Best Brush for Staining a Deck: How to Choose
The right brush makes a bigger difference with deck stain than most people expect. A good stain brush holds a lot of stain, pushes it into the wood grain and lets you back-brush out drips and puddles so the finish soaks in evenly. Here's how to pick one, based on the brushes we sell and use with the stains on our site.
Quick Picks
| Brush | Best for | Stain type |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic / Arroworthy Stain Brush | Deck floors, fences and log walls; works on an extension pole | Oil-based (TWP, Sikkens and similar) |
| Bestt Liebco Stainer Brush | All-around deck and siding staining | Oil or water-based |
| Wooster Yachtsman | Railings, trim, doors and windows | Sikkens Door & Window, Cetol 1, Cetol 23 Plus |
| Wooster Lindbeck Pro Classic | Detail and cutting in, angled sash sizes | Sikkens Door & Window, Cetol 1, Cetol 23 Plus |
| 9" Stain Pad | Covering large flat areas fast | Most penetrating stains |
| Chip Brush and Foam Brush | Touch-ups and one-time small jobs | Disposable |
Best Brush for Deck Floors and Fences
For the deck floor, a wide stain brush is the fastest way to work stain into the boards. The Dynamic stain brush uses a natural bristle blend that applies oil-based stains quickly and evenly, and its handle unscrews so you can attach a standard extension pole and stain standing up. Use the 4" size for decks and the 6" size for fences and log homes. It's recommended for TWP and Sikkens stains.
Best Brush for Oil or Water-Based Stain
If you switch between stain types, the Bestt Liebco stainer brush is made from a bristle blend that works with both oil and water-based stains.
Best Brush for Railings, Trim, Doors and Windows
Film-forming finishes like Sikkens Cetol 1, Cetol 23 Plus and Door & Window need a smoother finish than a deck floor. The Wooster Yachtsman uses white China bristle that's soft enough to flow out fine finishes, with a short sash handle that's easy to control on deck rails. The Wooster Lindbeck Pro Classic is a black China bristle brush in 2", 2-1/2" and 3" angle sash sizes for cutting in. We use both in the field with these Sikkens finishes.
Brush, Pad or Sprayer?
- Brush: best penetration and control; the standard for deck floors and the only good choice for film-forming finishes.
- Stain pad: a 9" pad holds plenty of stain and covers large flat areas quickly while keeping stain off your hands.
- Sprayer: fastest on fences and siding, but always back-brush afterward so the stain soaks in and doesn't run or puddle.
Tips for a Better Finish
- Stain two or three boards at a time along their full length to avoid lap marks.
- Back-brush any puddles; stain that sits on top instead of soaking in can stay tacky.
- Use natural bristle brushes with oil-based stains.
- Clean oil-based brushes with mineral spirits right after you finish.
Shop all stain brushes and applicators, and email Sales@TheStainDepot.com if you're not sure which brush fits your stain. Brushes ship free when you order them with stain.