The Best Deck Stain For Pressure Treated Wood Reviews

The best deck stain for pressure treated wood is a tough topic to tackle! Unfortunately, the market is awash with so many choices making it hard to find the right one.

When buying the best stain for pressure-treated wood, the most important thing to consider is your needs and budget. Some stains must be applied multiple times to get full coverage, while others may only require one coat.

Again, it depends on what type of look you want as well as how much time and effort you’re willing to put into maintaining your deck.

In hurry, don’t worry;

Our Top Picks

Best Deck Stain for Pressure Treated Wood

• Ready Seal Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain – (Best for Natural Beauty)
• DEFY Extreme Exterior Wood Stain – (Best Semi Transparent Deck Stain for Pressure Treated Wood)
• Olympic Stain – (Best All Weather Stain For Pressure Treated Wood)
• Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain – (Best Deck Stain For Old Wood)
• Cabot Semi-Solid Deck Stain – (Best Fence Stain For Pressure Treated Wood)
• KILZ L832111 Exterior Waterproofing Wood Stain – (Best Stain Color for Pressure Treated Wood)
• Thompson’s Waterseal Waterproofing Stain – (Best stain for treated wood)
• Rain Guard Water Sealers – (Best Stain Color for Pressure Treated Wood)
• Storm System Two-Toned – (Best Rated Deck Stain for Pressure Treated Wood)

Note: Make sure you know how to tell the difference between treated and untreated wood before buying any wood stain.

Ready, let’s delve in.

The Best Deck Stain and Sealer for Pressure Treated Wood Reviews

When finding the best deck stain for pressure-treated wood, we considered all the important criteria, from durability to color and even ease of application. We also researched real customer reviews to ensure the products we recommend are well-loved.

1. Best for Natural Beauty on Pressure Treated Wood – Ready Seal Gallon Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood

This oil-based, semi-transparent stain and sealer is suitable for nearly all exterior woodwork. It is a unique formula that permeates new wood and protects it from mold, mildew, and harsh  UV rays.

There is no need for an exterior paint primer for pressure-treated wood. When you first apply it, it will be very dark and take approximately fourteen days to reach its final color.

 You should avoid applying this stain to freshly stained exteriors because sealed surfaces block penetration.

 To apply Ready Seal to surfaces, use stain applicators such as rollers, brushes, or sprayers.

Remember; you do not need any back brushing or wet lining when during the application procedure. 

The good thing about the Ready seal is that it enhances the natural beauty of pressure treated wood by allowing the texture and grain to shine through.

PROS

When applied with a small spray tip, it dries evenly with no runs.
Even if you have no prior experience, it is simple to apply.
Regardless of the color you choose, you will be pleased with the results.
It is inexpensive.
You can use it in any temperature range, so you do not have to rely on the weather to use it
You can use it for all exterior wood projects
Serves as a sealant for the wood.

CONS

Blemishes may show through the stain, so thoroughly clean the deck before applying it.
Not environmentally friendly

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2. Best Semi Transparent Deck Stain for Pressure Treated Wood-DEFY Extreme Exterior Wood Stain, Redwood

Defy extreme makes it to our list of the best stain for decks because it’s the most effective in bringing out the natural beauty of the wood. It also protects it from the elements. 

You can use this solid stain on sidings, wood decks, outdoor patio furniture, playsets,  fences, and other similar items.

The stain is friendly to the environment and dries very quickly. So, you can finish your project much faster when using this treated wood deck stain since it dries quickly.

 This stain beads well in the rain, summers, and snow, giving your wood much-needed protection throughout the year. 

Because Defy is a penetrating stain, carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions to achieve the desired results. Understand that the color may appear lighter than you expect, but it will darken over time.

Avoid direct sunlight when applying the stain because it will make the paint dry faster before penetrating the wood as required.

Apply on cloudy days for best results. And, once you’ve begun staining, don’t stop until you’ve finished the entire length of the wood.

PROS

When it dries up, it will not repulse itself.
 It is simple to use
Once you apply the stain, it’ll take you two years or more before you re-apply. 
Best semi transparent deck stain for pressure treated wood

CONS

There are no shortcuts when it comes to minimizing failures.
It is costly, so some people may shy off spending that kind of money on a stain.

