
The 5 Best Stains for Cedar
- Natural Stain. A natural stain is one that is transparent and allows the wood itself to shine through. It provides...
- Red. When we say red, we mean autumnal red, rather than bright red. Red works particularly well against natural...
- Natural Brown. Natural brown, or rusty brown, lends itself perfectly to use in the yard or garden. It...
- 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. ...
- Best Semitransparent. SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Stain. ...
- Best Water-Based. ...
- Best Oil-Based.
What is the best outdoor stain for Cedar?
- Toner: This stain is closest to a clear sealer. ...
- Semi-transparent: As the most popular opacity level, semi-transparent stains adds noticeable color to the deck, but the wood grain will still show. ...
- Semi-opaque: Also called “semi-solid,” this deck stain contains enough pigment to obscure most of the wood grain while imparting rich color. ...
What is the best semitransparent stain for cedar siding?
- 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
- BEST SEMITRANSPARENT: SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Stain
- BEST WATER-BASED: THOMPSONS WATERSEAL Transparent Waterproofing Stain
What is the best way to stain cedar wood?
You will need a bunch of items when staining cedar wood, and those are:
- Sander (If the cedar wood you will be staining is small, then a manual sander will work fine. ...
- Sandpaper ( You will need two sand paper, low grit and fine grit).
- Shop Vacuum cleaner (this will be needed only if the wood you will staining is big).
- Wood Conditioner (that needs to be pre-stained).
- A brush or foam pad. Stain.
How to prepare a cedar deck for stain?
- 2 Before You Begin. Prepping a deck for stain right before it rains will make the job last longer than it needs to. ...
- 4 Test the Stain. If your deck is new and unstained or you already know what type of stain was used on your deck, you can move onto cleaning a ...
- 5 Clear and Sweep. Remove all your patio furniture and potted plants from the deck. ...

Does cedar take stain well?
Although cedar is a softwood like pine, it absorbs stain better than pine, especially when treated with a pre-stain wood conditioner. Indoor and outdoor cedar furniture are stained the same way. However, clear coat polyurethane, which gives the wood a shiny, smooth finish, should only be used on indoor furniture.
What is the best finish for cedar wood?
Linseed oil is the best clear cedar finish for outdoors because it is durable and dries quickly. Most clear stains that dry quickly contain linseed oil as the main component. However, other oil-based stains and solid wood stains work excellently on outdoor projects.
Should you sand cedar before staining?
If your cedar deck is newly installed, you'll need to sand* the cedar boards prior to staining. The boards go through a planing process at the mill that result in “mill glazing”. The planing process causes an oily surface on the boards that can hinder the wood stain from penetrating the wood.
How do you choose cedar stain?
Three choices for staining When it comes to staining your cedar, you have three choices: natural, semi -transparent, and coloured or opaque. Consider whether you want your building to look untouched or add a pop of colour to your yard before choosing.
Will stained cedar fade?
Stain cedar lumber to protect it from fading in sunlight and from moisture erosion. Western red cedar has beautiful colors at all stages of fading, but the wood deteriorates if it's not protected from the elements.
Does cedar need to be sealed?
Cedar looses it's natural oils over time. An oil based sealer will help replenish most of the lost oil and protect the wood inside and out. Every two years a deck should be redone, cleaned and sealed.
How long will stained cedar last?
Get your fence stained every few years. Fence staining preserves the beauty of the cedar and further protects it from the elements. We recommend staining every 5-7 years.
How long should you wait to stain cedar?
If a deck is new, we recommend waiting at least 90 days before staining and sealing the wood structure. Pressure-treated lumber or smooth milled cedar needs to cure three to six months prior to the staining process.
How do you keep cedar from turning GREY?
How to Prevent a Cedar Fence From GrayingClear Weeds and Plants. Clear away any weeds along the fence line, and tie back any plants growing in front of the fence. ... Mix Cleaning Solution. ... Scrub Fence with Cleaning Solution. ... Wash Debris from Fence. ... Let Fence Dry. ... Apply Cedar Fence Stain. ... Reapply Stain as Necessary.
Is it better to oil or stain cedar?
Oil is the way to go when it comes to cedar, no contest. While stain only coats the surface of the wood, oil works in partnership with one of cedar's basic features. You see, cedar is a naturally oil-rich timber itself – it soaks up rejuvenating oil deep into its cells for up to a year after it's applied.
