This post was updated on April 4, 2025
New Redwood Deck Staining Tips
DeckStainHelp.com has become the Internet’s go-to site for exotic wood deck staining tips. As with all different types of wood surfaces, we recommend you properly prep your redwood before staining in 2026. This involves allowing your redwood to weather for a few months prior to cleaning and brightening. Feel free to leave us a comment with pictures of your Redwood projects if you have them.
Best Water-Based Deck Stain for New Wood | The Easiest Applying Deck Stain for New Wood | Best Oil-Based Deck Stain for New Wood |
Months to Weather New Wood: 3 months for both semi-transparent and solid stain colors. | Months to Weather New Wood: 2-3 months for transparent and semi-transparent colors. 12 months for semi-solid. | Months to Weather New Wood: 4 - 12 months for all TWP Series and Colors. |
| 
| 
|
From: $47.99 *Free Shipping | From: $65.99 *Free Shipping | From: $58.99 *Free Shipping |
| ; | ; | ; |
New Redwood Deck
New Redwood Deck Staining Help and Tips
The natural beauty of redwood can make for a gorgeous deck that any homeowner would be proud of. Redwood is not as readily available as other types of wood, which makes it more expensive. But the cost can be justified by the beauty and longevity of the wood. A redwood deck can last for many years.
Although redwood is naturally resistant to decay, it can still be damaged by wet and dry conditions, constant moisture, and freezing/thawing in colder climates. A redwood deck should be cleaned and protected with a weather-resistant stain every year or so.
For help with a new redwood deck, allow the wood to weather for a few months to let the oils dry out (rough sawn wood can be finished right after installation). Prepare the surface with a quality wood cleaner and wood brightener. A two-part cleaning system like Restore-A-Deck works well. Use the wood cleaner and a brush or pressure washer to remove any dirt and mill glaze from the surface. Use the wood brightener to further prepare the wood for new stain.
If necessary, you can sand the wood once it dries to remove any remaining mill glaze that may hinder stain penetration. On new smooth redwood, sanding will also help soften the surface for better stain absorption although this step is not necessary.
Use a deck stain recommended for redwood. A semi-transparent penetrating deck stain is ideal. This type of stain will enhance the redwood’s natural beauty and eliminate weathering. When staining redwood, it is important to only apply as much stain as the wood can handle. If the stain is not absorbed within 10-15 minutes, wipe the excess off the surface.
Apply stain to the entire length of each board before moving to the next to eliminate lap marks. Start with the deck railings, then the deck floor, and any steps lastly. Always follow the staining instructions on the label, as most stain brands will apply differently from each other.
These tips will help with a new redwood deck. Keep in mind that regular maintenance is the key to a long-lasting deck that your family can enjoy for many years.
Staining a New Deck Tips Video – DeckStainHelp.com
Ask Questions Below on Staining New Redwood Decking
New redwood deck – How long before applying stain or varnish to unseasoned redwood?
See this for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
What is good for a redwood swing set 2 yrs old
Any of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Hi,
Great site. We just laid a nice redwood covered porch–it will be completely protected from direct sun/water. Any suggestion on a good deck stain that will help the color pop, repel some dirt, provide a little extra surface protection, etc. I’ve used Armstrong Clark in the past with good luck on fence and trellis. Maybe one of their transparent stains? I’m averse to using any film forming finish.
Thanks!
David
Use the AC in a semi-transparent after the proper weathering and prep. Just one coat.
Hello! We just installed a redwood fence two weeks ago to match an existing redwood fence that was installed in 2017. My neighbor used a Sherwin Williams semi-transparent stain immediately after installing the fence and hasn’t done anything to it since. You can see the difference in the two in the photo attached. My questions are: can we get the old fence to look more like the new one? If so, what products do you recommend? Also, what stain do you recommend for the new fence that will maintain as much of the original color/texture as possible, but also protect it. (I realize the color will have to change some because that’s what protects it!). Thanks 🙂
New redwood deck laid, sanded and stained with Cabots Australian Timber Oil. It turned out terrible and now I know why. How do I remove the Cabots so the deck looks freshly laid so I can let it age to follow your guidelines. I have started sanding with 80 grit by hand but it is 300’ and am I continuing to degrade the wood?
