Imagine a beautiful cedar deck, sun-drenched and inviting, or a cozy cedar cabin nestled amongst the trees. Cedar wood has a natural charm that many people love. But keeping that charm looking its best, especially when it faces the weather, can be a challenge. Choosing the right stain for your cedar project is more than just picking a pretty color. It’s about protecting your wood, making it last longer, and making sure it looks amazing for years to come.
Many homeowners find themselves staring at endless rows of stain cans, feeling overwhelmed. What color will look best? Will it protect the wood from rain and sun? Will it fade quickly? These are common worries, and it’s easy to feel lost in all the choices. You want your cedar to shine, not to look dull or weathered.
This guide is here to help you cut through the confusion. We’ll explore the best ways to stain your cedar, focusing on what matters most: durability, beauty, and ease of use. You’ll learn how to pick a stain that not only enhances the natural beauty of your cedar but also guards it against the elements. Get ready to transform your cedar project with confidence!
Our Top 5 Stain For Cedar Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Stain For Cedar Detailed Reviews
1. Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood
Rating: 9.4/10
The Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to protect and beautify their wooden surfaces outdoors. This stain and sealer does a great job of giving wood a beautiful natural cedar look. It’s designed to be super easy to use, even for beginners.
What We Like:
- This stain and sealer is a dream to apply. You don’t need a primer, which saves you time and money.
- It’s a “goof-proof” product. This means you won’t get any annoying runs, laps, or streaks.
- You can forget about back-brushing. The stain blends itself perfectly.
- You can apply it in any weather, no matter how hot or cold it is.
- It’s ready to go right out of the can. No need to mix or thin it before spraying.
- The color darkens over time, reaching its final shade in about two weeks, giving you a natural, deep look.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s important to remember that this product works best on bare wood. Don’t use it over old paint or fresh stain, as it won’t soak in properly.
- The color change happens over time. You need to wait about 14 days to see the final color, so plan accordingly.
- A recycling fee may be included in certain states like California, Oregon, Connecticut, and Vermont.
Overall, Ready Seal 512 is an excellent option for a simple, high-quality wood finish. It makes staining your deck or fence much easier and gives you beautiful, lasting results.
2. Olympic WaterGuard 1 gal. Woodland Cedar Semi-Transparent Wood Stain and Sealer
Rating: 9.0/10
Transform your outdoor spaces with Olympic WaterGuard 1 gal. Woodland Cedar Semi-Transparent Wood Stain and Sealer. This all-in-one product makes protecting your wood easy. It’s ready to go right out of the can.
What We Like:
- It’s a ready-to-use, all-in-one stain and sealant.
- It waterproofs decks and fences, keeping them safe from water damage.
- It dries fast, in just 24 hours.
- The water-based sealant offers strong waterproofing and a tough coating.
- SUNBLOCK UV defense helps prevent fading from the sun.
- Exclusive SCUFF GUARD Technology makes surfaces more resistant to scratches.
- It lasts a long time: up to 3 years on decks and 4 years on fences and siding.
- It works on many outdoor wood surfaces like decks, fences, and furniture.
- Cleanup is simple with just soap and water.
What Could Be Improved:
- Coverage can vary depending on how rough the wood is.
This Olympic WaterGuard stain offers great protection and a beautiful look. It’s a smart choice for keeping your outdoor wood looking its best for years.
3. Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer
Rating: 9.3/10
Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer in Natural Cedar is a fantastic choice for protecting and beautifying your outdoor wood projects. This 1-gallon container offers a solution that not only adds a lovely tinted color but also shields your wood from water damage. It’s designed to be easy to use and provide long-lasting results, making it a go-to for homeowners looking to maintain their decks, fences, and other exterior wood surfaces.
What We Like:
- This stain is a powerful waterproofing agent. It keeps water out and stops damage.
- It adds a beautiful, bold color to your wood. The Natural Cedar shade looks great.
- The finish is transparent, so the wood’s natural texture still shows through.
