Best Overall
Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain
Best Bang for the Buck
Ready Seal 512 Natural Cedar Exterior Stain
Best Clear
Defy Extreme Crystal Clear Exterior Wood Stain
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Cedar is a beautiful building material . While it can last a retentive clip , even without grease or sealant , it can finally show signs of wearable . Whether it ’s a new project or an older control surface that might do well with a number of refreshing , protect and rejuvenate your cedar structures and article of furniture with some high - timber stain might be a smart move for optimum longevity .
But with so many products on the market , it might seem unimaginable to figure out which is the estimable brand for cedar . This guide help oneself clear up the differences among stains while target out some of the top considerations to keep in judgement while shopping .
We recommended theDefy Extreme Semi - Transparent Exterior Wood Stainas our skilful overall filling because of its versatile indoor / outdoor chemical formula ; integrated ultraviolet ( UV ) and moisture protection ; seven colouring material option ; and ease of software using a sprayer , brush , or roller .
Keep read to learn more , and check out out some of the other honest options on the market , many of which we hand - on tested to ascertain they perform as promised .
How We Chose the Best Stain for Cedar
Cedar is such a wide used material , in everything from fencing to furniture , that we finger it important to offer as varied a selection ofwood stainsas potential . After all-encompassing market inquiry into top brands and conducting hand - on testing on the majority of these products , we are convinced we have put together a range that will fulfill the demands of every project .
While we looked for the most eco - well-disposed water - based stains where possible , there are still clock time an oil - based grunge is the optimum solution . Wherever possible we chose mark that are easy to use , easy to scavenge up , and have good disappearance resistance and durability . We blame blot that allow the original grain warmth to show through , and those that will mask flaws . time value was also a retainer , and there are stains for cedar on our list at a variety of different price points .
Our Top Picks
There is a fate to hump about choosing the good stain for cedar tree . To aid make the shopping process go as easily as possible , check out the following leaning or democratic choices . It ’s a compilation of some of the better product to defile cedar fences , outdoor piece of furniture , and more .
For cedar decks , fences , siding , or piece of furniture that needs some refresh up or trade protection , check out Defy ’s Extreme Semi - Transparent Exterior Wood Stain . This piss - based , calibre stain will add a bit of semblance without blocking out the beauty of the cedar tree . It come in in six raw finishes , including Natural Cedar , which is mean to heighten the facial expression of cedar tree aerofoil or allow other Sir Henry Joseph Wood coinage to mime the flavour .
Not only does the Defy Extreme spot heighten cedarwood surfaces , but it also has some other desirable traits such as UV ignitor protection and low - VOC ( volatile organic compounds ) content . The recipe includes atomic number 30 , the same constituent found in sunscreen , to prevent the Lord’s Day ’s ultraviolet radiation electron beam from damaging a cedarwood surface . This stain is soft to apply with a brushwood , roller , or atomizer , and its water base makes it leisurely to strip with soap and water system .
What our quizzer says : Tony Carrick , Bob Vila writer and product tester , notes inThe Best Exterior Wood Stainsthat “ of all the stains we tested , Defy give rise the most well - rounded carrying out . Defy has a somewhat thick consistency , which made it easier to apply without having to worry about run or drips . We were able-bodied to apply a second pelage after just a couple of hours . Defy acquire a deep , beautiful finish that accentuated the natural grain in all three eccentric of Natalie Wood we test it on with no visible brushstrokes or streaks . It also refuse our attempt to set it up with a pair of shoes and heavy alloy terrace furniture . It was among the good against rain , with water bead up on the wood Earth’s surface during our spray test . ”
Get the Defy stain for cedar atAmazonorWalmart .
Best Bang For The Buck
Those looking to stretch their cedar tree - defile budget as far as it will go may want to check out Ready Seal ’s 512 Natural Cedar Exterior Stain . This pail offers a lower cost per gallon than other stains with standardized characteristic , making it a overbold choice for budget shopper .
Ready Seal is an oil - based smear that penetrates and protects cedar tree surface from within . It get along in eight filth colouring material , with a natural cedar - colored stain variation mean to add out the sweetheart of cedar surface . It contains UV - protecting particles as well as a mould - tolerant recipe , offering long - endure protection against more than just water supply terms . Users can apply Ready Seal with a thicket , roller , or nebulizer , though cleaning will likely ask mineral spirits .
