Difference between sealer and stain for a deck?

Question

Are u supposed to use both or only one? I have "water repellent" deck stain. I applied 2 coats. Now do I put sealer or something over it, or is that it? Ty!

Answer 1

.....use one or the othera sealer is used if u want to keep the natural color of the wood...it's used on like a ceder wood to keep that cedar look...stain gets into the wood so it won't peel like paint which just sits on the surface....u can stain the deck to any color

Answer 2

The difference between the two is that a stain will actually change the color of the deck and a sealer only "seals" the wood to provide protection from the elements.  If you've used a stain w/ water repellent you're all set.  No need to seal as you used a 2 in 1 product.

Answer 3

It seems if your product is decent, and advertises repellent, then it must be a combo product similar to Min wax Varnish stain for furniture.

   Obviously Stain is just that, a substance used to change/add color. A sealer can be clear, and usually is, and can be applied over treated, stained, plain lumber.

   Depending on the stain used, and it's formulation, you may do an overkill with clear sealer, but it should be compatable with whatever you initially use.

Answer 4

You do not need any additional coats on what you have already done.

As others have said stain adds color and protection, where as sealer only protects the wood.

Additional comment:  You did not mention what brand of material you used. Since you have already done the job there is not much you can do to change things. In the future I recommend that you stay away from Thompsons water seal.  Many people have fallen victim to the advertisements and made the mistake of using it.  There are much better products out there that last a lot longer than Thompsons.    

As an example:   I advised against a friend using Thompsons on their new deck.  I did not have time to seal the deck so they hired someone that used Thompsons. The other person told them I was wrong about Thompsons.   Well the following summer they hired me to come and do it with a good sealer. The only place I could even see that something had been applied was in a corner that mostly gets shade.  The deck still looks like new after more than a year.

Answer 5

Answer; No.  A sealer is a clear liquid that repels water. Stain is a color to stain the wood.  Like paint.  you said you had both in one.  So you dont need a separate sealer too.

   I'm trying to think of the name of a sealer that they advertise all the time.  The most well known.  It is all but worthless.  Don't ever use that kind.  I know you have seen their add on TV.