Olympic Elite Stain And Sealant Reviews:Is It Worth It?

Hey there, fellow deck enthusiasts! If you’re on the hunt for a stain that’ll make your outdoor wood pop while standing up to the elements, let me introduce you to Olympic Elite Advanced Stain + Sealant in One. I’ve been through the wringer with deck stains, and this one’s a game-changer. It’s not perfect, but it’s got the chops to transform your deck or fence into a stunner. Trust me, you’ll want to grab a can of this stuff—your wood deserves it. Let’s dive into my experience, the good, the bad, and how to make it shine.

My Experience With Olympic Elite Stain And Sealant

I’ll never forget the first time I used Olympic Elite on my weathered cedar deck. It was a hot summer day, and my deck looked like it had seen better days—gray, splintery, and begging for love. I picked Olympic Elite because of its promise of rich color and long-lasting protection, and boy, did it deliver in some ways. Applying it felt like giving my deck a new lease on life, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Here’s how it went down:

Rich Color Payoff: The semi-transparent finish in Mountain Cedar gave my deck a warm, natural glow that highlighted the wood grain. It was like my deck got a fancy makeover overnight.

Smooth Application: I used a brush and roller, and the stain went on like a dream—no streaks or clumps. Just make sure to back-brush if you’re spraying to avoid uneven spots.
Quick Drying Time: It was ready for light foot traffic in about 24 hours, which was a lifesaver since my dogs needed yard access. No sticky messes here!
Mildew Resistance: After a rainy fall, I was thrilled to see no mildew or mold creeping in. The stain’s protective layer held strong.

UV Protection: The color stayed vibrant for the first year, even in full sun. No fading or chalky residue, which I’d dealt with before.
Tacky First Attempt: My first coat was too heavy, leaving a tacky finish in some spots. I learned to apply thin, even coats after that rookie mistake.
Prep Work Is Key: I skimped on sanding initially, and the stain didn’t penetrate as well in some areas. A good sanding with 60-grit paper made all the difference.

Coverage Surprise: I needed more product than expected—about 1.5 gallons for my 300-square-foot deck. Plan for extra to avoid mid-project runs to the store.
Reapplication Hassle: When it was time to recoat after two years, I had to strip the old stain completely. It was a chore, but the results were worth it.
Pricey but Worth It: At around $50 a gallon, it’s not cheap, but the durability and finish made me feel like I got my money’s worth.

The first year was pure magic—my deck looked like it belonged in a magazine. But by year two, high-traffic areas started showing wear, and I realized maintenance was going to be a commitment. Still, I was hooked on the look and feel, and I’ve since used it on my fence with similar results. It’s not a set-it-and-forget-it product, but with some TLC, it’s a solid choice.

Pros Of Olympic Elite Stain And Sealant

Olympic Elite has a lot going for it, and I’m not just saying that because my deck looks amazing (okay, maybe a little). Here’s why I keep coming back to it:

Gorgeous Finish: The semi-transparent option enhances wood grain without hiding it, giving a natural, polished look. My cedar deck still gets compliments!
Mildew and Mold Resistance: Living in a humid area, I was impressed that no green fuzz showed up, even after months of rain.
UV Defense: The SunBlock technology kept my deck’s color vibrant for over a year, even in harsh sunlight.

All-Weather Application: You can apply it in temps as low as 35°F or after rain (no puddles, though). Perfect for unpredictable weather.
Lifetime Warranty: The lifetime guarantee on solid stains gives peace of mind, though you’ll need to maintain it to keep the warranty valid.
Low VOC Formula: The water-based version has less odor and is easier on the environment, which I appreciate as an eco-conscious homeowner.

Versatile Use: It works on decks, fences, siding, and even exotic hardwoods. I used it on my teak outdoor furniture, and it held up great.
Urethane Fortification: The solid version resists cracking and peeling, making it tough against wear and tear.
Easy Cleanup: Soap and water clean brushes and spills, so no messing with harsh mineral spirits.

Color Variety: With 14 rich shades, there’s something for every vibe, from classic cedar to bold chestnut.

These perks made Olympic Elite a standout for me. The finish alone had my neighbors asking what magic potion I used, and the durability meant I didn’t have to baby my deck every season. It’s not flawless, but it’s got a lot of strengths that make it a contender.

Cons Of Olympic Elite Stain And Sealant

Let’s keep it real—Olympic Elite isn’t perfect. I ran into some hiccups that you should know about before diving in:

High Maintenance: You’ll need to recoat every 2-3 years, and stripping old stain is a pain. My arms still hate me from that sanding session.
Coverage Issues: It doesn’t stretch as far as advertised. My 300-square-foot deck ate up more than expected, so budget for extra cans.
Application Learning Curve: Too much stain leads to tacky spots or shiny patches. I learned the hard way to keep a wet edge and apply thinly.