What our quizzer says : Glenda Taylor , Bob Vila staff author and product examiner , notes inThe good Fence Stainthat “ we applied the cedar fencing grease in a natural cedar timber and really liked the rich color . We applied two pelage ( as commend ) 45 minutes apart , and then let the board dry out for 72 hours . After it dried , we took it outdoors with the rest of the test boards and nailed it to a wooden frame at a 45 - degree slant where it receive nearly - lineal sunrays . We sprayed it with water , dumped dusty dirt on the wet surface , and let the dirt dry . After the 4 - week trial period , we power - washed the boards one last meter and then permit them dry completely before canvass them . The board with Ready Seal face near as good as when we first applied the stain . ”
Get the Ready Seal dirt for cedar atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Stain
protect cedar surfaces with a water - base stain and sealant might not get any better than with a true , old - school ware like Thompson ’s WaterSeal . This stain comes in three semblance , one of which is mean to mimic the colour of natural cedar tree . It can be a good choice for rejuvenate an sometime cedar tree deck , fence , or side surface .
The Thompson ’s WaterSeal pattern apply a unique formula to resist colour attenuation , allowing its color to last longer than some other water - based smear . Also , this formula create a coating that resist mould and ultraviolet light damage , preventing graying and attenuation triggered by both of those forest - surface enemies .
What our tester says : Glenda Taylor , Bob Vila faculty writer and product tester , notes inThe Best Deck Sealersthat “ we gave the board two coats and then get it dry out for 24 hours before carry on our tests . The sealant bulge out to soak in mighty away , and it transmit a jot of color — not enough to change the look of the wood food grain but just enough to heighten it . When spray with the hose , water system beaded up on the seal section of the display panel but soaked into the bare , untreated discussion section . Oncea month in the sun and elements had gone by , we gave the board a in effect scrubbing . Thompson ’s WaterSeal Transparent sealer continued to protect the Grant Wood from moisture , as the body of water beaded up and ran off . ”
Photo: istockphoto
Get the Thompson ’s stain for cedarwood atAmazonorWalmart .
Best Semitransparent
SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Stain
SaverSystems # 1 Deck Premium Semi - Transparent Stain might be the product for anyone take care to protect and supply a mo of color to an older true cedar fencing , deck , or siding surface . Its semitransparent finish wo n’t hide any of the caryopsis or natural sweetheart , but it can add a bit of color . And with its water - base rule , it will work over any be stains .
This smear from SaverSystems protect against fade and grey , and it ’s uncommitted in four color to impart a bit of pigment to cedar surfaces . It ’s also a naturally mildew - resistant rule , preclude fungus and molding from develop on wood surfaces .
What our tester say : Glenda Taylor , Bob Vila faculty writer and product examiner , notes inour prove guidethat “ we wet the test panel by spray it with the garden hose and then let it dry until it was just damp . Then we applied a individual coating of the cedar woods stain . We tested a semitransparent light - walnut tree color . It went on well , but we had to wait until the board dried before we could see if it had penetrated uniformly . After we completed the examination , the color of the stain was still vivacious . ”
Photo: istockphoto
Get the SaverSystems stain for cedar atAmazonorWalmart .
Best Water-based
Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey Exterior Stain
Water - establish soil like this option from Vermont Natural Coatings are more eco - friendly than their fossil oil - establish counterparts , making them the ideal choice for base near wildlife . This low-toned - VOC natural cedar stain practice whey protein as a binder to penetrate the wood and leave behind a waterproof stratum for UV and moisture protective covering while effectively stain cedar fences , furniture , and decks .
This formula also total in 14 electroneutral or colorful close options , include shining green . It can be go for to deck of cards , fencing , raised beds , docks , outdoor article of furniture , and siding . This stain is also promiscuous to apply with a brushing , paint pad , froth brush , or sprayer .
What our examiner says : Glenda Taylor , Bob Vila staff writer and product quizzer , notes inour screen guidethat “ Vermont Natural Coatings did allow for good water resistance during our spray psychometric test and distract scuffs and scratches well . It has a waterlike consistency , which absorbs well into bare wood to create a barrier that goes deep into the open . We also liked its color options , which include hue you do n’t typically see in a pack of cards filth , such as green . If you ’re serious about using a product that has minimal impact on the surround and do n’t mind spending twice as much for it , Vermont Natural Coatings is a great pick . ”
Photo: amazon
Get the Vermont Natural Coatings discoloration for cedar atAmazon .
