Stains - solid and semi

[Target P/W]

Hello everyone..

I am curious to get some feedback on quality stains and sealers.
I am Wolman certified but the closest store that carries it is an hour away.
Locally, we have, Cuprinol, Behr, Olympic, Sikkens, and a few others.
I am wondering what a good base stain is that has varieties, durability, ease of removal if neccessary, affordability (not too important). Something that is reliable as well, mildewcide, UV, guarantees, one coat preferred.
Currently we are saturated with Behr Deck Plus products which meets all of the criteria above.

Just trying to get a feel for other products out there, do you have any favorites?...and why they are your first choice?.

Thanks.

Chris
[flag]

 

[Jon Fife]

Hi Target,

I used superdeck for a few years, and had good results with the exception that it attracts mildew quite aggressively and it is tough to do a second coat on it.
I started using readyseal this year, and you can't beat the ease of application and simplicity of use. However, durability is my concern, and there seems to be people that love it and hate it. A lot of people say it lasts for 2 years and still looks good, some say it doesn't last 2 months. As far as i am concerned, the jury is still out. I'll look at my jobs after one year and decide about further use. One other point to consider with readyseal is that you use a much larger amount of product than other sealers, due to the penetration factor. But it sure is great to work with. Another plus for the readyseal is that it does not need to be stripped to do it again after a couple years.
I have also used the Lokwood product, which is also quite easy to work with and looks beautiful. I also have limited experience with this product, but feedback i have heard from others is all positive. The thing that excites me about this product is that it is formulated to meet the moisture conditions of the Northwest, a worse mildew climate than we have here in the east. It is also formulated to deal with uv exposure in the mountains. this product is also near the same price-class as the other two i mentioned. This product is also self-tinting for custom work.
This is only my 2 cents worth, but keep in mind everyone will have their own preferences. Some products work well for some people, others can't seem to get a feel for them. Also consider the area that you are in, that should make a difference in your product selection. Good luck and let me know if i can be of any help,

Jon Fife
Nashville,TN

 

[Clean County]

I use either Cabots or Benjamin Moore stains. These two stains from my experiences and from what other contractors and homeowners I spoke or delt with in my area consider to be the better quality of stains.

Ive used Sherwin Williams Cuprinol which was alright but didn't seem as rich in looking as the above two. On Mahogony wood I use Superdecking because its the only stain that I could fine that could penitrate that type of wood.

The stains that I would not recommend are CWF, Thompsons and Behr's. Behr's has the worst reputation among homeowners and especially contractors in my area. When I first started I used Behr's and knowing what I know now I will never use it not even if the homeowner wants me to.

 

[Target P/W]

thanks for the input.

Chris.

 

[debi]

we have real good luck with Flood products on decks especially. They also make a wood cleaner.

 

[Mike Hughes]

Originally posted by debi
we have real good luck with Flood products on decks especially

Flood solids......maybe. But CWF UV ??? Wouldn't want my worst enemy to seal his deck with it. Have you tried stripping one yet?? You'll kick yourself for using it. (opinion).

Mike

 

[debi]

nope. dont plan on stripping it....just applying it

 

[Mike Hughes]

Debi,

That's a real problem. You are not thinking long-term. If you continue to reapply that without stripping, a few years down the road your customers deck is going to look like crap no matter what you do to it.

I know............I have stripped a deck that had 7 coats of CWF on it. It still doesnt look 100%. We put Ready Seal on it two years ago, and this year they had us back to re-do. We cleaned and sealed, and the Ready Seal soaks in some more......looks great.

Do yourself a favor, if you intend on staying in this business for more then two years, start investigating other brands of sealers. There are many many out there..............a few are really bad............those are the ones everyone agrees on........but beyond that it depends on who you ask. There has been many discussions on this in the past........I imagine a search would be fruitful. If not, just make a new post.

Or, carry on and think of me two/three/four years from now when you are fighting with CWF.

Respectfully,

Mike

 

[Deck Works]

CWF-UV is fine on fences but never on a deck.

I use Sherwin Williams Cuprinol, I think it holds up real well and sprays good out of my airless. I've used almost everything and from ease of application and the fact I can pick it up at any S.W store I've stuck with it.

Behr sucks - wouldn't touch it.

 

[debi]

I subcontract for a painter, I make the decisions on the washing, he makes them on the stain. I dont forsee redoing these decks ever.

 

[Clean County]

Debi,

Can't argue with that. Since you are subcontracted by the painter and thats the product he wants then you have to go with it or he will probably find someone else to do these jobs. The bottom line in this and any other business is to make money and sometimes you can't always call the shots as I have found out with working with other contractors also. But these are good connections to have no doubt.

 

[charlie]

When the product fails and home owner gets mad at the painter. Hopefully he won't blame you saying it wasn't cleaned properly. My four cents.

Charlie

 

[PUREPOWER]

Hey Y'all,

I use a local stain manufacturer that makes Weather-Tek. It is a water based formula with acrylic/latex based pigments. Needs recoated after two years on horizontals. Every five years on verticals. Easy to apply, 44 colors,$20/gal,soap and water clean-up, Only failed on me once.
I also use Flood Spa-n-Deck, by Tropicana. Nice stuff...Water based with acrylic pigments...Wood has to be wet or within 16 hours of being washedto apply. 7 colors..I use an airless or HVLP for jobs.
Just started with Spa-nDeck this year, but my sample boards on my roof look good after two years(wife LOVES the boards all over the roof!!!!) This stain penetrates unlike most acrylics. Pretty wild stuff.
CWF-UV is the nastiest stuff to strip aside from Sikkens. And I strip ALOT of Sikkens. Every 3 decks is a Sikkens removal, I get from $2.00/sq ft up to $2.50 for that removal. $5.00/linear foot on the railings. Sikkens does not last long in Pittsburgh area with winters and dramatic change in temperatures, but it is alot of work and sanding after washing.

Just my redneck thoughts.

Jordan

 

[Aplus]

I like a product called TWP. I've been using it for the past three years, and it holds up fairly well. It's an oil based product.

It has always seemed to me that oil based products hold up the best. At least my preference runs that way.

Maybe it's just that I can't get past the thought of CWF, and the memories of it's distinct odor when applying it. Or what a pain in the back it is having to work like a dog to strip it.

 

[Jim Bilyeu]

Hey Jordon,

Are you talking about Timber-Tek? This product has had so many names I can't remember what it's calld now. Use to be Weather-Bos, then Weather-Tek and now Timber-Tek, maby it's the other way around.

Weather-Bos has been around for a good many years. Tember-Tek/Weather-Tex has only been around for the past two/three years. This product was developed in Portland, Oregon in 1998 or 99. I quit using it because we had to many failures and they were putting silacone in the product. If I remember right, they just went national in 2000.

Good luck in using this product, Keep you eye on it real close.

Jim Bilyeu,
Exterior Woodcare