Years ago I wondered why Consumer Reports rates Behr semi transparent stains so favorably, yet as a professional, I’ve experienced how terribly difficult to apply, evenly. It’s even more awful to remove once the silicon in the stain fails and peels.
I was talking with a Benjamin Moore Representative, David Guffey and was informed that Consumer Reports doesn’t offer its rating purely on the results of their testing, but they also weigh their rating based on sales. Perhaps, rightfully thinking, if consumers are buying it, then the product must be good. As you know, Behr is sold exclusively in the number 1 home improvement retailer in world, Home Depot. There is an implied trust that if Home Depot sells Behr, then it is surely good and because they sell such a large volume the stain must be great. (the plethora of pretty tv commercials ensuring durability and long term protection doesn’t hurt to push their product either.)
Initially, Behr semi transparent stain appears to be more durable, what makes it durable is the silicon in the product. You may be familiar with silicon as it is used in caulking around your house to protect bathrooms from water or mold issues and also seal cracks creating a more pleasing look. As you may know, when caulk fails it cracks, peels and has to be cut out with a putty knife. As you can imagine using a putty to remove stain on a 300 square foot deck with railings and steps isn’t efficient!, thankfully we use other method, still, it’s very difficult.
DeckStainHelp.com did a thorough evaluation of Behr’s semi transparent stain and came to the same conclusion I did with a much more thoughtful explanation and a score of 4.625 out of 10. The bottom line message is BEWARE.
BEHR’s Premium semi-transparent wood stain offers a 100% acrylic formula that penetrate into wood to deliver complete protection from the elements on decks, fences and siding. The silicone-fortified formula protects from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Behr’s Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain is available in 83 custom colors allowing the natural wood grain to show through.
Behr Wood Deck Stain Scores (1-10)
Appearance After Initial Stain Application:2
– Behr’s Premium Deck Stain is a 100% acrylic stain which means it is a water based product. We found that the stain does not penetrate into the wood as promised in it’s description. Product had the look of a semi-solid stain not a semi-transparent stain. 80-90% of the wood grain was masked by the heavy pigment. A good way to describe the finished appearance is to compare Behr Deck Stain to a watered down paint. The Cedar color we choose was much darker/redder then other brands.
Preventing UV Grayingat 2 Year Mark: 8
– Behr Deck Stain performed well in the areas where the stain was still on the surface of the deck after the 2 years of testing.
Wear/Tear and Peeling:1
– The worst that we have ever tested! The Behr Deck Stain had peeled on 80% of the decking surface. This stain seemed to offer little to no protection on the flooring after the 2 years. The railings did hold up much better.
Cost Per Square Foot: 4
– Behr Premium Deck Stain costs $39 per gallon. The manufacturer stated 250-350 square feet per gallon when actual coverage was less then 150 feet per gallon. We used 20 gallons for the 1200 square foot deck translating to a per square foot price of $.67 a foot.
Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 9
– As expected with a water based stain, Behr had no mold or mildew on top or growing in the stain. Small amounts of algae were present along the perimeter of the home.
Ease of Application: 1
– Nothing positive to say here. We tried applying by manufacturer directions with horrible results. Behr suggest applying with a pump sprayer and back brushing with a pad applicator. Problem is the stain does not apply evenly or at all with a sprayer. We switched to a pad applicator but still had horrendous results with ease of application. It was next to impossible to achieve an even finished appearance with the Behr Stain.
Color Shifting (darkening)after 2 Years: 8
– Behr Deck Stain retained close to 90% of it’s original color after 2 years. No noticeable darkening and the railings looked like they had not changed at all in appearance.
Difficulty of Reapplication:4
– The Behr Deck Stain would be difficult to fix. Since the stain failed so badly we would suggest a professional cleaning with a stain stripper and possibly sanding of the entire surface.
Overall Score Defy Extreme Stain at 2 Year Period: 4.625
– Behr Premium Deck Stain gets our lowest score to date of all deck stains tested. The initial appearance, application and peeling makes Behr Decking Stain a poor choice for any exterior wood restoration project.
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