Hey, we have a new fence, just a couple month old. We're staining it with Behr Premium Transparent Cedar Naturaltonr stain. We're concerned a second coat will make it darker/orangier than we'd like.

Do you all think a second coat is necessary? We're mainly applying the stain with a roller.

Thanks!

Is it pressure treated wood or cedar?

I would follow the directions found on the can, or get ahold of the manufacturer.

My default would be a second coat while it is laying there on sawhorses. But again, check with the manufacturer.

You need to read the label, most will tell you if you can apply another coat after the first has dried. Most will tell you not to, unless it’s a water base.

Most semi transparent stains will not get darker with multiple coats, but they can form a film on the surface that will haze over in damp weather and eventually peel.

Last stain I used was Cabot oil and there were no second coats with it. Once dried it was sealed and another coat wouldn't go on right.

No you don't. Cabot is much better stuff BTW, would prolly last 3-4x longer than the Behr before cleaning and recoat required. The transparent stains are not as UV protective than a semi-transparent stain. I always go with a semi-tranparent, non-water (oil) based, like Cabot or TWP, both are really good.

Yes, that product recommends a second coat

It will darken the color and go more towards a neutral yellow/orange cedar color. Spread rate is much further up to 600ft/2 so it’s really just filling in where it was thin on initial application

Make sure to keep the product mixed. If you don’t the pigment concentration will be stronger towards the bottom of the can

Feel free to contact me at email in profile if you have questions or concerns

quote:

Originally posted by wrightd:
No you don't. Cabot is much better stuff BTW, would prolly last 3-4x longer than the Behr before cleaning and recoat required. The transparent stains are not as UV protective than a semi-transparent stain. I always go with a semi-tranparent, non-water (oil) based, like Cabot or TWP, both are really good.

Read any manufacturers recomendations for application.

You’ll find Cabot is a wet on wet application (until product stops soaking in), this a second coat for all practical purposes. It’s a linseed oil product that actually promotes mildew growth and discoloration of improperly prepared substrates. I refer to court cases in PacNW

If you live in a region with high UV concentrations water based products are better than oils for longevity(why many have gone to an alkyd/acrylic formulation). UV rays will degrade oil in a short period, most within a year on decks and 3-5 on fences. Oils have the ease of reapplication year to year than water based which is more film forming. There are some exceptions when water based is siliconized for substrate penetration. That’s a different topic though

Any semi transparent product filters UV better than transparent and will last longer