Does the wood on your deck or fence look dull and weathered? Sunlight and rain attack outdoor wood every day. This constant exposure causes wood to fade, crack, and rot. It’s frustrating when your beautiful outdoor space starts to look old and neglected.
Choosing the right exterior wood stain feels overwhelming. Should you pick oil-based or water-based? Do you want a solid color or a transparent finish? Wrong choices lead to peeling paint and wasted money. You want your wood to look great and last a long time without constant touch-ups.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explain the different types of stains simply. You will learn exactly what to look for based on your wood type and the weather in your area. By the end, you will feel confident choosing the perfect stain for your next project.
Let’s dive into the world of exterior wood stains and give your outdoor wood the protection and beauty it deserves.
Top Exterior Wood Stain Recommendations
- SEMI TRANSPARENT EXTERIOR WOOD STAIN: Our outdoor wood stain and sealer allows the natural wood grain to show through, highlighting the beauty of your decks, fences and sidings and preserving its natural look.
- ULTIMATE UV PROTECTION DECK SEALER: Shields wood from damaging UV rays, preventing fading & graying. Lasts longer than deck paint for wood decks, siding or fences & is better for the planet because it's water based with less than 50 g/l VOC content.
- WOOD DECK STAIN AND SEALER IN ONE: This outdoor wood protector serves a dual purpose as both a stain and sealer. It adds color to your wood and seals it, designed to penetrate deep into wood pores for maximum protection and longevity.
- BEAUTIFUL WOOD STAIN COLORS: Our semi-transparent dark wood stain comes in stunning colors that dry to a flat and natural-looking finish. Enhance the beauty of your exterior wood with our natural, cedar, light walnut, gray, and dark walnut colors.
- EFFECTIVE ON DAMP WOOD FOR FASTER APPLICATION: Our dark walnut wood stain works on damp wood, cutting down wait times between cleaning and staining. Once your wood deck is visibly dry, it's ready for staining, speeding up your project.
- Use on railings, furniture, trim, boats (above the waterline)
- Covers up to 90 sq. ft.
- Achieve a deep, rich color from a premium formulation that gives a semi-gloss finish to protect from the elements
- Deeper color, additional coats may be applied
- Aids in protecting outdoor wood from damage
- Ideal for use on all interior wood projects: furniture, cabinets, doors, trim and paneling
- One-coat coverage, fast-drying oil based formula
- Dries to the touch in just 1 hour and covers up to 70 square feet
- High performance stain system enhanced with nano pigment particles
- Highlights natural wood grain to reveal wood's beauty
- Requires no primer. Ready Seal is darkest when first applied. It reaches its true color in approximately 14 days. Do not apply Ready Seal over painted or newly stained surfaces. Sealed surfaces inhibit penetration.
- May be applied using sprayer, roller or brush onto the woods surface.
- Requires no wet-line application, the product will blend itself and can be applied in any temperature range for proper application.
- Requires no diluting or thinning prior to spray applications.
- Subject to or will include a PaintCare recycling fee in the following states: CT, or VT. Not available in CA.
- STAIN & SEALER IN ONE - Enhances wood’s natural beauty while providing durable, waterproof protection.
- NO PRIMING OR DILUTING - Easy application with no need for a primer, thinning, or back-brushing.
- UV & WEATHER RESISTANT - Protects against fading, water damage, and harsh outdoor conditions.
- SELF-BLENDING FORMULA - Ensures an even, streak-free finish with no lap marks.
- IDEAL FOR EXTERIOR WOOD - Perfect for decks, fences, siding, outdoor furniture, and more.
- THICK, NO-DRIP FORMULA: Less mess than traditional wood stains and applies smoothly on horizontal and vertical surfaces including wood, metal, fiberglass and more
- LOW ODOR, WATER BASED GEL STAIN: Comfortably complete projects indoors including furniture, doors, trim and banisters
- FAST DRY TIME: Dries on wood in only 1 hour for quick project completion
- RICH, EVEN COLOR: Covers up to 250 square feet per quart
- INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR USE: Ideal for indoor and outdoor applications; not recommended for floors, decks or siding
- EFFECTIVE ON ALL WOOD SURFACES and QUICK DRYING: Furniture Clinic Wood Stain is a fast drying and highly concentrated wood stain making it effective on all indoor and outdoor wood surfaces. Our wood stain provides excellent coverage and ensures even color penetration. It's water based, environmentally friendly, and dries to a natural matte finish in only 10 minutes.
- COMES IN 12 COLORS - VISIBLE WITH ONE COAT: Our wood stain comes in 12 colors ranging from dark to light and can be purchased in multiple sizes. It evenly covers and stains wood in one coat, restoring old and tired wood with a new finish.
- COVERAGE: Available in three sizes to suit your needs, our 250ml bottle covers 3m², our 500ml bottle covers 6m², and our 2500ml (or 1 gallon) bottle covers 30m², making it easy to choose the right amount for your project.
- WATER BASED and SAFE TO USE: The water based formula of our stain is safer for your wood and the environment than other wood stains. It's low odor, non-toxic, easy to use, and easy to clean up! Ideal for use on all interior wood projects: furniture, cabinets, doors, trim, floors and more.
- USE IN COMBINATION WITH: After staining wood, you should finish the job by sealing the stain in with one of our Furniture Clinic Wood Waxes, Wood Varnishes or Wood Oils. These will bring out the color of the stain further, provide additional protection and can be used to alter the finish to either satin or gloss.
