This post was updated on February 27, 2024
The Best New Wood Fence Stain?
Since we published this article, some new stains have been introduced. We recommend you browse our site with honest reviews for recommendations for the best new wood fence stain. We always appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below with pictures of your fence stain projects.
Looking for a New Cedar, Redwood, or Pine Fence Stain?
A new fence can add many benefits to your property. It can add curb appeal, increase your home’s value, provide privacy, help keep small children and pets safe, and so on. A new fence can be quite an investment so protecting it is a good idea. Applying a weatherproof stain to your new fence will ensure it looks good and lasts for many years.
A new fence will need to dry for several months before it can be sealed. New wood is pretty green, meaning it has a lot of moisture in it. After several months of being in the wind and warm sun, it will be ready for staining. Be sure to wash and prep the wood correctly prior to stain application.
To choose a new fence stain, consider the look you want. Fence stains can add to the natural beauty of the wood. The best stain for added appeal without masking the wood grain is a semi-transparent stain. These stains will add a little tone to the wood but won’t hide the wood’s natural beauty. The added pigment ensures plenty of UV protection to protect against fading and discoloring.
Semi-transparent stains like TWP 100 Pro Series are designed to penetrate the density of new wood. Not all stains will have these penetrating abilities. New wood is denser than aged wood so finding the right new fence stain is crucial. These new fence stains also help condition the wood so as it loses its natural oils they are replenished to keep the wood from drying out, which can lead to cracking, splitting, and splintering.
A new fence stain should last several years. Because a fence is vertical it does not take as much abuse as a deck floor. While maintenance on a deck can be every other year, a fence should be maintained every 3-4 years. A light wash and recoat are all that is necessary to keep it maintained.
Any Questions on this Topic? Please Ask Below!
Best New Deck Stain Video
Deck Stain Help & Questions
Stain Reviews & Comparisons
I am in Florida and have a large 3 year old cedar fence that was coated with thompson’s water seal upon install. Now it is very dull and grey want to stain, but HOA only allows BEHR colors ST-104 Cordovan Brown, ST-103 Coffee and ST-115 Antique Brass. I do not want to use BEHR and would prefer to use TWP or Armstrong however I need colors to match or be very similar – any ideas?
No idea what colors will match but you can get samples for both TWP and AC to test. Also, consider the TWP semi-solid as they have 30 plus colors. It has some very dark browns that would close.
What about the Thompson’s water seal? I put it on 3 years ago – do I need to strip? Will TWP go on fine over it?
Strip it and then brighten.
What temperature should it be for applying the stain?
Depends on the stain brand but typically 50-90 degrees.
I installed a 4-5 foot cedar fence over Labor Day Weekend, 2020. I have not yet stained it, so it’s roughly 7 months old and slightly graying. I’ve read quite a bit of your reviews in the past and am considering the TWP product line. Which would you recommend specifically in cedar tone, and would I need to use any brightener or cleaner prior to staining in order to achieve the desired color and effect? If cleaner and brightener is necessary, is there a way to do this with a powerwasher or spray bottle? I’ve got 210 ft….
Yes, you will need a cleaner and brightener for prep. You apply with a pump sprayer and then pressure wash off. Use the TWP Gemini Restore Kit for prep and then the TWP 100 or 1500 Series. Any color will work.
We had a pine 6ft privacy fence installed 10 months ago as well a fairly large deck. We plan to stain the deck with Armstrong Clark in the next couple weeks. We are considering holding off on doing the fence until next year. I understand the importance of protecting the wood but are we making a mistake waiting another year for the fence or do you think it will be okay?
It will be fine but the prep will be a little harder to remove all the gray if you wait another year.
Hi, About a month ago, we got a new horizontal redwood fence installed. We will be getting it stained in a week. I’d like to stain it so that it looks like the (see photo). I’m having a hard time determining which stain will be the best in giving it the look that I like and will last the longest (be best quality). Can you help?
See here first about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
As for color, best to try some samples to see how it works on your wood after the wait and prep. Try TWP Stains or Armstrong Clark.
BTW, the wood in your picture looks like IPE. You cannot get new redwood to look like that.
Northern Cedar Fence, Installed in July- with the heat of the summer, and drought conditions,the fence is ready to be stained (the fence company thought so too, after stopping by to tweak something. What stain would you recommend? I would like to keep the light color and protect it from greying.
Thank you in advance for your advice
OOPS. Fence is located on the New Hampshire Seacoast.
See new wood tips here: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Thank you for this useful information. However can you tell from these photos if the fence cedar wood is rough sawn cedar or not?
Cannot tell from the picture.
Thank you. Thinking of using a Sikkens Cetol DEK Finish for fence. Have you ever heard of it or have any opinion on? See photo.
Thank you.
