your area, and the type of wood used.

What are the benefits of using a clear stain on a deck?

Using a clear stain on a deck can offer many benefits to homeowners. Firstly, it enhances the natural beauty of the wood by adding a protective layer that allows the grain and texture to shine through. It also helps to prevent the wood from fading, graying, or becoming damaged due to exposure to UV rays, moisture, and other weather conditions. This will help to extend the life of the deck and reduce the need for costly repairs or replacements. Additionally, clear stains are easy to apply and can be used on a variety of wood types, making them a versatile option for homeowners. They also require less maintenance than other types of stains or paints, as they do not peel or flake off over time. Finally, clear stains are a great option for those who want to maintain the natural look of their deck without compromising on protection or durability.

What is the best clear stain for a deck?

When it comes to choosing the best clear stain for your deck, there are a few options to consider. One popular choice is a clear penetrating oil-based stain, which is absorbed by the wood to enhance its natural color and protect it from UV rays and water damage. This type of stain is easy to apply and maintain, and it allows the wood grain to show through for a natural look.

Another option is a water-based clear stain, which is a more eco-friendly choice that dries quickly and is easy to clean up with soap and water. This type of stain is also resistant to fading and mildew, and it provides a clear protective coat without altering the wood's natural color.

Ultimately, the best clear stain for your deck will depend on your personal preferences, the type of wood you have, and the climate in your area. It's important to choose a high-quality stain that will protect your deck from the elements and keep it looking great for years to come.

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