- Requires no primer. Ready Seal is darkest when first applied. It reaches its true color in approximately 14 days. Do not apply Ready Seal over painted or newly stained surfaces. Sealed surfaces inhibit penetration.
- May be applied using sprayer, roller or brush onto the woods surface.
- Requires no back brushing and will nerver leave runs, laps, or streaks.
- Requires no wet-line application, the product will blend itself and can be applied in any temperature range for proper application.
- Requires no diluting or thinning prior to spray applications.
Choosing the Right Exterior Wood Stain: A Buyer’s Guide
Protecting your outdoor wood—like decks, fences, and siding—is important. Wood stain does more than just add color. It shields the wood from sun, rain, and rot. A good stain keeps your wood looking great for years. This guide will help you pick the perfect stain.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for stain, look closely at these features. They tell you how well the product will work.
UV Protection
Sunlight breaks down wood fibers. This causes graying and cracking. Look for stains labeled with high UV resistance. This means the stain has strong ingredients to block the sun’s harmful rays.
Mildew and Mold Resistance
Damp areas encourage mold growth. Good exterior stains contain fungicides. These chemicals fight off mildew and mold. Check the label to make sure this protection is included.
Penetration Depth
How deep the stain sinks into the wood matters. Stains that soak in deeply offer better, longer-lasting protection than surface coatings. Deep penetration resists peeling.
Important Materials in Wood Stain
Wood stains are usually made with one of two main bases. The base affects how the stain looks and how long it lasts.
Oil-Based Stains
- Pros: Oil soaks deep into the wood fibers. This makes them very durable and excellent for rough wood. They often give a richer, more natural look.
- Cons: They take longer to dry. Cleanup requires mineral spirits, not just soap and water.
Water-Based (Latex) Stains
- Pros: Water-based stains dry much faster. Cleanup is easy with just soap and water. They tend to be more flexible, which resists cracking on decking.
- Cons: They might not penetrate as deeply as oil-based options.
Opacity Levels
Opacity describes how much color and light the stain blocks.
- Clear/Toner: Offers minimal color but excellent UV blockers.
- Semi-Transparent: Shows the natural wood grain clearly while adding color. This is the most popular choice for decks.
- Solid Color: Hides the wood grain almost completely, similar to paint. This is great for older, weathered wood that needs a fresh look.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the final finish depends on several things. You control some factors; the stain controls others.
Surface Preparation (Improves Quality)
This is the most important step! You must clean and sand the wood before staining. Dirt, old finishes, or mildew stop the new stain from sticking properly. Poor preparation significantly reduces the stain’s lifespan.
Application Technique (Improves Quality)
Apply the stain evenly. Do not let puddles form. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how much product to use. Too much stain will not dry correctly and will peel.
V.O.C. Content (Reduces Quality/Environmental Impact)
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that evaporate as the stain dries. Low-VOC stains are better for the environment and have less strong odors. High-quality modern stains often balance low VOCs with good performance.
User Experience and Use Cases
Different wood projects need different stains. Think about how you use the wood.
Decks and Patios
These surfaces get heavy foot traffic and standing water. You need a highly durable, penetrating stain, usually semi-transparent oil or high-quality water/oil blend. Durability is key here.
Fences and Siding
These vertical surfaces face more direct sun and rain. A stain that resists mildew and offers strong UV protection works best. Solid stains are often used on older fences to hide imperfections.
Ease of Re-Coating
Consider how easy it will be to apply the next coat in a few years. Water-based stains often allow you to simply clean the surface and apply a new coat. Oil-based stains sometimes require more stripping or heavy sanding before recoating.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Exterior Wood Stain
Q: How long does exterior wood stain usually last?
A: A good quality stain usually lasts between two and five years, depending on the weather and how much traffic the wood sees. Decks need re-staining more often than fences.
Q: Should I choose semi-transparent or solid stain for my deck?
A: Semi-transparent shows the wood grain, which many people like. Solid stain covers imperfections completely but requires more prep work if you ever want to change the color later.
Q: Can I stain wood that is damp?
A: No. You must let the wood dry completely, usually for two full sunny days after rain, before staining. Staining wet wood traps moisture, leading to peeling and mildew.
Q: What is the best way to clean wood before staining?
A: You should use a dedicated wood cleaner or deck wash. Scrub the wood, then rinse thoroughly. Let it dry completely before moving on to the stain.
Q: Does oil-based stain or water-based stain offer better UV protection?
A: Both types offer good UV protection if they contain the right pigments. However, oil-based stains often penetrate better, which helps lock the protection deep inside the wood fibers.
Q: What is the difference between stain and sealer?
A: A sealer is mainly a water repellent that sits on top of the wood. A stain adds color, penetrates the wood, and also adds water repellency and UV protection.
Q: How many coats of stain should I apply?
A: For most semi-transparent stains, one or two thin coats are enough. Apply a second coat only if the first coat absorbs completely and looks dry.
Q: How do I know if my old stain is ready to be stripped?
A: If the old stain is peeling, cracking, or flaking off easily when you scratch it with a putty knife, it needs to be stripped or heavily sanded before applying new stain.
Q: Is it safe to use stain near plants?
A: Oil-based stains can harm plants if they drip directly onto them. Water-based stains are generally safer for surrounding greenery, but you should still cover sensitive plants.
Q: What temperature is best for applying exterior stain?
A: Most manufacturers recommend applying stain when the temperature is between 50°F and 90°F, and when rain is not expected for at least 24 hours.