Price Tag: At $50-$60 per gallon, it’s pricier than some competitors like Behr. You’re paying for quality, but it stings the wallet.
Color Matching Woes: The Chestnut Brown solid stain didn’t match the semi-transparent version, which was a headache for my mixed-finish deck.
Fading in High Traffic: High-traffic areas wore down faster than I’d hoped, showing bare wood by year two. It’s not bulletproof.

Stripping Required: Unlike some stains, you can’t just slap a new coat on. Stripping is mandatory for recoating, which adds time and effort.
Inconsistent Drying: In humid conditions, drying took closer to 48 hours, which was a hassle with pets needing deck access.
Limited Oil-Based Options: The oil-based version is being phased out in some areas due to VOC laws, limiting choices for purists like me.

Customer Service Struggles: When I had a color issue, PPG’s response was slow. Don’t expect hand-holding if you need support.

These downsides didn’t ruin my experience, but they’re worth considering. If you’re not ready for some elbow grease or extra costs, you might want to weigh other options. Still, I found ways to work around most of these issues, and the results kept me coming back.

Maintenance And How To Get The Most Out Of Olympic Elite

To make Olympic Elite sing, you’ve got to put in the work. I learned this the hard way, but once I nailed the process, my deck stayed gorgeous longer. Here’s how to maximize this stain’s potential:

Prep Like a Pro: Sand with 60-grit paper to remove mill glaze and old coatings. I spent a weekend sanding, and the stain penetrated so much better.
Clean Thoroughly: Use Olympic Premium Deck Cleaner to zap dirt and mildew. A clean surface is non-negotiable for a smooth finish.
Apply Thin Coats: Less is more—apply thin, even coats to avoid tackiness. I used a 5-inch brush for control and back-brushed when rolling.

Keep a Wet Edge: Work board by board to prevent overlap marks. I stained in the shade to slow drying and avoid dark spots.
Test a Small Area: Try the stain on a hidden spot to check color and absorption. It saved me from a color mismatch disaster.
Protect During Drying: Keep pets and kids off for 24-48 hours. I set up a temporary barrier to keep my dogs from ruining the finish.

Regular Cleaning: Sweep debris weekly and wash with deck cleaner annually. This kept my deck looking fresh between coats.
Plan for Recoating: Budget for stripping and recoating every 2-3 years. I marked my calendar to stay ahead of wear.
Use Quality Tools: A high-quality brush or roller makes a difference. I splurged on a Purdy brush, and the application was flawless.

Store Properly: Seal leftover cans tightly and store in a cool, dry place. I used mine a year later with no issues.

Following these steps turned my deck into a showpiece. The key is prep and patience—skimp on either, and you’ll regret it. But if you treat Olympic Elite right, it’ll reward you with a deck that’s the envy of the block.

Comparison With Other Brands

I’ve tried a few stains over the years, so let’s see how Olympic Elite stacks up against the competition. I’m pitting it against Behr DeckPlus, Cabot Australian Timber Oil, and Sikkens Proluxe Cetol SRD—three heavyweights in the deck stain world.

Olympic Elite vs. Behr DeckPlus

Finish: Olympic’s semi-transparent finish is richer and more natural than Behr’s, which can look plasticky. Behr’s solid stains hide grain too much for my taste.
Durability: Olympic lasts 2-3 years; Behr’s semi-transparent faded in under a year in my tests. Olympic’s UV protection is noticeably better.

Application: Both are easy to apply, but Behr dries too fast, making overlap marks a risk. Olympic gives you more working time.
Maintenance: Olympic requires stripping for recoats, while Behr’s peeling issues make maintenance a nightmare. Olympic’s process is tedious but cleaner.
Mildew Resistance: Olympic had no mildew after a wet season; Behr showed spots in shaded areas. Olympic wins for humid climates.

Price: Behr is cheaper at $40/gallon, but Olympic’s $50-$60 price tag feels justified for the quality.
Coverage: Olympic’s coverage is slightly less than advertised; Behr’s is worse, needing multiple coats for even color.
Warranty: Olympic’s lifetime warranty (with maintenance) beats Behr’s vague 4-year claim, which didn’t hold up in my experience.

Cleanup: Both are water-based, so cleanup is a breeze with soap and water. No complaints here.
Availability: Behr’s exclusive to Home Depot, while Olympic’s at Home Depot and other retailers, giving you more options.

