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Redwood is one of the most sought-after lumbers on the market. It has a beautiful grain and is long-lasting. That’s why redwood is the primary material of decks and fences.
A common problem with redwood is that it fades after a couple of years. In this article, I’ll help you find the best stain for redwood, so you can keep it looking as stunning as ever. Let’s dive in!
Contents
Top 5 Stains for Redwood
The best redwood stain should be able to penetrate the wood and closely match the wood’s natural color. It should also protect the redwood from water and UV.
With this in mind, here are my picks for the top five stains for redwood:
Best Overall: Cabot Timber Oil Stain
Cabot timber oil stain is as heavy-duty as wood stains get. It’s also blendable and easy to use.
In particular, this oil-based dye is perfect for redwood, as it can penetrate and protect the wood. Not only does Cabot provide a protective outer layer, but it’s also able to preserve the redwood from within.
If that wasn’t enough, this stain is water and UV-resistant, making it perfect for outdoor redwood. However, you can use it to stain your indoor furniture for extra durability!
Cabot comes in a natural wood color that lets the redwood grain shine. Unlike other matte finish stains, Cabot’s finish is semi-glossy. The only downside is that it might significantly darken the wood.
You need to be extremely careful when using the oil-based stain. It’s toxic, so you’ll need a spacious, well-ventilated working area.
Pros
- Made of premium tung oil, providing a deep-penetrating formula that protects your redwood
- The stain consists of trans-oxide pigments, which offer superior UV-resistance
- Beautiful semi-gloss finish
- Comes in an aerosol can for easier application
Cons
- Expensive compared to other products on the list
- Needs plenty of time to dry
Best Value: Ready Seal Exterior Wood Stain
If you want a wood stain that’ll last for ages, Ready Seal is a great option. Ready Seal is both a stain and a sealer. So, it’s the only product you’ll need for any project. The sealer also ensures the color lasts for a longer time.
This multipurpose wood stain is goof-proof. You can easily use it even if you have no prior experience in woodwork! It’s easy to apply whether you use a sprayer, a roller, or a brush.
Additionally, Ready Seal doesn’t have any complicated instructions. All you have to do is paint your wood surface once, and the product will blend. No dilution or special prepping is required!
The oil-based stain can protect your redwood from cracking and warping in high heat and moisture. So, Ready Seal is ideal for outdoor redwood.
That said, you shouldn’t rely on Ready Seal on its own. For the best results, you should use a proper wood sealer.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly as you don’t need a lot of experience to use this stain
- The oil-based formula will protect the redwood for a long time, especially in areas with high-foot traffic
- Multipurpose since you can use it as a stain and a seal
- It’ll last you a long time as it’s the largest product on the list at five gallons
Cons
- Color will fade over time, so it’ll need to be reapplied
- Expensive product, which makes it unsuitable for small projects
Best Budget: Krylon Semi-transparent Wood Stain
Do you want a stain for your redwood that won’t break the bank? Krylon semi-transparent wood stain might be the right choice. This product also comes in an easy-to-use spray can. So, it’ll save you a lot of time and effort, as well as money.
Unlike Ready Seal and Cabot, Krylon is incredibly time-efficient as it dries in 15 minutes! Though, I recommend waiting for 24 hours to ensure the dye is completely dry.
The uniform color you’ll get with this spray might surprise you. You won’t have to smooth out the stain or back-brush it to get an even coat.
Furthermore, it’s semi-transparent, so the natural redwood grain will peek through. You can still spray another coat if you want more coverage.
Keep in mind that Krylon’s nozzle is pretty weak. If the can isn’t upright, or if you use varying pressure, the stain might turn out splotchy.
This product is also quite small. While Ready Seal is in a whooping 5-gallon bucket, Krylon comes in a small 12-ounce can. You’ll probably need to get an extra can of Krylon in case you run out.
The stain is perfect for polishing up any faded areas of your redwood. It’s oil-based, which means it can also protect the wood in the long run.
Pros
- The spray is incredibly easy to use
- Time-efficient since the stain dries in 15 minutes
- Incredibly affordable due to the small size
- Ideal for small areas
Cons
- Small so it isn’t suitable for large projects
- The weak nozzle might result in patchy areas
Best Protection: Olympic Maximum Wood Stain and Sealer
If you’re wondering what professionals use to stain redwood, the answer is Olympic maximum wood stain and sealer. This wood stain is water-repellant, mildew and mold-resistant, and protects from UV. It’ll definitely shield your wood for years.
The Olympic wood stain can even make cleaning the wood easier. You can simply wipe any dirt with a wet cloth. This is why Olympic is far more practical than other protective stains like Cabot and Ready Seal.
You don’t have to sacrifice your redwood’s gorgeous grain to preserve it. Though Olympic provides the wood with a thick, protective coat, it doesn’t completely cover the natural grain.
This stain is perfect for old, beaten-up redwood surfaces. Other than cleaning the surface, there’s no prepping required. You can apply the Olympic on any wood surface. It doesn’t even have to be dry!
While you can work on any wood surface, you need to take your time when using this wood dye. For an even application, you have to smear a small amount of stain at a time. Then, back-brush it for the best results.
Additionally, it’s important to stir the product while you’re using it. This way, you prevent the stain from separating, and not being absorbed properly by the redwood.
Pros
- Multipurpose product as it’s a stain and a sealer
- Extremely durable since it’s resistant to mildew and mold
- Can be applied to damp wood
- Won’t hide the natural redwood grain
Cons
- Requires a lot of time and effort to apply
- Not a lot of color options
Best Variety: Varathane Fast Dry Wood Stain
If you’re picky about the color of your redwood stain, Varathane has all the options you’ll need.