You want to strip and brighten to remove it. Use the Restore A Deck Kits.
I have a redwood bench about 5 years old. It is made of thin strips put together. Not sure if is stained originally but looking worn now. I think I need to clean and stain. Recommendations?
Strip and brighten for prep. Stain after.
Just installed a new redwood con heart deck in the bay area. Made the mistake of putting a water based valspar transparent stain on it right after install. Stripping it and brightening now and planning to sand as well. After all of that is completed, should I still wait 3 or 4 months to reapply stain?
Yes, correct.
Hello, love your articles and reviews! I have just completed a 32′ section of raised garden planters using a construction grade 2 x 6 redwood with variations of heartwood and sapwood. Looking for water and UV protection but really want to keep as close to these natural colors as possible. I understand that for the UV protection ( and thus hopefully some protection against the greying effect) that I’ll need some tint, but not sure the lightest that would be recommended to preserve the color contrast between the deep red heartwood and save the light sap wood color.
Thanks
Allan
After the weathering and prep, try the TWP or Armstrong Clark.
We own a redwood mid-century modern home in eastern long island that needs to be stained after many years of not getting treated. I believe we need to remove the current stain first which is so worn out that you can rub it off with the tip of your finger. We plan to stain it with a darker color, charcoal/grey.
My questions are as follows: 1. what should we do to remove the existing stain and some mildew spots – can we scrub with a brush and solution? 2. Do we need to treat the wood with a primer before we apply the new stain? 3. What is the ideal temperature to do this project and 4. what brands of stain would you recommend for this project.
Post some pictures.
Photos below. Please advise on my above questions.
Use a deck stripper with pressure washing for prep. Brightener after. Stain with Armstrong Clark or TWP 200 Series. Do not use a primer.
We have an old redwood deck railing with existing Sherwin Williams deck scapes oil based exterior deck stain semi transparent. How do we get rid of this color stain? We want to match it to the other red wood in the area.
Post a picture.
Live in the Northern California Bay Area. We are replacing the top boards of a deck with Con-heart Redwood smooth 2×6’s, which have been kept indoors. We understand, they will need to weather for several months before cleaner, brightener, and stain is applied. (How long do you recommend?) **Should we wait to install the wood so all four sides can be treated because once the wood is installed the under part of the boards will no longer be accessible? The deck is in a tree shaded, semi sunny area and we want a darker stain.
Thank you: Your site is wonderful.
Install, wait 3-6 months, prep and then stain. You only need to stain the exposed side. No need or advantage to staining all sides.
Hello, we have a rough sawn redwood fence. I recently cleaned and brightened the wood (2 years old here in Southern California). I want to add a protectant but want to main the clean look and color we now see as a result of the wood cleaning. Can you recommend a sealer / stain that we can use which will maintain the look we see. Pics attached. Thank you.
It is impossible to maintain the current color as it is in the picture. If you want UV protection from graying then the stain must be tinted and that will enhance/change the wood’s color based on the tint you use. The darker or richer the color, the better the UV protection.
Thank you for the feedback. If we use TWP clear cost how long do you think it will take before it grays and we will need to clean / brighten again and re apply the clear? What is the lightest stain you have as well? Thank you.
The TWP Clear (and all clear sealers) will not prevent UV graying and will gray naturally in a matter of months. Many stain brands will have light tints and vary by name. With TWP they have a Honeytone color that is similar to a clean wet look. Other brands may carry a Natural color that is tinted lightly as well.
Hello,
We just bought a mid-century modern Streng home. The home is all redwood and was stained a dark red/brown. I want to lighten up the wood to it’s natural state. What process would you recommend and what type/brand of clear stain?
Thank you in advance,
KP
Could you please post some pictures so we can help determine the best way to prep?
Hi there, We have a new redwood deck and its been 2 months now, what would be the earliest you would recommend before staining? Also we have SEAL-ONCE MARINE from Amazon with great reviews but wondered if you had heard of it (goes on milky and you have to do 2 light coats in an hour) Worked great on the redwood fence but wanted to wait to stain the deck part.
