Unlike deck stain, which adds color to the wood, sealant primarily acts as a clear or tinted barrier that seals the wood surface. Deck sealants come in two primary types: water-based and oil-based.

Unlock to see our ratings and compare products side by side The Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck Clear Sealer is part of the Wood Stains test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Wood Stains ...

also make some semi-transparent and clear options that don’t hold up in our tests. If you want your deck stain to last a long time, your best bet is to choose an option that fares well in our ...