Transparent stain FAQ

What is the best transparent stain for outdoors?

A good transparent stain will ensure that your exterior woodwork is optimally protected from wind and weather, moisture and UV rays. While at the same time giving your wood a natural look. 

As with exterior paints, most stains used to be solvent-based, but it has since become outdated that that is the best quality for outdoor use. Today, there are many high-quality, reliable water-based transparent outdoor stains. Just think of bestsellers like Sigma Woodprotect Ultra Satin (colourable), Sikkens Cetol BLX-Pro (mix colours and pre-mixed) and Xyladecor Tuinhuis (pre-mixed colours). Good for your wood and for the environment. 

What is the difference between transparent stain and lacquer?

First things first: a wood lacquer is completely solid and opaque; a transparent stain is translucent. In addition, a lacquer system completely seals the wood, where a stain lets your wood still breathe, and also has a moisture-regulating function. So two completely different products! 

Looking for the best of both worlds? Then an opaque stain might be what you're looking for. It will also give your wood a solid colour (of your choice). But it also has all the protective properties that characterise a stain. 

View and compare all wood stains, opaque and transparent, here. 

Is transparent stain colourless?

That's a question we get tremendously often. The answer? Sometimes yes, sometimes no! You see, you have colourless transparent stains and tinted transparent stains. The latter are still transparent, but do contain some pigment. In other words, you can still see the wood and its markings, but you also give the wood a little colour. Usually that colour is then also a wood colour. 

We also like to point out that it is the pigments that make your stain strong and give your wood the best protection against UV rays, among other things. Although you often have the option 'colourless' or 'natural', we always recommend looking for a tinted version that is very close to your original wood colour. 

Can I apply transparent stain over old stain or paint?

If that old stain was also transparent and the stain layer is still in good condition: yes! Just be aware that the colour of your woodwork might darken slightly. In some cases this is desirable, in others not. 

If an opaque stain or a wood varnish was previously put on your wood, you're going to have some work to switch. You can't apply a stain over a varnish because a varnish completely seals the wood, as you could read above. So you will have to remove the varnish first, so you can apply the stain to the bare wood. You also remove an opaque stain first, by sanding well, because you will want to apply a transparent layer over an opaque layer. 

How often should I reapply transparent stain?

A transparent stain has a slightly shorter lifespan than an opaque stain. Makes sense, now that you know it's the pigments that largely provide the strength of your stain, right? In most cases, a transparent tinted stain will give you peace of mind for about three to four years. 

Nevertheless, it is advisable to check the woodwork every year. Clean the wood thoroughly and check for small cracks, for example, or spots where the stain is already wearing off. In that case, it is time for a touch-up. 

Want to know more about the differences between opaque and transparent stain? Read all about it on our wood stain page.

Which protects better, transparent or opaque stain?

Again, you already know the answer from the previous questions. An opaque stain contains more pigments. Pigments make the stain (also) strong. As a result, an opaque stain lasts longer and protects your wood a little longer. 

That does not at all mean that a transparent stain is not a good choice. You will still be able to thoroughly protect your wood from all kinds of weather conditions with it. It's just that you will need to refresh it a bit quicker to keep that protection as optimal as possible. 

How do I apply transparent stain for best results?

Applying a transparent stain is not that difficult. With a handy staining supplies kit and a clear step-by-step plan, you'll be off in no time. Again, you'll be glad you opted for a tinted variant, rather than a colourless one, as this again makes it easier to see if you've applied the stain evenly.