Do You Seal Or Stain Exterior Wood First

Do You Seal or Stain Exterior Wood First?

Wondering whether to seal or stain your exterior wood first? The correct sequence can dramatically affect both appearance and durability.

09/01/2024 – Update

In a Nutshell:

For exterior wood projects, staining should precede sealing. Stain penetrates, enhancing color and grain, while sealant forms a protective layer against moisture, UV rays, and other elements. Start with staining to ensure proper absorption, followed by a sealant for comprehensive protection. This method is crucial for maintaining the wood’s quality, especially when subjected to fluctuating temperatures and moisture. Skipping staining and directly sealing is also an option, depending on the project and desired aesthetic.

What Is Wood Sealing?

Wood sealing refers to the process of applying a coating on top of the wood. The sealant used for this purpose is usually a transparent or clear solution that helps prevent the pores in the wood from absorbing too much moisture.

Additionally, it keeps the wood safe from too much warping that might otherwise occur as a result of the weather. Since it is a clear substance, it does not change the color of the wood but enhances it a bit. This helps maintain the natural grain while also providing a more polished look.

Wood sealants are either made from oil, water or latex, so make sure you choose one that meets the needs of your exterior wood surface. Water or latex are good options due to their water resistance levels and minimal amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), although oil usually lasts longer.

Sealants made from polyurethane are pretty common, although materials like polyacrylic and lacquer can also work well.

What Is Wood Staining?

Wood staining is the process of applying a colorant to your wooden surface. Wood stain resembles paint more closely, although the structure, material, and appearance are still slightly different. The primary purpose of staining exterior wood is to improve its appearance.

It also helps preserve the condition of the wood grain, allowing it to function better under a variety of conditions. Numerous kinds of wood stains exist in the market, depending on the color and look that you wish to achieve.

For instance, some stains are clearer and more closely resemble the natural wooden color. Others are darker and help polish and darken the color of the wood, with some also being of specific colors that alter the appearance considerably.

Stains are made either from liquids or gels, with either of the two having a base of water, oil, polyurethane or alcohol. The colorant is mixed into this base to form the pigment that you can then apply to the wood.

Make sure you clean the wood properly before applying the stain.

Do You Seal or Stain Exterior Wood First?

If you want to stain and seal your wood, the first thing you should do is apply the stain. This will allow the color to absorb correctly so that the appearance improves. Allow the stain to dry thoroughly before you apply the sealant for added protection.

In all cases, the stain comes before the sealant. However, if you simply wish to preserve the natural grain and appearance of the wood, you can forgo the stain entirely and only apply the seal.

What you end up doing depends on your requirements, where you live as well as the structure that the exterior wood supports. Learn about this in further detail through the following sections.

Type of Project

Wood is often used for a variety of purposes when it comes to external projects and structures. For instance, you might use it to build any of the following:

  • Deck
  • Patio
  • Door
  • Shed
  • Chair
  • House for your pets
FactorSealant OnlyStain OnlyStain and SealantNo Stain, No Sealant
DeckProtects from moisture, UV rays, mildew, rot, and decayProtects from UV rays and adds color but provides less protection against moisture and mildew than sealantsEnhances appearance and provides additional protection against moisture, UV rays, and mildewN/A
PatioProtects from moisture, UV rays, mildew, rot, and decayProtects from UV rays and adds color, but provides less protection against moisture and mildew than sealantsEnhances appearance and provides additional protection against moisture, UV rays, and mildewN/A
DoorProtects from moisture, UV rays, mildew, rot, and decayEnhances appearance and provides additional protection against moisture, UV rays, and mildewEnhances appearance and provides additional protection against moisture, UV rays, and mildewN/A
ShedProtects from moisture, UV rays, mildew, rot, and decayN/ASealant first, followed by stain if desiredProtects from moisture, UV rays, and mildew
ChairProtects from moisture, UV rays, mildew, rot, and decayEnhances appearance and provides additional protection against moisture, UV rays, and mildewEnhances appearance and provides additional protection against moisture, UV rays, and mildewN/A
Pet HouseProtects from moisture, UV rays, mildew, rot, and decay, but avoid applying stain as it may be harmful to petsN/ASealant first, followed by stain if desired for aesthetic purposesProtects from moisture, UV rays, and mildew

Whether you apply the stain or not can depend on the type of project.

Usually, for a deck or patio, a sealant is absolutely essential due to the changes in weather and heavy foot traffic. Using a durable sealant will help keep the wood safe. Whether or not you stain the wood before this depends on you.

Applying a suitable stain to enhance their appearance is also necessary for doors and furniture, but make sure you top it up with a sealant too. In other cases, a stain might not be necessary at all, such as a shed or structure for your pets.

Outdoor Location

It is obvious that all exterior wood is situated outdoors, but even then, there are some areas that might be more vulnerable to the harsh rays of the sun or even the rain. In such a case, a sealant is a must so that the structure does not undergo excessive levels of damage.

As for a wood stain, applying a layer or two might be important if the structure is located in a central place, such as in the middle of your backyard.

Similarly, if it is situated closer to the rest of your house, it might become necessary to stain the wood to ensure that it looks good and goes well with the colors and design of your house.

On the other hand, if the structure is further away from the house and hidden by trees and bushes, you need not bother applying a stain before the sealant.

