In the past, Consumers Report has done tests and given recommendations.
Their top three rated were Cabots, Sikkens, Wolman F&P. There are also a few regionalized penetrating oil stains that contractors use - these are SuperDeck, ReadySeal, and Menwood.[LEFT]
Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/forum/painting/167507-best-deck-stain.html#ixzz1rYyT2uVp
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sikkens[/h] [INDENT] i have seen good results with sikkens.its a 2 part application.1st is the stain.2nd is the clear coat.both parts have a color to them to achieve the end result finish look.i have found that to give a very deep,rich look to the wood.very expensive however.but its like putting armor on that wood.i always say the worse it is for you the better it is!!and i must say if you stain the wood before you put it up, use it outside.this stuff will get you going if you know what i mean and the fumes really burn your eyes.looking past the health issue as we always do,i give sikkens a thumbs up and would use it on all my exterior wood apllications. [/INDENT]
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I have used Rhinoguard. First it is very expensive. Second, it took two coats of the very expensive stuff. Third, if you live it a humid climate, it takes a long time to dry (like over a week). Once dry, it does hold up pretty well. I did my deck about 4 years ago and it doesn't look awful but it doesn't look great. I am going to do it over but not with Rhinguard. I'm looking for a different product. The way Rhino works is it uses the water base to transfer the chemicals to the wood. The advertising says the water will evaporate out of the treating chemical. At any rate, it is good in a dry climate but doesn't hold up as long as they advertise.
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Cabot worked best for me before I gave up on wood and went composite. I'm in Michigan and nothing stands up to our climate very well. The thing I think is more important than the type of stain is the prep work you do before application. Nothing will last very long if the wood isn't in good condition. [LEFT]
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