Oil-Based vs. Water-Based Decking Stains
Hi, I’m Scott Paul, a licensed exterior restoration contractor with over 30 years of experience and 10,000+ deck restorations. This comparison of oil-based and water-based decking stains is based on my own hands-on field experience, not manufacturer claims.
Whether you want a deck stain that’s more natural looking or one with a bit more color, it’s important to protect the wood with some type of water-repellent wood stain. All types of wood decking are subjected to harsh weather conditions that can cause UV fading, water damage, and mold/mildew issues. One of the main choices you’ll have to make when choosing a decking stain is whether to go with an oil-based or water-based stain.
- Oil-based stains penetrate deeper due to smaller molecules, offering better durability and a more natural, wood-grain-enhancing appearance than water-based stains.
- Water-based stains are more environmentally friendly with lower VOCs, quicker drying times, and better color retention, but are less forgiving to apply.
- When oil-based stains fail, they fade gradually and are easier to maintain, while water-based stains tend to peel or flake, requiring more prep work.
Table of Contents
Oil-Based Decking Stains
Oil-based stains are used for all types of wood projects such as decks, fences, gazebos, and outdoor furniture. Both synthetic and natural oils are used in oil-based stains. The more common oils used are linseed, tung, paraffin, and rosewood oil.
Oil decking stains penetrate wood very well and provide excellent protection. Oil molecules are smaller than water molecules, so they penetrate better by comparison. The better a wood decking stain penetrates, the better it performs and lasts.
By nature, oil-based deck stains are easier to apply than water-based. They’re perfect for the do-it-yourselfer because they’re user-friendly and can give you professional-looking results. Oil stains are normally more natural looking than water-based stains, enhancing the beauty of the wood by allowing more of the wood grain to show through.
Most oil-based stains have a strong odor and can be expected to have longer drying and curing times compared to water-based deck stains. Though a longer drying time can be inconvenient, it actually helps the stain achieve a more even finish.
Water-Based Decking Stains
Water-based decking stains have become increasingly popular in recent years due to stricter VOC laws in many states. Water-based stains can retain their color better than oil-based, but they’re not as user-friendly.
Water-based deck stains also dry much quicker and have far less odor. Compared to oil-based, they don’t penetrate as well and lack in performance, though there are some exceptions.
Where an oil-based stain will fade over time and be easier to maintain, a water-based decking stain will normally peel or flake off once it fails and is considerably harder to maintain. Water-based wood stains clean up easily with warm water and soap, and they’re also environmentally friendly.
Oil vs. Water: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Oil-Based | Water-Based |
|---|---|---|
| Penetration | Deep — smaller molecules soak into wood | Shallower, sits closer to the surface |
| Ease of Application | Easier, more forgiving for DIYers | Less forgiving |
| Odor | Strong | Much lower |
| Dry/Cure Time | Longer | Much quicker |
| Color Retention | Fades gradually over time | Holds color better |
| How It Fails | Fades — easier to maintain | Peels or flakes — harder to maintain |
| Cleanup | Mineral spirits | Warm water and soap |
| VOC/Environmental Impact | Generally higher VOCs | Lower VOCs, more environmentally friendly |
Select a wood decking stain that fits your needs best. Consider factors such as stain longevity, ease of application, appearance, and maximum protection.
See DeckStainHelp.com for additional info regarding water-based vs oil-based wood and deck stains.
Oil-Based vs. Water-Based Stain FAQ
Which lasts longer, oil-based or water-based deck stain?
Oil-based stains generally last longer because they penetrate deeper into the wood, which improves durability and performance. Water-based stains tend to sit closer to the surface, and while they hold their color well while intact, they’re more prone to peeling or flaking once they do fail.
Which is easier for a DIYer to apply?
Oil-based stains are generally easier and more forgiving to apply, which is part of why they’re popular with do-it-yourselfers. Water-based stains dry faster, which can make timing your application trickier if you’re not experienced.
Why do some states require water-based stains?
Water-based decking stains have become more popular due to stricter VOC (volatile organic compound) laws in many states, which limit or restrict the sale of certain oil-based products. Water-based formulas are generally lower in VOCs and considered more environmentally friendly.
How does each type fail over time?
Oil-based stains tend to fade gradually as they wear, which makes maintenance easier since you can typically just clean and recoat. Water-based stains are more likely to peel or flake once they fail, which usually requires more prep work, including stripping, before recoating.</p
Which stain type has less odor?