We are not fans of Sikkens anymore. They sold the company a few times recently and formulas were modified.
Thank you
Just installed a pine picket fence/gate and want to stain now but is it too early? Should I wait until Spring so fence can age through this winter first?
It depends if the wood is smooth or rough sawn wood. See this for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
If I want to keep my fence looking as close to what it looks like now (red cedar installed about a month ago), should I go with TWP 101 Cedar Tone or Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar? Mostly rough hewn but the cross 2x4s are smooth. Should I apply a 2 coat wet on wet? The fence gets a lot of sun and also dealing with harsh Minnesota winters. Thanks, this site is awesome!
A couple of followup questions. Should I also be considering RAD?
I also want to eventually stain the older neighboring cedar fence. Is there anything I can do to get the color close-ish to the new fence? The opposite side of the fence is already stained with a darker tint. Will I screw up the other side if I clean/brighten my side and stain to a more natural cedar color?
You would need to strip and brighten the stained side of the fence. Clean and brighten for the unstained side. RAD in Natural tint would give the wood a “wet” look after staining.
I can’t change the other side of the fence. Will I ruin the already stained side if I try to clean and brighten the other side?
Also, with my new cedar fence, do I need to use brigtener or can I skip that step since its new?
Yes, it is possible you will ruin it plus the stain will bleed to the other side when you stain. The new wood should be cleaned and brightened to remove the mill glaze on the smooth boards.
Try AC in Natural or TWP in Honeytone. Two light coats wet on wet.
I’m in the process of having a new ranch rail cedar fence installed and want to make sure I protect my investment as best I can. I’ve been reading on your site (extremely helpful by the way) and still have a few questions I wanted to confirm:
1. I’ve read that rough sawn cedar does not need to age before staining but I’m not 100% sure if I have it or not. I’ve attached a few photos and am hoping you can confirm if mine is rough sawn or not.
2. I love the way the wood looks right now and would love to preserve it in its current state. I’d like to go with a transparent sealant / stain but live at 7,200ft in southern Colorado and worry about the powerful sun here and the damage it will do without any pigment in the stain. Is there any way to protect from UV with a translucent stain?
3. TWP100 seems like its your first choice in most cases but is there anything you see here that would make you pick another product?
4. I’m planning to get a backpack pump sprayer and back-brush as needed but is there another method you would recommend?
I think thats it for now. Thanks again for your help – its rare to see someone so response in a forum like this.
1. Rough sawn.
2. No, it has to be tinted for UV protection and that means you will enhance the color.
3. TWP 100 or Armstrong Clark.
4. That should work with the TWP, but not AC. AC cannot be sprayed.
Thanks for the quick reply! So what is the lightest color stain you recommend for protecting the wood but still letting its natural color / grain show through as much as possible?
TWP in Honeytone.
Well – it looks like CO just banned TWP-100 on May 1st but TWP-1500 is still allowed. Two questions:
1. If it came down to TWP-1500 in Honetone vs RAD Natural Semi-Transparent for my rough sawn cedar fence, which would you recommend?
2. Can I use a pump sprayer for TWP-1500?
Thank you.
1. Either would work very well.
2. Yes.
I have an older pressure treated fence and have power washed it and had to replace a few boards. The fence id probably 14 years old but still in decent shape. I would like to go with a semi transparent stain. what brand do you recommend?
Armstrong Clark or TWP 1500 Series.
Just had our fence torn down and replaced with Cedar. Live in the Pacific NW area.
Is there a time to wait before you stain it?
Does it need to be prepped at all?
Thinking Semi-Transparent but not sure on what brands I should be looking at – suggestions.
See here about new wood. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
What about brands and Oil-based vs Water-based?
The type does not matter. Any of these brands would work well: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews-2020/
So looking at that link as well as this one – https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews-2020/ Where does Ready Seal Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer fall compared to the ones listed here?
We are not fans of Ready Seal. It does not last.
Are most of these available only online purchase?
TWP 100 Series Semi-Transparent Stain
Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Stain
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Stain
TWP 1500 Series Semi-Transparent Stain
Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Stain
No, all are sold at stores but not in every area. Check with manufacturers.
Are the neweer “hybrid” stains good for new fences?
Depends on the brand and type of stain?
Hi! We just built an enclosed garden with 28″ raised beds made of new redwood. Do we need to wait for a while
before we stain and seal them or can we seal them now? What stain would you recommend? We live in Utah and
have hot summers.
See this about how to weather, pep, and stain new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Hi, I built a new horizontal cedar fence near Portland, OR. Wet rainy winters and hot dry summers. Most of the fence is rough sawn, but the top caps are smooth. Measurements = 1,000 sq ft x 2 sides = 2,000 sq ft.
