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What are exterior stains and sealers used for?
Exterior stains are used to improve the appearance of wood and protect it from sun damage and water. Exterior sealers add an extra level of waterproofing to wood so that it won't warp, dry out, rot, or lose its lustre over time, extending the life of decks, fences, and other outdoor wood structures.
Does exterior stain need to be sealed?
Exterior stain offers a small amount of water resistance by itself, so it doesn't always need to be sealed, but it will dry out over time. There are also stains come with a sealant mixed in. Sealed and stained wood will keep its shape and appearance for much longer, and is generally easier to clean as well, so sealing after staining is always a good idea.
How do you stain and seal exterior wood?
Check out our guide on How to Stain a Deck, which will go over the basics of staining exterior wood. Sealing is much like the staining process but can only be done after the stain has dried properly.