Water-based stains have significantly less odor than oil-based stains, which often have a strong smell due to the oils and solvents used in the formula. This is one reason some homeowners prefer water-based products for projects near living spaces.
Can I switch from an oil-based stain to a water-based one, or vice versa?
Switching between the two typically requires fully stripping the old stain first, since oil-based and water-based formulas don’t bond well to each other. Attempting to apply one type directly over the other without proper prep can lead to poor adhesion and premature failure.
We stained our deck 2 years ago. It needs another coat since the sun has really been harsh on it. Do I have to do anything other than power washing, if I’m using the same stain?
Use the RAD Cleaner and Brightener kits while pressure washing for prep: https://www.opwdecks.com/best-selling-cleaner.htm
How long after a deck is rained on can you apply stain? Is it better to use an oil or water based stain on wood that may have internal moisture?
48 hours. Does not matter the base.
We just had our deck stained yesterday and I am concerned by the amount of oil/sticky spots. I hope that the sun will dry it, but the application looks a bit sloppy to me. The painter said it ‘should’ dry. I am in north Georgia and the humidity levels have been very high the last few days.
The decking was installed in March 2020, but we have some extreme sun exposure on it. So much that it was starting to dry and crack. The stain was an oil based semi-transparent stain from Sherwin Williams.
Any advice?
If ti does not dry correctly in the next few days it will most like have to be stripped and redone.
Should choose a brown color for dyeing like Cedar. It will cover the defects of the wood. Australia Timber oil base at the Lowes is more better and cheaper than William.
Can you use oil based stain on pressure treated wood such as plywood?
Yes.
I just had my decks done and they are very slick still and it has been 72 hours since it was done. It is extremely hot here and humid. Will it eventually seep in or is there some way to clean it off so that it is not so slippery anymore?
Depends on the brand and type of stain you have? Pictures would help.
What do you recommend in Phoenix, Arizona, USA? We are building a deck that is basically on the ground. It is on boards that are laid on the ground, not stilts or legs of any sort. Several months out of the year we stay above 100 F, and even though it doesn’t rain often, when it does, it rains a lot
For new wood, see this article: https://www.opwdecks.com/when-to-stain-a-new-deck.htm
What type of stain would you recommend for ACQ lumber? It’s a brand new outdoor deck. I live on Long Island where we have all types of weather. Should I go with water based or oil based?
See here: https://www.opwdecks.com/when-to-stain-a-new-deck.htm
What product do you recommend to seal a pressure treated plywood floor in a shed? The shed will contain tractor equipment which can drip oil, hydraulic fluid, and snow/slush onto the floor.
Try this: https://www.opwdecks.com/armstrong-clark-stain.htm
my deck has been stained with oil based stains for years. This year i was hoping to just put a “clear” coat of something on the deck this year to take away some of the dullness. what clear finishing product could i use over the oil based stain?
You cannot add a clear coat over a deck stain. It will not soak in and it will peel.
[quote name=”mike wright”]how do I removed an oil based stain from my deck before applying a fresh stain[/quote]
Do you know the brand and the type of stain that it was? Solid, semi-transparent, etc?
how do I removed an oil based stain from my deck before applying a fresh stain
It is raining here so my new outdoor porch cover wood is wet. The wood was kiln dried, but has been in the rain for 3 or so weeks. Before they put the cover on it I would like to stain it. Will the stain adhere to the wood and stay on? Would you recommend an oil based stain rather then the water base? We live in Washington so the winters and springs are pretty wet. One more, do you have a product you recommend?
Bill, there is a link on the top of the left hand column for samples. There are many colors in the Honey range. You should strip off the old stain. Apply a stripper and pressure wash off. Use a wood brightener when done.
I need to restain and seal my log home. I don’t see any samples on your web page. Presently my logs aea honey color. Do you offer something in that color? I have a True North Log Home stain on the logs now. I believe it to be a oil base stain. Do I need to power wash the logs and allow them to dry then restain?
This is the second time I have sent your an email and was never answered with the first email.
Help, time is a wasting!
Sincerely,
Bill Morey.
kathy, we are an online dealer for deck stains. Not sure about local availability of products.
I am stripping my deck at this time and wonder what stain to use. I live in the foothills outside Seattle and we get a lot of rain. Sun too in the summer. I used Sikkens CRD cedar before but thinking about TWP or Defy. I don’t think many places sell Defy out here so I’d have to have it sent. Do you know why that is?