Top 6 Best Deck Stain For Full Sun (2022 Reviews & Buying Guide)

Properties made with concrete, masonry, and wood easily get attacked by weather elements such as humidity, sun, and water, especially when exterior furniture like the old deck you are looking to re-stain soon. Of the weather elements, the sun happens to be a big deal!

Yea, big deal because of its capacity to reduce the life span of your deck. The sun emits harmful UV rays that weaken wood fibers, cause discoloration graying and fading over time. When these exterior decks absorb UV rays for a long time, they soon begin to crack and splint.

And one day, they are no more. This is why they need to be protected with the best deck stain for full sun.
Seeing what you have built over the years deteriorate due to weather elements can be frustrating. However, it is not as disappointing as choosing from a variety of wood stains available in the market.

We know it can be hard to find the best stain, which is why we have selected a few products from the top 6 best deck stains for full sun in 2021.

Our recommendation of the best deck stain for full sun is based on real experience and sincere customer reviews. Here in this best stain for full deck review, you will find answers to the best deck stain for your full sun deck, how to stain a deck, what you should look out for when choosing your deck stain, and also choose from the top best 6 deck stain for full sun.

What is the Best Deck Stain for Full Sun?

Choose from our top 3 picks

Last update on 2024-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The best deck stain for full sun are those with the capacity to as sunscreen that blocks UV rays. These deck stains are fortified with heavy pigments such as Zinc nano-particles and heavy resins. These particles reflect and disperse UV rays and prevent discoloration and graying of your wood decks.

One such deck stain is Defy Extreme. Moreover, the best deck stain for full sun may also be oil-based deck stains with penetrating oil like linseed oil. These oils penetrate wood grains, enhancing the natural beauty of the woods.

Is it better to Stain or Seal a Deck?

Staining versus Sealing? A stain is different from a sealant even though both protect woods. While a sealer only protects wood from moisture, insects, rot, and mold, a stain not only protects wood from these weather elements, it also contains pigments that block ultraviolet rays. These rays dry out woods and cause them to crack and discolor.

However, a sealer does not have pigments that protect woods from UV rays and damage from the sun. Hence, a stain is a better option than a sealant for your exterior woods.

How to Stain an Old Deck

• Clean deck to remove dust.
• Depending on the existing stain, sandpaper to get rid of old staining and painting. Also, smoothen to remove splinters.
• Clean with water and soap
• Dry out (some stains can be applied on damp surfaces)
• Apply stain

Top Best 6 Deck Stains for Full Sun

• Cabot 140.0017417.007 Semi-Solid Deck & Siding Low VOC Exterior Stain, Gallon, New Redwood
• Defy Extreme 1 Gallon Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain, Cedar Tone
• Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain And Sealer For Wood
• Thompsons Waterseal Th.043851-16 Solid Waterproofing Stain< Woodland Cedar
• Thompsons Waterseal Th.043851-16 Solid Waterproofing Stain< Woodland Cedar

1. Cabot 140.0017417.007 Semi-Solid Deck & Siding Low VOC Exterior Stain, Gallon, New Redwood

Special Features: Brand: CABOT, Color: New Redwood, Material: HAWA, Model Name: Semi-Solid Deck & Siding Stain Low VOC, Item Weight: 9.53 pounds, Product Dimension: 6.75×6.75×7.75 inches, Size: 1 Gallon

Cabot Semi-Solid Deck & siding stain is one amazing deck stain in 2021 that answers your question of what is the best deck stain for full sun. This deck stain is uniquely formulated for superior durability for your old decks and woods. It is packed with amazing features.

Firstly, CABOT 140.0017417.007 deck stain contains linseed oil that penetrates deep into your exterior woods to beautify and protects your woods from ultraviolet rays. The linseed pigments work through the grain, texture, and color of your old decks enhancing the beauty. The acrylic 1300 series features an oil-based penetrating property that is easy to clean up when applied.

Secondly, among the features that qualify it as one of the best stains for full sun decks in 2021 and exterior wood is its anti-fading properties. Cabot 140.0017417.007 features anti-fading properties that allow your old decks and exterior wood surfaces to weather through harsh temperatures also has fade-resistant properties.

Thirdly, Cabot 140.0017417.007 stands best among the semi-solid deck’s stains in 2021. Because of its consistency, it requires only one coat application. This is a good product that covers your old deck beautifully.

