The best deck sealer will protect the deck from damage while still allowing the natural beauty of the wood grain to show through. A clear deck sealer won’t reveal an uneven application ...

Using heavily pigmented sealers and water repellents that are deeply colored are akin to applying a sunscreen to your deck that might have a sun protection factor of 100 or higher.

DEAR TIM: I put my wood deck to bed for the season about a month ago. Suffice it to say I was really upset. Back in the spring I went to great lengths to clean the deck and reseal it. I purchased ...

Some products don't have enough pigment to block the UV rays of the sun that turn wood gray in color. Skip to Article. ... Many deck sealers fall down on the job. Updated: Dec. 21, 2012, 4:26 p.m.

I put my wood deck to bed for the season about a month ago. Suffice it to say I was really upset. Back in the spring I went to great lengths to clean the deck and reseal it. I purchased an ...

You get the best protection from a sealer that has lots of dark pigment. The pigment acts like sunscreen. It sacrifices itself to the UV rays and slows the destruction of the wood fibers.

Wood-deck sealers come in many “flavors.” There are water-based sealants as well as a few oil-based products. Some are heavily pigmented; others have just a hint of pigment.

Consumer Reports' experts break down how to use clear or semi-transparent wood stains for your decking projects. Achieve the look you want for your deck with our advice.

The best aren't always the costliest. Here's what you need to know—and what to avoid.By Haniya Rae, Paul HopeStaining a wood deck doesn’t just add to its beauty; it adds a layer of protection ...