We researched the best fence stains available online, assessing them on ease of application, appearance, and durability. Our best overall pick is the Ready-Seal Natural Cedar Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer, which stands out for its low VC formula, easy application, high-quality appearance. Here are the best fence stains. Protect your fence from natural elements like rain and UV rays with this semi-transparent stain from Ready-Seal. This oil-based formula can be applied to all hard and softwoods. The natural cedar color enhances the appearance of your fence without masking the natural beauty of the wood grain. Ready-Seal Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer has a reputation for being easy to apply and doesn’t require back brushing, like some other fence stain formulas. You can use a variety of application methods, including a sprayer, roller, or brush to apply the stain. Keep in mind that you’ll need to use mineral spirits to clean up after using this oil-based formula. While some fence stains can only be applied in certain temperature ranges, Ready-Seal can be applied in virtually all temperatures—from 0 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the manufacturer. (However, our experts recommend applying any stain only at temperatures above 40 degrees.) Use this semi-transparent fence stain on unfinished wood, pressure-treated lumber, or old wood, but make sure that the wood has a moisture content of less than 12 percent. Two coats are required for penetrating protection, and each 5-gallon bucket covers up to 625 square feet. Price at time of publish: $170 Preserva Wood Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer is a great option for a cedar fence stain. The oil-based stain penetrates below the surface of the boards to protect them from UV rays and moisture. This transparent stain won’t cover over the natural beauty of cedar fences, but keep in mind that it is lightly pigmented to provide UV protection. One thing to know about this fence stain is that it must be applied in temperatures between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a more limited range than some other fence stain formulas. Price at time of publish: $199 Valspar Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer is a fence stain with sealer that provides color tone and long-lasting protection. This two-in-one formula saves even more time by only requiring a single application coat. As a water-based stain, you will only need soap and water to clean up brushes, spray equipment, and other tools. All things being considered, this fence stain with sealer is a quick and easy way to enhance your fence without the labor of applying multiple coats or products. The manufacturer backs this formula with a 6-year guarantee for fences when applied according to the product instructions. Price at time of publish: $48 The first coat of this fence stain with sealer will give the wood a tinted appearance. As a semi-transparent wood stain, you’ll still be able to see and appreciate the grain of the wood while also giving your fence a new look with colors like Moonlight Mahogany, Sundrenched Oak, and Fireside Cherry. The second coat of stain seals the fence, providing protection against the elements. Keep in mind that this formula requires you to wait overnight and up to 24 hours before applying the second coat of stain required for maximum protection. Price at time of publish: $60 Flood CWF-UV Exterior Wood Finishes are available with various tints, but the clear version is a great match for cedar, fir, or new pressure-treated pine. It’s a water-based stain, so it only requires soap and water for clean-up. It can be applied between 35 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, using a brush, roller, or sprayer. Price at time of publish: $143 Valspar’s All-Weather Solid Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer requires just one coat of application for an opaque finish that resists UV damage, water penetration, and mold and mildew growth for up to 25 years. Temperatures must be between 35 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a paint sprayer or brush to apply the water-based formula, and only need soap and water for cleaning up brushes and tools after application. Price at time of publish: $220 Seal Once protects vertical surfaces like fencing for up to 10 years, but you’ll want to check the moisture barrier every year to determine when re-application is necessary. The water-based formula requires two coats for effective sealing; apply the second coat within an hour after the first coat. Price at time of publish: $67
Base
Fence stains are either water-based or oil-based. A water-based stain uses an acrylic formula and painting supplies can be cleaned up with soap and water. On the other hand, an oil-based stain contains alkyds that provide excellent penetration but require mineral spirits for clean-up. It’s worth mentioning that some oil-based stains on the market now use an acrylic-oil blend that makes for easier cleaning but provides the same benefits of an oil-based stain.
Opacity
There are three opacity levels of fence stain: transparent, semi-transparent, and solid. Transparent fence stain is best for new wood, since the grain and condition of the wood will be easily seen. It’s also commonly used on cedar fences to highlight the natural color and beauty of this wood. Semi-transparent stains are a better choice for wood that is lightly aged or weathered, since they’ll conceal some aspects of weathering. Solid stain is best used on wood that is rough, splintered, and aged. This is the most opaque type of fence stain and will provide more coverage to give aged fence boards a uniform appearance.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Erica Puisis, a freelance writer who has been contributing to The Spruce since 2017. To make this list, she considered each pick’s price, design, and the surface it’ll be used on, as well as insight from product testers. If the fence is new, ensure that it has had plenty of drying time and is ready for stain application. This can take as little as a month or might be as long as six months or more, depending on the environment. If you have softwood, you might consider doing a spot test to determine how porous the wood is and whether or not you should use a pre-conditioner to ensure even absorption. How often you’ll need to reapply fence stain largely depends on how much weather exposure the fence receives. Fences that are exposed to heavy precipitation and damp environments or those that receive direct, intense sun are likely to need staining more often. You might choose to reapply fence stain every few years to maintain the color and appearance of the boards. If you’re concerned with how well the fence stain is protecting the wood, a simple test can tell you if you need to reapply stain (or a sealer-only formula). To check the moisture barrier, sprinkle water on the boards. If the water beads up, your fence boards are still benefitting from your last application. If not, it’s time to reapply.
