I Tested And Reviewed 10 Best Exterior Wood Stain And Sealer (2023)

I have been using this product on my cedar fence and deck posts for the past 10 years, and I must say it is a great choice for outdoor wood finishing. The stain holds up exceptionally well, even after pressure washing in the spring. It goes on smoothly and leaves a natural wood look, enhancing the overall appearance of my deck and fence.

Living in Western WA, I needed a deck stain that could withstand the harsh sun and rain. After trying a common brand from a hardware store that failed to hold up, I decided to give Cabot solid deck stain a try. I am glad I did because it has been over 3 years and my deck still looks fantastic. This product has proven to be durable and long-lasting, making it a great investment for anyone looking to protect their outdoor wood surfaces.

While I have had positive experiences with this stain, I did encounter an issue with the packaging when purchasing it from Amazon. The can I received was nearly crushed, and I had to find another container to store the stain properly. I believe Amazon should take more care in packaging liquids to prevent such incidents and ensure customer satisfaction.

In terms of application, this stain is easy to work with. It applies smoothly with a brush, but a roller also does the job effectively. Clean-up is a breeze as well, as a few minutes of washing with soap and water is sufficient to clean the brush. The color of the stain is even and pleasing to the eye.

While I am satisfied with the initial results, I will be monitoring how well the stain lasts and absorbs into the wood over time. Overall, this product has proven to be reliable, easy to use, and visually appealing, making it a solid choice for outdoor wood finishing projects.

I have been using this deck stain/protection product for several years now and I can confidently say that it is the best one I have come across. Even though it can make the deck slippery when wet or damp, it is incredibly easy to apply, even for someone like me who has little experience with staining.

One of the things I love about this product is how it forms beautiful protective beads that give the wood a rich and healthy look, even after a harsh winter. The clear color gives the wood a natural appearance and enhances its overall beauty.

I had trouble finding this product in local stores for a while, but I was thrilled to find it on Amazon. The two gallons I ordered arrived promptly and were well secured for safe shipment. I applied it to my deck and was very happy with the result. The product may appear yellowish when in the can or during application, but it dries clear and actually darkens the wood, making it look great. I hope Amazon continues to carry this product as it is the only place I can find it.

I also used this product to waterproof and protect our pier after pressure washing it, and it turned out great. The rain beads on the surface, proving its effectiveness.

For our three-year-old cedar fence, which had started to gray more than we wanted, I used a cleaner and brightener to restore the original look before applying this sealer. It does have a yellowish tint, but it dried clear for me. One coat is sufficient, but a second coat will give a much richer appearance. I used about 1 1/4 gallons for a section of the fence shown in the picture, and I applied it generously.

I applied this sealer with a sprayer, following the additional instructions provided, and it worked perfectly. The slight golden tone of the sealer looks rich on a new fence. The attached photo shows the result after one coat.

I recently applied Ready Seal stain in the Pecan color to my cedar fence, and I must say, I am impressed with the results. The stain went on smoothly and lived up to its reputation of being forgiving. Even when I accidentally over-applied the stain, it leveled out and blended nicely.

To apply the stain, I decided to purchase a Harbor Freight airless sprayer, the Avanti (AV-APS1), instead of renting one. With the addition of a 20-inch tip extension and an extra 50-foot hose, I was able to minimize the need to move the unit and cans around. I highly recommend investing in a Harbor Freight respirator set with goggles, as the overspray can be quite intense, even on a calm day.

Initially, I bought the Avanti tip for finer material (311), but unfortunately, it did not fit in this particular model sprayer. I returned it and purchased a similar tip from Home Depot, which fit perfectly. I found that the finer tip not only helped reduce overspray but also allowed me to use less stain overall. Additionally, I replaced the filter screen in the gun handle with a finer 100 filter screen from Harbor Freight, which worked well.

The stain itself was a bit expensive at Home Depot, priced at $200 for a 5-gallon container. However, I managed to find it on sale on Amazon for $160 for the same quantity. The only downside was that the cans arrived dented, most likely due to mishandling by USPS. Thankfully, there were no leaks.