Best Oil-based
Cabot Australian Timber Oil Wood Stain and Protector
cedar tree - surface refinishers looking to give their deck , siding , rail , and outdoor furniture a luxurious finale may require to give Cabot Australian Timber Oil some serious condition . This product sport a portmanteau word of linseed and tung fossil oil to penetrate deeply into the wood and protect it from within .
This convention from Cabot protects against water hurt as well as UV rays , as it take iron oxide pigment that protect from the Dominicus . This oil - based stain is available in four colors , including a instinctive polish to enhance the look of attractively brave cedar tree . There also are some scummy - VOC variants , which might be preferred for those with especially sensitive respiratory organization .
What our quizzer says : Glenda Taylor , Bob Vila staff writer and product tester , observe inour tested guidethat “ we tested Australian Timber Oil in a lovesome honey teak tone and liked the feeling . We brushed on a single coat of discolouration ( as recommended ) , which penetrated the Mrs. Henry Wood evenly and pass on a natural - looking timbre . After 72 hr , the board was quick for examination . After the 4 - week test time period , the board with Australian Timber Oil see as proficient as when we first applied the grease . The semblance was just as mystifying and rich as before , making this spot - only merchandise among our personal favorites . ”
Photo: amazon
Get the Cabot soil for cedarwood atAmazonorLowe ’s .
Best For Exteriors
Behr DeckPlus Transparent Waterproofing Wood Finish
heavily - wearing exterior grease for cedar have typically been oil - based , but Behr DeckPlus breaks the mold with a weewee - based acrylic formula that nevertheless offers outstanding security for decking , fences , siding , shingles , and outdoor furniture . There are three shade to choose from , and each permit the natural beauty of the wood food grain to show through .
Behr transparent soil for true cedar seals the Sir Henry Joseph Wood to protect it from H2O damage and resist mold , mold , and UV rays . It should be applied straight from the can , directly onto unsealed wood surface , though as always proper preparation is important for a long - last finish . Two pelage are recommended , and the 2nd coating can be enforce within a couple of hour . Full hardening takes 72 hours .
Get the Behr stain for cedar tree atThe Home Depot .
Photo: Lowes
Best For Furniture
Furniture Clinic Wood Stain
Furniture Clinic produces a wide chain of mountains of wood - care mathematical product including this aggregation of 12 body of water - based stains . They can be used with indoor or outdoor article of furniture and are eco - friendly , scummy olfactory property , and nontoxic . The products are easy to apply ( use of a foam domiciliation is recommended ) , and they give a run - devoid finish that penetrate deep into the Sir Henry Wood yet dries in as little as 10 minute of arc .
Furniture Clinic wood grime is suitable for both softwood and hardwoods . It is water - repellant and UV - resistive , but for full protection an diligence of wax , varnish , or wood oil is recommend . All of these are available from the Furniture Clinic brand .
Get the Furniture Clinic stain for cedar atAmazon .
Photo: Amazon
Best Color Selection
Minwax PolyShades Polyurethane Wood Stain
It can be hard to find exactly the ripe color stain for true cedar , but the Minwax mountain chain goes a long way to solving that problem . There are 28 shades in all , and each comes as either a satin or polish finish .
The brush - on , oil color - based formula does two jobs in one . First it maculate the wood , then protects it with a stratum of baffling polyurethane . It can be use directly to bare wood , without necessitate a primer , and can also be used over old smear or varnish . Stripping is not necessary ; all that ’s require is a light sanding to allow adhesion . Two coat are recommended , with 6 hours between each .
Get the Minwax filth for cedar atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orAce Hardware .
Photo: Amazon
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Stain for Cedar
Whether the goal is to enhance cedar with a overbold color or to but protect your investment funds , there is a grunge that ’s up to the labor . When take the stain , there are a few details to view when shopping for the proper product . The type of stain , the finished look , and the existing finish are all worth continue in mind . The following section let in these helpful details to make select the good stain easygoing .
Intended Use
Cedar is one of the most flexible and versatile Sir Henry Wood available . It does as well outdoors in the elements as it does as a blanket breast or closet facing . As each program come across dissimilar environmental gene , there are unlike approaches to staining cedarwood wood .
For interior projects like Bob Hope and blanket chest of drawers or dressers , any timbre interior blot can do the trick . But for the Department of the Interior of those chests , dressers , or W.C. , it ’s best to leave the surface untreated . Cedar is of course microbe - repellent , so an unsealed surface will assist safeguard blankets and garment salt away inside .
