The best exterior wood stains in the UK 2023

Outdoor surfaces and structures are very sensitive to various aggressions. Between bad weather and insects, their life span is considerably shortened. Fortunately, exterior wood stain, with or without color, addresses these problems by providing protection and aesthetics to your wooden works. Read this guide to see more clearly.

Sikkens Cetol Filter 7 Plus 1
8/10

Best value for money

Sikkens Cetol Filter 7 Plus

The best exterior woodstain

Sikkens Cetol Filter 7 Plus is recommended for the protection and decoration of exterior wood. This exterior wood stain offers long-lasting protection.

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Sikkens promises premium quality with its highly effective exterior wood stain. It can be applied in 3 coats on new and hardwoods. It is made for outdoor use and offers great protection to wood, especially against the sun. This is thanks to the UV filter incorporated in its composition. Sikkens Cetol Filter 7 Plus also gives a remarkable aesthetic aspect to your woodwork and joinery. They become easier to maintain thanks to the anti-smudge character of this stain. Its components bring out the grain of the wood in addition to its satin effect.

Luminos Lasur Protector 2
8/10

Best value for money

Luminos Lasur Protector

The best entry-level exterior woodstain

Available in 14 colors, this acrylic stain is attractive because of its fast drying time. It gives a beautiful color to the wood, but the intensity will depend on its natural shade.

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Intended for external use, Luminos Lasur Protector protects wood from UV, weathering and fungi. It is water resistant and does not change its appearance despite the weight of years. In addition, the color provided enhances the aesthetic properties of the stained wood, especially when exposed to the sun. Its intensity will depend on the number of coats applied. This exterior wood stain comes in a plastic container that is easy to open and store. It provides long-lasting protection and will not peel. And available in 14 colors, it can receive another coat of paint without the need for sanding.

Bondex 898 Rio Palisander 3
7/10

Best premium value for money

Bondex 898 Rio Palisander

The best high-end exterior woodstain

Highly waterproof, Bondex 898 Rio Palisander improves the appearance of exterior woodwork. Its matte finish will give your furniture and woodwork a new look.

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Adapted to all types of wood structures and available in 4 other colors, this stain takes 4 hours to dry to dust. However, it is necessary to wait 24 hours before adding a coat of paint or a coating. Bondex 898 Rio Palisander is easy to maintain and offers long-lasting resistance for both interior and exterior use. With its transparent character, it highlights the grain of the wood. This exterior wood stain can be applied to all types of wood, including tropical species and the most fragile woods. With its gel format, it is easily applied with a brush.

Syntilor Universal Stain 4
7/10

Universal stain

Syntilor Universal Stain

The best exterior and interior woodstain

This stain offers 4 years of protection with a light oak effect. Its 5 L capacity is sufficient for several uses or a large surface. Note its satin finish.

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Whether you want to protect or embellish your exterior wood, choose this universal fluid-textured stain. It can be applied on all vertical works made with new or raw wood. A good preparation of the material to be worked is required for a perfect adherence. Syntilor guarantees a satin finish, whether on clean wood or with an old stain. No need to dilute with this product. It is applied immediately with a brush or a spray gun once you have finished mixing it well. This stain can also be applied to interior furniture.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best exterior wood stain

Any specific needs?

The best exterior woodstain

The best entry-level exterior woodstain

The best high-end exterior woodstain

The best exterior and interior woodstain

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best exterior wood stains

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Sikkens Cetol Filter 7 Plus 5
8/10
Luminos Lasur Protector 6
8/10
Bondex 898 Rio Palisander 7
7/10
Syntilor Universal Stain 8
7/10
OUR SELECTION
Sikkens Cetol Filter 7 Plus
Luminos Lasur Protector
Bondex 898 Rio Palisander
Syntilor Universal Stain
Sikkens Cetol Filter 7 Plus is recommended for the protection and decoration of exterior wood. This exterior wood stain offers long-lasting protection.
Available in 14 colors, this acrylic stain is attractive because of its fast drying time. It gives a beautiful color to the wood, but the intensity will depend on its natural shade.
Highly waterproof, Bondex 898 Rio Palisander improves the appearance of exterior woodwork. Its matte finish will give your furniture and woodwork a new look.
This stain offers 4 years of protection with a light oak effect. Its 5 L capacity is sufficient for several uses or a large surface. Note its satin finish.
Long-lasting protection
You can apply paint on it without sanding first
Brings out the grain of the wood
All types of wood, interior or exterior
Maximum resistance to UV rays
Waterproof and quick drying
Large capacity (4.8 L)
5 L capacity and 4 years of protection
For all types of wood
Can be applied without sanding
Matte, slightly satin finish
Drying time of approximately 30 minutes

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Buying guide - exterior wood stain

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How to choose your exterior wood stain

In order to ensure durability and quality, the choice of stain must respect these criteria.

#1 - Drying time

The drying time varies according to the type of product. It generally varies between 30 minutes and 12 hours. But the best stains take between 2 and 4 hours to dry. This information is given by the seller at the time of purchase. You need to know how long it will take for dust to adhere to the surface. Then, find out how long you should wait before applying another coat.

#2 - The color

Colored stain is necessary when used to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing result. Manufacturers offer a range of colors suitable for exterior woodwork and joinery.

#3 - The composition

The

components and bases of an exterior wood stain are not the same whether in terms of use or the effect they offer. In any case, make sure that the products that make up this coating must be suitable for exterior use. The conditions to which it will be exposed have nothing to do with those of the interior. Other than that, there are components that may cause an allergy for some people.

#4 - Type of work

The

characteristics of the work and the wood you are going to work on guide the choice. First, a horizontal and a vertical wood are not approached in the same way. Also, you must choose a specific quality of stain, especially in terms of resistance, depending on the frequency of use of the work concerned. Afterwards, check carefully if the stain you intend to buy is compatible with the nature of the wood to be treated.

