As a carpenter, it is only natural for me to fall in love with anything constructed with wood. You have all the reasons to love it as everything made from this material looks naturally beautiful. It is comparable to have a lawn with a well-maintained grass as opposed to a concrete option.
On the other hand, products made from wood will take up minimal capital to construct. Those of us with wooden fences will tell you how much they have saved. It is far much of a savings compared to an individual who has constructed a perimeter fence.
It also offers you the option of designing your project to your desirable and emerging needs. What I mean is that you can easily deconstruct and reconstruct a wooden structure at minimal costs.
While this may be the case, maintaining the overall appeal of your wooden fence requires some form of maintenance. From a professional point of view, applying stains and sealants is a good way to take care of your wooden structures.
When determining what is right for maintaining your wood, you should begin with understanding what causes it to deteriorate. The main factors of this include excessive water and UV light rays. Mold, mildew, and algae also contribute to the destruction of your wooden structures.
As you will come to see later in the article, the different brands of stains and sealers effectively help to prevent the damage caused by these elements. In this respect, join me as I go through some of the best wood fence protection options you can explore.
Contents
- 1 Best Wood Fence Sealer Reviews
- 1.1 1. Ready Seal 112 Fence Stain – My Top Pick
- 1.2 2. Thompsons WaterSeal – Best Multipurpose Wood Fence Treatment
- 1.3 3. Flood Series FLD520-01 (Currently unavailable, try Ready Seal 100 Clear instead) – Best Clear Stain for Cedar Fence
- 1.4 4. Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain – Best Fence Stain and Sealer for Soft Wood
- 1.5 5. KILZ L832211 Waterproofing Wood Stain – Best Stain for Wood Fence in Damp Conditions
- 1.6 6. Wood Defender Transparent Fence Stain – Best Transparent Wood Fence Stain
- 1.7 7. Tall Earth Eco-Safe Wood Treatment – Eco-Friendly Wood Fence Protection
- 2 What Should I Take Note of When Buying Fence Stains – Fence Stain Reviews
- 3 Common Questions on Best Fence Stain
- 4 Time to Stain Your Fence – Best Wood Fence Sealer
Best Wood Fence Sealer Reviews
In this section, I will focus on the different brands of sealers and stains. The idea is to help you know what options are available on the market and the difference that exists between them. I will also highlight the strengths and weaknesses associated with each of them.
1. Ready Seal 112 Fence Stain – My Top Pick
Specifications:
- Size: 5 Gallon
- Color: Natural Cedar
- Material: Oil based
- Pattern: Stain and Sealer
- Easy maintenance: no sanding or stripping required for re-application
By description, Ready Seal is an oil-based multipurpose semi-transparent sealer and stain. It is made from a distinctive mix of high-quality resins, completely grounded pigments and oils that deeply insert themselves into any wood, hence preserving and protecting from destructive elements.
Its semi-transparent nature allows the product to interact with the natural attributes of the wood, thereby allowing its grain and texture to remain visible. Therefore, among the benefits you can count on this seal, is the retention of the natural beauty of your wood. Instead of changing how your wood looks, its role is to help extend its life.
You may be wondering what I mean when I talk about preserving and extending the life of your wood. On this front, Ready Seal will not change the general outlook of your wood.
The brand has color variants to match those associated with the different wood types. For example, they have colors such as mahogany, redwood, light oak, natural cedar, pecan, and dark walnut.
On the other hand, its deep penetration ensures that it will be harder for the product to peel off. Unlike paint that appears as a coat, this seal integrates itself into the grains of the wood, hence it is hard to come off.
What’s included:
- Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer
- The product is easy to apply on wood as you can use brushes, sprayers or rollers
- It does not easily wear out
- A lot of color variants
- It is a biodegradable product, hence it cannot be considered as a soil or water pollutant
- The stain remains vibrant after application for a long time
You can find the Ready Seal Stain & Sealer at Amazon or Ready Seal or Walmart
2. Thompsons WaterSeal – Best Multipurpose Wood Fence Treatment
Specifications:
- Surface Recommendation: Wood
- Model Name: Waterproofing Stain – Solid
- Color: Woodland Cedar
- Strength: Coating Resists UV Damage
- Warranty Description: Satisfaction Guaranteed
With the tough times only getting harder, we all are looking for ways to save on costs. However, you want to do it in a way that does not compromise the overall quality of your work. Therefore, an alternative way of saving on costs is by searching for products that can perform more than one role.
What’s included:
- Thompsons WaterSeal
- Very fairly priced
- Can be used on several surfaces such as concrete, wood, and bricks
- Good at eliminating rust or dirt stains that may have formed on your wood
- Very easy to apply
- Not an environmentally friendly option
You can find the Thompsons WaterSea Fence Stain & Sealer at Amazon or Ready Seal or Walmart
Specifications:
- Size: 1 Gallon
- Color: Clear
- Strength: Can be applied in any temperature range
- Ease of use: No primer required
- Method of application: Can be applied by spray, roller or brush
If you have chosen cedar for your fencing or deck, then you are probably thinking of how to maintain the natural beauty that comes with it. Luckily for you, the solution for this has been in existence for years. The Flood CWF-UV Cedar is the best fence stain brand you need to get the job done.
