Which Sikkens ProLuxe Cetol Product Do I Need?
Sikkens, now sold as PPG ProLuxe, makes several Cetol finishes, and the names don't make it obvious which one you need. The short version: pick by surface. Decks get one product, log homes and siding get another, doors and windows get a third, and Maintenance is only for refreshing a finish you already have. Here's how the line fits together, based on PPG's product information.
Which Sikkens Product for Which Job
| Product | Use it on | Coats / system | Look |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cetol SRD RE | Decks, siding, rails and fences | One coat | Transparent matte |
| Cetol DEK / Premium Deck | Decks and railings | See product page | Transparent |
| Cetol Log & Siding | Log homes, siding, beams and trim (vertical) | Two-coat system | Translucent satin |
| Cetol 1 RE + Cetol 23 Plus RE | Log homes and siding (vertical) | 3-coat system: 1 base coat + 2 top coats | Translucent satin |
| Cetol Door & Window | Exterior wood doors and windows | See product page | Gloss or satin |
| Cetol Maintenance RE | Maintenance coat over existing 23 Top Coat RE or Log & Siding | Single maintenance coat | Clear satin |
For Decks: SRD RE or DEK
Cetol SRD RE is the one-coat choice. It's a transparent matte stain and finish for siding, rails and decks, covering 150-200 sq ft per gallon on rough or weathered wood and 250-400 on smooth wood. Cetol DEK (Premium Deck) is PPG's dedicated deck finish with a transparent look. Both are made for horizontal surfaces that take foot traffic.
For Log Homes and Siding: Log & Siding or the Cetol 1/23 System
Cetol Log & Siding is a high-solids, oil-alkyd translucent stain with a satin finish, applied as a two-coat system and best on vertical surfaces. The Cetol 1 RE base coat with two coats of Cetol 23 Plus RE on top is the classic 3-coat system for log homes and siding. Cetol 1 is a base coat and isn't meant to be left on its own.
For Doors and Windows: Door & Window
Cetol Door & Window is a high-solids alkyd finish made specifically for exterior wood doors and windows, as an alternative to traditional exterior varnishes and polyurethanes. It comes in gloss and satin.
What Is Sikkens Maintenance For?
Cetol Maintenance RE is a non-pigmented, non-darkening clear satin coat. It's for use as a single maintenance coat over weathered 23 Top Coat RE or Log & Siding finishes that were applied as directed and are still in good condition. It revives the sheen and extends the life of the existing finish. It is not a stand-alone stain for bare wood.
RE vs Original Formulas
"RE" products are PPG's reduced-emissions versions for VOC-regulated states. For example, the original Cetol SRD is a 550 VOC formula, while SRD RE is under 275 g/L. Application and colors are the same.
Is Sikkens the Same as ProLuxe?
Yes. PPG acquired the Sikkens North American wood-finish line and now sells it as PPG ProLuxe. Cetol SRD, Cetol 1, 23 Plus, Log & Siding, DEK and Door & Window are the same products under the ProLuxe name.
Not sure which you need? Email Sales@TheStainDepot.com with a photo of your project, or browse all Sikkens ProLuxe stains.