Water VS Oil Based Deck Stain and Sealer – All You Need to Know

Even if the deck is made of high-quality redwood, cedar, or the pressure-treated lumber, it is still at risk and requires the best solid deck stain. There are many factors that can damage the beauty of your deck and make it dull, including UV rays of the sun, moisture, grease or oil, dirt from foot traffic, and furniture scratches. Fortunately, there are a variety of deck sealers and stains that help to reverse the damage and revive its appearance while acting as a layer of protection against these elements.

Sealer vs. Stain

Many people looking for the service, restore a deck stain near me believe deck sealer and stain are the same as both protect the deck from the environmental damage. But, there is a fine line between both of them. No doubt, deck stain, and sealer are comparable as both have the same ingredients, but a stain seals and imparts color to the wood, contrary to that sealer is transparent.

Both of these products preserve your deck by repelling water, and both are mildewcide to prevent mildew & mold growth, and UV-blockers, depending on what brand you choose. You can go both with the best deck stain for full sun protection as well as a sealer.

Water-Based vs. Oil-Based

Deck stains are different from paints in the way that they don't remain on the surface. They are designed to penetrate the wood and protect it from the elements. People have used Oil-based deck stains for decades, and they do an excellent job when it comes to protecting the wood. On the other hand, water-based stains are relatively new and are becoming quite popular now. Both of them have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Oil-Based Deck Stains

It is quite easy to apply oil-based deck stain, and the application of maintenance coats is also simple. You can easily find the best solid deck stain according to your preferences from the market. However, the finish fades away with the passage of time, but you can re-apply it every year.

Pros

• Oil-based stains are easier to apply. They penetrate into the wood of the deck and thus adhere to the wood.

• As the oil-based stains penetrate well into the wood, they do not peel off like water-based stains. When their time limit reaches, they just fade away rather than peeling.

• They provide an even and smooth finish and don’t create lap marks. They have a longer dry time, so you can blend your brush strokes for creating a more smooth finish.

• The maintenance of oil-based stains is easier.

Cons

• Oil-based stains last lesser than water-based stains.

• By using oil-based stain, your deck might turn black because the resins in these stains contain some materials acting as a food source for mildew, algae, and mold. When looking for the service, restore a deck stain near me, you will get many experts who prefer to use oil-based stains. 

• They contain a higher amount of VOCs, which are bad for the environment.

• Oil-based stains take a longer time to dry, i.e., nearly 48 hours. It can be a serious problem, especially when you are living in a wet and humid climate.

Water-Based Stains

Water-based stains are relatively new and are bringing some amazing benefits to deck staining. It is expensive compared to oil-based stains, but friendlier to the environment, dry fast, and lasts longer.

Pros

• Water-based stains minimize the growth potential of mold, algae, and mildew, and they do not have any food source for them. They have zinc nano-particles offering natural resistance to mildew growth.

• They dry quickly, and within 1 or 2 hours after application, you can walk on the deck.

• Water-based stains are more breathable, so moisture doesn't get trapped in the wood. They act as the best deck stain for full sun protection.

• If you apply water-based stains accurately, they last longer because of a better ability to retain the color and amazing UV-resistance.

• With these stains, you enjoy convenient cleaning as there is no need for any potent solvents.

• They have low odor and are completely non-flammable.

• They offer easy maintenance; when they start fading, simply clean the surface with soap and water. Reapply the maintenance coat, and you'll not need to do stripping and sanding.

Cons

• When water-based stains are over-applied, they peel off because they do not penetrate the wood. Be careful and keep in mind to apply as much stain as the wooden deck can absorb.

• During application, water-based stains require more care and time, and you can't use any shortcuts. Water-based stains fail when you don’t take the needed time during application.

Conclusion

Water-based deck stains are the best solid deck stain; they require more effort and time as compared to oil-based stains, but eventually, it pays off because of greater durability. Oil-based stains take less time and effort to apply, but at the same time, they do not last as long as the water-based stains do.

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