Fence staining and sealing

Penetrating stain or a film finish

The Forest Products Laboratory’s Wood Handbook (2021) says finishes that fully penetrate don’t peel. As they weather, they fade, lose water repellency, turn gray, and develop mildew. Oil-based semitransparent stains usually don’t form a surface film, so they won’t blister or peel, though applying too much can form a film.

The Western Red Cedar Lumber Association says latex semitransparent stains don’t penetrate and form a film. They’re less durable than oil-based stains. It doesn’t recommend clear film finishes such as lacquer, shellac, urethane, and varnish outdoors on cedar.

How long a finish lasts

The Forest Products Laboratory’s Wood Handbook (2021) says two coats of semitransparent penetrating stain may last 10 years on rough or saw-textured wood. It puts one coat on new smooth wood at only 2 to 4 years and says later coats last longer as the stained wood ages and gets more porous. On smooth wood, expect about half the service life of saw-textured wood.

When a new fence can be stained

The Forest Products Laboratory’s Wood Handbook (2021) says pressure-treated wood can be stained once it’s clean and dry, and one week should be enough for the surface to dry. Cedar that’s getting paint or another film-forming finish should be finished as soon as possible after installation. The handbook calls semitransparent penetrating stain an excellent finish for weathered wood.

How stain goes on

The Forest Products Laboratory’s Wood Handbook (2021) recommends brushing on oil-based semitransparent stain for even penetration. It says the stain is too fluid for a roller, while spraying leaves an uneven look and lap marks. It says to stain two or three boards at a time, adding stain before the edge dries, and to work in the shade if possible. The Western Red Cedar Lumber Association says brushing usually gives the best penetration, and spraying or rolling followed by back-brushing is also acceptable.

Mildew and cleaning

The Western Red Cedar Lumber Association says restaining doesn’t solve a mildew problem. The Forest Products Laboratory, Wood Handbook (2021), says to wash mildewed wood with a commercial mildew cleaner or diluted household bleach and detergent before refinishing. It says to protect plants and the soil around them because fungicides in semitransparent stains are toxic and can harm plants.

What staining costs

Angi’s stain cost page, updated September 23, 2026, puts the national average to stain one side of a fence at $1,900, with most homeowners spending $1,400 to $2,200. You can also read about what a fence costs in Austin.