PPG Proluxe Wood Stain Test & Local Observation
Sikkens Proluxe is PPG’s most prominent wood stain. If you want a straightforward way to stain exterior wood surfaces in Raleigh, Proluxe SRD is an option worth considering. Due to its solids content, it is far better than 60% of the stains you can buy at a home improvement store, like Ace Hardware. While they do carry a few good products, stains such as Thompson’s WaterSeal bought by Sherwin-Williams should most certainly be avoided.
Quality stains provide UV, water, and mildew protection and offer a wide range of colors to accommodate surrounding areas while meeting your needs. Sikkens has slightly more awareness and exposure, but like other stains, it has its faults. We are offering our experience, long-term durability, and usage, and are simplifying Sikkens product lines.
Origin and Coat Systems
Sikkens Cetol stain is now Sikkens Prolux stain. Cetol was the original name of the product introduced to the US market, yet Sikkens was initially founded in the Netherlands in 1792, and the first factory was built in Groningen in 1832.
Initially formulated as an industry-leading commercial sealer for log cabins, the multi-coat system was unlike other rivals and gained leading demand in Germany. The application process included a stain and sealer top coat that preserved rich, elusive colors, enhanced natural wood beauty, and was highly acclaimed by franchise leaders such as McDonald’s.
The main reason behind Sikkens’ later expansion to US retail is undetermined. However, after the retail debut, high prices and seemingly convoluted processes stifled sales, as most buyers needed to familiarize themselves with using a multi-coat system. In response, Sikkens made subtle formulation changes, but those who understood the product could have received the reformulation better.
After the short-lived deal with retailers like Home Depot, Sikkens, purchased by PPG, was rebranded and labeled a Proluxe brand in 2017.
Reiterations of Sikkens’ initial multi-coat system are being reintroduced. These fall short of the original log cabinet formulations but still sustain an edge over competitors.
Reformulation & Changes Without Added Performance
It contains nearly 50% solids by volume, essentially distinguishing Sikkens from most other brands. Clear iron oxide pigmentation enables a wide range of tintable colors, from solid colors to translucent stains that deeply penetrate wood surfaces.
Translucent stain maximizes wood grain orientation, while solid color stains, similar to paint, completely cover the wood surface.
PPG increases attention to detail and options available in the Sikkens brand by providing matte and satin finishes, reducing the sheen to offer a more natural wood look.
Specifically, the reformulation changes to Sikkens SRD wood stain make it more marketable and accessible to the masses, but during our long-term usage analysis, the changes also came at the expense of durability, while pricing continued to increase.
Sikkens Buying Guide
Most shoppers will purchase Sikkens for deck staining, railing, and other home exterior wood substrates. Local PPG stores, like the one off of 440 on Westinghouse Drive, offer the widest range of options. Sikkens SDR is the most well-known, but Sikkens also offers other product lines that may be unfamiliar.
Sikkens offers solutions for many wood types, and the labels all appear the same at first glance. Let’s examine the descriptions and prices of the most popular Sikkens stains in each product line.
| Sikkens Product | Local Price (Est.) | The Raleigh Pro Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Proluxe SRD RE | $82 / Gallon | Our #1 recommendation for Wake Forest decks; handles direct NC sun much better than standard SRD. |
| Proluxe 1 Primer | $89 / Gallon | The critical first step for ITB wood restorations; seals thirsty fibers and provides specialized mildew resistance. |
| Proluxe Solid Stain | $71 / Gallon | Best for older decks in North Hills where the wood grain needs masking but the substrate is still sound. |
| Proluxe 23 Top Coat | $98 / Gallon | Used over Proluxe 1 for a high-build, furniture-grade finish on luxury Triangle log home or siding accents. |
*Pro Tip: For multi-coat systems in Raleigh, ensure the substrate is below 15% moisture content to prevent trapping NC humidity between the primer and topcoat.
More About Proluxe 23
In our experience, Proluxe 23 is the closest system to the original formulation. However, as the EPA increases environmental regulations, the original formulas are unlikely to be reintroduced. Some US states, such as California, do not allow air shipping and regulate the use of Sikkens stains.
Proluxe SRD & SRD RE Performance Comparison For Raleigh
Due to its high-build formulation, our favorite Sikkens product for decks is the Proluxe SRD RE. Proluxe SRD RE offers increased UV protection and mildew resistance. But it is not for everyone, as it builds a film on the surface of the wood. However, the regular SRD is most widely sold to homeowners and paint contractors due to the lower price and extreme ease of use.
But here is the caveat we are reluctant to state: Through experience, we have found Sikkens SRD to fall short of providing the long-term protection needed to withstand the constant heat and moisture that Raleigh has. It became so obvious that we stopped guaranteeing and recommending it and only used it at clients’ request. Despite the shinier look over dense wood or wood knots, we strongly encourage the higher-build version.
Sikkens SRD noticeably falls short of other leading brands. In many ways, it delivers the same underachieving results, such as premature mildew growth in our wooded neighborhood. We stained a deck in Byrum Woods with it in 2018, came back 7 months later to paint inside, and found the deck covered in mildew and already starting to fade. This was a new deck that was cleaned thoroughly. We know all stains are thin, but this deck stain was extremely watery, thin, and messy, offering short-lived protection against water, mildew, and UV.
SDR RE Fade and Color
During our use, Sikkens SRD developed mildew on other decks in as little as 8 months. Color fade was on par with other brands, lasting only 7 to 13 months, as long as you avoid redwood and cedar tone colors.
On the other hand, Sikkens SDR RE requires skill to apply but lasts twice as long for only a 25% increase in sale price. SDR RE is one of our top recommendations for deck staining and outdoor wood that needs protection from direct exposure to extreme weather.
SRD RE stain only covers 200 to 300 sq ft, depending on how dry the wood is, despite its 300 to 400 sq ft claims. Both products can be applied with a brush and roller and are cleaned from tools using mineral spirits.
Options, Application, & Dry Time
Sikkens solid-color stains are available in over 60 colors at PPG, and other local paint stores sell PPG products. If you live in North Raleigh, Spectrum Paint conveniently sells semi-transparent and solid-color Sikkens stains. Here are some of our most popular color options.
If you are re-staining, it is crucial to know the type of stain previously used to make sure Sikkens stain is compatible. The surface should also be clear of mold, dirt, mildew, and fungi.
As with all stains, the surface should also be dry. Optimal temperatures should be between 50 and 90 degrees.
Exterior wood substrates often hold minor moisture levels, which is unavoidable, and small amounts are permissible. High humidity and dew points will also affect applications. The best time to stain is late spring or early fall. Sikkens dries to the touch in as little as 6 hours, and there should be limited foot traffic for 2 to 5 days.
Conclusion
Sikkens offers several wood staining solutions for everything from wooden doors to decks and log cabins. With such a wide range of solutions, it is essential to understand their product catalog or contact a service provider who understands the product and its proper applications.
Sikkens stain has always been a specialty product, and as they seek to expand their product offerings, continued research and field testing will be required.
For this product and so many others, real-world experience is invaluable. See more articles for real-world reviews. Do you need help with that house staining project? Contact us!
