Water-Based Penetrating Deck & Fence Stain Made With PolyWhey® Technology

Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey® Exterior Penetrating Wood Stain gives decks, fences, docks and siding real color and weather protection without the heavy solvent smell of a traditional oil stain. Instead of building a plastic-like film on top of the boards, this water-based formula soaks down into the wood grain, so there is no thick coating to crack or peel when the wood expands and contracts through the seasons.

The stain is built on PolyWhey®, Vermont Natural Coatings' patented resin technology made with whey protein, a renewable by-product of Vermont cheese making. The result is a low-VOC exterior wood stain (45 g/L) that cleans up with soap and water, has a mild odor, and dries to the touch in about an hour.

Why Choose This Exterior Wood Stain

• Penetrates, does not peel – absorbs into the wood rather than sitting on the surface like paint or a solid film-forming stain.
• UV and moisture defense – helps shed water and slow sun damage that turns bare wood gray.
• Resists mold and mildew – a big plus for shaded decks, humid climates and lakefront property.
• Low VOC, low odor – only 45 g/L VOC, easy to work with around the house, kids and pets.
• Fast, easy application – the next coat can go on wet-on-wet, before the first coat dries.
• Soap-and-water cleanup – no mineral spirits needed for brushes, rollers or pump sprayers.

Where to Use It

This semi-transparent style penetrating stain is designed for new, weathered and pressure-treated lumber, including:

• Wood decks, stairs and railings
• Pressure-treated pine decks and fences
• Cedar siding, shakes and trim
• Docks, boathouses and lake homes
• Privacy fences and pergolas
• Outdoor furniture and benches

Not recommended for: horizontal surfaces made of IPE, mahogany or other dense exotic hardwoods.

Available Colors (Gallon)

Choose your color from the drop-down above:

• Caspian Clear – a clear penetrating sealer that keeps the natural look of the wood
• Golden Cedar – a warm honey-gold cedar tone
• Lakeside Cedar – a rich, bright orange-cedar tone
• Acorn Brown – a classic reddish-brown
• Brackish Brown – an earthy, muted brown

Color appearance will vary with wood species, age, porosity and the number of coats applied. Always test in a small, inconspicuous area first.

Coverage & Technical Specifications

Application Tips

Start with clean, dry wood that is free of dirt, mildew, mill glaze and old failing coatings. Apply with a brush, roller, pad or pump sprayer and back-brush to work the stain into the grain. Apply the second coat before the first one dries for the best penetration, and wipe up any puddles so the finish stays even. Avoid application in direct hot sun or when rain is expected before the stain has dried.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PolyWhey Exterior Penetrating Wood Stain oil-based or water-based?

It is water-based. You get the penetrating behavior people like about oil stains, with lower odor, lower VOCs and soap-and-water cleanup.

Can I use it on pressure-treated wood?

Yes. It is made for new, weathered and pressure-treated decks, fences, railings and siding.

Will this deck stain peel?

Because it soaks into the wood instead of forming a thick surface film, there is no heavy coating to peel the way paint or solid stains can.

How long before I can walk on the deck?

The stain is typically dry to the touch in about an hour and fully cured within 48 hours under normal weather conditions.

How much stain do I need?

Plan on roughly 300 square feet per gallon. Rough-sawn, older or very porous wood will absorb more.