Water Based vs Oil Based Fence Stain - Which Is Better For Fence Staining?

Another big debate we see in the fence industry is water vs oil base fence stains. So which is better for staining fence? Today I'll give you some pros and cons for each then tell you which I prefer to stain fence with and why!
► Wood Stain We Use & Recommend - thefenceexpert.org/Expert
► Click Here To Save On Fencing Supplies - thefenceexpert.org/Materials
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[@jenchu2761]

I never comment on youtube videos even though I've watched thousands of them. . This is probably one of the clearest, most helpful videos I've ever watched. Thank you so much for keeping it short and sweet, but sharing the info in such a clear way. You're awesome.

[@JoeEverest]

You’re very welcome, always happy to help!

[@live10000]

Thank you for the video buddy, very helpful!

[@michaelrichter9462]

Joe, thank you for the video. I am going oil based on a 15 year old cedar fence, and will have look at Stain & Seal. How about a link in the description to your moisture meter of choice. Perhaps two. One professional grade, and a DIY'er. Cost being the driver

[@rogerbettencourt9654]

Nice work again, thanks.

[@emsroks]

Great video Joe! Could you by chance do a video on fence design when it comes to engineering and what limits fences are able to withstand? That would be cool to see and learn. Thanks!

[@emsroks]

Joe Everest Thanks! I think it’ll help show homeowners and clients what standard built fences can handle, and maybe more importantly, what they are designed not to handle or withstand. Looking forward to it if you put one together!

[@dluuc]

thats was a great professional explanations on differences and "why?". definitely I'll send your video to my customers.

[@ewoksalot]

Very much appreciate the mention of SSE products being environmentally friendly AND made in the USA.

[@JoeEverest]

Agreed, both are our favorite reasons!

[@pedrovilela3441]

Everytime q customer ask what’s the pros and cons I send them this and they always come back happy. Thanks!

[@albertcho4540]

Great videos Joe very informative. Soon youll be at 500k subscribers

[@brianrogers4975]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@danblanc3608]

Great info. I’m going to call Stain and Seal Products today!

[@johnjkizer6399]

Wow, that’s some serious information to into. account, thank you very much,

[@AgentJuliaPoynter]

Thank you for the concise video! I'll be picking up a gallon of the Saint & Seal for my first project.

[@JoeEverest]

Great plan! Let us know how it goes!

[@Vulcan5911]

I only use deep penetrating water based deck and fence stains, Not top filming stains. I prefer water based because of ease of use, application and easy soap and water clean up. There are many companies now that make deep penetrating water based stains. They act just like oil in a water based formula. I do like the look of oil based stains, I just don't like dealing with the clean up with brushes and sprayers after using oil.

[@topheavy7616]

Very clear advice thanks.

[@JoeEverest]

You’re very welcome, always happy to help!

[@fraserfab68]

You should do a overview on hybrid stains. I just used one on a pine fence, mostly because it was the cheapest bucket they had. It went on like water based and dried like oil. Was not as cost effective as oil because of all the back brushing required but turned out pretty nice. We shall see about longevity tho.

[@JoeEverest]

I'll check it out!

[@oberurselts]

Greetings Joe from Pensacola, Fl. Hurricane Sally happened here on September 16, 2020. I had a new fence installed after the storm by a local fence company that has been in the business since the 60's. The fence is 272 feet in length which is 272 X 6 (fence is 6 feet high) which equals 1,632 square feet. The fence comes out 7 feet on each side of the house and has 5 foot gates to accommodate my riding mower. So to add the square footage of the front gates, I need to color the front. That would is 84 feet. So the total square footage that I need to be oil based stain cedar is 1716 square feet. I am doing only one side of the fence and that is the inside only which faces my property line. I know oil based fence stain can be applied by paint roller and brush which I could do myself but it will take a while. I could hire a handy man but that, believe it or now could be as high as $3,000. Lastly a electric paint sprayer. With the electric sprayer, overspray would be an issue. I could always use a hand pump sprayer but I understand the results are mixed. I have 10 gallons of a oil based cedar stain to do the job which should be enough to get the job done. Any recommendations on applying for a Do-It-Yourself? The product I purchased from Home Depot, according to the label, can be applied with a hand pump sprayer.