1) Should I wait for the top caps to age before staining the whole fence? If so, how long?
2) I’m looking for a semi-transparent stain. I’ve narrowed it down to TWP 100, Defy Extreme, or RAD. Which would you recommend for the best protection, easiest maintenance over time, and best-looking for cedar (less orange color)? I plan on living here for a few more decades and want to take good care of it.
3) First application = two coats wet-on-wet?
Thanks for your time.
1. Wait a couple of months. Clean and brighten for prep.
2. All are good and will last about the same. They can be cleaned and reapplied as needed.
3. One coat for the smooth top. Two coats for the rough sawn.
Got it. Thank you for your help.
Hello; we used Behr Chocolate Semi Transparent waterproofing stain on our premium cedar fence and now our fence is 3 different colors. I have no idea how this happened. We are going for a dark look. One panel looks great, ideally we would like to have the rest of the fence match up. One panel is orange and the rest of it is like a caramel color. Do you have any tips on how to fix this. Please help!
Sorry, but you would have to ask Behr as we do not use it. It is a poor stain and one of the issues is its poor appearance.
San Antonio, Texas: Does a new rough cut cedar picket fence have to age before applying stain and sealer? If not, does it need to be prepped first with a cleaner if it is only 2-3 weeks old or can i go straight to applying the sealer if the moisture content is at the right level?
I know the moisture content needs to be a certain percentage, what is ideal moisture % for oil based stain/sealer such as TWP 100 and also for RAD water based?
Is RAD water based stain/sealer recommended for rough cut cedar?
I know this is not the right thread for my next question, but after sanding solid stain off of a deck do i need to use the cleaner and brightener before re staining it or is rinsing the dust off with a pressure washer sufficient?
No need to age if rough sawn. No need to prep either. 15% or less for moisture content. You can use the RAD stain for this. Clean and brighten after any sanding.
We are having an all cedar shadow box privacy fence put up in May. What is the best weather protection sealant you would recommend? How soon should it be applied? What type of applicator should I use to apply it?
See here for new wood tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Hi! I have a new pressure treated fence. We did the water test and water was absorbed. Started to apply Olympic semi-transparent stain and
it soaked in like crazy however after two coats looks very blotchy.
The wood is also very “hairy” is the only way that I can describe it very rough and not smooth (both before and after staining). Do you think it’s a problem with the quality of the wood? Or is the stain that I used not the best brand?
Probably both. We are not fans of Olympic stains and your fence it most likely rough sawn wood.
Thank you so much for your very quick response! I’ve used Olympic in the past when it was oil based and now that they changed it it surely is different.
May I ask what you would recommend for the rest of the fence that isn’t treated yet as we only did about half of it and stopped because number one we ran out of stain and number two just weren’t happy with how it looked
Try Armstrong Clark: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/tag/armstrong-clark-deck-stains/
or
TWP Stains: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/twp-1500-wood-and-deck-stain-review-2017/
Thank you! I’ve been at a standstill because I don’t want to make any more expensive & time-consuming mistakes. I cannot undo what’s already been done as part of the fence that you can’t see in the picture runs between two screened-in porches and is not accessible. My question is do I finish the rest of the fence with what I already did and then in a few years use better quality product? The left side of the fence my neighbor would not split the cost (townhouse) so that had to stay and you can see that it’s very weathered and gray.
May a swell finish what you have started at this point.
I need to stain my cedar fence again this year. I don’t like what I used before, (Penofin). Since it does not have a sealer, would it work to put on a different stain brand without doing anything to it? What brand is recommended for a semi-transparent stain? Thanks.
After reading many posts, it looks like TWP is one of the best brands out there. Is 100 better than the 1500?
No not better. They last the same. The difference is VOC laws for certain states.
So, if I don’t live in a state with the VOC requirements it would be a good choice. Are there any others you would recommend over TWP? Would I need to do anything to my fence first?
If you do not live in a state with low VOC laws, then use the 100 Series. TPW is excellent and not a better brand out there but there are some that are as good.
Such as? and by the way thanks so much for your responses.
Armstrong Clark or Restore A Deck Wood stains.
You cannot apply anything over the Penofin. It has to be removed. The good news is that it is easily stripped off. Try this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-injectable-deck-stain-stripper-review/
Where can I get this stripper? Does it have to be online?
Check their website: restore-a-deck.com
Is the application pretty straight forward? Just spray on and power wash off? Or is scrubbing involved on a fence?
Yes, easy to do. Directions are on their website.