- The color stays vibrant because it resists fading. UV rays won’t easily damage the finish.
- It’s very easy to apply. You can put it on wood that is damp or dry.
- This product goes above and beyond industry standards for waterproofing wood.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description mentions it hides the wood grain, which might not be ideal for those who want to see every detail of the wood.
- Thorough surface cleaning is required before application for the best results, which takes extra time.
Overall, Thompson’s WaterSeal is a reliable choice for protecting your wood and enhancing its appearance. You can trust it to keep your outdoor spaces looking their best.
4. General Finishes Exterior 450 Water Based Wood Stain
Rating: 9.2/10
Looking to add some color and protection to your outdoor wood projects? The General Finishes Exterior 450 Water Based Wood Stain in Cedar is a great option. This stain is made for outdoor use and comes in a handy 1-quart size. It’s designed to protect your wood and make it look fantastic.
What We Like:
- This stain is made specifically for outdoor wood projects.
- It has UV absorbers to help protect the wood’s surface.
- Applying it is simple; you can brush, roll, or spray it on.
- Clean-up is easy with just soap and water.
- It’s made right here in the USA.
- The stain dries pretty quickly, usually in about 2 hours.
- It’s VOC compliant and made with eco-friendly resources.
- There are 14 different colors to choose from.
- It works on wood, MDF, and fiberglass.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s not recommended for large flat areas like decks.
- While it protects the film, it won’t stop the wood from changing color over time in the sun.
This General Finishes stain offers good protection and a beautiful Cedar color for many outdoor projects. It’s a reliable choice for adding a touch of style and durability to your favorite outdoor pieces.
5. Ready Seal Stain & Sealer for Wood
Rating: 9.4/10
Give your outdoor wood a beautiful makeover and keep it protected with Ready Seal Stain & Sealer. This handy product does two jobs at once: it adds a lovely color to your wood and shields it from rain, sun, and other weather. The Natural Cedar color looks great on decks, fences, and outdoor furniture.
What We Like:
- It’s a stain and sealer in one, making your wood look good and stay strong.
- You don’t need a primer or to mix it, which makes putting it on super simple.
- It fights off sun fading and water damage, keeping your wood looking new for longer.
- The special formula spreads out evenly, so you won’t see any messy streaks or lines.
- It works great on all sorts of outdoor wood projects like decks, fences, and even your patio chairs.
What Could Be Improved:
- The scent can be a bit strong when you’re applying it.
- While it’s easy to use, achieving a perfectly uniform color might take a little practice on larger areas.
Ready Seal makes protecting and beautifying your outdoor wood easy. It’s a smart choice for anyone wanting their wooden features to last and look great.
Choosing the Best Stain for Your Cedar Siding
Cedar siding is beautiful. It has a natural, warm look that many homeowners love. But to keep it looking its best and protected from the weather, you need to stain it. Finding the right stain can make a big difference. This guide will help you pick the perfect stain for your cedar.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for cedar stain, keep these features in mind:
Protection Against the Elements
- UV Protection: The sun can fade cedar and break down its natural oils. A good stain will have UV blockers to keep the color from fading.
- Water Repellency: Cedar can absorb moisture, which leads to rot and mold. Look for stains that repel water. This keeps your wood dry and healthy.
- Mildew and Mold Resistance: Damp wood is a magnet for mold and mildew. Stains with added mildewcides will prevent these unsightly growths.
Appearance and Finish
- Color Options: Cedar can be stained to look natural, or you can choose vibrant colors. Think about the look you want for your home.
- Transparency: Stains come in different levels of transparency.
- Transparent Stains: These let the natural wood grain show through the most. They offer a subtle hint of color.
- Semi-Transparent Stains: These show the wood grain but add more color than transparent stains. They offer a good balance.
- Solid Stains: These cover the wood grain completely, much like paint. They offer the most color and protection.
- Sheen: Stains have different finishes, from matte to glossy. A matte or satin finish often looks more natural on wood.