Function

What function does the exterior wood serve? Are a lot of people likely to sit or walk around on it? Do you use it to store scrap materials and work on your projects? Is it a decorative piece?

Ask yourself these questions so that you can understand the order of applying the stain and the seal. For those structures that serve a more functional purpose, you can go ahead and directly apply the sealant to the wood.

Moreover, in some cases, it is also possible that the stain actively harms the structure and its usage. For instance, if you want to build a doghouse, staining might prove to be harmful to the dog, but a sealant will help keep your dog safe from the hot, cold or damp weather.

On the other hand, decorative pieces like carved wood, wall hangings or even antique furniture will require stain to enhance the beauty of the work.

Weather

Where you live tends to make a huge difference when it comes to how the wood behaves outdoors. If your region sees moderate temperatures throughout the year, it might be possible for you to apply only the stain and forego the sealant.

While this is not exactly the best idea, it will still be okay for a while if you are unable to find the right kind of sealant. After a point, however, it might become necessary for you to apply the sealant on top of the stain.

Sealants are crucial to apply in regions with extreme weather conditions like extreme heat or cold or strong downpours. You can either do this on top of the stain or without any coat of stain. This will keep the water out of the wood while also preventing considerable warping and mold growth.

Size

The size of your wooden structure can also have an impact on what you apply to it and when. Bigger structures are pretty tricky to handle, in which case the best course of action might be to stick to the sealant without spending additional time and effort on applying the stain (unless required).

For bigger structures that are also highly visible and serve an aesthetic function, stains must be applied, so make sure you prepare the wood accordingly.

Make it a point to cover the surface uniformly while using a bit of sandpaper on the first dry layer before moving on to the next coat.

For smaller structures and those that do not require immediate use, starting out with the stain and then moving on to the sealant might be worthwhile.

Seal or Stain Exterior Wood FAQ.

Seal Or Stain Exterior Wood

Can You Stain and Seal on the Same Day?

Staining and sealing on the same day is possible, provided your stain is dry enough to accept the sealant. If not, make sure you wait for at least 24 hours for the stain to dry.

  • It’s essential to check the manufacturer’s instructions for both the stain and sealant products you’re using to determine if they can be applied on the same day. Some products may require a longer drying time before applying the sealant.
  • If you’re unsure whether the stain is dry enough to accept the sealant, you can perform a “water drop” test. Sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface of the wood. If the water beads up, the stain is not dry enough, but if it soaks into the wood, the surface is ready for the sealant.
  • Applying stain and sealant on the same day can save time, but it’s vital to ensure that the wood is clean and dry before starting the application process. Clean the surface with a wood cleaner and let it dry completely before staining, then wait for the appropriate drying time before applying the sealant.

What Happens If You Seal Exterior Wood Before the Stain Dries?

If you seal the exterior wood before the stain dries appropriately, the sealant will not stick properly to the stain and wood. This will result in a blotchy appearance and result in clumps forming on some parts of the wood. It will also not work effectively in terms of weather protection.

  • To avoid sealing exterior wood before the stain dries, it’s paramount to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the drying time of the stain. The drying time can vary depending on the type and brand of stain used, as well as the humidity and temperature of the environment.
  • In addition to causing a blotchy appearance and clumps on the wood, sealing exterior wood before the stain dries can also prevent the wood from breathing and cause it to warp or crack over time.
  • If you accidentally seal exterior wood before the stain dries, it’s best to remove the sealant immediately with a wood stripper or sandpaper. Then, let the wood dry completely before applying the stain again, making sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the appropriate drying time.

How Many Coats of Stain Should You Apply on Exterior Wood?

A couple of coats of stain are ideal for exterior wood. However, in some situations, it is possible that the wood might not be able to absorb too much stain, so make sure you determine this in advance so as to avoid overdoing it.

  • The number of coats of stain needed for exterior wood can vary depending on factors such as the type of wood, the condition of the wood, and the desired level of color and protection. It’s best to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific stain product being used to determine the recommended number of coats.
  • Generally, one or two coats of stain are sufficient for most exterior wood surfaces. However, additional coats may be needed to achieve an even color and finish if the wood is very porous or has significant color variations.
  • It’s essential to wait for each coat of stain to dry completely before applying additional coats. The drying time can vary depending on the type and brand of stain used, as well as the humidity and temperature of the environment. Waiting for the appropriate drying time can help ensure that the wood absorbs each coat of stain evenly and thoroughly.

Final Thoughts

Exterior wood can end up going through a lot of wear and tear over the months and years, which is why sealing and staining are ideal and simple ways to slow down this process.

Key Takeaways:

  • Stain First, Then Seal: For exterior wood, applying stain before sealant is recommended for optimal color enhancement and protection, ensuring the wood’s longevity against weather elements.
  • Sealant for Protection: A sealant is essential to shield exterior wood from moisture, UV rays, and temperature changes, preventing warping and decay while enhancing the wood’s natural appearance.
  • Staining is Optional but Beneficial: While staining is not always necessary, it significantly improves the wood’s aesthetics. Skipping the stain and directly applying sealant is a viable option for purely functional projects or to maintain the wood’s natural look.

Applying the stain correctly will minimize or prevent ruining your expensive wood project. Hence, if you wish to apply both, start off with the stain and then apply the sealant once the stain dries.