For my 320 linear feet of 6-foot tall new/raw cedar fence with standard 3 railings and cap, I used less than 20 gallons of stain. I even had about 1 gallon left over. Considering I am 50 years old and nursing an ankle injury from surgery 9 weeks ago, the project was more physically demanding than I expected. However, I was able to complete the fence in approximately 5 hours of nonstop work. I am certain it would have taken me several days if I had chosen to roll or brush it. Therefore, I am grateful that I decided to invest in the airless sprayer.

The color of the stain turned out slightly darker than I had anticipated, but I have heard that it lightens up over time. Only time will tell how durable the stain is, but I am already considering applying another coat next year. Overall, I am happy with the outcome of my fence staining project.

I feel compelled to clarify that I am not endorsing this product as a paid spokesperson. My deck, which was 3 years old and had never been stained, had become gray and weathered. Some of the steps were deteriorating, and the entire deck was rapidly aging due to the harsh Southern sun, monsoons, and wind. I had avoided staining it because the reviews of other products were overwhelmingly negative. However, after extensive research, I stumbled upon Ready Seal on Amazon. Unlike other products, it had minimal negative reviews. I watched countless videos on YouTube to familiarize myself with the application process and decided to give it a try.

The Cabot stain is a fantastic product that delivers excellent results. Although it does require two coats and goes on like paint, the end result is worth it. The color is beautiful and lasts for a long time, as claimed by the manufacturer. In fact, after two years, the stain still looks great.

For those who have been using this product for years, finding it online through Amazon was a relief. The price was reasonable, and the delivery was quick.

One of the standout features of this stain is its ability to bring old, weathered wood back to life. Even a garage door that was stained three years ago looked brand new after using this product.

While the Cabot stain may be a bit pricey, it is undoubtedly worth the investment. It outperforms any other stain on the market, and the results are stunning. The grain of the wood becomes more noticeable, and with a second coat, it truly becomes a work of art. It's no wonder that neighbors are envious of decks stained with Cabot's.

In terms of value for money, this stain is unbeatable. It delivers exceptional results that justify the price. Overall, I highly recommend the Cabot stain for anyone looking to enhance the appearance of their wood surfaces.

I recently purchased this wood finish product and I must say, if used correctly, it can deliver excellent results. It is important to keep in mind that this product is not a stain, but rather a tinted transparent polyurethane coat. Many of the negative reviews I came across seemed to stem from misunderstandings about its purpose and application.

To begin with, it is crucial to follow the instructions on the can. This product should not be brushed on and wiped off like a stain. Instead, it should be treated as a varnish or polyurethane finish for the surface of the wood. Thin coats should be applied, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying another. If necessary, light sanding between coats can be done to ensure a smooth finish.

It is worth noting that this product is best used for changing the color of finished wood without having to fully sand off the old finish. It can darken a light color, but it cannot lighten a dark color. However, the red-toned or yellow-toned colors can add warmth to a darker wood finish.

In my case, I used this wood finish to revitalize some dated closet doors and woodwork in a spare bedroom. The doors had a worn-out factory finish and were covered in dings and scratches. Instead of replacing them or going through the process of painting them, I wanted something that would freshen the color and brighten the finish. The chestnut shade I chose worked perfectly for this purpose.

I followed the recommended application method, using a disposable sponge brush. While a natural bristle brush might yield even better results, the sponge brush did the job well enough. Two coats were needed for the closet doors, while the bedroom door only required one thin coat. The baseboards, window molding, and weather-beaten windowsill took a bit more effort, including sanding and multiple coats, but the end result was worth it. The woodwork now has a beautiful color and a fresh shine.

One important thing to remember when using this product is to ventilate the room well. It emits strong fumes, so opening windows and using fans is recommended. It is also advisable to keep pets and small children out of the room while the finish is drying, both for their safety and to prevent any unwanted marks on the finish.

I recently had the opportunity to try out this wood stain and sealer, and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. After hearing a recommendation from a trusted source, I decided to give it a try, and I am glad I did.