When I say that the answer has been available for long, I mean exactly that. Flood is a company that has been on the market since 1841. This is far before any of us was even born. What you will love about them is that over the years, their objective has remained the same. This brand aim is to help you take care of your wood by providing you with the right products for this job.
One area that this product has gained ground over its competitors is UV and water protection. I have heard many of my clients complained that the last stain they used quickly faded away, hence leaving their fences exposed to various weather elements. Relying on my years of experience, I can certainly tell you that this product from Flood will stick and guard your wood for long.
What’s included:
- Flood Series FLD520-01
- The stain is impervious to water, hence it offers the protection for your wood from damage during the rainy and snowy seasons
- It can easily be cleaned from surfaces with some soap and water
- The product helps to repel the growth of mildew and mold on your wooden fence
- It has a smell that can seem irritating to certain people
You can find the Ready Seal fence stain & sealer at Amazon or Ready Seal or Walmart
4. Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain – Best Fence Stain and Sealer for Soft Wood
Specifications:
- Color: Dark Walnut
- Surface Recommendation: Wood
- Material: Water based
- Size: 1 Gallon
- Coverage: 100 sq ft
It is normal to hope for a longer lifespan on your outdoor fence or deck even though you are sure that the weather elements can sometimes be unforgiving. Rather than just sit there and remain hopeful, sometimes it is better to be proactive.
One way you can do this is by searching for a reliable stain that doubles up as a seal too. When shopping in these lines, you will be better served by having Deck Premium semi-transparent wood stain as your pick.
There are several reasons for this claim. The first is the way this liquid formula easily penetrates into the interior of any wood. This is a good thing because you are sure its impact can be felt both from within and outside. In particular, the Deck Premium stain has been known to work better in pressure treated wood. It will help them to remain firm and vibrant even in harsh sunny and winter conditions.
What’s included:
- Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain
- Can be applied even on damp wood
- Suitable option for those looking to rejuvenate their old fences or decks
- The stain has proven to offer good value for the money spent
- Does not have an irritating smell
- Is not a viable option on hardwood
You can find the Ready Seal fence stain & sealer at Amazon or Walmart
5. KILZ L832211 Waterproofing Wood Stain – Best Stain for Wood Fence in Damp Conditions
Specifications:
- Сolor: Cedar
- Surface Recommendation: Wood
- Material: Acrylic Based
- Coverage: 250-500 sq. ft.
- Warranty Description: Three years for decks, five years for fences & siding (preparation required; see product package for details)
What is your main concern when erecting an outdoor fence? If you are living in areas experiencing high amounts of rainfall and snowfall, you will be worried whether the damp conditions will become a problem to the fence. Since my role is to offer you solutions, I have the right one for this challenge.
Undoubtedly, KILZ L832211 is the solution you need. This stain contains an Acrylic formula that will effectively protect your wood from any damage that may be caused by snow or rain. The manufacturer is very confident about this issue that they have offered a warranty on the same. This entails coverage of five years on fences and three years for decks.
What’s included:
- Waterproofing wood stain
- The product is a good choice for those living in areas experiencing high snowfall and rainfall
- It will help to prevent mildew growth on your fence
- Provides a warranty on the protection offered by this item on your wood
- Several customers have complained that it leaves a coat once applied
You can find the KILZ fence stain & sealer at Amazon or Walmart
6. Wood Defender Transparent Fence Stain – Best Transparent Wood Fence Stain
Specifications:
- Color: Leatherwood
- Brand: Wood Defender
- Surface Recommendation: Wood
- Material: Liquid Stain
- Opacity: Transparent
One thing I have to admit is that this company could not have found a better name for its product. A winning strategy in branding is the use of a name that matches the product description and the work it is expected to perform. But how well does it live up to this hype?
If you would follow up on all the other stains I have discussed here, and they have mainly been transparent. However, this product is made in such a way that it will maintain the natural beauty of your wood while still preserving it. The trans-oxide pigments that make a large portion of this product will stain your surface but still leave the wood grain visible for all to see. Therefore, I would rank it higher on the list of my redwood fence stain.
What’s included:
- Wood Defender Transparent Fence Stain
- Two-year warranty for the product
- It has one of the best penetration of all stains
- The stain is transparent, hence it allows you to maintain the natural look of your wood
- Relatively easy to apply
- The stain is not eco-friendly
- Has one of those irritating smells
You can find theWood Defender fence stain & sealer at Amazon or Wood Defender or Walmart
7. Tall Earth Eco-Safe Wood Treatment – Eco-Friendly Wood Fence Protection
Specifications:
- Size: 1 Gallon (4.5 Liters)
- Suitable for: Works on indoor or outdoor projects – fences, decks, siding, furniture, marine applications, etc
- Method of application: Apply with brush, roller, spray or by dipping
- Stability: In use for many years with proven results
- Made of: Natural materials, leaves no harmful residue in soil or water
How about an eco-friendly option for protecting your wood? Is environmental conservation a part of your product purchase decision-making? If it is, then you are better served by using this stain from Tall Earth. The amazing fact is that you do not have to take the manufacturer’s word for it. A test conducted by independent parties and government authorities has confirmed these claims as well.