Can you use solid stain on cedar?
Although the paint coat is thicker than stain, it may be beneficial in case if the cedar siding is very old and discoloured by weathering. On the other hand, stain penetrates the wood pores. Apart from that, solid stains have a high concentration of pigments, so they work well on the cedar siding.
Can you put solid stain on cedar?
In most cases, the solid color stain will usually be close to a matte finish. Cedar siding is a durable and attractive siding material, but it requires protection from sunlight and moisture. Therefore, you need to apply perfect finishing coats on cedar siding.
How do you keep cedar looking natural?
Staining Cedar With a Semi-Transparent Stain Semi-transparent stains are your best bet when you want the real look of slightly weathered cedar with protection. The few solid particles in this mix will not significantly obscure cedar's wood grain.
What do you use to seal cedar wood?
Cedar accepts most finishes well, including penetrating oils, such as tung oil and linseed oil. Penetrating oils are especially effective for sealing the grain while leaving the wood looking raw and natural.
What oil do you use on cedar?
Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C can be used on almost all wood surfaces, including cedar. Linseed oil was traditionally the recommended wood oil finish by woodworkers, cedar cladding users and craft enthusiasts.
How do you protect cedar wood outdoors?
1. Opaque or solid-colour. A thorough coating or two of an acrylic-based paint is by far the most protective of the finishes on offer. It will shield the timber from moisture and weathering, but will completely conceal the wood's colour and grain — so make sure to choose a wood paint of your desired colour.
What is the best stain for cedar?
Base. The best stains for cedar come in a few varieties: water-based, oil-based, and hybrid. These names refer to the liquid base that the stain manufacturer uses for their recipe of pigments and protective particles. It’s important to understand what they are and how they work.
How long do cedar stains last?
They allow moisture from within the wood to escape but keep rain, snow, and other elements from penetrating. They’re long-lasting and may last around 5 years before restaining is necessary. However, they don’t do a great job of hiding damage, blemishes, or mismatched wood.
What oil is used for cedar decking?
Cedar surface refinishers looking to give their decks, siding, railings, and outdoor furniture a luxurious finish may want to give Cabot Australian Timber Oil some serious consideration. This product features a blend of linseed and tung oil to penetrate deeply into the wood and protect it from within.
What is the best way to clean up a stain?
Water-based stains use good old-fashioned water as the liquid base. These stains are easy to apply and easy to clean up, requiring just a bit of soap and water. They’re also low-VOC (volatile organic compounds), so they’re less likely to bother the user’s respiratory system during application. But they don’t penetrate very deeply, and they might not last as long.
How to apply a stain to a surface?
Apply the stain: Using a roller and brushes, apply the stain to the entire surface. Work in small sections to avoid missing spots or dry edges. If using a sprayer, it’s possible to work in larger sections, but be sure to overlap the edges of each section.
What is film forming stain?
Film-forming stains will create a barrier over the exterior of the cedar, keeping water from passing through. Because they coat the surface of the wood, they can be excellent at covering blemishes and mismatched grain, but they don’t last as long as penetrating stains.
What is the difference between oil based and water based stain?
For instance, a water-based product might create a film or shell over the stain, while an oil-based product might soak into the grain to protect it from within.
What is K03601000 Cedar Stain?
Krylon K03601000 Cedar Stain. Check The Price. Krylon is a durable stain that has fast and even coverage. It keeps the wood safe from water damage, and UV fade protection keeps the wood safe from the UV rays. It is ideal for exterior use. It comes in a spray can that is convenient to use.
How to test cedar wood for colorfastness?
Testing for colorfastness. Clean the wood of any previous stain. Mixing the stain. Applying a second coat. Cedarwood is a popular choice for many who are looking to add a natural, rustic feel to their home.
What is wood defender stain?
Wood Defender Stain comes with Trans oxide pigments that highlight and reveal the wood grain. Your wood surface does not lose the original color of the wood. It also comes with the qualities of a stain. The pigments have UV protection. It works on cedar and redwood.
Why do you stain wood?
The stain prevents the wood from graying as it gets older. The wood stain preserves the natural color of the wood, and it enhances the beauty of the wood as it results in a semi-transparent finish.
How long does it take for cedar to go back to its original color?
There is no need for a primer. Do not panic when you notice the dark color after application. The stain goes back to its color in 14 days. Since sealed surfaces prevent penetration, avoid adding the sealer over painted or stained surfaces.