Also I did post yesterday so thanks for your reply. I started cleaning the deck boards to prep and realized that I picked up the deck stripper and not cleaner, luckily I only did 4 small back boards but they are dark grey now dry?? I know this will come off when I lightly jet wash but is this normal and will the deck cleaner also act this way?
Thx again.
Wait a few months. Seal-Once doesn’t work well on a deck and is a gimmick type product. It was originally designed as a wood densifier and they promised unrealistic warranties that did not work for UV protection. Their warranty still does not cover UV protection if you read it but “standing water accumulation” or whatever that means. It will work okay for a fence but would never use for a deck as it does not work well for UV protection and that is the main reason you need a deck stain.
We just moved into a new house and the Redwood deck was installed in fall. The builder power washed the deck and found that they needed to replace some board which they just did (12/19/2019). Should we hold off on staining? Also any worries about putting patio table and grill out on the new deck?
Wait until Spring to prep and stain. No issue with table and grill.
What would you recommend?
Look at one of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
What type of prep would you recommend? I see using wood cleaner and a brightened but not sure where to start. Thanks again
Use a deck cleaner and then a wood brightener.
I have some new redwood steps in front of my house. We put them in about four months ago so they have been weathering since then. However, we never added risers. We are adding risers now and wanted to add a stain before the rainy season. Does it make more sense to stain the steps and the risers both now, stain the steps now and stain the risers in a few months, or wait and stain everything in a few months?
Do everything in the Spring. See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
I finished my redwood deck. Should I let it weather a few months even if it will be snow covered and below freezing all winter?
Yes, weather and prep.
Good day.
I live in the California Bay area and I’m installing 7 – 4” by 4” by 10’ Redwood posts around my deck’s bench and will be using Redwood material to make a horizontal fence.
The posts will be installed first and fencing material later as time and money allow.
When and what should I use to protect the new Redwood material.
Thanks,
Jim
See this for new wood tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Thanks a lot.
Jim
We just installed a new redwood deck. The wood is green (not kiln dried). We are expecting rain in a week. How should we proceed with staining, now or later? Also, if we wait to stain it, how long after it’s been rained on must it dry out from that? Thanks
We have a new redwood deck. How about we use Linseed oil for preservation?
Useless and attracts mildew.
what is the best stain for old redwood that has been sanded.
TWP stains or Armstrong Clark.
I installed a redwood gate with side panels was planning to use SuperDeck transparent stain – natural 1910 should I wait few weeks to treat? Is SuperDeck a good product ?
Wait a couple of months and then prep. Super Deck has issues, see here. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/sherwin-williams-superdeck-stain-review-2017/
Use one of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
I am installing somewhat dry select heart redwood 4×4 for a commemorative bench outdoors, Is there something I can seal with to brighten up the wood, for the event this month, as a temporary bridge to finishing next year?
No, just leave it as is until next year.
I live in Fresno, Ca. It has been extremely hot, 100+ degrees. I just had a new redwood deck built. It has been up for two weeks. Do I need to wait the 3-4 mos.? What type of finish should I use?
Yes, you need to wait and prep. Once done, try Armstrong Clark or TWP 1500 Series.
I live in San Francisco ca, and we just had a beautiful Redwood deck bulit, I see everyone being advised to wait 4 months before staining the deck. Would it be all right if I stained it now instead of waiting? I’d like to be able to put my parents swing back up on the deck being that they’re in their late 80s and that’s as far as they can go is our back deck? I was told TWP Total Wood Protector is the best to use on Redwood decks would you advise TWP or is there a better one?? Thank you for help in advance.
No, you cannot stain it now. TWP 1500 would work well but you will need 4-12 months of weathering and prep before staining.
I put in a redwood deck about 2 years ago and at the time we stained it in about a week (we used Messmers). I am planning on cleaning and re-staining next week. What would you recommend.
Strip and brighten for prep and stain with ones of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
I just bought two redwood slabs that have been milled/plained and kiln dried. He ran one slab through the plainer again a couple of times for me. These are actually going up as shelves in my kitchen, but hoping you could advise anyway. Do I need to wait to stain the slab that went through the plainer again? And anything you recommend doing to the slabs before staining? Thanks so much!
I am sorry but this site is based on our experience with exterior wood, not interior wood shelves. You would not use the same products.