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3. Best stain for pressure treated wood–Olympic Stain

Suppose you are looking for a stain excellent at protecting your deck from rotting, mildew, mold, and even cracking. In that case, your search ends with an Olympic stain.

This stain has been around for some time, and so it has cemented its place in most people’s hearts as the best stain for pressure treated wood. 

One of the most beautiful things is applying it when you want and still getting excellent results. You do not have to depend on the weather to do your thing. It gives you absolute control over your staining projects.  

Before starting your painting job, be thorough and thoroughly clean and sand your deck to remove dirt, mildew, and mold.  

Cordon off every surface you do not wish stained with a clean cloth. Keep away from direct sunlight because the sun makes the stain dry fast without penetrating the wood properly. 

Using a semi-transparent toner, begin applying a thin coat using a high-quality brush or a paint pad. For excellent results, do not neglect the edges of your treated deck.

PROS

You do not have to depend on the weather to apply it
The best stain for pressure treated wood deck
It protects the deck from weather elements and even cracking
The stain color matches the color you see on the front of the can.
It’s accurate, and the coverage is just great.

CON

It might take longer to dry though it’ll mostly depend on the temperature and humidity of where you are.

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4. Best stain for old pressure treated deck-Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain for Decks

1 deck premium is one of the best 2 in 1 semi-transparent deck stains for pressure-treated pine, redwood and cedar.

It gives your pressure-treated wood an extra level of protection from the sun, rain, and other elements hence considerably prolonging its life with a significant margin. 

The beauty of this treated wood deck stain is that you just clean it with soap and water. This stain doubles up as a stain and sealer, so you do not have to incur extra costs on buying a sealer once you invest a couple of bucks in this product. It makes your exterior wood look colorful and natural. 

This outdoor stain is friendly to our planet and profoundly penetrates the wood, thus protecting it from water damage. It saves you a lot of waiting since you do not have to wait to dry completely to stain it. Once it is dry to the touch, it’s ready for staining. 

PROS

Cleaning up after using it is effortless.
Works excellent on dump wood to give you flawless results. 
It is easy to apply
Regardless of the color, you pick, you still get the same exceptional results.
It enhances the natural beauty of the wood while letting the wood grain show through. 
It goes on smoothly, just like a dream.
Best deck stain for pressure treated pine
It protects your wood from fading and greying. 

CON

You have to apply coats regularly if you use them on hardwoods to maintain them. 

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5. Best Fence Stain For Pressure Treated Wood-Cabot Semi-Solid Deck & Siding Low VOC Stain

This product is a low volatile organic compound stain meaning that it is safe for humans and other living organisms. It is a specially prepared formula to protect your wood from elements making it more durable.

The product also protects treated pine against scratching and fading.  This product is one of the best wood stains since you only need to apply one coat and still get the results you are looking for. 

So, it saves you the time you could spend when staining if you apply several coats because you have to wait for some time for each coat to dry completely before applying the next one. 

Also, this means that you might have some leftovers to use next time, depending on the size of your deck. You can use this treated pine decking stain on your fencing, patios, and slidings. 

It is a phenomenal oil-based stain you’ll find in the market today. It goes on smoothly without issues. It faithfully penetrates and preserves every surface you apply for a considerable time. 

You can use this product on your large deck, and it will look brand new, and it’ll serve you well for years. 

PROS

It beads up and repels moisture even in a wet climate area
It withstands rain, Uv waves, and even  snow
Best oil-based deck stain for pressure treated wood
It can never lose its integrity to let mold grow in certain spots
It is friendly to the user and the environment. So, it does not pose any danger to you or the planet even if you use it continually for years. 
It is superior to most of the stains in the market in terms of performance and quality.

CON

It is costly, and some people can’t afford it even if they want to try it.

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6. Best Stain Color for Pressure Treated Wood – KILZ L832111 Exterior Waterproofing Wood Stain

If you are looking for a semi-transparent deck stain that can protect the wood from sun, water, and snow damage for three to five years, trying this product can be a wise idea. 

