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Staining a deck is one of the most straightforward DIY projects that a homeowner can do, and the first step is choosing among the many applicators for deck stain. While it’s a straightforward project, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s an easy one, so we tested five applicators to help you find the right one.
Deck stain applicators are a little bit different than some of the products we test, as there are not only a lot of products to choose from, but a lot of completely different types of products—including sprayers, brushes, pads, and rollers. As a result, there is rarely an apples-to-apples comparison. However, all four product types are effective ways to stain a deck. After testing five products, we liked the Wagner 529015 Opti-Stain Sprayer best for its efficiency and ergonomics, but all of the top-rated products on this list were quite effective in our tests.
Keep reading to discover more of the best applicators for deck stain and to find out what to consider when shopping for an applicator.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 5 |
| Time spent testing | 5 hours |
| Tests performed | 4 |
| Price range | $13 to $65 |
Best Overall
Wagner 529015 Opti-Stain Sprayer
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Coverage 4.5/5; Ease of Cleaning 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Applicator type: High-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) sprayer
- Weight: 3.88 pounds (empty)
- Material: Plastic
What We Like
- Uses the perfect amount of stain, eliminating waste
- Comfortable grip; sprayer is simple to hold on to and use
- Removable cup makes it extremely easy to clean
What We Don’t Like
- Steeper learning curve than with simpler products
- More expensive than basic applicators
Despite being the most expensive of all the products we tested, the Wagner Opti-Stain sprayer is also the most versatile, efficient, and comfortable to use. Featuring three spray spray patterns and adjustable flow control, this HVLP sprayer can be used to apply thinner stains, sealers, and enamels on a variety of outdoor wood surfaces. If it’s thin enough, the sprayer can even work with deck paints. It also includes a detail finish nozzle for smaller surfaces.
In our tests, the Wagner hit three very important marks: It offered the best coverage and did it using the least amount of stain and in the least amount of time. After getting to know the product and practicing with it for about 15 minutes, we took to some decking boards.
The product sprays quickly, easily, and evenly, while stain waste is almost nonexistent. The 1.5-quart cup can cover about 125 square feet of product, which we were able to do in about 25 minutes. That was significantly more space covered with less product in less time compared to the other products we tested. For example, using a brush, we were only able to cover about 20 square feet in 25 minutes.
In addition, the grip on the sprayer is comfortable and easy to hold on to, especially for bigger jobs—much more comfortable than holding a roller pole. Cleaning is also a breeze compared to brushes and rollers. Just remove the cup, rinse it with water or solvent, and then rinse the sprayer with water or solvent. The higher price is really the only downside to the Wagner, but when factoring in time and stain saved, there’s an argument that the Opti-Stain sprayer is the only choice.
Get the Wagner applicator for deck stain at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
More Applicators for Deck Stain That We Like
In our tests, we also found that these cost-effective options offered great coverage and were the perfect tools for deck staining and deck sealing.
- Wooster Pro Shed Resistant Knit Roller, available at The Home Depot.
- Bates 7.5-Inch Deck Stain Brush, available at Amazon, Walmart, or Bates.
- Shur-Line 9-Inch Tear Resistant Deck Pad, available at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Walmart.
- Cabot Wood Stain Pad Applicator, available at Amazon or Ace Hardware.
How We Tested the Best Applicators for Deck Stain
Before we got our hands on the applicators, we looked at nearly a dozen top-selling products. We considered applicator type, brand, material, and user reviews as we assessed the potential pros and cons of each product. We picked five different products (sprayer, roller, brush, and two pads) from five different companies to ensure a diverse roster to test and find the best applicators for deck stain.
We put each of these products through both a rigorous evaluation and testing process, which included using both water-based and oil stains, as well as a gel stain. We used two types of decking for our tests: pressure-treated yellow pine and red cedar. With all of the products, we covered about 250 square feet.
In testing, we evaluated specific criteria, including ease of use, best coverage, and how easy it was to clean the product after use. We also considered price, construction, and durability in our overall evaluation.
What to Consider When Choosing an Applicator for Deck Stain
With so many different options, there are several things to consider when choosing stain applicators for decks. From the size of the project you are working on to how often you may be staining your deck in the future, there are important questions to ask before committing to a type of applicator. For a smaller project that only needs to be done once, a brush or roller might do the trick. For a large deck or fence that might need to be restrained in the future, investing in a sprayer may be the right choice.
Types of Applicators
Brush
Brushes used for applying deck stain are often larger and have bigger, stiffer bristles than their counterparts designed for painting. A deck-staining brush is designed to be able to hold a significant amount of stain in the bristles. A brush is a labor-intensive option, likely best for smaller projects that demand a degree of control when applying.
Pad
Pad applicators for deck stain are absorbent pads that suck up stain, which can be applied to a surface with a little bit of downward pressure. Staining pads can be attached to poles to make the job quicker. Best for smoother projects like decks, staining pads are disposable and can’t be used more than once.
Sprayer
Electric sprayers hold stain in a pressurized reservoir, where it is pushed through a tip, normally coming out in a mist, to cover a surface. Sprayers can cost three to five times more than some of the other options, but they often are faster, result in better coverage, and are easier to clean than other options. Spraying a deck stain can also conserve stain and limit waste.
Roller
A stain roller cover is similar to paint roller cover. An absorbent fibrous cover is put on a roller frame and stain is applied by dipping the roller in stain and rolling it over the surface. When a roller frame is attached to a pole, the job can go more quickly. Roller covers are reusable to an extent; however, getting all the stain off of a roller cover is often labor-intensive.
Type of Stain
There are several different kinds of deck stains, from oil-based to water-based to gel stains. (These products also often deck sealers as well, protecting your deck from the elements.) The applicators reviewed are suitable for oil-based and water-based stains, as well as transparent, semitransparent, and colored stains. We tested gel stain as well, with the best results from the brush, roller, and pads. Gel stain did work with the sprayer but had to be significantly thinned with solvent, which kind of defeats the purpose of gel stain that’s specifically designed to go on thick, preventing runs and drips.
With lacquer and varnish-based stains, you will want to avoid using applicators that could leave behind fibers, such as roller covers and pads. Brushes or sprayers are the best choices for these more viscous finishes.
Mind the cleanup instructions for whatever stain you choose. Water-based stains can be cleaned with just water, while oil-based stains normally need to be cleaned up with some kind of solvent, like paint thinner or mineral spirits.
FAQs
Still have questions about the best applicator for your deck stain project? Check out the most commonly asked questions and their answers below.
That depends. A roller could make quick work of a large, flat deck, while a deck with intricate railings or small spaces might be a job for a brush. Both are effective depending on the situation.
Yes. In many cases, a sprayer is the fastest, most effective choice for the job.
An electric sprayer can accurately and evenly apply stain to most surfaces while wasting less stain.
Yes. While it’s not absolutely necessary, a good cleaning with a power washer can ensure the new stain will soak into the wood.
A 9-inch roller with a ⅜-inch nap offers solid coverage that is still easy to control.
Most manufacturers recommend two coats of stain on a deck to ensure a proper and protective seal.
Meet the Tester
Mike Larson is a professional journalist based in Pittsburgh and the owner of a 100+-year-old house. He’s become well versed in the world of DIY home repair and maintenance.