Best Fence Stain and Sealer: How to Choose the Right One
Fences take a beating from sun and rain, but they're easier to protect than a deck: nobody walks on them, water runs off instead of sitting on top, and you're usually staining rough or weathered boards that soak up a penetrating oil well. The right fence stain is a penetrating, oil-based stain and sealer that soaks into the wood instead of forming a film on top, so it fades evenly over time instead of peeling.
Below are the fence stains we sell, what each one does best, and how to pick between them.
Quick Comparison
| Stain | Best for | Coats | VOC-regulated states? |
|---|---|---|---|
| TWP 100 Series | Rough cedar and pine fences, deep penetration | 1-2, wet on wet | No - use TWP 1500 |
| TWP 1500 Series | Same TWP protection, legal in all 50 states | 1-2, wet on wet | Yes |
| Ready Seal | Easiest application, no lap marks | Usually 1 on fences | Yes, except SCAQMD areas of Southern California |
| Penofin Stain & Sealer | Penetrating oil that won't crack, chip or flake | 2 thin or 1 thick | Yes, except SCAQMD areas of Southern California |
| Sikkens ProLuxe Cetol SRD RE | One-coat finish, rich translucent color | 1 | Yes (SRD RE) |
| Expert Stain & Seal Transparent Fence & Deck | Western red cedar and treated pine | See label | Yes, all states |
| Wolman F&P | Budget-friendly oil finish and preservative | See label | Yes, except SCAQMD areas of Southern California |
TWP 100 and TWP 1500 Series
TWP is an oil-based penetrating wood preservative that works on decks, fences, siding, rough sawn cedar, log homes, shakes and fascia. It soaks in instead of building a surface film, so it won't peel when applied correctly. The first coat covers about 150-200 sq ft per gallon and the second 200-300; on thirsty fence boards apply two light coats wet on wet, with the second coat going on within about 30 minutes of the first.
TWP 100 is 550 VOC and can't be sold in VOC-regulated states. TWP 1500 Series is the same base formula adjusted to 350 VOC, so it's the one to choose in those states. Apply TWP between 50°F and 85°F and allow about 24 hours to dry.
Ready Seal Stain & Sealer
Ready Seal is the easiest fence stain to put down. It requires no back-brushing and won't leave runs, laps or streaks because the stain blends itself, and it has no specific temperature range for application. Fences usually need just one coat. It's a good pick if you're spraying a long fence line yourself.
Penofin Stain & Sealer
Penofin Stain & Sealer is a penetrating oil that does not crack, chip or flake. Apply two thin coats or one thick coat, about an hour apart. On fences expect roughly 125-175 sq ft per gallon, and about 150 sq ft per gallon on rough sawn boards, which absorb more.
Sikkens ProLuxe Cetol SRD RE
Cetol SRD RE is a one-coat transparent matte stain and finish. PPG rates it at 150-200 sq ft per gallon on rough or weathered wood and 250-400 on smooth wood. It dries to the touch in about 12 hours and should be applied between 50°F and 90°F. SRD RE is the reduced-emissions version for VOC-regulated states.
Expert Stain & Seal and Wolman F&P
Expert Stain & Seal Transparent Fence & Deck is made for western red cedar, treated pine and other species, with trans-oxide pigments for UV protection and oils that penetrate deep into the wood. Wolman F&P is an oil-based, deep-penetrating wood finish and preservative and a good value for large fences.
How to Choose
- Live in a VOC-regulated state? TWP 1500, Sikkens SRD RE, Ready Seal, Penofin Stain & Sealer, Wolman F&P and Expert Stain & Seal all work (see the table for SCAQMD exceptions). TWP 100 does not.
- Want the easiest application? Ready Seal - no back-brushing and no lap marks.
- Rough sawn cedar or pine? TWP or Penofin; plan on extra stain because rough wood soaks more up.
- Want one coat and done? Sikkens SRD RE.
Prep Before You Stain
Clean the fence to remove dirt, mildew and old coatings, then use a brightener to open up the wood. Our deck and fence cleaners include kits matched to these stains. Let the wood dry about 48 hours before staining, and don't stain if rain is expected. New wood should weather before its first coat; TWP recommends letting new wood weather 4 to 12 months.
How Much Fence Stain Do I Need?
Measure the length and height of the fence and multiply to get square feet for one side, then double it if you're staining both sides. Use our deck stain coverage calculator to turn that into gallons, and add extra for rough sawn boards.
Questions?
Email us at Sales@TheStainDepot.com and tell us your wood type and state, and we'll point you to the right stain. Orders placed before 4pm ET ship the same day.