I am installing a cedar (it was billed as incense cedar) and want to stain it. Reading the article and many of the posts related to cedar fencing I am putting the staining on hold for a few months. I live in the desert southwest, extremely hot and dry in the summer, so I am thinking maybe three to four months … does that sound about right? Also, noticed that you advocate using an airless spray application vs. pressure air spray … what is the rationale behind that? After reading your recommendations I am leaning towards the Total Wood Protectant but while researching availability it appears to be somewhat unavailable in this area … any thoughts on how to obtain it? (luckily I have a few months to come up with the product as I let the fence dry … and maybe the coronavirus will die also). Anyway, thanks for the information provided on your web site, it has provided a sense of confidence as I proceed on in my first go around in cedar fence construction arena.
Yes, 3-4 months will be correct. We do not advocate an airless over a pump sprayer. Both will work well for most stain types but some stains cannot be pump sprayed applied as they are too thick. You can check with the TWP website for local availability or order online.
I am not sure if I expressed my intentions clearly relating to the application method. What I am planning on using is a air compressor with a paint spray gun. I am not certain if you are referring to that when you reference a pump sprayer, but I will shake it out with the vendor whoever that turns out to be. I was at TWP website and tried to go to the order online but the only thing that appeared to be available was the phone. My hearing got messed up when I was in the navy working on the flight deck of a carrier (one should really wear those mickey mouse ears but I was young and thought I was ten feet tall and bulletproof … ah, a sad story I know but life goes on). Anyway, talking on the phone for me is just a major source of irritation and know the person I am trying to converse is no happier with the situation than I am so I was hoping for an email address or a chat line … but I will work it out so it is not a issue. I am truly impressed with the quick reply, thank you. Do you always respond so quickly or are you just bored with nothing else to do because of the lock down?
You can order directly from the TWPStain.com website. Not sure what you mean by only using the phone to order as it clearly shows that you can order on their website?
You will be okay applying the TWP with a spray gun and air compressor, just back wipe any drips and runs.
Lots of free time at the moment.
Just had a new cedar fence installed. I’m in Seattle. Constant rain. And the fence borders a garden that is regularly watered even during dry months. We want to go with a solid color stain, charcoal/black. What would be the best product?
For a solid stain, look at one of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
Questions for a spruce (or pine) fence erected late Summer 2018 and Sherwin Williams SuperDeck Exterior oil-based transparent stain applied March 2019. Located in Central SC (Midlands)
Currently it appears that most of the stain has been absorbed or evaporated with some weathering and graying appearing. A local painter has advised using Wolman Deck Bright to clean and then apply Ready Seal stain (selected medium dark Pecan color). I have 29 fence sections that are 5 1/2′ high and 7′ wide.
Does this sound like a good plan? Better suggestions?
Thank you.
You will need to remove the Super Deck first when switching brands. Strip and brighten to do this. We are not fans of Ready Seal. Try TWP 100 Series.
So what is the easiest way to strip the Super Deck?
Or, could I apply any other Super Deck product? I’m looking for better UV protection.
I’ve also read some bad reviews about Super Deck. Should I be concerned? Or was there an issue in the past? Thanks
SuperDeck is very easy to strip. Use the RAD Stripper/Brightener kits: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-injectable-deck-stain-stripper-review/
SuperDeck is not that good, better brands out there. We never use it as contractors.
Thank you! I’ve been looking at your recommended products and like the Armstrong-Clark Semi Transparent Wood Stain or Semi-Solid Wood Stain.
How would you compare these products to the TWP 100 Series?
…….or compared to the Timber Oil –sorry I forgot to ask.
Since this is the second application in a year, I really want to get it right this time.
You would not want the TimberOil for this.
AC is a great stain as well and would work for you. Semi-solid colors do give slightly better UV protection.
Should I need to use either or both RAD stripper additives?
The Thickening Gel would help since it is vertical wood on a fence.
Thanks for all your help. I’m still considering my options.
Either RAD or TWP or AC.
Considering my fence history (noted earlier) and now looking to apply semi-transparent or semi solid stain, would you advise (1) oil or water based; (2) semi transparent or semi-solid; and (3) one or two coats ?? Assume of course proper prep.
I realize your answers probably depend upon the brand chosen.
1. It doesn’t matter the type of stain for a fence.
2. Both would work well. Just a matter if you want more wood grain to show or not.
3. Two coats applied wet on wet.
All three brands are excellent and would work very well for a fence. Expect 3-5 years, maybe longer.
What is best sealer for new redwood fence that was installed in July, 2019. Location is Lodi, California, and fence gets full sun. I like the color of the fence, and looking for a sealer that will prevent, or slow down, the graying process. I especially like the fence color when the fence is wet. Can you please recommend a good sealer?
Try Amber color by Armstrong Clark or TWP 1515 Honeytone.
Hello,
We built a new cedar fence about a month ago and want to seal it. After reading all the posts, I understand that we need to wait a few months, but will the fence “keep safe” untreated during rainy winter in Seattle WA?
Yes, it will be fine.