OLYMPIC Maximum 1 gal. Redwood Semi-Transparent Exterior Ready to Use Stain and Sealer in One Low VOC

Why I reached for this stain

I had a weathered pressure‑treated deck, a stretch of fence, and a few tired rails that needed color and protection before the cold set in. I wanted a semi‑transparent finish that would let the grain show, go down in cool weather, and hold up to sun and foot traffic. I picked the Olympic Maximum redwood semi‑transparent stain because it’s a stain and sealer in one, rated for application down to 35°F, and promises UV defense, scuff resistance, and enhanced water protection. After a full weekend with it—and a few follow‑up spot tests—I have a clear sense of where it shines and where you’ll want to take extra care.

Prep and setup

Prep can make or break any stain job. I started by washing the deck and fence with a percarbonate cleaner, rinsed thoroughly, and let things dry. On a couple of boards with greyed fibers, I hit them with 80‑grit to freshen the surface. If you’re tempted to use household bleach, don’t—it can alter the color of semi‑transparent stains and can compromise adhesion. A wood cleaner and brightener system is the safer route.

I stirred the stain thoroughly (don’t shake—bubbles cause headaches) and decanted into a paint tray. The liquid is on the thin side for a hybrid acrylic‑oil, which helps it penetrate but also means it will drip if you overload a roller. I had plastic and cardboard ready under railings and at the edge of the deck; that saved me cleanup time later.

Application: forgiving and fast

I used a 3/8" nap roller for the deck boards and a quality synthetic brush for back‑brushing and the railings. I also tried a pump sprayer on a section of fence and back‑brushed immediately. All three methods worked, but the best, neatest results came from rolling two to three boards at a time and back‑brushing to even it out and drive it into the grain.

A few notes on the feel:
- It levels nicely and doesn’t telegraph roller lines if you maintain a wet edge.
- Because it’s fluid, it’s easy to go too heavy on verticals; watch for sags and drips and catch them within a few minutes.
- The low‑VOC formula has a mild odor compared to traditional oils. I worked without discomfort even on a calm day.

The weather‑ready claim held up. I started mid‑morning in the mid‑40s, peaked in the low‑50s, and had no issues with tackiness or poor penetration. If you’re staining late in the season, this temperature flexibility is a real advantage.

Coverage and color

Coverage matched the label’s expectations on sound wood. On my fairly open‑grained, older deck boards, I saw about 250–300 sq ft per gallon for the first coat, slightly more on the fence. Railings and end grain absorb more; plan accordingly. If your wood is very dry or hasn’t been treated in many years, expect to use more product or plan for a second coat.

The redwood color lands in that warm reddish‑brown zone you’d expect—natural, with a touch of orange warmth in direct sun. As a semi‑transparent, it absolutely lets the wood grain and texture show. That’s a strength if you like a natural look; it’s not a fix for mismatched boards or dark stains in the wood. Those variations will read through, though two uniform coats help even things out.

One coat on verticals looked great. On the high‑traffic deck surface, a second coat the next day deepened the tone a half‑step and filled the thirsty spots for a more even sheen. If you’re uncertain about color intensity, test on an off‑cut or hidden area—two coats will be notably richer than one.

Dry time and weather resistance

In cool, dry weather, the surface set up quickly. I could gingerly walk on parts of the first‑coat deck after an hour to reposition tools. I allowed the first coat to cure overnight before the second. Olympic rates the finish as rain‑ready in about eight hours; I had a light evening shower roughly ten hours after wrapping, and there were no water spots or blotches the next morning.

That said, humidity and shade matter. In cooler, damp air, tack free might be quick but full cure can take longer. If storms are imminent, I’d still wait for a clearer window. On a warm, low‑humidity day, this stain moves along briskly.

Early performance and durability signs

I can’t compress years of wear into a weekend, but I ran a few practical checks:

• Water beaded and sheeted noticeably on both deck and fence after cure.
• Patio chair legs dragged across the boards didn’t leave the shiny scuffs I’ve seen with some water‑based stains—encouraging for the “SCUFF GUARD” claim.
• Color stayed true after a hose‑down and a couple of cool nights.

Horizontals always take the brunt of sun and traffic. I expect to refresh high‑wear areas in 2–3 years and verticals in 3–5, which is a normal maintenance cycle for a semi‑transparent in this class. The UV protection and acrylic‑oil blend should help hold color compared with straight oils, but plan for routine upkeep.

Cleanup and VOCs

Brushes, rollers, and trays cleaned up with warm soapy water, which is one of the joys of this kind of hybrid formula. No mineral spirits, no lingering solvent smell, and it’s friendlier for at‑home cleanup. Low VOC also meant I could work with doors and windows open near the deck without the house taking on the odor.

Limitations to keep in mind

• It’s runnier than some gel‑leaning stains. Great for penetration, not as forgiving on verticals if you overload. Protect adjacent surfaces and monitor for sags.
• Semi‑transparent is honest about what’s underneath. If your deck has deep discolorations or patched boards, you’ll see them. Choose a solid or semi‑solid if you need stronger concealment.
• Color shifts with coat count and wood tone. The same redwood shade will skew richer on denser, darker boards and lighter on new or sanded sections. Testing a small area saves regrets.
• Like many modern cans, the metal is on the thinner side. Stir gently and pry the lid off with patience to avoid distorting the rim.

Tips for better results

• Clean with a percarbonate cleaner and, if needed, a brightener; avoid household bleach.
• Work in shade and on the cool side of the day to maintain a wet edge and prevent flashing.
• Do two thin coats on thirsty, older decking rather than one heavy coat.
• Back‑brush, especially after rolling or spraying, to even out absorption.
• Keep a dry brush handy to catch drips on spindles, balusters, and end grain.
• Buy a little extra. Semi‑transparent coverage varies by wood condition more than by square footage math.

The bottom line

The Olympic Maximum redwood semi‑transparent stain hits a very practical sweet spot for DIYers and pros who want a natural look with modern convenience. It penetrates well, levels nicely, and is genuinely workable in cool temperatures. The low‑VOC, water‑cleanup formula makes the job easier on you and your gear, and early water repellency and scuff resistance are promising. You’ll need to manage drips on verticals, and you shouldn’t expect it to mask a patchwork deck, but that’s the honest trade‑off for a semi‑transparent finish that lets wood look like wood.

I recommend this stain if you want a warm redwood tone, visible grain, and a straightforward application you can execute in a single weekend—even in shoulder‑season weather. It’s a reliable, forgiving option for decks, fences, and railings, with an upkeep schedule that aligns with the category. If you’re chasing a perfectly uniform color across mismatched boards, or you’re staining exclusively vertical surfaces and dislike managing runs, a thicker, more opaque product might serve you better. For most exterior wood projects, though, this stain’s mix of ease, protection, and natural appearance makes it an easy pick.