This product protects your new wood or weathered wood from elements throughout the year. The good news is that you can use it on your deck, sidings, shingles, railings, and fencing. 

It has a fair coverage as the first coat can cover an area of two fifty square feet. The second coat can approximately cover an area of 500 square feet. 

For remarkable results, sand down the surface lightly to get rid of debris. Then, shake the can vigorously before you start applying the stain.

Allow the surface to dry completely for twenty-four hours before the first coat.  Put on the stain with a quality brush or pump sprayer.

Follow the correct stain application procedure on the can. It can make your exterior wooden surface appear brand new even if it has been in use for ages. 

PROS

It is affordable, so you can buy it every time you need it without leaving huge dents in your wallet. 
Its quality is acceptable. 
Since it is super thick, just a tiny amount of stain can cover a vast area. 
It preserves the wood for a long time. So, you do not need to re-apply frequently.

CON

It is a bit thick. You have to dilute it in some instances to get the texture you want, and if you are not careful, you may overdo it. 

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7. Best Lightly Pigmented Stain For Pressure Treated wood -Thompson’s Waterseal Waterproofing Stain

Thompsons is an excellent wood stain suitably pigmented to enhance the beauty of the wood while still letting wood texture and grain shine through.

It is a two-in-one formula, meaning that it acts as both a sealant and stain. So you do not have to buy a sealant separately after purchasing it. This product is good at preventing water damage. 

It also safeguards your wood from mildew and fading away, helping it keep its natural color for years ahead. 

You also do not have to wait for hours for the wood to dry after pressure washing it. Once it is dry to the touch, you apply it, and you will not struggle with peeling or cracking afterward.

Once you apply it on your deck, you count for long years before re-applying. For fences and sidings, you’ll wait for approximately six years.

You only need to apply one coat in most cases, but you can apply several coats based on the results you’re looking for. 

PROS

It applies smoothly and looks great when it dries. It is simple to use and effective. 
You only require one coat. Based on the size of your deck, you’ll have some leftovers to use the next time.
It does a great job protecting the wood for a long time hence making it more durable.

CONS

The cans get damaged during shipment due to poor handling, sometimes
The order might take time before getting to your location, so make your order early on.

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8. Best for Cold Weather  – RainGuard Water Sealers SP-8002 Wood Sealer Concentrate

This product makes it to our detailed list of the best stain for decks because of its exceptional ability to protect wooden exterior surfaces from ice, snow, and rain.

You can use the product on sidings, fences, shingles, and the deck to give them a fighting chance against the elements. And once you put it on a surface, it’ll last for five years or more. 

The product prevents the surfaces from premature greying. It is effortless to mix, affordable, and easy to mix. It is also super friendly to the environment. Also, using this product does not put your pets or kids in harm’s way. 

For excellent results when using this product, thoroughly cleanse the area you need to stain with soap and water.  Ensure the surface is as dry as a bone before applying the sealer.

This enables the deck sealer for pressure treated wood to penetrate the wood deeply for the highest level of protection. 

You need painter’s tape, an airless sprayer, and a drop cloth to apply this product. Seal off all the surfaces you do not need to seal to save time cleaning up, including your car.

PROS

It’s effective in guarding the wood against water damage
It is affordable since you only buy one bottle and have some leftover
It is safe for the environment, pets, and kids
It is durable.
Dries clear without altering the appearance of wood

CON

You may need to apply several coats. 

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9. Best Rated Deck Stain for Pressure Treated Wood – Storm System Two-Toned Dual Dispersion Finish for Wood

Storm Wood Stain Protector is an oil-based semi-transparent sealer that infiltrates deep into the wood to provide additional protection against mother nature’s wrath. Since it is semi-transparent, it still allows the wood grain to show through.

It is compatible with all types of wood, including cedar, redwood, cypress, and mahogany.  You can apply it on your fence, sidings, and decks. You use a brush, spray, or roller to put it on.

If you use it on your fence and deck, they’ll stay for three years or more before you redo it. 

This product is superior, and you’ll adore its color richness right off the bat. It goes on quickly and will look gorgeous.  

It gets sludgy at the bottom. Not sure how to counter that, except maybe stir constantly with a paint stir stick throughout the process.

