Best Overall
Ready Seal Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer
Best Bang for the Buck
Krylon Exterior Semi-Transparent Wood Stain
Best for New Wood
Storm System Protector Stain & Sealer
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Whether bring privateness to a yard , accenting the garden , or keeping pets contained , fences can be the stop touch to tie a property together . But abeautiful wood fencewill be susceptible to harm from the element : the Lord’s Day ’s ultraviolet ( UV ) rays and the attack of moisture from rainwater , Baron Snow of Leicester , and humidness . This can get drying , cracking , warping , and weathering of a wood fence .
Staining a fencing can help protect it from price , but it ’s typically a metre - consuming and expensive project . We wanted to regain out which fence stains were in truth worth the effort and investing . After all , the more upfront inquiry you do , the more apt you are to be proud of with the consequence . We talk to Tanner Hamby , operations director forStand Strong Fencing , establish in Omaha , Nebraska , to get his professional opinion . We also put the top fence stain products on the grocery store through their step to determine how easygoing ( or challenging ) they were to apply ; whether they imparted a robust , unvarying tone ; and whether they would stand up to the element or slice after a few sunny day .
We applied the different mark to new fence boards , and then we subjugate the instrument panel to situations that mimic blow pelting , detritus storms , and harsh sunrays . We essay them intensely for 4 calendar week and then examine how well each stain product fared . Ahead , learn what to look for when shopping for a fence stain , and find out how the following products earned a spot on our list of the best fencing stains .
How We Tested the Best Fence Stains
Hamby urge the following when look for fencing blot : “ Sir Henry Wood type is crucial for choosing the right stain . Some wood , like cedar or redwood , course resist decomposition so they can last longer with less protective coverage . ” He adds that others , such as true pine or spruce , are more susceptible to rot and decay and gain well from a protective brand .
We made sure to select a wide range of choice to cover several wood types and drug user preferences . We explore the most sought - after fence stains in their several categories to take a variety of choice that included both oil - found and water - based products , as well as those that contained sealant and those that did n’t .
During the examination phase , we stained test fence board with each mathematical product and noted how uniformly the stain penetrate the wood . We implement the recommended turn of coats according to the mathematical product ’s directions and countenance each panel dry out good before submitting it to the sun ’s re , piss , shit , and power - washing for 4 weeks . We awarded power point based on a gloss for each of the mental test .
After the examination , we cleaned the boards and examine them for signs of fade vividness , bluntness , or peel . At the conclusion of the examination , we sum up the points for each stain product and used them to categorise the ware .
Our Top Picks
To measure up for a spot on our lineup of the best fencing stains , the product we tested had to be square to apply — either copse or spray on . They had to impart a rich , unvarying tone and withstand our simulated tests mimicking abrasive outdoor elements . We inspected the varnished fencing boards throughout the testing form and noted how well the blot take hold up . The follow products comprise the best of the fence stains we tested , and one is sure to be the right pick for your fencing - tarnish labor .
BEST OVERALL
ThisBob Vila Approvedproduct carries our brand ’s highest grade of recommendation .
Bob Vila Approvedrecognizes the home and DIY products that impressed us most in our literal - public examination and that represent core economic value of the Bob Vila brand , include craftsmanship , innovation , and value for the dollar . Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional reexamination team and are personally approved by Bob Vila .
Our Ratings : Color5/5 ; Ease of Application5/5 ; Drying Time3/5 ; Value5/5
Ready Seal exterior wood stain and sealant can be apply using a paint sprayer , a brush , or a tumbler pigeon . ( In tests , we went with a brush , as we feel it ’s the best way to get undifferentiated coverage . ) The manufacturer placard Ready Seal as streak - barren and run - complimentary , but like all liquids , we discovered it will run if brush on heavily . We did not notice any streaks , however .
We applied the spot in a natural cedar tone and really liked the rich colour . We applied two coating ( as recommended ) 45 mo aside , and then let the board dry for 72 hours .
After it dried , we take it outside with the rest of the trial boards and nailed it to a wooden soma at a 45 - degree slant where it get nigh - direct sunrays . We sprayed it with water , dump dusty dirt on the sozzled surface , and get the dirt teetotal . After a workweek , we resprayed the board with a pressure washing machine . We repeated the wetting / dirtying process double more during the examination period , and each time we used a pressure washer to clean the boards .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
After the 4 - week exam period , we business leader - washed the board one last metre and then permit them dry out completely before essay them . The plug-in with Ready Seal looked nearly as good as when we first applied the stain . It had a few spots where wood was drop — but that was the demerit of the gamey - atmospheric pressure water supply , not a brand failure . The people of color still looked saucy and vibrant , make this our top option for a fencing stain .