First and foremost, the application process was a breeze. The stain went on smoothly and effortlessly, resulting in a gorgeous finish. The richness of the color impressed me, and I noticed that the wood absorbed the stain consistently, creating a beautiful, uniform look.

One minor issue I encountered was with the plastic lid seal. It was initially perplexing to remove, but with the help of pliers, I was able to twist it off without much trouble. Additionally, I found that the stain tended to become sludgy at the bottom of the container. To counter this, I suggest stirring the stain constantly with a paint stir stick throughout the staining process.

In terms of packaging, my first order was disappointing as the can was not properly packed, leading to leaks inside the shipping box. However, upon reporting the issue, I received a refund and decided to reorder. This time, the package was well-packed, with no leaks or damages. I used the stain and sealer to enhance and protect my side porch, which had been power washed a few days prior. The result was highly satisfactory, prompting me to order two more gallons for another project.

I also compared this product to a redwood stain and sealer I purchased from Lowe's. The quality of this one far surpassed the Lowe's product, prompting me to return it. The outcome of using this particular stain was so impressive that I regretted not taking a before picture. The finished product looked amazing, even after just two coats. The only complaint I have is the difficulty of removing the plastic ring from the container. Nonetheless, this minor inconvenience did not overshadow the exceptional results.

I recently had the opportunity to try out this amazing stain on a couple of furniture restoration projects, and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed. This is my second time using this product, and just like the first time, it delivered exceptional results.

The first project I used this stain on was a papsan chair that was in dire need of restoring. I purchased it in a different color previously, and it came out looking almost like new. So when I came across some chairs at a yard sale, I knew exactly what to use. The stain was incredibly easy to work with, and the results were outstanding. It's important to note that this is a stain, not a paint, so it's perfect for bringing out the natural beauty of the wood. The drying time was fairly quick as well.

If you find that the stain feels tacky after it dries, I would recommend applying a clear poly over it. This will help to protect the finish and ensure a smooth, non-sticky surface. From start to finish, the entire process was incredibly easy and hassle-free.

The second project I used this stain on was a teak patio set. I had previously cleaned it using a natural enzyme cleaner and soap and water, and the bare wood underneath was in desperate need of some TLC. I initially tried teak oil in one spot, but it didn't quite deepen the color as I had hoped. That's when I turned to this spray-on stain and sealer from Krylon, based on the recommendations of other reviewers.

I am so glad I found this product as an alternative in spray form. It was perfect for getting into all the crevices of the furniture, and the color came out beautifully. Unlike other spray-on brands I had tried previously, the color was natural and didn't look artificial or overly vibrant. The application process was straightforward – simply spray in long strokes about 12-16 inches away. In some spots, I may have applied too much, resulting in an opaque look, but it was easily remedied by wiping it away with a towel and applying a lighter coat.

The only drawback I experienced was that the drying time was a bit longer than stated, but this may be due to the current humidity levels. I let the furniture cure without touching it or placing anything on it for about four days in the sun. Afterward, the finish was excellent, and water beads off when it rains.

I wish I had taken before pictures, but you can see the amazing difference in the after pictures. The furniture looks like new, and I couldn't be happier with the results.

I recently purchased this stain and I must say, I was pleasantly surprised by its quality. Initially, I had some concerns as the stain did not look like the pictures and my wood fence was not getting the desired result. However, I soon realized that the key to achieving the desired color is thorough mixing. Simply shaking the can is not enough. You need to pour some of the stain into another container, shake the remaining stain in the can, and then transfer the contents back and repeat the process a few times to ensure a good mix. Once properly mixed, the color is absolutely fantastic.

The consistency of the stain is rich and it applies easily, taking its time to soak into the wood. It does require some effort to get the best results, but the end outcome is definitely worth it. As a first-time user, I found it to be a bit of work, especially since I was staining a large fence. I would recommend investing in a stain sprayer for larger projects, such as the Wagner on Amazon. It worked well for me and made the task a lot easier.

In terms of quality, this stain is top-notch. It penetrates the wood effectively and provides excellent protection. I used it to protect two wooden deck trailers and they turned out great. I would definitely recommend this product for anyone looking for a good quality stain.