We live in the SF Bay Area and had a beautiful new redwood deck installed last summer. It was stained with Penofin Oil Finish (transparent redwood) which has aged badly and resulted in black patches and discoloration. The natural color of the wood on the deck surface is gone. We are going to re-stain the deck this spring.
1. What stain would you recommend to preserve natural color and avoid turning black?
2. Should we sand and then seal or clean and brighten before sealing?
3. Should we stick with oil-based stain?
4. Is there anything else we can do to prevent discoloration?
Thanks in advance — this forum is incredibly helpful.
Penofin is known for turning dark or black. For prep, you will need to strip/brighten and to remove the Penofin. No need to sand. Try the Restore A Deck Wood Stain or Defy Extreme. Neither will darken in color
My new cedar wood gate started as rough sawn wood. The gate maker said he then sanded it smooth. I understood from previous posts you can apply semi-transparent stain to rough sawn cedar. Since mine was sanded, do I wait 6-12 months now to apply the stain? Thank you.
Wait a couple of months and clean/brighten for the prep.
We live in Northern California and are building a 16’x30’ redwood deck, using kiln dried 2×6 redwood heartwood for the top. There’s lots of info out there, and I want to clear up a couple questions. The deck will see direct sun for approx half day. We’re also looking into a pergola (covering the deck), but are still undecided.
1. Is use of water based stains ok? Or do you only recommend oil based?
2. I’ve been told because top boards are kiln dried, we do not have to wait to stain. Thoughts?
3. If we do decide to add a pergola, would that change stain recommendations?
Thanx for the help and we appreciate your time!
1. Either is fine as long as it is a high-quality brand: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
2. Not true. See this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-kdat-deck/
3. Nope.
I just had a redwood double gate made and installed about 4 weeks ago. I was told to wait a few weeks to let the wood dry out before sealing it on one side. I didnt get around to sealing it and the rains came and now there are black streaks all over the gate. Is it mold and how can I remove the black. I am in central Calif and its still raining.
That is mildew. You will need to clean and brighten to remove. Stain with Defy Extreme or Restore A Deck Wood Stains after.
Will do. Thank you!
New redwood deck going in this week. I saw a question and response suggesting someone in Colorado wait until after winter to prepare and stain. Would the same elements, temperature “restrictions” and suggestion apply to me if I were to use something like cabot’s Australian timber oil instead of semi
Yes, you should wait until Spring to clean and prep.
Having a redwood deck installed right now in the Colorado front range. Would like to keep that natural finish and want to protect the wood. We are rapidly approaching winter months. Everything I’ve read here is to wait a few months to stain. My builder suggests Pinofin for redwood and says stain it right away and don’t let 4 months of snow and cold damage the new deck. With temperatures low, my earliest time if I don’t stain now will be April in 4 months. Is it okay to wait that long or could I stain right after it’s built to protect my investment?
Wait until Spring and do not use Penofin. It has a tendency to turn black.
Just finished building a new cedar deck. I was told to finish it with Varathane lineseed based oil? Your thoughts?
No, that will ruin it. Let it weather for a few months, clean and brighten for the prep, stain with a penetrating deck stain like Armstrong Clark or TWP wood stains.
We removed 25 year old redwood planks from our deck, turned them over and planed the underneath side, then put them back down. We plan on staining them–would you advise differently given that these are the old boards (they look new and awesome!).
Treat them as new wood. Weather and prep.
I have nearly the same situation. I am looking at the Sikkens stains. Should I use SRD or DEK?
Also, the Sikkens instructions appear to say to use TSP+bleach, rinsed with a pressure washer, even for new wood. That sounds crazy to me. Do you really want to wash newly planed lumber before applying the stain?
Hi, I will be installing a large 1,000 sf porch ceiling in T&G 1X8 Cedar and another 1,000 sf patio celing in 1X8 Redwood. Both under cover porches in Los Angeles and dont need UV protection. Would really appreciate any help on the following:
1) Should / can I use a wood brightener or conditioner on the the cedar and redwood? I’ve tried staining the redwood and the lighter areas look blotchy.
