2025 Solid Exterior Stains: The Pro’s Guide to When to Use Them, What to Buy, and Why They Rock
(Because sometimes your deck just needs a little Def Leppard-level coverage.)
Your looking at the exterior of your house and or deck. You bow your head in a little prayer becasue you know the time is here to restain the siding. Maybe the deck looks like its been hit with a sandblaster of banna peels and flaking paint? Well I feel your pain- if you have not seen out deck stain adventure check it out! It has been aweful!! BUT- we are here to show you success and show you if you need to stain- take a look or listen to our 2025 Solid Exterior Stain guide!
Why Go Solid stain?
Let’s say your deck is looking more Motley Crüe than modern farmhouse. Gray, cracked, splotchy, maybe patched up with a few replacement boards? That’s where solid exterior stains come in and crank it to eleven on that dial! .
Solid stains are the power ballad of the wood world: deep, dramatic, and built to last.
Unlike transparent or semi-transparent stains that show off the wood grain, solid stains lay down an opaque finish that covers imperfections, locks out UV rays, and gives you long-term protection with minimal fuss.
But solid stain isn’t for every stage or surface. (it can make mattters worse than overstaying family members) Keep reading to find out when to use it, what products rock the hardest, and how to avoid a peeling nightmare.
Top Uses for Solid Stains in Northern Illinois
Here in Huntley, Crystal Lake, Elgin, and the surrounding towns, we’ve got it all: hot sun, freezing winters, sideways rain, and sometimes all in the same week. That means wood takes a beating. Solid stains are ideal for:
- Older decks with mismatched boards or repairs
- Faded or gray fences you want to match your trim
- Vertical siding that needs uniform color
- Composite decking that’s lost its color (yup, solid stain can bring it back)
- Sheds or pergolas you want to match your home’s palette
Solid stains hide blemishes, seal out moisture, and give you the freedom to go with bold colors or subtle tones. Just know that they hide the wood grain completely. If you want that natural cedar look? This ain’t it.
Real-Life Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Maximum UV protection (no more graying)
- Hides wood blemishes and aging boards
- Huge color selection (depending on brand)
- Ideal for older decks or siding
- Can be used on composite, masonry, or weathered wood
Cons:
- No wood grain visibility
- Can peel if not applied properly
- Recoating in the future requires good prep
- Needs at least 2 coats for solid coverage
The Pro Picks: Solid Stains That Actually Perform
We’re not here to plug big box brands or link to affiliate stores. Bob Villa, Lowes and GHTV make enough money! Not that some of the other brands wont work- I cannot give you feedback becuase we dont use them ir see them in use, so it wouldnt be right for me to talk about something i dont know.
These are the solid stains professional painters actually use on real homes right here in northern Illinois.
✨ Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck Solid Color Stain
- Finish: Flat, rich color
- Good For: Decks, fences, siding
- Pros: Excellent color retention, customizable color matching, great adhesion
- Cons: Requires thorough prep or it may peel in high-traffic areas
- Where to Buy: Sherwin-Williams stores only
✨ Sherwin-Williams Deck & Dock Coating
- Finish: Textured, thick build
- Good For: Damaged or splintering wood
- Pros: Fills cracks, skid-resistant, waterproof
- Cons: Very thick, not for every surface, limited colors
✨ Sherwin-Williams WoodScapes (Solid)
- Finish: Acrylic or oil-based solid
- Good For: Vertical siding and trim
- Pros: Self-priming, flexible film resists cracking, easy to touch up
- Cons: Not ideal for decks or foot traffic
✨ Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Solid Stain
- Finish: Flat/matte
- Good For: Decks, siding, historic homes
- Pros: Low-VOC, long-lasting color, excellent UV resistance
- Cons: Slightly tricky to apply on rough surfaces
- Where to Buy: JC Licht, local Ben Moore dealers
✨ Sikkens (now PPG ProLuxe) SRD Solid
- Finish: High durability, beautiful rich finish
- Good For: High-end homes, siding, and woodwork
- Pros: Deep penetration, durable as heck, legendary with pros
- Cons: Pricey and best applied by a pro
✨ ReadySeal (Note: More Semi-Transparent, but Worth Mentioning)
- Finish: Oil-based, natural look
- Good For: Homeowners who want ease of use
- Pros: No lap marks, no back brushing, easy to reapply
- Cons: Limited to wood tones, not truly a solid stain
Pro-Level Exterior Stain Comparison Chart
| Brand | Best Use | Finish | Cost/Gal | Colors Available | Recoat Time | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SuperDeck Solid | Decks, Siding | Flat | $55-65 | Custom Match | 4-6 hrs | 8-10 yrs |
| Deck & Dock | Damaged Decks | Textured | $65-75 | Limited Neutrals | 6-8 hrs | 10 yrs |
| WoodScapes Solid | Vertical Siding | Flat/Oil | $55-60 | Custom Match | 4 hrs | 7-10 yrs |
| Arborcoat Solid | Decks/Siding | Flat | $60-70 | 75+ Colors | 4-6 hrs | 8 yrs |
| Sikkens SRD Solid | Premium Exteriors | Matte | $70-80 | Rich Naturals | 6-8 hrs | 5-7 yrs |
| ReadySeal (for contrast) | Fences/Decks | Oil-Based | $45-55 | 8 Wood Tones | N/A | 3-5 yrs |
Prices vary by store. We reference Sherwin-Williams, JC Licht, and local pro paint suppliers in Huntley, Algonquin, Elgin, and Crystal Lake.
Stain Color Considerations
Want a bold barn red? A clean white to match your siding? A rich charcoal for your modern farmhouse deck? Not every brand can pull it off.
- Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore can color match virtually anything
- Sikkens focuses on rich, natural tones
- ReadySeal only offers pre-tinted wood hues
Pro tip: Always get a sample and test it on your actual surface in both sunlight and shade. Solid stains look different depending on surface porosity and lighting.
Application Tips from the Field
- Prep like a rockstar: Power wash, sand peeling spots, and let it dry fully
- Watch the weather: Apply between 50°F–90°F, and avoid rain for at least 24 hours
- Two thin coats > one thick one
- Brush into grain if possible, even when spraying
- Use a high-quality brush or roller designed for stain, not paint
Where to Buy & What to Ask When buyin Exterior Stain
Don’t expect help in the paint aisle at a big box store. Instead, head to your local:
- Sherwin-Williams Store (Elgin, Algonquin, Crystal Lake)
- JC Licht (for Ben Moore)
- Independent paint dealers
Ask about:
- Tinting options
- Dry time for your weather
- Surface-specific prep
- VOC levels if needed
The Honest Truth
Solid stain isn’t sexy. It’s not for showing off mahogany wood grain or giving you that rustic cabin-in-the-woods look.
But if you want long-term protection, uniform color, and less maintenance than clear or semi-transparent finishes? Solid stain is the arena rock of home exteriors.
If you’re unsure where to start, grab a few sample quarts, test them out, and if you’re still overwhelmed—you know who to call.
Need help picking a product or getting it applied right? Let’s talk stain strategy.
- ✅ Free color consult with our interior designer
- ✅ Background-checked crews
- ✅ 3-year workmanship warranty
- ✅ Free touch-ups within a year
And hey, don’t forget about our “Give $200, Get $200” referral program.
Check out a article we wrote The 7 problems with deck Painting and Staining
D’Franco Painting & Wallpaper YouTube — Watch, learn, and see our work in action.
Ready to rock your exterior? Let’s make it legendary.