You’ll like it right from the get-go as it is easy to put on and takes about 24hrs or so to dry. It absorbs into the wood from the beginning to give it top-notch protection and gives you value for your hard-earned cash. 

PROS

It is durable and easy to apply
It is affordable 
It is compatible with all types of wood
It doubles up as a stain and sealer, so you do not have to buy a sealer individually.
It is semi-transparent, so it protects the wood while enhancing the natural beauty of wood. 

CON

It can get sludgy at the bottom, so stir it thoroughly with a paint stick throughout the process.

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Best Stain for Treated Wood Comparison Table

What to Look for in the Best Stain for Pressure Treated Deck

We all love our decks because we can sit there and enjoy a cup of coffee on a cold summer morning. Or socialize with an old buddy while grilling out. If you have a new or old deck made out of pressure-treated wood, it can not rot. However, you’ll have to stain it to safeguard it from the elements.

When determining the best deck stain for pressure-treated wood, you must first understand how the wood was treated.

Nonetheless, consider the factors below to help you buy the right best stain for your pressure-treated wood. 

1. Quantity/ Amount Of Paint in a Can

Purchasing paints and stains in bulk is always a good idea. Furthermore, if you have any leftovers, you could sell them on a  local Facebook market or through Craig’s List advertisements.

The critical aspect is that you get enough stain to finish your project. And, with most pressure-treated wood, you’ll probably have to apply several coats.

Note,  some areas, such as the edges, will require more stain than others.

Remember that a standard deck measures 350 sq. So, it’s great to buy a deck stain with such coverage or more to reduce the number of cans you need to purchase and save on cost.

2. Keep an Eye Out on the Level of VOC Content in A Stain.

The Environmental Protection Agency regulates volatile organic compounds ( VOC), which are essentially measurements of poisonous fumes produced as vapor.

Almost all VOCs are harmful, and you should put that into consideration when buying a wood stain. Go for stain with low VOC as it is friendly to you, pets, and the planet. 

You must wear a mask or a respirator to protect you from breathing dangerous fumes when staining the wood.

3. Type of Wood You Want to Stain

It is good to know what type of wood your deck is made of and how the wood was treated to stop it from rotting. Understand whether it is hardwood or softwood.

Has it been pressure treated, wet treated, kiln-dried pressure treated, or was water repellent added to it? Some woods are more porous than others, and therefore it determines if you need a penetrating stain or not.

The age of the wood determines the final results in some instances. If you know the type of wood you are dealing with and how it was treated, you’ll get the right stain for it.

See Also: Best Stain for Douglas Fir

4. Opacity

Understanding opacity is critical when it comes to the effects stain will have on the layout of your deck. Opacity is all about how you want the natural wood grain to appear on the design of your deck.

You achieve opacity by using the following types of stain.

• The semi-transparent stain enables a large percentage of the grain and texture to show through. At the same time, the color is slightly more dominant.

• Transparent/ clear stain contains no color and enhances the natural beauty of your wood. To delve deeper into the world of transparent stains and their differences from semi-transparent options, we’ve prepared a comprehensive comparison guide on transparent deck stain vs semi transparent ones.

• Translucent stain does not conceal the grain or texture of the wood and contains only the lightest tone.

• With its darker shades, semi-solid stain hides most flaws while enabling some of the wood’s grain and texture to shine through.

In case your deck is too opaque for your liking, you can quickly learn how to make stained dark wood lighter to get your preferred shade.

5. Quality of Pigments 

Pigment quality is a crucial aspect in general stain quality. All  High-quality stains containing 100 percent iron oxide pigments can not fade, chalk, or change color and provide outstanding UV protection for the wood.

Natural treatment and staining with high-quality stain, whether water-based or oil-based, can protect the wood from elements and magnify its beauty for many years. 

Benefits of the Best deck Stains for Pressure Treated Wood

Chemicals are used to protect outdoor or pressure-treated lumber from decay and insect infestation. Instead of raising demand for redwood, cedar, or cypress, this process allows consumers and the forest sector to use lower-grade lumber. 

However, unlike wood that is highly resistive to rot and insects naturally, these lower species have a more noticeable grain. They are more likely to splinter and break than cedar or redwood. 

