Best Wood Stains - Home & Texture
DIY Outdoors Wood Stains

The Best Wood Stains To Protect and Enhance The Beauty of Your Pieces

May 15, 2023 at 9:35 PM PST

Wood furniture is classic and never goes out of style. The variety of woods, durability, and timeless elegance add to the appeal of completing your space with wood furniture. They’re especially great choices for outdoor furniture for your deck and patio, as they create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Wood pieces can last for generations, which is why it’s important to protect them. One of the easiest ways to protect and enhance the look of your wood furniture is by using wood stains. Whether you’re updating the appearance of wood furniture, decks, or other wooden structures, wood stains can transform and protect your pieces.

Here’s Why You Should Consider Using Wood Stains:

Enhances Your Aesthetic

The great thing about wood stains is that they come in a variety of colors. Regardless of your aesthetic, a wood stain is out there for you. They give you the option to customize your wooden surfaces whether you’re into rustic, contemporary, or natural finishes.

Protects Against UV Damage and Moisture

You won’t have to worry about damaging the surfaces of your wood with a high-quality wood stain. Choose a wood stain with protective agents to prevent your wooden pieces from cracking, warping, and fading over time.

Preserves Its Natural Beauty

The difference between wood stains and paint is that wood stains penetrate the surface of the wood. This brings out the natural grain patterns and textures, preserving the beauty of wood.

Allows for Easy Application

You don’t need to be a professional to apply wood stains. They are generally easy to apply and require minimal cleanup and preparation. They can be reapplied without needing to strip previous colors or sanding.

wood stain patio furniture
Photo Credit: Spacejoy

When Choosing the Right Wood Stain for Your Home, There Are a Few Things To Consider:

Wood Type

Different wood types have their own unique characteristics and absorb differently. Before purchasing a wood stain, research which stains are best for your specific type of wood piece.

Color and Transparency

Choosing a wood stain that aligns with the color and transparency you desire is important. There are a variety of stains ranging from clear finishes to more intense coverage.

Indoor or Outdoor?

If you’re looking for a stain for your outdoor pieces, look for stains with extra protection against UV rays, moisture, and the elements of Mother Nature.

Personal Style and Aesthetic

When choosing a wood stain, factoring in your style is important. There are different wood stains to choose from based on if you want your wood to make a statement or blend in with your other furniture.

As always, read reviews before purchasing. Investing in high-quality wood stains is important to ensure long-lasting, beautiful results.

Check out some of our favorites if you’re looking for wood stains.

Jump to Products

General Finishes Oil Base Gel Stain

This wood stain is perfect for applying to difficult woods like aspen and pine to achieve a lustrous finish. The formula is thick and oil-based and applies smoothly. Due to the thickness of the stain, the formula won’t drip or run. It’s perfect for painting furniture with curves and details as well as vertical objects like bookcases and storage shelves. It doesn’t penetrate deeply into the wood like liquid oil-based stains. This helps bring out the natural beauty of the wood. You can apply this stain with a foam brush, paint pad, or a rag. Once applied, wipe the excess off. This stain is available in 15 colors and various sizes to suit your needs.

Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain

If you’re looking for a wood stain for your cabinets, this premium stain by Varathane is it. With just one coat, you can transform your interior’s wood into stunning pieces that align with your design style and aesthetic. To apply, brush a coat of the stain onto the wood and let it soak for up to 10 minutes. The excess stain can be wiped away with a clean rag. If you wait too long to wipe away the excess stain, it may result in your wood pieces having a blotchy finish. This stain dries quickly, so if you want a more deep look, add an additional coat after one hour of applying the first coat. Remember to sand and prep your wood before applying this stain.

Storm System Protector Outdoor Wood Stain And Sealer

This semi-transparent wood stain and sealer are perfect for protecting your outdoor furniture from the elements of Mother Nature. You can use this stain for your siding, deck, and fence, as it’s waterproof and provides UV protection, which helps with color fading. The stain is great for applying to exterior woods such as cedar, pine, redwood, Douglas fir, spruce, mahogany, and cypress. It’s also great for pressure-treated lumber. The formula is ready-to-use and easy to apply. All you have to do is mix the stain thoroughly and apply it to the wood with a sprayer, brush, or roller. Remember to prepare the wood before applying the stain.

Premium Golden Teak Oil – Sealer, Preserver, and Finish

This teak oil is formulated for the ultimate protection of your wooden surfaces. The formula blends polymers and tung oil for extended protection of teak pieces. It’s perfect for teak shower benches, teak mats, marine teak, and other teak furniture pieces and fine woods. The polymer blend also has UV protection, outlasting other teak oils up to six times. You can easily apply this oil with a sponge, brush, or cloth. The finished result is a beautiful, warm golden hue that protects your surfaces from weather and damage. Apply extra coats for a more glossy look. This all-in-one solution seals and preserves your fine wood.

Minwax PolyShades Wood Stain + Polyurethane Finish

This oil-based wood stain has polyurethane protection and will enhance your wood grade. It allows you to change the color of your wood’s surface without removing the existing color. You can use it on both bare and already-finished wood. After applying this stain, you can expect a rich finish and satin-like sheen. It’s recommended to use this stain on furniture, doors, cabinets, woodwork, and accessories. Before applying, lightly sand your wood with fine-grit sandpaper and remove dust and particles. Apply the stain with a brush to transform your wood items. Applying two thin coats and allowing six hours between coats is recommended.

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