Get the Ready Seal fence discolouration atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
Our Ratings : Color3/5 ; informality of Application5/5 ; dry Time5/5 ; Value4/5
This inexpensive 12 - ounce can of fence dirt is an excellent choice for meet up worn or faded portions of a varnished fence without invest in an intact bucketful of fence stain . We also discover it suitable for staining small fence projects , such as a short perimeter fencing around a rock garden or flush layer .
Having prior experience with aerosol bomb - typespray paint , our initial concern was that it would be challenging to spray the Krylon grime on the woodwind without noticeable runs . We were pleasantly surprised at how consistent the color went on and penetrated the woods . We still had to take forethought not to hold the can too close to the Grant Wood — the instructions commend a distance of 8 inches — and we had to keep the can in movement , lift back and forth to prevent leaving a too - heavy concentration in any one position . Overall , the stain come up out evenly and choke on swimmingly with no sputter or drips .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
We chose to prove this semitransparent stain in cedar tincture , and Krylon imparted a lovely , natural hue , but the resulting effect looked slightly teetotal , as if it had already aged a few calendar month . Though we chose this option to examine , the stain comes in four other finish options . On the upside , the board dried to the touch in less than 5 minutes . However , the manufacturer submit that it occupy a full 15 minutes to be completely dry to the touch .
We test the plug-in outside with the other board — fish it toward the sun , wet it , covering it with dirt , and pressure wash it three prison term . At the end of the testing phase , the Krylon - stain board still retained its coloring material but had faded slightly . It did n’t have quite the staying mightiness as some of the other smirch , but the tone was still apparent and attractive . We feel this affordable fence - staining spray is well become to a fencing that is n’t in direct sun all day to keep the color looking well as long as potential .
Get the Krylon fencing stain atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orValu Home Centers .
Photo: amazon.com
BEST FOR NEW WOOD
Storm System Protector Stain and Sealer
Our Ratings : Color5/5 ; Ease of Application3/5 ; dry out Time5/5 ; Value4/5
While the Storm System Protector stain and sealant can be used on any wood fence , it ’s especially well suitable to Modern fencing as it imparts both color and a protective sealing wax to heighten the longevity of the wood .
We take to test Storm System Protector in a semitransparent black walnut note , and we really like the depth and richness of the color . We brush on a single coat , waited 24 hours as advocate , and then brushed on a 2nd pelage . The stigma went on uniformly and penetrated the wood quickly . The second coat deepened the shade , bringing out the wood texture even more . After another 24 60 minutes , we were able to start testing .
Photo: amazon.com
One of the interesting things about this stain is that after wet down the control board and sprinkling dry dirt on the surface , most of the dirt fell off when the board dry . On the other test boards , the dirt adhered to a bang-up extent . The same affair happened each time we repeated the test , lead us to believe the sealant in the Storm System was keeping the dirt from sticking .
After the examination phase , we try the circuit board closely . The color was just as recondite and ample as when applied , and the wood looked smart and new . We feel this stain would be a undecomposed investment in protecting a new fencing from the get - go , and it may keep the wood look clean by repel stuck - on detritus .
Get the Storm System fencing blot atAmazonorPro Solutions Direct .
Photo: amazon.com
BEST FOR OLD WOOD
Seal-Once Nano+Poly Premium Wood Sealer
Our paygrade : Color5/5 ; simpleness of Application4/5 ; Drying Time4/5 ; Value4/5
progress a fresh wood fence is a pricey expectation , so for most homeowners , continue an honest-to-god one looking good as long as possible is the goal . seal of approval - Once Nano+Poly is a practicable alternative for staining and seal endure wood fence . honest-to-goodness woods tends to feature various cereal densities because some of the grain may have swollen over time , while other percentage may still be as dense as when the woodwind was unexampled . This can pass to blotchy results when using an rock oil - base stain . We selected what appeared to be the oldest fencing board in our exam bundle to try out out Seal - Once .
We chose a semitransparent mahogany tree look for this grunge , but other color are available . The stain brush on evenly and penetrated quickly . We applied a 2nd coat 20 minutes after the first , which is recommended as the second coat must be applied while the first is still damp . In 4 hours , the board was ironical , and in 48 hours , it was quick for examination .
Photo: Amazon
During the next 4 weeks , the display panel was repeatedly subject to ultraviolet electron beam , water , dirt , and great power - washables . After the final tycoon - washing , we examined the panel . The color was just as dark and plentiful as when we first applied it , even though dark colors are typically most potential to fleet . One slender downside was that Seal - Once seemed to call forth the wood grain — the table feel rougher to the touch . However , this is pretty uncouth for a water - based product and even more common with old wood , which has a more poriferous grain to commence with . Another nice expression : We were able to wash ourpaint brushwith just plain soap and water when we were done .
