• Solid deck stain lends an opaque, rich finish to decks.deck with a view image by Bruce Shippee from Fotolia.com
  
  Solid deck stains hide the color of the underlying wood, but are thinner than paint so the grain and texture aren't obscured. The properties and qualities of solid deck stain vary between manufacturers -- one coatings manufacturer even adds Teflon to its deck stain, reports "Paint & Coatings Industry" magazine. Solid deck stain is available in oil- and water-based formulas, and comes in a wide range of colors.
  
  

Colors

• Unlike semi-transparent stains, which are primarily available only in natural wood tones, solid deck stain can be mixed in a wide range of colors just like paint. If you want a more daring color than cedar, tan or redwood, have the paint store tint the deck stain to a cool blue or sunny orange.
  
  

Peeling

• Since solid color deck stain coats the surface of the deck instead of penetrating it like a semi-transparent stain, it will eventually peel and wear away. This means that every three to five years you'll have to strip the deck in order to apply a fresh coat of stain. Solid color stain is not formulated to be recoated multiple times like paint, so maintaining a deck finished with solid stain takes a commitment to keeping your deck protected and looking good.
  
  

Sheen Levels

• Solid deck stain is available in flat and satin finishes, which can give a glossy, sophisticated appearance to your deck in addition to being easy to clean. To slip-proof a deck that gets wet, such as around a pool, add some fine sand to the stain for a slightly more abrasive surface.
  
  

Hiding Blemishes

• Solid deck stain may be a good choice if your current deck is very discolored or stained beyond cleaning. Because it hides the decking, it will transform a blotchy, ugly old deck into one with a uniform surface.