2) , What are you thoughts on Penofin Blue Label for the cedar and redwood? if not what do you recommend in the low VOC since i’m in California
3) Should i seal both sides?
Thx so much
Eric
Clean and brighten the wood for prep and to remove the mill glaze and open the grain of the wood. Penofin turns dark or black after time. Try the TWP 1500 Series or Armstrong Clark. No need to stain all sides. Just exposed wood.
Great thx so much. What cleaner or brightner do you recommend?
Restore A Deck Cleaner/Brightener Kits.
Thx so much, i just got done cleaning and brightening w/ the RAD. I will probbly stain in 3-5 days. I am conecerned about how long i should wait to let the wood dry. Any suggestions on desired moisture levels in the wood? I’m in so california and its starting to get a bit wet out here. I would hate to put up a beautiful ceiling and have itshrink in 2 months. Thx so much for all your help. Eric
A few days of drying will be fine.
Thx, really appreciate your time. Last q if you dont mind: would it be terrible to add some adhesive to the underside of the boards when i an butt joining? Thx again
No advantage to doing that.
I have an untreated/unstained 9 month old redwood deck in Reno, NV (temperature extremes, dry climate). I plan to clean and then stain the deck next spring. Since the deck is already built, I can only stain the top surface. Will this cause the boards to cup?
No, and you are only supposed to stain the exposed surfaces, not all sides.
I have a redwood deck in California and every 7-8 months I have to keep buying a stainer but it don’t last long. What product or solution do you recommend?
Strip all the current stain off and brighten the wood after. Make sure you have bare wood and then try the Restore A Deck Wood Stain or Armstrong Clark.
We are having a new redwood deck installed to replace our old one. The builder advises us to staining all 4 sides before he installs it. We would be using a Sikens stain product. There would only be a few days laps between staining & installing. We live in the Colorado Rockies..so our climate is pretty dry. Our thought is ti stain the back & sides.. then finish the top after instillation.
My questions are:
1. is it advisable to stain all 4 sides? Will that help or hinder the wood?
2. Is this too soon to stain raw wood? What effect would it have?
3. Re we on the right track??
Any suggestions and information to help us with is project is much appreciated!!
1. No. Creates issue with the wood being able to breathe
2. Yes. Probably will prematurely fail.
3. No.
Might want to read the Sikkens SRD instructions.
Per your suggestion, talked to Sikkens regarding the SRD product and was advised, because the stain is permeable, it is fine to stain all 6 sides of a board. Said to let the new wood dry out after purchase for a couple of days in our low humidity atmosphere (we’re at 9,000 ft with a 20-30% humidity) before applying one coat of the stain. The new stain needs to cure for 7 days before the wood is attached to the deck joists. Appreciate your feedback.
We have a new rough sewn redwood fence that we just put up, it is beautiful with lots of variation in wood tones. We don’t want to loose that but want to use Defy to protect the fence. We got samples of Cedar and Light Walnut, they are very small samples (1 oz) and they seem exactly the same. My fear is that the Brown tones will be very uniform and we will loose all of the variation in the Redwood. I think the Pine would be too yellowing. Can you comment on the differences between these two stain colors, and if you think we will still see lots of variation with the Cedar or Light Walnut stain? Thank you!
Both colors enhance the natural grain of your wood tones. Personally, we like the Light Walnut better as it is not as “orange” as the cedartone color.
We tried the samples of both Defy Cedar and Light Walnut. The Cedar was sort of peachy on the light wood, as you mentioned. The Light Walnut to us seems to just brown over the pretty color variations in the wood. We would like to keep visible as much of the pretty/different tones of the wood as possible while still having the protection of a semi-transparent. What can you recommend?
Have you seen and can you describe the Natural stain color of Restore-A-Deck? I wish Defy had more options…it sounds like that stain has been out there a lot longer. There are many more reviews on Defy, and only 6 reviews of RAD on Amazon. Btw we cleaned and brightened this wood 2 weeks ago. It is rough sewn. If we stain it a week or 2 from now, will we need to Re-clean or Re-brighten in any fashion? Or just go ahead? By the way, the gate looks much darker than it is (maybe the angle or it being in the evening), but it is actually the same wood and color as the fence. Thanks!