What is a Trans Oxide stain?
It consists of Trans oxide pigments that highlight and reveal the wood grain. That keeps the original color of the wood while staining at the same time. The pigments are resistant to UV rays, and it works well on hardwood such as cedar and redwood.
How many colors does sealer have?
It has five toned colors for exterior surfaces. The sealer spreads evenly on the surface, producing a beautiful finish that glows in the sun. It is easy to use and has impressive waterproof qualities.
Best Exterior Stain for Cedar Siding Reviews
Have a look at the best-selling exterior stain of the market the KILZ L832211 exterior stain DEFY Extreme wood stain Ready Seal 512 5 exterior stain. It is a stain and at the same time, it is a sealer as well which is a money saver. Plus, it is priced very reasonably.
How do you stain exterior cedar siding?
Staining exterior cedar siding is very easy, you just have to keep a few things in mind and you are all set to go. Have a look below we have shown the exact process.
How to Choose the Best Exterior Stain for Cedar Siding?
To be honest, there isn’t much to consider when you are buying an exterior wood stain. These are a few things that you need to understand and only then you can end up choosing the right stain for the job. There are different types of wood stain which work differently such as oil-based stain, water-based stain, gel, and varnish stain.
How to Choose The Best Stains For Cedar in 2022?
There are numerous sorts of Best Stains For Cedar available on the market today, each with its own set of features and costs. Furthermore, while purchasing a great Best Stains For Cedar, you should consider the quality, additional accessories, and safety. So, here are some suggestions to assist you in selecting the Best Stains For Cedar.
Price
What is the biggest amount of money you are willing to pay on a Best Stains For Cedar? Obviously, the Best Stains For Cedar you select must be within your financial constraints. The best part is that there's something for everyone with so many models to pick from.
Quality
A product's quality is fundamentally its goodness or "badness." Asking yourself the following questions can help you assess quality:
Additional accessories
Always keep an eye out for additional accessories and other extra tools that may be included in the deal. These add-ons can help your Best Stains For Cedar work more comfortably and effectively. It’s also easier for you to use it.
Safety
While utilizing any product, you undoubtedly want to be as safe as possible. As a result, one of the most significant features to look for when purchasing a Best Stains For Cedar is the addition of safety features. Also, before running the machine, make sure you read the instruction books carefully.
Warranty
The warranty on the best Best Stains For Cedar is a must-have feature. Several manufacturers provide a 3-year warranty, while others only provide 1 to 2-year warranties. Before you buy a Best Stains For Cedar, make sure to double-check the warranty to verify what's covered.
How to clean wood grains?
Once you have cleaned the surface, clean the wood with water. Make the wood wet. Do not even use a pressure washer on bare wood, it might clean the wood properly but it will damage the wood. Rather you a hosepipe and the water pressure should be low. When you get the wood wet, the grains will start to rise a little up.
How long does it take for a stain to dry?
Once you have sealed the stain properly, now it is time to let that sit. Some sealer takes 24-hours to dry, some even take 45-hours, and some takes a few hours. Doesn’t matter which sealer you have picked make sure it dries properly.
How to make wood rough?
In the beginning for a rough texture use low grit sand paper. And make sure you sand the wood in the wood grain direction. Sanding with lower grit sandpaper will give you a very rough surface and later, you will have to sand that surface with finer grit paper in order to smoothen the surface.
How to get dust off wood when sanding?
If the wood piece is small, then wipe clean the wood. Pick a brush and work that on the sanded surface. And do not stop unless you get a surface that doesn’t have any dust at all.
What to wear when using an electric sander?
If you are using an electric sander, make sure to wear protective gloves because an accident can happen anytime. And if possible wear a face mask and goggles as well, so that sand dust wouldn’t go inside your mouth and eyes. If you have respiratory illness then avoid doing this.
Do you need to seal cedar wood after staining?
Once you are done with the staining, now it is time to seal that stain. But before that, you will want the stain to get dried properly. And after that seal the wood. Sealing the stain will protect the wood from harsh weather such as heavy rain, UV-ray, discoloration, etc. In case you want to learn cedar wood sealing, check out our blog on how to seal a cedar wood.
Is it hard to stain cedar?
Staining cedarwood isn’t a tough job at all . Gather the right equipment and have little knowledge of wood staining and you are there!