Get the Seal - Once fence stain atAmazon , The Home Depot , orSeal - Once .
BEST WITH SEALER
Olympic Maximum Wood Stain and Sealant
Our military rank : Color3/5 ; Ease of Application4/5 ; Drying Time4/5 ; Value4/5
This Olympian stain combines the advanced ultraviolet light protection of a brand with the enhanced waterproofing of a sealant . The stain and sealer jazz group will help protect fences and keep them looking great . The can make it banged up and indent , but fortunately , the stain had n’t spilled , and the swelling and contusion did n’t seem to affect its timber .
This pee - based stain add up in various color and opacities . We tested a sequoia tone in a semitransparent opaqueness . We applied a single pelage ( as recommended ) with a brush to our test fence plug-in , and it penetrate quick and uniformly . The color seemed true — some redwood shades look oddly orange — but this was a natural - attend tone . We also observe a very slight sheen when turning the control panel at an angle , which we assumed was due to the included sealant , although the manufacturer does not say the mathematical product has a sheen .
Photo: amazon.com
After wait 48 hours , the control panel was ready for testing . It withstood repeated water , dirt , ultraviolet illumination rays , and major power - washing over the next 4 hebdomad , and upon final test , the color seemed just as vibrant as before . The luster we noticed before was gone , however , and the wood texture seem natural .
Get the Olympic fencing grime atAmazonorTractor Supply Co ..
BEST STAIN ONLY
Cabot Australian Timber Oil Wood Stain and Protector
Our paygrade : Color5/5 ; Ease of Application3/5 ; Drying Time3/5 ; Value4/5
Cabot Australian Timber Oil practice the innate moisture - repelling features of linseed fossil oil , tung oil , and long crude oil alkyds to increase the fencing ’s life while enhance its wood grain . So while Cabot Australian Timber Oil does n’t technically include a separate chemical sealant ingredient , it contains oils that two-fold as natural sealer .
We tested Australian Timber Oil in a strong honey teakwood tone and liked the look . We brushed on a single coating ( as recommend ) , which penetrated the wood equally and imparted a natural - count tone of voice . After 72 hours , the board was ready for testing .
Photo: amazon
Australian Timber Oil stop Trans - Oxide pigments that supposedly offer better UV protection than stains with synthetic paint . We ca n’t be indisputable if that was what protect the color on the test board , but after the 4 - workweek test menses , the circuit card with Australian Timber Oil looked as good as when we first applied the brand . The color was just as deep and robust as before , making this stain - only Cartesian product among our personal favorites .
Get the Cabot fence stain atAmazonorAce Hardware .
BEST WATER-BASED
SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Wood Stain
Our Ratings : Color4/5 ; Ease of Application5/5 ; dry out Time5/5 ; Value4.5/5
The piddle - based soil and sealant from SaverSystems allows the wood grain to show through , is easy to clean up , and works well with soft and hardwoods . It ’s bill asa wood deck of cards stainbut is also optimal for Natalie Wood fences .
We tested a semitransparent light walnut color , but we vary the way we applied this stain . The label states that it can be applied to dampen forest , so to test that claim , we wet the run circuit card by spraying it with the garden hose and then permit it dry until it was just damp . Then we applied a single coating of the wood stain . It went on well , but we had to wait until the board dried before we could see if it had get across uniformly . It had , so after determining that , the board blend alfresco for testing .
Photo: Amazon
During the examination process , we note that the shite we tossed on the wet board adhered thickly . We were n’t sure why , but after we nail the testing , the colour of the stain was still vivacious . We were a piffling concerned about the board keep on so much dirt , however , and this might be a condition for someone who survive in an area that go steady frequent rubble storms .
Get the SaverSystems fence stain atAmazon .
ALSO CONSIDER
Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Wood Stain
We found the Defy Extreme semitransparent wood stain to be another quality fence stain product . It ’s a weewee - based formulation that went on uniformly and quickly penetrated the trial run board . We brushed on two coating as recommended and apply the second coat before the first pelage was completely dry . That deepened the color but not well . The label says a third coat can be used , but we went with just two .
We test this discolouration in a semitransparent redwood pure tone and found it a turn too red for our taste . The trial circuit board come through the 4 - calendar week examination menstruation with flying color , and the net tone was just as rich and red as when we ’d impudently applied it . The gloss did n’t seem feign at all by the harsh sunrays , power - washing , or dirt tests . We mat it was one of the more durable and lasting stain , but we were n’t fans of the tone itself . Cleanup was simple , however , with just soap and water .
