The best outdoor furniture stain will give your garden furniture a fresh new lease of life and protect it from the elements too.
It's important to choose a product that is suitable for your type of outdoor furniture, as well as one that works with the materials used in your outdoor space. For example, if you have wooden patio chairs, you'll need an outdoor furniture stain made of wood or you may find it begins to peel over time. On the other hand, if you have metal or plastic garden chairs or patio sets, an outdoor furniture stain designed for outdoor wood furniture could leave unsightly spots on these materials.
There are plenty of options available depending on how much coverage and protection you want from your chosen product. Some will provide good coverage while only needing to be applied once a year while others can last up to six years without reapplication. Outdoor stains tend to be more expensive than paint but they're worth it when considering how long they last and what they can protect against including UV damage and harsh weather conditions such as rain and heat which can fade traditional paints quickly.
As well as keeping your garden looking its best this summer, choosing the right stain for outdoor furniture stain can also keep your budget in check too by preventing accidents caused by spills landing on untreated outdoor wood surfaces!
We hope you find your next favorite thing from the list below! Each product was independently selected by our editors. ConsistentReviews may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business). We hope you find your next favorite thing!
How We Choose
There are many reasons to choose an outdoor furniture stain. For starters, they're formulated specifically for the unique demands of outdoor surfaces such as wood, metal, and plastic. They're also incredibly durable—most brands claim a lifespan of up to five years when properly applied. Last but not least, they offer a wide range of colors so you can find one that matches your decorating scheme.
With all these factors in mind, we scoured the market for the best outdoor wood furniture stains and tested them side-by-side against our own proprietary criteria for excellence. First, we considered the type and color options available (some brands offer more than others). Second, we evaluated their coverage ability using raw wood samples sprayed with each formula. Third, we assessed long-term durability by exposing painted pieces to extreme conditions such as prolonged exposure to sunlight and rainstorms. In the end, only two formulas met or exceeded all our expectations: One contained a deep red hue while the other was an earthy brown shade.*
Furniture Clinic Wood Stain Indoor and Outdoor Furniture
Furniture Clinic Wood Stain Indoor and Outdoor Furniture
Effective On All Surfaces and Quick Drying
Why We Love It
If you're looking for a high-quality wood stain that's easy to use and guarantees results, look no further than Furniture Clinic's Walnut Outdoor Wood Stain. This water-based stain is formulated with non-toxic ingredients that are safe for the environment and won't harm furniture or other wooden surfaces.
What You Should Know
The walnut color is rich and vibrant, making it perfect for adding a splash of color to any room in your home. It dries quickly, so you can get on with the next step in your DIY project without waiting around all day. And since it's water-based, you don't have to worry about spills or hard cleanup like some stains require.
The only downside we found was that this stain doesn't come in an aerosol can option - but if you prefer not to spray paint indoors, it's still very easy to apply by brush or roller using our above guide.
Defy Extreme Wood Stain
Why We Love It
The SaverSystems DEFY Extreme Wood Stain is a water-based stain that offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional oil-based wood stains. This semi-transparent wood stain allows the natural wood grain to show through, giving your deck or fence a natural matte finish.
What You Should Know
This stain has zinc nano-particle technology that protects the wood from UV rays and premature graying, keeping the best exterior wood stains your deck looking new for longer. It's great for staining wood decks, fences, siding, playsets, and outdoor patio furniture. The product comes in several different color options so you can match it with whatever you're building or decorating.
We love this product not only because of its eco-friendly qualities but also because of how easy it is to use. You just have to shake the bottle before using it and then apply one coat directly onto the surface you want to stain. After that, all you need to do is wait 24 hours before moving on to the next step in finishing your project -- like sealing it with a clear coat or adding additional coats if needed.
General Finishes Oil Base Gel Stain
Woodworkers Love the Lustrous Finish That Shows Up
Why We Love It
General Finishes Gel Oil Base Stains are a great option for woodworkers who want to achieve a high-gloss finish on the wood surface of their projects. The oil base ensures that the gel stain penetrates deep into the wood, resulting in a durable finish that will last for years.
What You Should Know
The carbon gray color is perfect for adding depth and realism to your wooden furniture or other projects. These stains are easy to use and can be applied using a foam brush or applied with an oil-based paintbrush. They can also be used on more difficult woods such as aspen or pine, making them ideal for outdoor applications.
These stains have a heavy-bodied feel, so they don't penetrate as deeply into the wood as some of the other options available. However, this does mean that they take less time to dry compared to some of the other General Finishes products we tested.
Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer
Why We Love It
The Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer is a water-based sealant that can protect wood against water damage. The product comes in a variety of sizes, so you can find the one that works best for your needs.
What You Should Know
The Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer is designed specifically for boat docks, decks, and retaining walls near rivers, lakes, oceans, and ponds. It effectively protects your lumber or concrete from water damage without harming pets, plants, or people. The wood sealer penetrates wood below the surface to create a long-lasting flexible barrier that provides a no-fuss clean-up with soap and water.
The Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer is safe for use over open water and nonhazardous to aquatic life. It's also great for enhancing the lifespan of your flooring and siding as it forms an invisible waterproof shield around the wood fibers at the cellular level.
Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain
Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain
Wood Stain and Sealer in One
Why We Love It
Ready Seal is a great product for staining and sealing wood. It's made with natural cedar, so it smells great too.
What You Should Know
The product comes in a five-gallon pail, which is large enough to cover most exterior wood surfaces. The stain and sealer do an excellent job of protecting your exterior wood stain colors from the elements and making it look beautiful at the same time. You can apply Ready Seal in any temperature, no back brushing or laps are required - just make sure you don't get any drips on the floor!
Ready Seal is semi-transparent so doesn't hide the grain of your wood as some stains do. It also has no primer required, making this one easy-to-use product that anyone can handle.
Best Outdoor Furniture Stain FAQs
There's nothing worse than having beautiful outdoor furniture and not knowing how to clean it.
You want your furniture to last, but you don't know what the best way is to clean it. We've compiled the most Frequently Asked Questions about cleaning your outdoor furniture so that you can make an informed decision on which method is best for you.
What Kind Of Stain Do You Use For Outdoor Furniture?
Water-based stains are generally considered best for outdoor furniture. This type of stain is water-soluble and will not damage the finish on your piece if it rains, so long as you clean off any water immediately with a cloth or paper towel.
If you have an older piece that needs refreshing, consider using an oil-based stain on your indoor furniture rather than a water-based stain. Oil-based options offer more protection from moisture and UV damage than their water-based counterparts, but they can be difficult to remove should the finish get damaged or if you want to change the color down the road. Be sure to use paint thinner rather than mineral spirits when removing oil-based finishes so as not to harm the wood underneath.
What Is The Best Stain For Outdoor Wood?
While it's true that most stains are made to withstand the elements, some do a better job of protecting your wood than others. It's hard to say which stain is best without knowing how you plan on using the deck or fence. If you live in an area with lots of rain, wind, and sun, then water-based stains may be your best bet. These include products like Behr WaterBased DeckOver and Benjamin Franklin Regular Outdoor Stain.
If you're looking for more protection from the elements while still maintaining a natural look, then oil-based stains are a good choice. They tend to last longer than water-based options but can sometimes darken the wood too much if applied incorrectly. Some of our top picks include Penofin All Weather Oil Based semi-transparent exterior stain & Finish Sealant.
What Is The Best Stain For Outdoor Timber Furniture?
There are lots of different types of stains you can use to protect your outdoor timber furniture, including water-based, oil-based, and UV. You'll also find stain plus sealant in some cases, which adds extra protection against the elements.
If you're looking for a classic finish that will stand the test of time, then it's worth investing in an oil-based stain. These penetrate deep into the wood fibers so they provide excellent protection from UV damage and other external influences. However, this does mean you'll need to wait at least six months before exposing your furniture to direct sunlight if you go with an oil-based stain. They also tend to be more expensive than water-based options.
Water-based stains offer a much quicker drying time compared to their oil-based counterparts, as well as being more eco-friendly when it comes to cleanup afterward too. They're also typically less expensive than their oil-based counterparts and easy enough for most DIY enthusiasts to apply themselves using a paintbrush or sprayer.
What Is The Best Finish For Outdoor Stain?
We recommend water-based products for your outdoor projects. This is because they are more durable and less likely to fade over time than solvent-based stains. While you can use oil-based stain on any project, even wooden indoor furniture, it will not hold up well under the conditions found outdoors. Plus, oil-based stain tends to have a sheen that works the best exterior wood stain, and on solid woods like mahogany; it's not ideal for solid decking materials such as cedar or pine.
If you want a matte finish that is extremely resistant to UV rays and rain, choose an aniline finish. These finishes mimic the look of bare wood without any clear coat or paint. They tend to cost more but should last up to 15 years in harsh elements if properly applied by an experienced professional. Semi-aniline stain is a good middle ground between a matte and high gloss finish with some protection against sun damage and water exposure. A high gloss finish offers the most shine with little protection against the elements unless combined with a sealant spray or wax product. We do not recommend 100% polyurethane since it is expensive, difficult to apply correctly, and prone to chipping if scraped against hard objects regularly (such as chairs).
