10 Best Fence Stains 2025 in the United States

Ready Seal 512 is an oil-based exterior stain and sealer designed specifically for wood surfaces, making it a good choice for fences. Its natural cedar color offers a warm, classic look, though the color is darkest when first applied and takes about two weeks to settle into its true shade. This might require some patience if you want to see the final appearance before finishing. The stain is semi-transparent (not fully opaque), which helps show the natural wood grain while still providing protection.

One of the biggest advantages of this product is its easy application. You can use a sprayer, roller, or brush without needing to thin it or back-brush, and it won’t leave streaks, runs, or lap marks. This "goof-proof" feature is great for people who want a neat finish without fuss. It also works well in any temperature, so you don’t have to wait for perfect weather to apply it.

Durability-wise, Ready Seal includes UV resistance, which helps protect your fence from sun damage and fading over time. It also acts as a sealer, preventing water damage. However, you should not apply it over painted or recently stained surfaces, as it won’t penetrate properly on sealed wood. This means it’s best for raw wood or surfaces previously treated with Ready Seal or similar products. Drying time is moderate; the surface dries quickly enough for handling, but the full color and sealing effect develop over about 14 days, so plan for a bit of curing time before heavy use.

If you want a wood stain that's easy to apply, provides solid UV and water protection, and enhances the natural look of wood with a warm cedar tone, Ready Seal 512 is a strong candidate. Just remember it’s not suitable for painted or freshly stained fences and requires patience to see its true color.

The Olympic Maximum Cedar Transparent Exterior Stain and Sealant in One is a versatile and easy-to-use product, especially for those looking to maintain their exterior wood surfaces like fences, decks, and outdoor furniture. This water-based stain offers a transparent finish that enhances the natural grain of the wood while adding a cedar hue. A significant advantage is its weather-ready application, allowing you to stain and clean in temperatures as low as 35°F, and it becomes rain-ready in just 8 hours.

Additionally, the stain includes advanced SunBlock UV defense and waterproofing protection to extend the life of your wood surfaces. The inclusion of SCUFF GUARD technology adds to its durability, making it resistant to wear and tear, particularly in high-traffic areas. However, at 45.4 pounds for a 5-gallon pail, it may be somewhat cumbersome to handle. The coverage is substantial, reaching up to 2000 square feet, which is excellent for large projects.

The low VOC formulation is also a plus for environmentally conscious users. However, some users might find the drying time of 8 hours a bit long if they are in a hurry. This stain is well-suited for anyone looking to protect and beautify exterior wood surfaces with a reliable, transparent finish.

Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer in Chestnut Brown is a solid choice for those looking to protect and enhance their outdoor wood. One of its key strengths is its waterproofing ability, which helps prevent water damage and maintain the wood's beauty over time. The transparent finish allows the natural wood texture to show through, adding a touch of color without completely covering the wood grain. This makes it ideal for users who want a natural look with added protection.

Another advantage is its fade-resistant finish, thanks to advanced polymers that resist UV damage, ensuring the color stays vibrant year-round. This stain is also user-friendly, as it can be applied to both damp and dry wood, simplifying the application process. It exceeds industry standards for waterproofing, providing extra assurance of its quality and effectiveness.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. The product is on the heavier side, at around 21 kilograms for a 5-gallon pail, which might be cumbersome for some users to handle. Also, while its coverage is extensive—ranging from 750 to 2000 square feet per gallon—this can vary greatly depending on the wood type and condition. This product is well-suited for those needing a durable, UV-resistant, and easy-to-apply stain for their outdoor wood projects, especially where maintaining a natural wood appearance is desired.