Verdict: Olympic Elite outshines Behr for durability and finish, though it’s pricier. If you want a vibrant, long-lasting look, Olympic’s your pick.

Olympic Elite vs. Cabot Australian Timber Oil

Finish: Cabot’s translucent finish is stunning on hardwoods, but Olympic’s semi-transparent option offers more color variety for softwoods like my cedar.
Durability: Cabot lasts 3-4 years on hardwoods; Olympic’s 2-3 years on softwoods is solid but not quite as long. Cabot’s oil-based formula penetrates deeper.

Application: Cabot’s thicker consistency needs careful brushing to avoid pooling. Olympic’s smoother flow is easier for beginners like me.
Maintenance: Both require stripping, but Cabot’s oil-based nature makes it stickier to remove. Olympic’s water-based formula is less messy.
Mildew Resistance: Both held up well, but Olympic’s mold-resistant coating felt more robust in my rainy region.

Price: Cabot’s $60-$70/gallon is steeper than Olympic’s $50-$60. Olympic’s a better value for similar performance.
Coverage: Cabot covers slightly more (150-250 sq ft/gallon) than Olympic, but both need extra for thirsty wood.
Warranty: Olympic’s lifetime warranty trumps Cabot’s 3-5 year claim, though both require regular upkeep.

Cleanup: Olympic’s water-based cleanup is easier than Cabot’s mineral spirits requirement. Less hassle with Olympic.
Scent: Cabot’s oil-based odor is strong; Olympic’s low-VOC formula is much gentler on the nose.

Verdict: Cabot’s great for hardwoods, but Olympic’s versatility and easier cleanup make it my go-to for most projects.

Olympic Elite vs. Sikkens Proluxe Cetol SRD

Finish: Sikkens’ translucent finish is unmatched for elegance, but Olympic’s semi-transparent colors pop more for everyday decks.
Durability: Sikkens can last 5-7 years; Olympic’s 2-3 years is shorter but still respectable for the price.

Application: Sikkens requires precise application to avoid streaks; Olympic’s forgiving nature suits DIYers like me.
Maintenance: Sikkens needs less frequent recoating, but its prep is brutal. Olympic’s stripping is tedious but doable.
Mildew Resistance: Both are excellent, but Olympic’s algae-resistant formula edged out slightly in my damp climate.

Price: Sikkens’ $70-$80/gallon is premium; Olympic’s $50-$60 is more budget-friendly.
Coverage: Sikkens covers 200-300 sq ft/gallon; Olympic’s 150-250 sq ft/gallon is less efficient but adequate.
Warranty: Olympic’s lifetime warranty beats Sikkens’ 5-year guarantee, though both demand maintenance.

Cleanup: Olympic’s soap-and-water cleanup is simpler than Sikkens’ mineral spirits. DIY win for Olympic.
Availability: Sikkens is harder to find, often requiring specialty stores. Olympic’s widely available at Home Depot.

Verdict: Sikkens is the luxury choice for longevity, but Olympic’s affordability and ease of use make it more practical for most homeowners.

Frequently Asked Questions (Faq)

How long does the Olympic Elite stain last?

Olympic Elite typically lasts 2-3 years on decks and 4-5 years on fences or siding, depending on weather and foot traffic. My deck held up well for two years before high-traffic spots needed a touch-up. Regular maintenance, like annual cleaning, extends its life.

Is the Olympic stain better than Sherwin Williams?

It depends on your needs. Olympic Elite’s semi-transparent finish and mildew resistance outperformed Sherwin Williams Deckscapes in my tests, which faded faster. However, Sherwin Williams offers more color options and slightly better coverage. Olympic’s lifetime warranty gives it an edge for long-term value.

Is Olympic Elite a good stain?

Yes, it’s a solid choice! I love its rich finish, UV protection, and mildew resistance. It’s not perfect—maintenance is a chore, and coverage can be spotty—but with proper prep, it transforms wood beautifully. It’s a great balance of quality and price.

Does Olympic stain need two coats?

For semi-transparent, one coat is usually enough if applied evenly, as I found with my deck. Solid stains often need two coats for full opacity, especially on worn wood. Always test a small area first to confirm coverage and color.

Conclusion

After my journey with Olympic Elite Advanced Stain + Sealant, I’m sold on its ability to breathe new life into outdoor wood. It’s not without quirks, but the stunning finish, solid protection, and versatility make it a must-have for any deck or fence. You’ll love how it transforms your space with minimal fuss. Grab a can, roll up your sleeves, and give your wood the VIP treatment it deserves. Trust me, you won’t regret it—your outdoor oasis is just a brushstroke away!