Fourthly, it dries fast. Within 12 hours the stain becomes hardened on any wood surface and dries completely with 2 weeks. This deck stain is worth every penny and is great for decks, siding, and fencing.

2. Defy Extreme 1 Gallon Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain, Cedar Tone

Special Details: Manufacturer: SaverSytem, Brand: Defy, Color: Cedar Tone, Model Name: DEFY Extreme 1 Gallon Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain, Item Weight: 8.2 pounds, Item Model Number: 300158, Size: 1 Gallon, Volume: 5 liters, Material: water Based, Finish: Matte, Product Dimension: 7.25 x 7.25 x 7.75 inches

Looking for the best deck stain to restore the beautiful natural matte your old deck once had? Defy Extreme deck stain is the one for it. It is a water-based semi-transparent wood stain great for staining many wood furniture including decks, fences, siding, outdoor patio furniture, playsets, and more. You would never go wrong with this deck stain.

Why choose Defy deck stain? With Defy deck stain, maximum protection from UV rays is guaranteed. Defy deck stain is specifically made for your exterior old decks as it contains zinc nano-particles that act like sunscreen for your eyes.

The zinc particles help to reflect damaging ultraviolet rays. This in turn prevents premature greying and color loss. This feature alone qualifies this deck stain as one of the best deck stain for full sun decks in 2021.

Moreover, Defy deck stain is manufactured with an anti-fading and anti-darkening property called resins. This allows your deck to last up to two seasons when compared to other types of deck stains.

For reapplication purposes, this deck stain is easy to maintain. It does not require sanding or stripping. A single maintenance coat does the magic!

Defy deck stain is 100% VOC compliant in all states including California. It is available in crystal clear, cedar tone, natural pine, light walnut, butternut, redwood, and driftwood grey colors.

3. Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain And Sealer For Wood

Special Features: Manufacturer: Ready Seal, Part Number: 512, Item Weight: 1 pound, Product Dimension: 12x12x13.75 inches, Size: 5 Gallon, Color: Natural Cedar, Material: Oil-based, pattern: Stain and Sealer

After tons of research, we discovered Ready Seal 512 is another best stain for full sun decks in 2021. This deck stain is packed with amazing features different from the ones reviewed in the time past. For your old decks and exterior woods, this is surely an excellent product you would want to give a try.

For this product, you need not worry less about environmental pollution. What this means is although this deck stain is oil-based, it is 100% biodegradable!

Yet another reason why we consider Ready Seal 512 as one of the best deck stain for full sun is that it does not need wet-line application as it blends itself. You also may not get your desired color on the application because it takes a minimum of 2 weeks to reach its real color. Nevertheless, the outcome is always great.

Also, Ready Seal 512 doesn’t require diluting or thinning before application. It is a ready-to-use deck stain. Moreover, this deck stain can be applied in any temperature range.

In addition, Ready Seal deck stain is great on any exterior surface except sealed surfaces as they inhibit penetration. It is easy to maintain as it does not require sanding or stripping for a reapplication.

Ready Seal 512 deck stain is available in different colors such as light oak, pecan, natural cedar, redwood, mahogany, burnt hickory, mission brown, and dark walnut.

Lastly, Ready seal 512 deck stain is easy to apply and does not require a primer before application. When applying this full sun deck stain, we recommend you don’t back brush as the product never leaves runs, laps, or streaks. It may be applied with a sprayer, roller, or brush.

For its application, here are some decks staining tips for 2021:

• Surfaces should be free of dirt, oil, grease, mildews, and dust.
• Allow the wood to dry for 48 to 72 hours depending on weather condition
• Apply deck stain with a brush, roller, or spray.
• Blend multiple colors to achieve consistency.
• Apply two light coats in 45 minutes intervals.
• Depending on humidity, temperature, and surface porosity, allows drying time of 48-72 hours.

4. Thompsons Waterseal Th.043851-16 Solid Waterproofing Stain< Woodland Cedar

Special Details: Brand: Thompson’s Water Seal, Color: Woodland Cedar, Model Name: Waterproofing Stain- Solid, Surface Recommendation: Wood, Item Dimension: 6.63×4.19×10.25 inches, Item Model Number: 043851-16, Item Weight: 9.3 pounds

In this best deck stain for full sun reviews in 2021, we have also selected Thompsons Waterseal deck stain as one of the best deck stain for full sun. Haven used this product on quite a several outdoor furniture projects, we are glad to report the outcome of this deck stain to you.