Even if the wood has been treated, you should apply a stain—or at the very least a water repellent—as soon as your item is bone dry. Here are the benefits of treating pressure-treated wood.

1. Avoid Rotting Right from the Start.

If wood is left exposed to the elements without being sealed, it will rot. Rot not only makes wood projects look bad, but it can also put them at risk of collapsing. Mildew, termites, and mold make the wood rot.

Unfortunately, once the rot starts, there is no way of stopping it. Staining your pressure-treated wood and re-applying coats regularly is critical in avoiding decay right from the beginning. Staining also protects the wood from moisture and sun. 

2. Cheaper to Stain

Wood is an ideal surface for outdoor walking spaces, such as decks. Still, it is also subjected to additional wear and tear in this environment due to foot traffic. Though painting is a viable option, in this case, its low durability makes it a wrong choice.

 Paint might crack and peel away with time, denting the appearance and subjecting the wood to the unforgiving elements. Sealant, on the other hand, is less expensive to apply and takes longer before requiring maintenance.

3. Preserve the Natural Beauty of Wood

Wood is naturally beautiful due to the appearance of grain. Staining the pressure-treated wood allows the natural grain to show through while giving it additional protection from the elements.

 Also, stains are available in various colors and shades, and you can customize the colors to get the shade you want. You’ll also find uncolored and untinted stains that do not alter the appearance of wood. 

Equipment to Apply Stain on Pressure Treated Wood

A semi-transparent wood stain is best for decks. These products enable the wood’s natural grain to shine through, permit the wood to breathe easily, and you can simply clean and re-apply as needed.

 Pay close attention to the instructions and avoid overusing these products. You’ll end up with a lovely, glossy finish that will most likely peel off with time; when you apply too much stain, a film, similar to paint, forms that prevent the wood from breathing. 

The final result is peeling, which is a huge mess. Apply only as much stain as your wood can absorb. Even so, here is the essential equipment you need for your staining project.

Paint Protection Equipment

Be sure to put on latex gloves, a mask or respirator, and enough garments to cover your skin thoroughly. 

This is especially important if you’re using a paint sprayer, which vaporizes the paint granules and makes them a bit easier for you to ingest. Protect your eyes too with good quality goggles. Your safety comes first in all that you do.

Also, cover up all the areas you do not want to stain. Understand the VOC levels of the stain you are using before starting the process so that you can get preventive right from the start. 

So, cover up and safeguard yourself from possibly toxic chemicals.

Paint Masker/Masking Supplies

Use a painter’s tape or paint masker to seal off surfaces that you do not want stained.  Paint maskers help you cover up massive parts correctly and accurately. 

You may want to use plastic to protect some surfaces from stain droplets. A paint masker will help you mask large areas efficiently and accurately.

You can also use a drop cloth to protect spraying on plants, floors, and other items you do not need to stain. 

Paintbrush/Paint Roller/Paint Sprayer

You get to decide on how you want to put on the stain onto a surface. However, using the above equipment makes your work more manageable, and you save time.  You can find these items in a tiny handheld HVLP hand sprayer.

If you do not own one, consider investing in an HVLP hand sprayer as it is affordable and makes staining a breeze.

Step by Step Guide on Staining Pressure  Treated Wood

Any exterior wood stain can work on staining your pressure-treated wood. Although both oil-based and water-based stains are available, almost all homeowners go for oil-based stains for pressure-treated wood.

It is so because Oil-based stains penetrate the wood totally, forming a boundary against water penetration. Nonetheless, here’s how to stain pressure-treated wood.

 Step 1: Prep the Wood and Wait for it to Dry

All wood must be thoroughly cleaned before staining, whether it is a brand-new deck or an older deck that has been exposed to the elements and has to be restained.

New wood must be scrubbed to get rid of mill scale,’ which is a smashing of the grain that occurs during the milling operation. It might prevent wood stains from penetrating the pores if you do not deal with it from the start.

Remove old stains, dirt, and mildew from old decks with oxygen bleach wood cleaners.

The importance of preparation in the result cannot be overstated.