#5 - The expected result

Not all

stains offer the same result. Some protect the wood more, while others mainly improve its appearance. Classic stain and impregnating stain are used, for example, as an undercoat or before/at the finish. For protective purposes, high solids and high protection stains are used. There is also the question of the finish, which can be matte, glossy or satin depending on your choice of product. They have a very different aesthetic and decorative appearance.

How to successfully apply a stain?

The application of a stain requires the use of some materials. But first, prepare the surface so that it is clean and in good condition. The furniture or object to be stained must be treated against insects and fungi. This is also valid for new works. This product adheres more easily to a smooth and sanded wood. There should be no other product (varnish or paint) on the surface.

Depending on the texture of the stain, you can use a brush, a brush, a roller or a spray gun, but always in the direction of the grain of the wood. The effectiveness of the coats applied depends on the material chosen. Two homogeneous coats are sufficient. But, nothing prevents you from adding a third if you feel that the woodwork to be protected needs it. This only strengthens its resistance. In any case, you must respect the waiting period indicated by the supplier for each coat. The stain must be applied in small doses so that it does not drip.

The products available on the market are not used in the same way. It is necessary to respect the manual provided each time, whether it is on the techniques of application, the time of pause, the compatible woods or the materials used.

The different types of exterior wood stains

There are different compositions of exterior wood stain. That's why they are not the same and are categorized into 3 groups.

Solvent-based exterior wood stain

You can't beat gel glaze for working on anything other than furniture. It's a breeze to apply to a beam and so on, because it's a high piece. Therefore, a fluid glaze will certainly flow along its length. This is not the case with this format.

Tinted exterior wood stain

Tinted stain manages to beautify the look of the wood by emphasizing its natural color. At the same time, the appearance of the material becomes cleaner and clearer. This does not mean that the protective benefits of stain are lost. Tinted stain is on par with colorless stain in this respect.

Exterior wood stain gel

It's impossible to

find a better way to work on anything other than furniture than gel glaze. It's a breeze to apply to a beam and so on, because it's a high piece. Therefore, a fluid glaze will certainly flow along its length. This is not the case with this format.

Stain or Varnish ?

Stain

The main role of the stain is to protect the wood from insects, moisture, sunlight and fungi. It goes right inside the object to increase its efficiency and thus preserves its life span and its robustness. It also improves the appearance of the wood in terms of its colour and grain.

Varnish

Varnish is used to slightly change the colour of the wood, giving it a honeyed and more natural tone. Then, it forms a layer resistant enough to protect the surface of the material from scratches, moisture and stains. It has the advantage of being easy to maintain.

Verdict

Varnish only offers protection on the surface, whereas stain strengthens the wood from the inside. This is why it is best suited to outdoor work. It prevents the effects of weathering and pests that eat away at the wood over time.

Tips

Clean the brushes after using the stain

Since brushes are not disposable, remember to clean them properly after each use. Use vinegar brought to a boil to do this and soak the materials in it. Only when the stain residue is all removed should you proceed to wash with soapy water.

Storage of exterior wood stain

In its waterproof jar, the stain should be stored in a cool place. Its lifespan, about a year, could be shortened if it is exposed to sunlight and light for a long time.

Even new wood needs a stain

New wood needs a protective stain to achieve its lifespan. Then it beautifies the furniture.

Long-lasting stains to protect wood

Long-lasting stains are the most durable. They last up to 4 years and their effect weakens very little during that time.

To get a nice look

Sanding is essential before applying each coat. The wood must be impeccably flat, smooth and clean. The rendering depends on it. Be aware that a finish with a colorless stain is necessary if the wood is porous and undergoes drastic conditions.

FAQ

What is the best exterior wood stain?

The best exterior wood stain depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best at the moment.

What exactly is a wood stain used for?

The exterior wood stain keeps the natural appearance of the material, especially its colour and grain. At the same time, it preserves its condition despite bad weather and other external aggressions.

Can I use an interior woodstain to protect my garden joinery?

To ensure a good result, choose a stain that is specially designed for outdoor use.

Which stain should I use to protect wood from the sun?

Coloured stain is to be preferred for this purpose.

What are the differences between acrylic and glycerophtalic glazes?

Glycerophthalic stain is the one that is made with solvents. It is suitable for exterior wood. Acrylic stain contains water as a base component. It is suitable for outdoor furniture and woodwork, but is no more effective than solvent-based stain.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , cecil.fr
  2. , linternaute.fr
  3. , oleobois.com
  4. , franceabris.com
  5. , leroymerlin.fr
  6. , metaltop.fr
  7. , sherwin-williams.com
  8. , sadolin.ie
  9. , peinture-destock.com
  10. , manomano.fr
  11. , leroymerlin.fr
  12. , leroymerlin.fr
  13. , castorama.fr
  14. , manomano.fr
  15. , syntilor.com
  16. , v33.fr
  17. , amazon.co.uk
  18. , bricomarche.com
  19. , zolpan.fr
  20. , peinture.ooreka.fr
  21. , bricodepot.fr
  22. , cecil.fr
  23. , cecil.fr
  24. , guittet.fr
  25. , bricotest.fr
  26. , cdiscount.com
  27. , habitatpresto.com
  28. , oleobois.com
  29. , eco-logis.com
  30. , galtane.com
  31. , lasure-prod.com
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Sikkens Cetol Filter 7 Plus 9
Sikkens Cetol Filter 7 Plus
Luminos Lasur Protector 10
Luminos Lasur Protector
Bondex 898 Rio Palisander 11
Bondex 898 Rio Palisander
Syntilor Universal Stain 12
Syntilor Universal Stain

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