This wood dye has numerous shades to choose from. If you prefer a natural color, there’s dark walnut or cedar. Yet, for a lively color unlike any other stain on the market, you can go for the carbon gray or the black cherry.
Whichever color you decide on, you’ll get high coverage from just one layer of the thick stain. Yet, you can completely control the transparency of this high-performance wood dye. For a sheer finish, you should use a cloth to rub the stain off within a couple of minutes of applying it.
Since Varathane has a thick, gel-like consistency, it might not apply as smoothly as Krylon or Ready Seal. You might also need some experience to get a uniform color.
While Varathane is an oil-based stain, it’s not as protective or durable as Cabot. That’s why it’s better suited for indoor furniture.
You’ll need to do quite some prepping when using Varathane. It’ll produce toxic fumes. So, you’ll need to work outdoors. It’ll also stain anything it touches, so don’t forget to wear gloves!
Pros
- Numerous color options ranging from vibrant to natural
- The high coverage offers more protection
- You can control the transparency of the stain
- Time efficient as it dries in only one hour
Cons
- Produces toxic fumes
- Doesn’t apply smoothly due to its thick consistency
Why Use Redwood for DIY Projects
Redwood is well known in woodworking for its natural beauty, durability, and resistance to rot and decay. Some of the key characteristics of redwood include:
- Natural beauty: Redwood has a warm, reddish-brown color that is accentuated by its fine, uniform grain pattern, making it a visually stunning choice for woodworking projects. Most other woods have a brown or yellow tint, making redwood both beautiful and unique.
- Durability: Redwood is a highly durable wood that is resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage, making it an ideal choice for outdoor projects such as decks, fences, and arbors. You see it used outdoors a LOT!
- Decay resistance: Redwood contains natural tannins that help to protect the wood from decay and insect damage, even when it is exposed to the elements.
- Workability: Redwood is easy to work with, whether by hand or machine, making it a versatile wood for woodworkers.
- Responsiveness to finishing: Redwood responds well to staining, painting, and other types of finishes, allowing woodworkers to customize the final appearance of their projects.
These qualities make redwood a popular choice for many types of woodworking projects, from outdoor structures to indoor furnishings and cabinetry.
Redwood Stain Features to Consider
Here are some important factors to consider in the stain you select for redwood:
Oil-Based
When choosing a stain for redwood, you have two choices, either oil or water-based stains.
Oil-based wood stains are usually more durable and water-resistant. This is why they’re an ideal option for outdoor redwood.
What’s more, redwood has a natural degree of water resistance. This means water-based stains just won’t penetrate the wood. Alternatively, oil-based dyes can reach deep within the wood, protecting it from the inside.
Color
Redwood is quite a stunning wood. That’s why many people refuse to stain it. However, redwood can fade over time, so applying a stain might make the wood even more radiant.
There are multiple wood stain colors you can pick from. Yet, it’s best to choose a stain that’s as close to the natural color of the wood as possible. Additionally, the stain should be darker than the wood itself, as a lighter color will look patchy.
You should also note that the thicker the stain, the more durable it’ll be. So, a solid wood stain can provide a complete barrier over the wood. On the other hand, a semi-transparent stain will let the natural wood grain peek through, but the stain won’t be as durable.
Ease-Of-Use
Staining wood is notoriously tricky, especially if you’re using toxic oil-based products. For this reason, you’ll want a stain that’s relatively easy to use.
There are multiple methods of applying stain to your redwood. The easiest way is to use a sprayer. Luckily, some wood dyes come in a practical spray can. That said, these spray cans are best for staining small surfaces.
For example, if you need to stain a redwood deck or a fence, it’s best to use a brush and a microfiber cloth. A spray stain might turn out uneven, and it’ll even take longer to apply.
Should I Use a Topcoat After Staining Redwood?
Yes, apply a topcoat after staining redwood to protect the wood and extend the life of the stain. Even though redwood is extremely durable (and plenty of people don’t put a topcoat on), a topcoat seals the wood and helps to prevent fading, chipping, and water damage.
There are different types of topcoats that you can use, including:
- Polyurethane: a popular topcoat for outdoor use as it is durable and water-resistant.
- Varnish: a traditional topcoat that is often used for indoor applications and provides a clear, hard finish.
- Oil-based sealer: penetrates into the wood to provide a natural look and protection.
When choosing a topcoat, consider the location of the redwood and the type of use it will receive. For outdoor redwood, choose a topcoat that is water-resistant and durable (polyurethane or varnish). For indoor redwood, a clear varnish or oil-based sealer may be a good choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Should I Prepare My Redwood for Staining?
To prepare redwood for staining, clean the surface, lightly sand it to smooth out rough spots and raised grain, remove any residue, and apply a pre-stain wood conditioner if desired.
Then, apply the stain according to the manufacturer’s instructions using a brush, rag, or sprayer in the direction of the grain. Proper preparation will help ensure an even, consistent stain color on your redwood surface.
Is It Better to Stain or Paint Redwood?
Staining allows the natural beauty of the wood grain to show through, while painting provides a solid color that covers the grain. For outdoor redwood that is exposed to the elements, a protective stain (or additional topcoat) or paint is recommended.
For indoor redwood, either option can be used based on personal preference. I personally prefer a stain for redwood as it allows the natural color to shine through.
Conclusion
Staining is essential for maintaining a well-protected redwood. It also provides a vibrant color for the wood.
Oil-based stains are best for redwood since they can penetrate the wood. If you’re a beginner, you might benefit from using a sprayer, especially if it’s a small project. Alternatively, for an even coat, a brush and a cloth provide the best results.
Some durable stains you can use include Ready Seal, Cabot, and Olympic. If you want more options in terms of color, you should go for Varathane.