[@atlanteum]

After walking through a number of price and product comparisons, I went with a Stain & Seal Experts Chestnut semi-transparent oil. I just got off the phone with Ashley, Kaleb's wife, who took the time to answer a ton of questions for a noob like me. I haven't experienced that level of genuinely friendly, informed customer service from any company in so many years, my head is spinning. Thank you, Joe, for both the video and recommendations. Cheers -

[@JoeEverest]

Very welcome, always happy to help!

[@atlanteum]

@@JoeEverest One Gallon of Chestnut Semi-Transparent from Stain & Seal should arrive in a day or two - Thank you again, sir!

[@JoeEverest]

@@atlanteum that’s awesome, let me know how it goes!

[@atlanteum]

@@JoeEverest The Chestnut finally arrived - YAY! The color is absolutely gorgeous and it couldn't apply easier. THANK YOU for steering me over to the folks at Stain & Seal!

[@JoeEverest]

@@atlanteum you’re very welcome!

[@bowlrice5986]

I feel and studies show that oil based paints penetrate the wood much better than water based also I should mention I’m a chemist for a major paint factory

[@tomlives]

All your videos are highly informative, thank you very much! They were of great help when I built my fence here in Hokkaido, Japan. I just applied my first coat of a high quality water based stain but it rained before I could apply the second coat (it rained more than 24hrs after the first coat was applied, so it had time enough to dry). Will that be a problem?

[@normalyvillarreal2133]

100% Clear explanation 👌

[@JoeEverest]

I appreciate the feedback!

[@igornata]

Thanks for your content.

[@JoeEverest]

Very welcome, appreciate you watching!

[@StephenOwen]

This was very high quality video. Great presentation, oration and content.

[@Nyck461]

Good guidance.

[@JoeEverest]

Thanks for watching and weighing in!

[@justflooreit4me1]

Thanks for sharing your video

[@JoeEverest]

You’re very welcome, I appreciate you watching!

[@bernardoramirezsantana6740]

Thank you Mr for sharing your experience. From Bakersfield CA

[@JoeEverest]

Very welcome, I appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@bernardoramirezsantana6740]

My fence is old, most of it is still in good condition, which one (oil/water base) would you recommend?

[@paulhoskins7852]

I never noticed all your ink before, Joe!! Lotta tattoos on that right arm! Not that it's a bad thing, just an observation. Your expertise is always great.

[@kennethamend8557]

These videos in my opinion are a 1 STOP shop when it comes to learning anything to do with higher end privacy fence.

[@JoeEverest]

Thanks Kenneth!

[@Gbeard94]

Quick question, Joe. I have about 275ft of fence. Made out of Kiln Dried Cedar pickets 1x6x6. How many gallons would I need roughly to cover that area front and back?

[@sonidolarumba2194]

Hi I like your videos and I have a question,I’m building my fence 260 feet my question is can I use 2x4 premium white wood HT studs for fenceing .thank you and I hope you can answer me

[@ShawannaWilliams]

Great video

[@JoeEverest]

Thanks! Appreciate you watching and weighing in!

[@dereksmith5019]

I loved linseed oil stain for my cedar siding when it was available . Which stain works best for preserved fence wood ?

[@evemiranda3474]

My expressions through the pros and cons 😃😩😄🥺😃🤪😄🤔 this was great information thank you for sharing. Excited for my new fence! 👍

[@JoeEverest]

You’re very welcome, always happy to help!

[@gvanys]

Does it make difference if the lumber is cedar or #2 pressure treated wood?

[@jodie9558]

Wish these companies would be available out in the PNW!!

[@vivzavala2149]

Is it better to use a stain and sealant combo, and what kind of spray tip ?

[@Pch100]

I always like the good old fashion Creosote

[@gingermarshall4306]

Hi Joe, should I use liquid nails along with IPE wood clips or clips alone please and thank you

[@jenniferradcliff4877]

Thanks to your video I am going to stain my porch timbers with an Oil Base Stain. The wood is kiln dried and we want the wood grain. We can reapply the oil stain without stripping the sealant. Thanks great video.

[@JoeEverest]

Sounds great, I think you’ll love it!