Step 2: Use Wood Brighteners 

Spray wood brighteners on and rinse them off after a couple of minutes.

Wood brighteners are simple to use; they unblock the wood surface to enhance penetration, defuse stain strippers previously used, and make old, weathered wood look brand new once more.

This is the most skipped process in the deck staining procedure. It is by far the most straightforward step and has a significant impact on the results. 

Step 3: Stir the with a Painting Stick.

Mix the stain before applying it to your deck before putting on the stain because stain ingredients detach over time.

Step 4: Seal off Every Surface You Wish not to Stain.

Keep the stain off unwanted surfaces. The good news is that you have a lot of options here. You can use a drop cloth or paint masker to help you with this. 

Step 5: Proceed and Stain

Put on the Stain in the most efficient way possible according to your project. If you are staining just a few boards, it is much easier to use a paintbrush simply. However, suppose you are working on a massive project such as a sizable deck or house, use a paint sprayer. You’ll save time and energy. 

Tips to Note When Staining Your Wood

It’s good to come off like a pro and avoid common staining mistakes. So take note of the following tips:

• Some parts of your pressure-treated wood will soak up the stain better than others, so you may need to apply more to such places to achieve a uniform appearance.
• Read the packaging for instructions, since every product is different. It just takes a couple of minutes and ensures that you have all of the relevant information before staining.
• Know how many coats you need to apply, how long to wait between every coat, how many hours after cleaning, and how long to let the wood weather. If you read the label first, you’re more likely to get it right from the start.

Types of Stain for Pressure Treated Wood Deck

Wood stains can either be water-based, oil-based, colored, or natural look. Both are suitable for a variety of applications. 

The project you are working on determines the type of stain you buy when shopping for the best stain for deck pressure treated wood.

1. Water-Based Stains

When you use a water-based stain, you won’t have to wait long to finish your project. Some types of wood absorb water-based paints even when it is a little damp.

If you make any mess, cleaning these water-based stains is stress-free. You use ordinary soap and water, and life goes on. They are affordable, odorless,  and harmless to you, your pets, and the environment.

2. Oil-Based Stains 

These stains are easier to apply and won’t show lap marks. However, there are legendary for being messy and having a strong odor. You have to wait for the wood to dry completely before applying the stain. 

3. Colored Stains

Colored or stained finishes do not usually penetrate deeply into the wood’s pores. They may fade away completely when the finish degrades or when you remove it.

4. Natural Look

These stains you can make from readily available substances such as coffee, tea, berries, etc. they are cheap and enhance the beauty of wood.

FAQs

People are always eager to learn more about something that piques their interest. The best way to know more about something is by asking the right questions. These are some of the questions people ask Google in regard to deck stain for pressure-treated wood. Read on to get deeper insights.

Can You Use Deck Stain on Pressure-Treated Wood?

Yes, you can use deck stain on treated wood. Pressure-treated wood is already rot-proof and is free of insect infestations. But it would be best if you still stained it to give it an added level of protection from UV rays, water damage, and cracking. 

Timing is also important, so you check out what happens if you stain treated wood too soon.

Is Oil or Water-Based Stain Better for Pressure-Treated Wood?

Water-based and oil-based stains can work perfectly on your pressure-treated wood—however, some people use oil-based stains better. 

Oil-based stains offer a uniform finish and will not leave lap marks. Because the dry time is considerably longer, blending your brush strokes to produce a consistent finish is pretty more straightforward. Oil-based stains are easier to put on as they penetrate the wood and adheres to it quickly.

What is the Best Stain to Use on Pressure-Treated Wood?

Water-based stains are generally the better choice when it comes to the best stain for pressure treated deck.

These stains permit s free movement of air in and out of the varnish, preventing it from trapping water and causing decay. Water-based stains preserve color quality for a more extended period.

What is the Best stain for Pressure treated Wood?

We have to the end of the best deck stain for pressure treated wood review. All these formulas are great at protecting and sealing the wood.

However, our best deck stain and sealer is the Ready Seal Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer. Apart from safeguarding and sealing your wood, it also is semi-transparent, and durable. You can use it in all weather conditions and still get excellent results. What more you could ask for from this deck stain sealer for pressure treated wood.