This deck stain when used on your old decks forms a protective coating that resists UV damage from full sun. It also prevents damage from water during humid temperatures; hence it is suitable for all exterior woods.

Moreover, Thompson Waterseal deck stain can be applied to freshly clean damp or dry wood. So, go on to stain even when the rain pours. Thompson deck wood stain also contains an advanced polymer that provides fade-resistant color to your old decks and woods.

In addition, the Thompson deck stain has a pudding consistency that spreads easily on woods and dries as quickly as it is applied.

Thompson’s best deck stain for full sun is available in various waterproofing colors woodland cedars, acorn brown,

5. #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain for Decks, Fences, & Siding – 1 Gallon (Cedar)

Special Details: Brand: SaverSystems, Material: Water-based, Color: Light Walnut, Size: 1 Gallon, Finish: Flat, Item Model Number: 300518, Product Dimensions: 7.5x4x12 inches

This is another great strain for full sun decks that can be used for exterior purposes. This deck stain is the best even for your pressure-treated woods.

Your pressure-treated woods may have undergone chemical treatment which protects them from termites and rot, however, they still need to be stained and sealed. This is why you should purchase Deck Premium Semi-transparent wood stain.

Deck premium acts like a stain and a sealant for your old decks that are always at the full glare of the sun’s exposure. This stain and sealant are to prevent and protect your exterior woods from damage caused by exposure to weather elements.

Not only that, it adds color to your old decks and protects them from fading and greying. It also seals your old decks preventing damage caused by water penetration. This would leave your deck still holding up and heading water after six months.

Moreover, this deck stain is one of the best semi-transparent deck stains in 2021. It allows the wood grain to show through it. It is also eco-friendly and can be easily cleaned with soap and water when applied wrongly. However it is very thin, so you may require more than you budgeted for. In addition, it has low VOC.

In addition, #1 Deck stain works on damp wood, hence reducing the wait between cleaning and staining. This implies you don’t have to wait for your wood to dry. It can be used on pressure-treated Pine, Redwood, Cedar, Fir, or most other softwoods. Even if your deck is made of hardwood, do not fret. #1 Deck stain is the best match.

Deck premium deck stain is available in 5 beautiful semi-transparent deck stain colors including natural, cedar light walnut, dark walnut, and driftwood grey. This deck stain is not cheap though, but it is worth the price. #1 Deck stain is best applied with a brush. We would recommend this product over and over again.

6. Cabot 140.0003457.005 Australian Timber Oil Stain, Quart, Amberwood

Special Details: Brand: Cabot, Color: Amberwood, Model Name: Australian Timber Oil, Item Weight: 2.1pounds, Product Dimension: 4.25×4.25×4.75 inches, Part Number: 140-3457 QT

After first use, you would be grateful you found this product. First, we would like to say that this stain is an amazing oil-based stain for full sun decks because it coats perfectly and lasts longer with simply amazing results. It features 3-way oil protection that penetrates deep into your deck grains offering maximum protection to your heavy-traffic decks.

First of the oils is a superb-grade linseed oil in its most consistent and purest form. This linseed oil penetrated significantly into your wood deck surfaces more effectively than other raw or refined linseed oil.

The second is a premium tung oil, extracted from a tung tree nut. This oil has stood the test of time as a wood care ingredient.

The last oil is long-oil alkyds, a tough resin that imparts durability to heavy-traffic deck surfaces. Cabot Australian deck stain repels water and takes in the sun’s UV rays like a champ.

Needless to say, this is the best deck stain for your full sun decks. In addition, you don’t need to be a professional to get the best result at a fraction of the price

Features to look out for in a Deck Stain when choosing the Best Deck Stain for Full Sun – Buyer’s Guide.

Choosing a deck stain goes beyond selecting the best color and brand. Factors such as the age of the deck, if your deck is previously stained or painted are some you should consider. Here are some features of the best deck stain for full sun reviews 2021.

Oil-based versus Water-based Stain: While both oil-based and water-based deck stains serve the same purpose, they both have their unique properties and benefits over the other.