[@angelarivas3515]

thank you for the good info. Can we use an oil based polyurethane on a naturally oiled benchtop, or is it longer lasting to just do a wax coat? cheers

[@FernandoRodriguez-ds5ri]

How and What to use to clean an airless grace sprayer? Can I use paint reducer?

[@merrylobrien8137]

Can I use Fence Defence on wood that has had an oil based stain applied previously

[@PAOUTDOORS814]

My brother and I just finished a pressure treated 6' wood fence I'm having a hard time figuring out what finish to use. Does stain look good on pressure treated wood or should I paint it? Any advice would be really appreciated.

[@hawkmanva]

My pressure treated pickets from Home Depot came with Weathershield on them making the water bead. How long for it to wear off or what can I do to remove it so I can stain it? It’s been 5 months.

[@nejdro1]

There is a third type of exterior stain, an emulsified hybrid oil which is water soluble, such as Olympic"s Maximum line. It has all the attributes of an oil stain, but has water clean up. It will also tolerate being applied over damp wood. Like a true oil, it is always only one coat. Unlike acrylic based exterior stains, it does not form a film on the surface, but rather penetrates into the wood as does a true oil. I would stay away from any oil stain containing linseed oil. Linseed oil can be a nutrient for mildew. In humid, shady locations, it invites a heavy mildew formation. Both the Behr and Olympic oil stains do not have linseed oil in them. To my knowledge, all the stain manufacturers go to acrylic based stains in their "solid" stain lines. Contrary to what the video stated, acrylic stains do have the ability to breathe, letting water vapor to pass through the film, thus avoiding peeling. This is one reason why acrylic based paints were a quantum leap over oil based paints which form a vapor barrier.

[@tpxrp6244]

Can it be used for a pergola in the elements in Florida? Also, it wont seep onto pavers?

[@nejdro1]

It certainly can be used on a pergola. Pavers must be protected with drop cloths. They would be permanently stained if stain got on them.@@tpxrp6244

[@csinalabama]

The best fence stain is my mix of 50% used motor oil with 50% diesel fuel. Water repellent, kills any growth on the fence, dry in 15 minutes and no odor after a week. The wood sucks it in like a sponge, it lasts for years and the price is right. Add some Dexron VI for a fine red tint.

[@caezarlapuc8627]

Interesting!

[@CallsItLikeISeizeIts]

sounds like the railroad tie method

[@AlexSilva-pq4ok]

And pray for not lighting strikes

[@patriciareynolds2729]

diesel smell is bad on a house

[@fishonkayakadventure]

oil is always better on raw wood. it penetrates deeper. the problem is when the boss wants you to spray oil-based products on the fence. the overspray is very persistent and unless you have ideal conditions, it's usually a bit of a mess. ALWAYS try to get wood prestained and sealed as it gets the end grain and encapsulates the wood. Something which is time and cost-prohibitive once the wood is installed.

[@EL_JIMMY.]

True

[@sirgalahad1470]

All this "pros" vs "cons" talk of which stain to use, makes me want to build a composite fence LOL

[@nickm.1238]

Rough cut shed .... wait a year to seal or just wait till moisture content is low enough? Centeral ny east of Lake Ontario where we get nailed with snow yearly I want to seal it before winter. Help?

[@HunterHunter93]

Hi sir, i will be staining my hous siding with min wax colonial maple stain, however this prododuct doesnt has any uv or waterproof properties. i am planning to apply a polyurethane or spar varnish on top. however my concer is that this protective coat will peel off after time. will i need to sand again or just re-apply?? thank you so much

[@thesuicidewalrus415]

I live in nashville and am currently redoing a deck, I would love to support a local business and purchase my stain from them. Did I miss the link?

[@karenb7620]

Thanks 👍🏼🌸

[@JoeEverest]

Welcome, always happy to help!

[@Ronwepler]

Great information, great explanations. I am repairing an old fence and some parts will be replaced. The old fence was never treated (big mistake by previous owner). I will probably use a water base for a more uniform cover on old vs new wood. Any recommendations on a water base cover or do you disagree with this decision?