Which Stain Last The Longest?
The answer depends on your definition of lasting. For many people, the most important thing about a stain remover is that it gets rid of stains immediately so they don't set in. If you only have time to clean up right away and not wait until the next laundry day, then a fast-acting product will be what you're looking for.
If you can set aside some time and let the stain soak in water first, then there are several other factors to consider before deciding which one is best for your needs: how long a product lasts; how easy it is to apply; and its safety profile (some products may damage certain fabrics).
As far as longevity goes, any of these five stain removers could last through an afternoon rain storm or even longer if you give it enough time to work by soaking the clothing first: Spray N' Wash Original Cleaner with Bleach (which received excellent marks from our panelists); Tide Regular Powder Laundry Detergent; OxiClean MaxForce Foam Powder; Shout Advanced Cleaning Gel Stick; and Dynamo Professional Stain Remover.
Is It Better To Oil Or Stain Outdoor Furniture?
Both can be effective depending on the type of finish your furniture has. Oil will penetrate deep into the pores of unfinished wood so it's good for preventing water damage and protecting against termites. Be sure to use mineral oil or a blend of vegetable oils like walnut or almond that won't turn rancid over time.
If you have sealed wood, a stain is another option that will help preserve the color and keep your furniture from fading in direct sunlight. Some varnishes are water-based so they'll soak into unfinished wood but not as deeply as an oil product. If your furniture has a glossy sheen, avoid anything with UV protectors since these additives make finishes look darker once they've been exposed to the sun for several months. It's important to note that oil can also darken light woods while stains tend to dull them down instead. If this is an issue, test out an inconspicuous area first before applying your chosen finish.
What Lasts Longer Paint Or Stain?
If you're wondering which lasts longer, paint or stain, there isn't a simple answer. It depends on the type of material you're painting or staining. Different types of wood absorb paint and stain differently, so it will depend on what type of wood you're working with. Paint is generally easier to apply but only lasts for one year if it's not properly sealed; stain is tougher to apply and lasts up to five years if properly sealed.
Plus, the climate in your region can affect how long either paint or stain lasts. The sun and rain can contribute to fading and deterioration over time no matter which product you use unless precautions are taken such as using high-quality paint or stain sealers regularly throughout the year depending on your location.
How Do You Stain And Waterproof Outdoor Furniture?
Outdoor furniture requires regular maintenance to ensure it lasts. Fortunately, there are specific products you can use to stain and waterproof your outdoor furniture so that it looks brand new for years to come. Stain: When selecting a stain product, look for something that is specifically designed for the type of outdoor furniture you have.
Many options exist, including water-based stains that allow you to recoat after rain or within a few weeks; oil-based stains that last longer but require more time and effort (and elbow grease) when cleaning; and solid-color stains if you want your furniture to blend in with other elements in the landscape. Waterproof: Polyurethane spray is an extremely effective waterproofing solution. It creates a tough finish that is also very cleanable. You may also mix your own spray with equal parts water after testing on a hidden area first.
Is Paint Or Stain Better For Outdoor Furniture?
While both paint and stain protect your outdoor furniture, they work in slightly different ways. Paint creates a thick coating on the surface of your furniture which helps to protect it from water penetration. This also means that paint is less absorbent compared to stain, so it's less likely to scratch or fade over time.
Stain penetrates the wood just a little bit so it has more color depth and better protection against cracking. It also means that stain is more absorbent than paint which makes it ideal if you live in an area with lots of rainstorms.
How Long Does Exterior Stain Last?
The lifespan of a stain will vary depending on the type you choose, but most are made to last at least five years. Some can last as long as 10 or 15 years if they're properly maintained and kept away from extreme weather conditions. It's important to remember that no stain lasts forever, especially in areas with high rainfalls or very sunny climates. Regular maintenance is essential when it comes to preserving your exterior stain so that it looks great year after year.
Stains may begin fading after just one storm if they're not treated right away, so even if you have a product that's marketed as being washable, it's still worth having on hand an oil-based sealant for tough stains like mildew and dirt. If you want your exterior stain to look brand new for years to come, regular cleaning and recoating are essential.
May we say in conclusion...👍
The best outdoor furniture stain is an essential accessory for any homeowner looking to protect their investment in quality outdoor furniture. With so many options available on the market today, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. To find the perfect stain, consider factors such as color, durability, and compatibility with different types of wood. By taking these criteria into account when making your selection, you can rest assured that your outdoor furniture will look great for years to come.
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