The best stain for cedarwood depends on what you’re looking for. Cedarwood is a popular choice for many looking to add a natural, rustic feel to their home. Cedarwood can be stained or left untreated, but it needs some sealant to protect the surface from weather damage and insect infestation.
If you want a dark, rich color that will bring out the best features of your cedar wood furniture, then we recommend using an oil-based stain; if you prefer something with more subtle tones that won’t change the natural appearance of your cedar wood too much, then go with a water-based stain instead.
Ready-Seal Cedar Stain
The Ready-Seal cedar stain is budget-friendly. 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. Use a spray, brush, or roller to apply the sealer.
No back brushing is required since the application does not leave runs, laps, or streaks. No wet line application is needed. The sealer is self-blending. Maintain the temperature range required for proper application. Do not dilute and thin before the application; minimal maintenance is required.
Do not strip old paint and sand for re-application. The surface has to be clean of dust and grease before application. Allow the wood to dry before application. Cover your vegetation and plants before the process. Color consistency comes when blending the sealer from multiple containers; it takes 48 to 72 hours to dry.
Cabot Cedar Stain
Cabot stain is an oil finish that protects your wood from nature. It beautifies the natural appearance of your wood, and the oil penetrates deeply into the wood, making it water-repellent oil.
It is a sealer that spreads evenly on the surface, producing a beautiful finish that glows in the sun. It is ideal for decks, siding, fences, and trim. It comes in five different toned colors for exterior surfaces.
The stain is easy to use and comes with impressive waterproof qualities. The finish is durable and weather-resistant. It comes in ten colors, and one coat is enough for a standard wood surface.
Krylon K03601000 Cedar Stain
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 UV rays. It is ideal for exterior use and comes in a spray can that is convenient to use.
The finish holds up under harsh conditions, and the clean-up process requires soap and water. Allow the wood to dry before applying the stain.
The natural color that comes after the application looks beautiful. It is quick to use and fills the holes on the surface evenly. Spray the stain in long strokes. It should be 12 to 16inches away. Remove excess wood stains utilizing a towel. Assess your weather before you start the process.
KILZ L832111 Cedar Stain
KILZ is an exterior wood stain for cedar that protects wood from water and mildew damage. That maintains the beauty of your cedar, and the acrylic formula is ideal for fences and siding.
It has UV protection that keeps it safe from sunlight. The gallon covers up to 250 square feet. It renovates old cedar and removes loose wood fibers, and shakes or stains for impressive results.
The area has to stay for 24 hours to dry before a second coat—sand to remove remaining loose fibers. You can use a pad applicator, brush or pump sprayer for application.
Cabot Cedar Stain
Cabot stain protects your wood from natural elements. It enhances the natural beauty of your wood, and the oil penetrates deeply into the wood. It is a water-repellent oil ideal for decks, siding, fences, and trim.
It is easy to use and has impressive waterproof qualities. It has five-toned colors for exterior surfaces. The sealer spreads evenly on the surface, producing a beautiful finish that glows in the sun.
One coat is enough for a durable and weather-resistant finish. It is safe from UV rays since the formula has UV-repellent substances and is resistant to fading.
Wood Defender Fence 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 work well on hardwoods such as cedar and redwood.
Wait for the perfect weather so the staining process will not be disturbed. Use a brush to apply the stain. Continue stirring the wood stain so that it spreads evenly. The wood has to absorb the stain even when two or more coats are applied. Wait for an hour before a second coat.
The clean-up requires thinner. Although the wood stain is not very transparent, it soaks into cedar boards easily. The stain lasts up to four or more years. There is no need to strip the old wood stain when you want to re-stain.
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, and it also comes with the qualities of a stain.
The pigments have UV protection. It works on cedar and redwood. Wait for the perfect weather since the process requires consistency in temperature. Use a brush to apply the stain. Continue stirring the wood stain so that it spreads evenly. The wood has to absorb the stain even when two or more coats are applied.
Wait for an hour before you apply a second coat. The clean-up requires thinner, and the stain lasts up to four or more years. Although the wood stain is not very transparent, it soaks into cedar boards easily. There is no need to strip the old wood stain when you want to re-stain. The color is beautiful, and the application is easy.
Defy Wood Stain
defy wood stain protects cedar against UV damage and water damage. It consists of oil and water-based blends, and it is easy to apply and clean. For the clean-p, you need soap and water.
The stain prevents the wood from graying as it gets older. The wood stain preserves the natural color of the wood, enhancing its beauty as it results in a semi-transparent finish.
The finish protects and seals your wood from water penetration. The oil penetrates the wood pores, allowing it to bond easily with the stain. The finish lasts longer.
General Finishes Wood Stain
It is a premium, quality wood stain ideal for exterior surfaces. The pigment works on vertical surfaces such as garage doors and furniture, and the water-based stains are not for large and horizontal surfaces such as decks.
The UV absorbers protect the wood from sunlight, reducing the chances of changing color due to sunlight. Mold and mildew growth is reduced. Use a brush, roller, or spray for the application.
The clean-up is easy and quick. It requires soap and water. Stir the contents before use. Dilution is allowed for a lighter color. Remove the dust after sanding. Work in a well-ventilated area so that the process does not take long.
Old Masters 11916 Stain
The Old master stain comes with an easy process that has qualities to control color changes. It is for interior use, and use it on exterior surfaces when you apply a topcoat with a protective finish.
It is slow during the drying process. It is thick, and that makes it controllable, unlike watery stain. It has the same effect on new and finished wood. It is ideal for DIY users, and the gallon covers 500 square feet.
It is easy to apply. Use a damp cloth and let the surface dry. The stain is dense and rich in color. One coat is enough unless you want a dark color. If you are not sure about timing, make samples using different timings. The price is budget-friendly.
Buyer’s Guide
Testing for colorfastness
You should test the stain in an inconspicuous place before applying it to a whole surface. You will be able to see how well it resists fading, water damage, and sunlight.
It would help if you also looked out for the hue of the stain, as some stains may turn brownish when exposed to light or air over time.
Clean the wood of any previous stain
You should not add stain on top of more stain. Clean the wood of any previous stain and let it dry before you apply a new one.
Mixing the stain
Mix the stain thoroughly before you apply it. You will then be able to achieve a uniform tone on the wood surface, or even if you are using different colors for an ombre effect, they should blend well together.
Applying a second coat
A single coat is hardly enough to cover the wood surface, so you must apply a second coat.
The best way is to wait for the first one to have dried before applying it again.
Do not apply stain on an old layer if they are still wet. Otherwise, it may absorb the color, and you will end up with different shades that show.
You should also see our post: How to Protect Cedarwood.
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