Cedar fences are the popular choice among homeowners due to the natural beauty, durability and resistance to decay and insect damage. however, the maintain the fresh natural cedar appearance, proper care and maintenance is essential. One of the most effective ways to protect the cedar fence and retain its color for a long as possible is to use a high-quality stain. Will explore the best fence stains that can help you preserve the natural wood color, factors to consider choosing a stain and tips for proper ways applying.
Why is Cedar needs a stain?
With Cedarwood, a natural resistant to insect it isn’t immune to effect of sunlight, moisture, or weathering. Overtime these elements cause cedar to turn gray or even darken, losing its vibrant natural color. A good quality stain can help protect the wood from UV rays, moisture and mildew, prolonging the life of the wood, keeping it looking fresh.
The types of stains for cedar
When it comes to selecting a stain to maintain the natural color of cedar fences, you should generally have three options they are clear, semi transparent, and a solid thing we will talk about the benefits of all three
Clear stains
- Provides the least amount of pigment, allowing the natural grain and the color of the cedar to shine through.
- While they offer some UV protection, they are less effective at blocking sunlight compared to pigment stains. This means you’ll have to reapply them frequently typically one to two years.
- Homeowners who want the most natural looking cedar fence possible and are OK with frequent maintenance if you’re OK with that clear stains will be perfect for you.
Semi transparent stains
- These stains can provide a balance between allowing natural wood grain to show and provide enough pigment to protect against UV rays. They enhance the Cedars natural color while offering better UV protection, then clear stains.
- Semi transparent stage provide moderate UV protection and usually last longer than clear stains around 2 to 4 years before you’ll actually have to apply it again.
- Homeowners who want to enhance the Cedars natural beauty while offering a reasonable amount of protection and low maintenance will pick this type of stain.
Salad stains
- Salad stains are more like paint they offer UV contain the most pigment. However, they cover the woodgrain almost entirely changing the appearance of the cedar to a much opaque finish.
- These stains provide the best protection against UV rays and can last up to five years before any reapplying needs to happen.
- Homeowners who prioritize protection in longevity over showcasing the natural wood of a cedar fence take these types of stains.
Difference between stains
Now that you understand the difference between the stains, let’s take a look at some of the best products on the market to help maintain the natural look of the cedar to the longest time.
- Ready seal exterior stain, and sealer
- It’s a semi transparent.
- It is an oil based stain that penetrates deeply and into the wood, providing excellent protection from UV rays and water. Ready seal does not require a primer and can be applied in any range for proper application.
- The benefit to this transparent formula allows the natural grain to shine through and enhance the natural color. It is also easy to apply, and it requires no back, brushing or wet line applications. With a built-in sealer, it helps, protect the cedar from moisture, reducing the risk of mildew and decay.
- This type of sealer last about 2 to 3 years, depending on whether exposure.
DEFY extreme wood stain
- You’re looking at a semi transparent
- The water-based stain uses high-quality resin, and provides maximum durability and resistance to fading and grain. It contains zinc nano particles which act the sunscreen for the wood.
- This type of stain enhances the natural wood color with a Rich semi transparent finish. Its water water formula is environmentally, friendly, clean up and penetrate deeply to prevent cracking and peeling.
- This type of stain offers a long lifespan than most semi transparent stains, typically lasting 3 to 4 years.
Cabot Australian timber oil
- It’s a clear or semi transparent stain
- The oil base stain is specially formulated to protect hardwoods and ideal for cedar. It penetrates deeply providing excellent protection against water, UV rays, and mildew.
- Available on both clear and light pigment, semi transparent formulas, this stain enhances the natural color of cedar while providing a durable finish. They added Australian linseed oil and long oil alkyds offer superior penetration.
- Clear finishes may need re-application Won to two years while semitransparent options can last up to three.
How homeowners go about selecting the right stain for their cedar fence
When selecting the best stain to maintain their cedar fence consider the following.
- Decide whether you want to showcase the natural green and the color of the cedar or if you’re looking for more coverage. Clear semi transparent stains will highlight the beauty of the wood, while the stain will provide more coverage and protection.
- Consider the climate in your area for regions that are intense with sunlight or harsh winters, a stain with high UV protection, such as a semi transparent or solid stain, may be more suitable
- How often do you want to reapply the stain. Clear stains require more frequent maintenance than semi transparent and solid stains. Offer longer protection.
- Some stains are easier to apply than others. If you are trying to DIY the project, consider staying like ready steel, which is not require a primer or a back brush.
Tips for proper applying
To ensure the best result and prolong the life of your feet or fence stain, follow these tips.
- Clean the fence before applying you should make sure your fence is clear clean and free from debris and dirt or any old stain residue. It wood cleaner or pressure washer could help prepare the surface.
- Choose the right type of day staining should be done on a dry mild day when temperatures are around 50 to 85°F. Avoid staining indirect sunlight as it can cause the stain to dry too quickly.
- Use a brush sprayer to apply the stain evenly follow the wood drain for the best result.
- Apply and allow for proper drying time you have to let the stain dry completely according to the manufacturers instructions before you expose the fence to any moisture.
The best fence stain to maintain your natural color of cedar fence requires careful consideration of the type of stain, environmental conditions, and you’re willingness to go out and perform regular maintenance. Products like ready, seal stain, and sealer or DEFY extreme wood stain, and the Australian timber oil are excellent options that offer good protection for your cedar fence and make sure that the fence is looking fresh and vibrant Aunt for years. By selecting the right stain and following the proper applying techniques, you can enjoy the natural beauty of a cedar fence and protect it from the elements.