Always tailor your approach to the stain type for optimal results. Water-based stains: Mix a teaspoon of dish soap with a cup of warm water. Oil-based stains: Use a small amount of rubbing alcohol ...

To be clear, I'm talking about solvent and water-based penetrating stains, not exterior semi-transparent stains, gel stains or any type of clear surface coating pigmented to give it color.

Unlock to see our ratings and compare products side by side The Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck Exterior Waterborne Semi-Transparent is part of the Wood Stains test program at Consumer Reports.

Some are designed for indoors and others are exterior stains designed to protect ... on the kind of wood and personal preference. Water-based stains tend to be less expensive, dry more quickly ...