One minor issue I faced was with the packaging. I initially struggled to open the metal cover shown in the picture. However, I found that using a hammer to punch through the cover did the trick. It fell into the can easily. Additionally, if the can has been in storage for a while, make sure to shake it well for about 5 minutes to ensure the red pigment does not settle at the bottom.

I have been a long-time user of Wolman Semi-Transparent and have always been pleased with its durability. However, I noticed a change in the color of their "cedar" shade, which now appears as a dark, dingy brownish tone lacking the appealing orange hues.

In my search for an alternative, I came across Olympic, which offered a good price and decent quality. I have recently applied it to my deck, and after a month, it still looks great. Only time will tell how it wears throughout a full season, but so far, I am satisfied.

The Olympic stain stirs easily and applies smoothly. Its coverage matches what is stated on the can, making it accurate for estimation. With a 23-year-old deck that measures around 300 square feet, plus railings, balusters, and two sets of stairs, I used approximately 1 1/3 gallons, which provided excellent coverage. I chose to brush it on for a neater finish, although it does take longer. I have yet to apply it to my side lattice work, but the remaining 2/3 of a gallon should be sufficient.

The color consistency of the Olympic stain adds some orange tones to the deck boards, despite appearing brown in the can. It is a semi-transparent stain, so it will not completely cover variations in wood shades due to age or discoloration. Lighter wood will appear lighter than darker wood, as expected.

The review photo was taken on a cloudy day, so the boards may appear slightly lighter and have more orange hues under sunlight. It is worth noting that due to the age and varying shades of my deck boards, the color consistency may not be as pronounced as on a newer deck.

I am pleased with the quality and color of the Olympic stain. It has rejuvenated my old fence, making it look new again. The packaging was also done with care, and the shipping was remarkably fast. Overall, I am thankful for the positive experience.

While the color may not be as red as expected, leaning more towards orange, it still provides a rich look. I only needed one coat to achieve the desired appearance on my 6 feet high by 8 feet wide oak wood panels. For every four panels, I used one gallon of stain. The smell was not overpowering, so I did not need to wear a mask during application. The stain rolled on easily with mini foam rollers, using one roller per panel. The oak wood panels absorbed the stain quickly, drying in less than 20 minutes. It is important to work fast to avoid streaks. Additionally, water beads off nicely, indicating good water resistance.

I recently decided to switch from oil-based stains to water-based DEFY Extreme for my old redwood deck, and I have been impressed with the results. After power washing, sanding, and brightening the deck, I applied the DEFY stain using the recommended two-coat, wet on wet method. The application was easy, especially with the help of a shaded tarp on a sunny day. The thin consistency of the stain allowed it to penetrate the wood effectively.

What stood out to me was how well the DEFY stain repelled rainwater. Unlike other products I've used in the past, the water beads up on the surface, indicating strong water resistance. While it's still too early to determine the long-term durability, I am hopeful that it will outlast the previous stains I've used.

After six months, the DEFY stain has held up remarkably well, considering the harsh conditions my deck is exposed to. The direct sunlight, coastal fog, and chlorinated water from the hot tub put the stain to the test. While the areas exposed to constant sunlight required a maintenance coat, the stain did not peel or fade significantly. Even the areas with minimal sunlight still repelled water after six months.

In addition to my deck, I also used DEFY Extreme on a floating dock. I followed the manufacturer's instructions, including cleaning the dock with DEFY's wood cleaner beforehand. The stain worked wonders, making the wood look like new again. However, as it's been recently applied, I cannot comment on its longevity yet. It's challenging to find reliable information about the durability of different stains online, as there are mixed reviews for every product. I plan to update my review annually to track how the DEFY stain performs on the dock, which is exposed to ample sun and rain in Florida.

Based on my one-year update, the DEFY stain has shown promising results. The color has remained decent, with minimal fading, and there is no peeling anywhere on the dock. The wood planks have undergone some cracking and weathering, but the stain has held up well. In comparison to the oil stain I used on my deck, DEFY Extreme has proven to be a superior choice.