When it comes to cedarwood that ’s used outdoors for decks , fences , turnout , and article of furniture , it ’s important to expend an appropriate stain . Thesestains are exterior grade , contain sealant , and will protect the wood from decay stimulate by wet , UV ray , and kingdom Fungi .
Photo: amazon
Base
The best brand for cedar come in a few varieties : water - found , oil - based , and hybrid . These names refer to the fluid base that the grunge manufacturer use for its recipe of pigment and protective subatomic particle . It ’s of import to interpret what they are and how they work .
Film-Forming vs. Penetrating Stain
Stain products will protect cedar tree decks , fence , article of furniture , and siding other than , depending on the type of stain . For instance , a water - based product might make a film or shell over the dirt , while an oil - based product might soak into the cereal to protect it from within .
Opacity
Depending on their amount of opacity or transparency , stains have the power to hide blemishes , heighten food grain , or but protect without drawing care to themselves . They come in varying levels of transparentness .
Existing Coating
If you’restaining a raw deck , fresh railroad siding , or a freshly erected fence , any exterior stain can be used . But when restaining or refinish a cedar surface , the premature coating needs to be considered when choose a product .
If a previously finished cedar tree surface has an oil - based stain , there ’s the selection of using oil - free-base or water system - based stain on top . The oil will be able to fathom the Sir Henry Wood , and water - based stains will cleave to the surface .
But for surfaces already treated with water - based stains , another pee - establish merchandise require to be used . premature water - ground stains wo n’t allow crude oil - based stains to penetrate , stimulate them to pool on the surface and offering very little security .
Photo: Home Depot
Added Protection
An exterior stain ’s principal purpose is to keep moisture from penetrating Sir Henry Wood surfaces and make damage from swelling , buckling , warping , and more . But some of the full stains for cedar offer more protection .
Cedar is already fairly rot- and mildew - immune , but using a stain that contains mildewcide will aid assure that true cedar surfaces do n’t succumb to the harm of fungus kingdom .
And while many people enjoy using their true cedar pack of cards on bright sunshiny 24-hour interval , the sun is not a deck ’s best friend . For cedar tree deck , it ’s deserving see for a stain with superfluous UV protection , as these stains will protect cedar tree surfaces from the damage make by vivid UV rays .
Photo: amazon
Application
Applying the best spot for cedar is pretty straightforward , but a little prep work and knowledge can go a farseeing way toward ensure a quality outcome . Here are some baksheesh to help the job go smoothly .
FAQs
Even with this extensive background on cedar stains and review of some of the top product , there might be some additional question . The follow is a accumulation of frequently inquire dubiousness about stains for cedar , so an solvent to your enquiry may be listed below .
On its own , cedar will last a long metre , protest bunkum , hemipteran , and mold . Over prison term , the color will turn into a pleasant silvery gray . To protect that control surface without study aside from its natural beauty , use a clear or transparent stain .
Cedar is of course weather - resistant , but it can not be weatherproofed . Its water resistance can be enhanced with a stain and sealant to protect it from water incursion .
Photo: amazon
house painting versus stainingis a issue of preference , but since most people use cedar tree because of its natural beauty , painting it or staining with asolid deck stainwill cover its characteristics .
Before applying the stain , you ’ll want to sand cedar tree in pocket-sized circular motions toremove previous pigment , discolouration , or intervention and reveal the Ellen Price Wood ’s instinctive grain . Ensure that all dust and dust are wiped from the control surface after sanding and then utilise stain as directed by the producer .
Oil - base stains are better for cedarwood than their water - base counterpart since they perforate the woods effectively and keep the cedar protected from UV and moisture exposure .
Cedar is a softwood like pine , but it defile very easily and evenly due to its rude , porous fibers . Stains can penetrate into the surface towaterproof woodagainst rainwater , Baron Snow of Leicester , and glass . However , cedar must be lightly sandpaper for the sealant to stick aright .
The rule of quarter round is to apply two pelage for completely stained cedar wood . This countenance the stain to penetrate the surface altogether and provide improved colouring and finish .
cedarwood does not naturally resist rotting and needs to be seal and stained every 2 to 3 old age . This see the cedar is completely protect from UV and wet hurt while keeping the wood look new and vibrant .
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