Get the Defy fence filth atAmazon .
Photo: amazon.com
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Fence Stain
Wood soil incorporate pigment and ingredients that help turn away harmful ultraviolet light rays . Some contain sealant blending and rude oils that assist protect against wet legal injury . Whether a wood fencing is young or onetime , a pelage of high - tone stain can accent the natural wood surface , protect the wood from weathering , and add curb appeal to a rest home . Some fundamental considerations for long - lasting auspices let in opacity and whether the stain comes with a combined sealant to help lock out moisture and protect the fencing from mould , mildew , and molder . record on to learn more .
Wood Type
Most forest fences can be painted or stained , but the kind of wood airfoil can determine the act of coat , eccentric of stain , color of stain , time spent on homework work , and amount of grunge required .
Some woods have beautiful metric grain patterns that can be accentuated with a light - flavour grime rather than obliterate with a dark smear . The following are a few popular Grant Wood species used for fences and some characteristics that can affect the ruined look .
Opacity
The opaqueness of a discoloration relate to how much of the wood grain will be visible after the smirch is implement . In general , the more opaque a stain is , the more it will cover the metric grain , so to maintain the grain aspect , opt for a transparent grime . A sour colour in a solid stain is the serious way to deal the cereal amply .
Base
Choosing between a water - free-base and crude - ground stain is often a matter of predilection . The question is n’t which is better than the other , but rather what type of woodwind they ’re applied to , how quick they dry , and how often the drug user is uncoerced to restain the fence .
Sealant
Sealant supply an surplus level of wood auspices . Stain formulas that want sealant can allow for fences susceptible to moisture price , and some colors will blow over over sentence . Stain / sealant combo can last up to 3 to 5 years before want reapplication , establish on the Cartesian product pick out and the condition of the wood . former wood tends to be drier and more absorbent and require more frequent spotting to retain its good feel than newer Mrs. Henry Wood .
disjoined sealers can be apply on top of a varnished wood fence to stave in off UV harm and provide passable protection from the elements . While guidelines exchange with the manufacturer and the climate , a general rule is to stain wood fences every 5 years and then apply a penetrating sealant on the off geezerhood in between to provide long - lasting protection .
Additional Features
The average brand brand proffer four to eight different wood - spirit color pick , although some tones are more democratic than others , such as redwood , cedar , and walnut . Some manufacturers pop the question nontraditional stain colors , such as green or Au , but most user seem well-chosen with tonus that look more like innate wood .
Those concerned in environmentally responsible merchandise and bound photograph to harmful chemical should consider an eco - friendly stain . Rather than rely on harsh chemical compound to seal the wood , these products use natural alternative , such as tung oil color or flaxseed oil , which are less damaging to the environment and do n’t have a hefty chemical substance smell that can cause headaches or nausea in some mass .
How to Prep a Fence for Staining
Beforepicking up the pigment brush , a fence must be decently train for best result . Preparing a fence for tarnish involves visit , repairing damage , sanding , and washing the fencing boards .
Tips for How to Stain a Fence
After the fence has been inspect , repair , sand , and washed , it ’s finally time to stain the fencing . tick off the weather and opt a calm , teetotal day with temporary between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit .
FAQs
Staining a fencing helps protect it from the elements . If you still need more information about the good fence dirt , admit whether paint is a good option or how long the vividness live on , read on for answers to some of the most commonly asked doubtfulness about stain a fence .
fence are on a regular basis exposed to pelting , sleet , snow , wind , and unmediated sunlight that can cause paint to peel , crack , and bleb . While exterior pigment are designed to hold up these elements , in most caseful , a smear is a beneficial option for a fence because it penetrates the Natalie Wood rather than coating its surface .
The stain color bet on your personal druthers , but some pop selection include hoary stains for a modern aspect or raw green colors to help the fence merge in with landscaping in the chiliad . Natural wood tones , such as redwood and cedarwood , are always pop .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
Oil - base stains that have a solid opacity last the longest . If the right way cared for , these grime can last up to 5 age before the fence need to be sully again .
To stain a wood fencing decent , you ’ll need a blusher brush , drop cloths to protect the Mary Jane and nearby detail , and protective clothing that you may throw away when you ’re done because they ’ll likely be permanently stained .
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a production examiner and writer specializing in the building , remodeling , and substantial estate manufacture . She and her husband own a general catching fellowship , and Taylor is experience in both residential and commercial construction applications . She tests a broad range of power tools as well as other domicile improvement , household , and lawn - and - garden products .
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We ’ll help you set up your first garden — whether that ’s a few pots on your terrace , a raise bed , or an in - ground secret plan out back — and select the right plant life for your stain and part .