Staining this within 2 weeks of the prep will be okay. The Natural color of the RAD will enhance the grain similar to as if wet with water.
Thanks!
Our new Redwood deck refuses to absorb the stain. Your article about how to apply was helpful. It’s a day later and some parts have not absorbed. Is it too late to wipe down? Turn the board over and try proper applying? We are hundreds of dollars into staining, sanding tried another brand of stain.
Remove the stain that is currently on there. Let the wood season exposed for 3+ months. Lightly clean and brighten the wood. Do not sand. Use a penetrating stain like the Armstrong Clark.
In reading through these posts, I gather that Behr is not a favored product. Can you say why? I was thinking that, if I purchased a better, more expensive product like those you’ve recommended, I wouldn’t have to refinish my deck every year, but above, you say “A redwood deck should be cleaned and protected with a weather resistant stain every year or so.” I’ve very much appreciated all the advice as I’ve read through these comments and have learned a great deal … so this isn’t a critical question. I’m just curious. Thanks!
See here about Behr: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/behr-deck-stain-review/
Read our review on the Behr and the customer comments below the review.
As for what to use, see this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Semi-transparent penetrating stains are ideal.
In reading these comments it is stated that the tint provides the UV protection. We are redoing our redwood deck using both old (planed), and new boards. We like the look of the wood and how it is turning out, but if we used an un-tinted stain, it would quickly turn grey if I understand the prior posts. Have you ever seen a semi-transparent grey toned stain on redwood? This is a consideration, but are not sure what it would look like. Insight appreciated! Thanks.
Yes, you can use a semi-transparent gray. Armstrong Clark makes a Driftwood Gray.
We have a 5 year old redwood deck and took all the boards off and sanded and put back. Mostly using the other sides of the boards. We had to replace a few of them with new boards. How long should we wait to stain? We’re planning on using a solid stain to last longer, is this good for redwood?
Solid stains tend to peel nor do they last “longer” than other types. Better to use a product this is easier to maintain like one of these: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Wait a few months and then clean and brighten the wood for the prep.
What about refinishing old decks what is a good stain.
Any of these top products will work: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Just built kiln-dried redwood picnic table. We want a good stain that will make it looked like a gray weathered wood. What color and brand would you recommend?
Try the Armstrong Clark in Driftwood Gray.
I just tried a semi-transparent redwood stain on one fence post on my redwood fence. It takes away the natural color of the redwood and does stain the wood red. Not pretty but I guess that’s why they call it “stain”. What should I put on my fence and deck if I already like the natural color but want the protection?
It is an impossibility to retain the natural color without having a stain or tint in your coating. The tint is your UV protection from graying. Using a “clear” with no tint, will not protect against graying.
I just had a redwood fence built in May. The person that built it sanded all the wood after it was installed. I want to protect the beauty of the fence so everything I’ve read on your site is I should use a semitransparent stain? Should I wait longer or stain it now. I live in Southern California the fence faces east so the front gets full sun till noon-ish and the inside of the fence gets sun the rest of the day. What would the best stain I should us. I would be doing this myself and never worked with wood before but up for the task.
Wait another month or two and lightly clean for prep. Stain with TWP 1500 or Armstrong Clark.
Hi, We are also in So Cal and have the SAME fence as above. Can I clarify you are suggesting a clear wood preserve instead of a semi translucent stain? TIA!
No. Use a semi-transaprent for best results.
I’m also in So Cal and just had a contractor install a new Redwood fence. Would a Semi Transparent Oil-Based or Water based be better? Also what grade or sanding do recommend to smooth off dirt?
Either would be fine. Clean and brighten the wood for the prep, do not sand.
I’m planning to put semi transparent oil based stain on my garage redwood (sapwood). Do I need to apply polyurethane oil based? I read somewhere that poly may crack or peel.
Polyurethane will peel.
Should you only use stain on redwood or use a sealant?
Semi-transparent stains are best.
Hi there. We have a redwood rough sawn fencing. We want to achieve the look of natural cedar. We tried applying a semi-transparent “muted” brown but it just turned it too dark brown. Do you have any suggestions to get a cedar color on redwood? Thanks
Try TWP Cedartone or Armstrong Clark Semi-transparent Cedar.