What more does this product offer? This stain effectively integrates itself into the fibers of wood, thereby permanently altering the wood composition at a molecular level. This is beneficial in the sense that it minimizes the possibility of the stain ever fading away. This specific attribute also makes this product a rational choice if you are looking to repair and renovate your aging fence.
What’s included:
- Tall Earth Eco-Safe Wood Treatment
- Penetrates deeper into the wood, thereby becomes a part of its internal composition
- It a good choice for rejuvenating and repairing aging wood
- The stain does not fade easily
- Friendly to the environment and pets
- Does not work well with certain kind of wood such as white pine
You can find the Tall Earth fence stain & sealer at Amazon or Tall Earth or Walmart
What Should I Take Note of When Buying Fence Stains – Fence Stain Reviews
Now that we have discussed different brands of fence stains, you have a clue about how to distinguish them. The thing you need to note is that this review has just sampled some brands out there. But how do you go about buying any other product not discussed in this article? What should you look for?
Related Post: Best Garage Door Seals Reviewed
Understand the Different Types of Stains
Similar to paints, there are different categories of stains. This differentiation exists as a result of the manufacturing process and the ingredients used in producing them. The various types include:
Semi-transparent
As you may have noticed, this is a pretty common form of stains. The reason for this is down to how it performs when applied on the wood surface. In a nutshell, the best semi transparent fence stain will greatly protect your wooden fences and still allow it to retain its natural look. With this stain, the grain of your wood can still be seen. This effectively enables the wood to retain its original color.
Solid
This is the closest you get to the original paints. They are similar in the respect that once used, and these products will form a coat over the surface they are applied to. This will cause them to conceal the grains of your wooden structures.
While this may be worse when you have naturally beautiful wood such as redwood, it is a good idea for the cases when you want to hide defects. Another weakness associated with this stain is that it is vulnerable to peeling off or flaking, especially when exposed to high amounts of sunlight.
- Clear stain
The composition of these stains is designed in a way that they have no pigmentation at all. This does not imply that they do not perform the job these products are intended to do.
They will protect your wood from damage by water and other extreme conditions without hiding the natural appeal of your wooden structures. However, the greatest weaknesses associated with this type of stain is that prolonged exposure to UV rays will cause a discoloration of the wood’s grain.
How to Choose Your Fence Stain Colors?
Another factor to have in mind when buying stains is the color that suits your needs. Different brands offer varying color options. As for this factor, this is not an area I can give personal recommendations. This is related to what your fence looks like and also the kind of wood you use in its construction.
However, I would say that it is wise to go with a color that matches with the general tone of your homestead. For example, what does your house look like, and what can help to complement this appearance?
Related Post: Best Roof Sealants and Coatings
The Environmental Considerations
This is a factor that many people choose to ignore, but it is an important one. In the current times, environmental consciousness has become a thing that we, as consumers, should take seriously. In line with the changing market demands, most manufacturers are modifying the way they do things by introducing environmentally friendly products.
In the case of stains, those with VOCs as active ingredients pose a huge threat to the environment. These substances are known to cause all kinds of pollution and even pose a danger to the applicant’s health. However, water based fence stains are a good option as they have a minimal negative impact on the environment.
Common Questions on Best Fence Stain
The topic of stains and sealers is an expansive one. There is so much to be discussed in this area. How about summarizing some other issues in the form of questions?
How Much Stain Do I Need for My Fence?
How to Apply Fence Stains?
Time to Stain Your Fence – Best Wood Fence Sealer
Having a wooden fence is another way to improve the appearance of your homestead. It also presents itself as the least expensive option to maintain a natural taste around your home. However, to keep this fence appealing for long, there is a need to perform some maintenance practices.
Applying a layer of stain and sealant is a good step to prolong its life. Luckily for you, this article has discussed some stains you can use to maintain or rejuvenate your wooden fence. I have also extended my discussion to highlight the application process you should follow. Therefore, which of the stains will help to complement the look of your homestead? Do you mind using stains that pollute the environment? Please, share your thoughts on the subject in the comment section below.
“A good tool stays with you for many years and choosing carefully ensures the job is done right, your work is neat, and the tool is always a pleasure to use”
Hi, I am still confused about using a sealer or stain or product that combines sealer/stain! I live in mid state Florida close to the East Coast. Titusville/Cape Canaveral area.
I live in a development That has a wood fence that goes around the entire area back yards. Sprinkler system also. The fence is composed of 4x4s with 2x4s running parallel across the 4x4s. Then wood slats that attach to the 4x4s up and down. The wood is like a dog wood, non pressure treated. I am putting back the same wood bought at home depot inexpensive. Approx 100 boards. What would be the best option for the cheap wood/Area I live high sun n winds/and sprinklers hitting the bottom, that tend to rot.
Thanks for all help. Mr. Holly