• Oil-based deck stains (Alkyd-based stains)
• They penetrate the wood grain and help to prevent cracking.
• They repel water and reduce the growth of mold.
• They take longer to dry up to 48 hours
• They are less expensive
• They require a strong-smelling solvent to clean brushes and sprayers after application.
• They are flammable only when wet.
• Water-based deck stains (Acrylic-based stains)
• They sit on wood grains instead of penetrating it
• They dry quickly between 2 to 3 hours
• They are rather expensive.
• They have low VOC hence are non-flammable.

Type of Wood: Some wood species can withstand years of elements than others.

Redwoods are the best wood for your full sun decks. They contain natural oils and tannins that resist insects, moisture, and decay naturally.

A transparent stain can however be applied every year to refresh its color. Cedars naturally resist decay, rot, and insect damage and are the best wood species for your decks. However, they can benefit from the best deck stain for full sun annually.

Teak: Unlike redwood and cedars which are softwoods, teaks are hardwoods. They also have natural oils that protect your decks from moisture damage, fungus, and decay. Teak deck woods can last up to 50 years when left outside and they do not require deck stains.

Pressure Treated Woods are woods treated with chemicals to prevent rotting. Deck stains should be applied to pressure-treated woods 6 months after installation for maximum result.

The opacity of the Deck Stain: This is the degree of transparency or opaqueness. This determines the finished look of the deck and the degree of protection. Deck stains are available in four opacities including toner, semi-transparent, semi-solid, and opaque.

The toner contains little or no color when applied and will mostly need reapplication yearly. The semi-transparent deck stains are the most popular. They add little but noticeable color to your deck and offer some degree of protection. However, they still require recoating every 2 to 3 years

The Semi-Solid also called semi-opaque pigment that covers the wood grains. Recoating every 3 to 4 years is needed.

The opaque (solid deck stains) completely cover wood rain and offer the most coverage. It protects your full sun decks the longest. Recoating every 4 to 5 years is needed.

UV Protection: The best deck stain for full sun contains UV blockers that reflect ultraviolet rays from the sun. They also contain heavy pigments like resins that prevent discoloration of deck woods.

Eco-friendly: A biodegradable wood deck stain is a better option than a non-biodegradable deck stain. When using a non-biodegradable stain on exterior deck surfaces, a drop cloth can be used to cover nearby vegetation.

Low or no VOCs/ VOC compliance: Pressure-treated woods are already embedded with chemicals. Choosing a low or no VOCs sealant is a great choice especially for large deck woods to prevent you from inhaling toxic fumes.

Final Verdict- Our Top Picks

Our overall best deck stain for full sun decks is Cabot 140.0017417.007 Semi-Solid Deck & Siding Low VOC Exterior Stain. This product is the perfect solution to preserving and renewing the face of your old decks. The linseed pigments work wondrously through your deck grains, preventing them from discoloration and greying.

Think of long-lasting protection, think of Cabot Semi-Solid Deck stain. Although the most expensive, it is actually worth the buy.

Aside from being the second-best in this deck stain for full sun reviews, Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain also qualifies for the best stain for pressure-treated woods.

This semi-transparent deck stain gives your deck a uniform color while still showing the wood grains. Just ensure you don’t try and cheat- follow the instructions on how to stain a deck for full sun. You would be impressed at what lays before you.

Ready Seal 512 Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood comes third as the best deck stain for full sun. With Ready seal, you need not worry about your safety as it is 100% biodegradable. Do you want to save a lot and still get the best deck stain?

Go for Ready Seal deck stain. No primer for application and no sanding for reapplication. Just your deck and stain, and of course, some extra bucks in your wallet.

Thompsons Waterseal Th.043851-16 Solid Waterproofing Stain Woodland Cedar is our fourth pick. With the testimony flying around about Thompson’s Water seal changing and improving, you should consider trying it if you are on a tight budget.

Stain is water-based and can be used on a damp surface, reducing your waiting time. The outcome still turns out great nevertheless. Only that we wished it had more color choices to choose from.

Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain for Decks, Fences and Siding, and Cabot 140.0003457.005 Australian Timber Oil Stain, comes fifth and sixth the respectively. Both products are awesome, less expensive, and the best buy for the money. Restoring your old deck would be the pleasure of these two great products at any temperature.

Final Thoughts – Best Deck Stain For Full Sun

Choosing the best deck stain for your old decks can be tricky but carefully following the tip laid out here will help you decide right. We only hope your home is as beautiful as you have always imagined.

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