Durability and Longevity
- How Long It Lasts: Some stains last longer than others before needing reapplication. Check product descriptions for expected lifespan.
- Ease of Application: A good stain should be easy to apply evenly.
Important Materials
The ingredients in a stain matter. They affect how well it works and how long it lasts.
Oil-Based vs. Water-Based Stains
- Oil-Based Stains: These penetrate deep into the wood. They offer excellent protection and can be very durable. However, they often have strong fumes and require mineral spirits for cleanup.
- Water-Based Stains: These are easier to clean up with soap and water. They tend to dry faster and have less odor. Modern water-based stains offer great protection.
Pigments
- The pigments are what give the stain its color. Higher quality pigments offer better UV protection and color retention.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a stain perform better or worse.
What Makes a Stain Better
- High-Quality Ingredients: Stains made with premium oils, resins, and pigments generally perform better. They offer superior protection and last longer.
- Advanced Formulas: Newer stains often have advanced formulas that combine the benefits of oil and water-based products. They might offer better penetration and faster drying times.
- Good Reviews: Check what other users say. Positive reviews often point to a high-quality product.
What Makes a Stain Worse
- Cheap Ingredients: Stains with low-quality ingredients may not penetrate well or offer enough protection. They can fade quickly or peel.
- Poor Application: Even the best stain won’t work well if applied incorrectly. This includes staining in bad weather or not preparing the wood properly.
- Lack of Maintenance: Stains need reapplication over time. Skipping this step will reduce the quality of protection.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the stain and what you expect from it are important.
Who Uses Cedar Stain?
- Homeowners: Most people use cedar stain to protect and beautify their homes’ exterior siding.
- DIY Enthusiasts: Many people stain their own cedar decks, fences, and outdoor furniture.
- Professional Contractors: They use stains for their clients’ projects.
Common Use Cases
- Siding: Protecting and coloring the outside walls of houses.
- Decks: Giving decks a fresh look and protecting them from foot traffic and weather.
- Fences: Enhancing the look of fences and making them last longer.
- Outdoor Furniture: Protecting benches, tables, and chairs from the elements.
- Gazebos and Pergolas: Beautifying and protecting these outdoor structures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best type of stain for cedar siding?
A: The best type depends on your preference. Oil-based stains penetrate deeply for great protection. Water-based stains are easier to clean and faster drying. Semi-transparent stains show the wood grain while adding color. Solid stains cover the grain completely.
Q: How often should I stain my cedar siding?
A: You typically need to re-stain cedar siding every 2 to 5 years. This depends on the stain used, the climate, and sun exposure.
Q: Do I need to prep my cedar siding before staining?
A: Yes, always! You must clean the wood to remove dirt, mildew, and old stain. Sanding might also be needed for a smooth finish.
Q: Can I stain cedar in any weather?
A: No. Avoid staining in direct sunlight, when it’s too hot, too cold, or raining. Check the stain’s instructions for the best temperature range.
Q: Will stain change the color of my cedar siding?
A: Yes, stains add color. Transparent stains add a light tint, semi-transparent stains add more color, and solid stains cover the wood color completely.
Q: What’s the difference between stain and paint for cedar?
A: Stain soaks into the wood, showing its grain. Paint sits on top of the wood, covering the grain. Stains also offer more flexibility as the wood expands and contracts.
Q: Can I use the same stain on my cedar deck and siding?
A: It’s best to use stains designed for each surface. Deck stains are made to withstand foot traffic and constant moisture. Siding stains focus more on UV protection and aesthetics.
Q: How do I clean up oil-based stain?
A: You need mineral spirits or paint thinner to clean up oil-based stains. Water-based stains clean up with soap and water.
Q: Does the color of the stain affect how much UV protection it offers?
A: Yes. Darker colors, especially those with red or brown pigments, generally offer better UV protection than lighter colors.
Q: Should I apply one coat or two coats of stain?
A: Most stains recommend one coat. Applying too many coats can lead to a sticky finish or peeling. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.