10 Best Clear Fence Stains 2025 in the United States

The Outlast Q8 Log Oil Wood Preservative is a versatile product designed to enhance the durability and resistance of wooden structures like fences, decks, and log homes against weathering and aging. One of its key strengths is its superior water repellency, making it a reliable choice for outdoor wood protection. The oil-based formula ensures that the wood is thoroughly saturated, which helps prevent lap marks and creates a uniform finish. This aspect also makes it easy to apply using a pump sprayer.

Another advantage is that it validates warranties on pressure-treated lumber, which can be a significant benefit for users looking to protect their investment in outdoor wood structures. At 37 pounds for a 5-gallon container, it is quite heavy, which might make handling and application a bit cumbersome. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Outlast Q8 Log Oil Wood Preservative is a strong candidate for those seeking reliable water repellency and ease of application for various wood types.

The Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer stands out as a multi-functional product designed to offer UV protection, water repellency, and durability. Its liquid formula forms a UV-stable coating, which effectively protects against the elements, including saltwater spray and water damage. This makes it an ideal option for outdoor furniture, boat docks, and other wooden structures exposed to moisture. Additionally, it is non-hazardous to aquatic life, so it's safe for use around water bodies like rivers, lakes, and ponds.

The product is water-based and ultra-low in VOCs, which makes it environmentally friendly and safe for pets, plants, and people. The sealer also enhances the natural color of the wood while forming a water-resistant shield at the cellular level, thus extending the life of your wooden surfaces. One of its key strengths is that it acts as a stain, sealer, and finish all in one, making it a versatile choice for various wood types.

The ease of application is another strong point, as it offers a quick and fuss-free clean-up with just soap and water. The fast-drying nature of the sealer also adds to its convenience. However, a potential drawback is that the product may not be as effective on certain types of wood, so compatibility should be checked beforehand. Additionally, while it provides excellent protection, it might require reapplication over time to maintain its efficacy. Despite these minor issues, the Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer offers robust protection and ease of use, making it a solid choice for those looking to protect their wooden structures from weather and water damage.

The Olympic Maximum Wood Sealer is a solid choice for protecting outdoor wood like fences, decks, and siding. It offers strong waterproofing, which helps keep wood safe from rain and moisture damage. One handy feature is that you can clean and apply the stain on the same day, even if temperatures are as low as 35°F, and your fence will be protected from rain within 8 hours — that's quicker than many other products. The clear formula provides a transparent finish, so it won’t change the natural look of your wood. It’s designed for easy clean-up with just soap and water, and applying a single thin, even coat is recommended, which simplifies the process.

The product works well on various types of exterior wood surfaces, making it versatile. Drying time is fairly quick, but you might want to be sure about the local weather when applying. Coverage is decent, about 250 to 350 square feet per gallon depending on the wood's texture, so one 5-gallon pail should cover a large area. The sealer is durable and backed by a two-year warranty.

If you want a clear, waterproof sealant that's easy to apply and good for protecting your fence without altering its look, this product fits the bill well.