[@davidweum]

I've used water based x 2 coats. Be mindful you can get mis-mixed good water based stain sometimes for $10/gallon as a first coat. (I've also used older stain as a base coat). That discounted stain is just as good and goes a long way. Ask for it at your paint store. David Alberta Canada P.S. WE ARE TALKING OLD FENCING AND LIMITED BUDGETS!!!

[@allenrj1]

@@JoeEverest Totally agree, BUT coat the back of the fence boards before fixing!

[@sandy-rr1by]

Neighbor and I share a wood fence. Is it OK to stain both sides, one side with oil based translucent stain, other side with semi translucent?

[@Temporalplace]

You forgot to mention that water based stain won't allow moisture in the same as it won't let it out. So if you dry the wood first and then apply water based stain, that stain film protects the wood better from moisture.

[@mick2spic]

It will still end up a peeling/ chipping mess compared to an oil stain. There’s no way around that

[@startreker8591]

Paint

[@dekar88]

He did mention water based seals everything as a con for water based. This point should infer that it traps in the moisture content of the wood, but likewise keeps much of the environment and weathering out as well. This would be a pro, but I think he wants to drive home the importance of how well water based seals because not many people realize the early rot, this was news to me, actually

[@davidweum]

The difference around here is water based = $29.00/gallon on sale. Oil based is $68/gallon - NEVER ON SALE!! I stained all my lumber, fencing, everything this summer. But, I much prefer solid oil based stain though it's too expensive. I've had my fence for 27 years. I've stained it about 3 times as I remember and I have never had a rotten 1x6x8! David Alberta Canada

[@channelview8854]

Best one is oil based . . . used motor oil based. You get different colors depending on what engine it came out of

[@Brockstonepavingpros]

Hi Joe, I’m in the UK. I’m doing a cedar fence and had the battens stored in the garage for 6 months. I love the natural colour of the wood, and want to enhance and protect it at the colour it’s at. Would you recommend oil or water based? The oil based said I need to install and let it weather for 6 weeks before staining. I’d prefer to do it before I install so it’s all protected. Thanks In advance. Matty

[@Brockstonepavingpros]

@@JoeEverest thank you very much for your reply. I’d kinda come to the conclusion since typing this earlier, that I was moving towards an oil based, looking at one called Owatrol Textrol HES Thanks again Joe much appreciated

[@foppo100]

Oil based is the best but expensive.Just install the fence and it is protected with the oil base.

[@shawnfrye5987]

I love cabot Australian timber oil in mahogany flame

[@JoeEverest]

Good to know!

[@edembich]

What brand?

[@alanel6662]

How long is wait before staining and sealing a brand new fence?

[@jeffreygomez5474]

I would like to stain my fence but I do not know what type of stain the previous owner used. What can I do to figure out wht type of stain was used.

[@dalewall8550]

GOOD INFO IS $$$$$$ THX IL SUBSCRIBE AND THUMS UP DEFENATELY......

[@JoeEverest]

Thanks Dale!

[@mrkongsimr]

What about oil based lacquer like black for a fence ?? Thanks

[@danilinho9037]

I need to stain an outdoor pergola which uses 8x8 Cedar posts. So you would recommend Oil bases after all?

[@GySgt_USMC_Ret.]

I've had my new front porch about 5 years and have restained twice. Pine with cedar trim and handrails. Sherwin Williams brown oil base stain. The red of the Cedar still shows through a bit. I like it. Fair winds and following seas.

[@nimster64]

Where are you located? I am in northern Illinois.

[@willclegg7999]

Nice video. Thanks for the extra knowledge. Two questions for you though. If someone has put oil based on already and wants to recoat with water based, is that ok? Obviously if latex is already on, you can't put latex on top, but what about the opposite. Also curious if you have ever used a product called ReadySeal and your thoughts on it. Thank you.

[@JoeEverest]

To switch from oil to water you would need to first strip the remaining oil based sealant from the fence. We’ve tried ReadySeal and weren’t a fan.

[@foppo100]

@@JoeEverest If it is oil based it goes into the wood.Nothing to strip.

[@huejanus5505]

@@foppo100 Film forming vs non-film forming?

[@barbarajansen4912]

Oil based stains even when marked “clear” are really clear yellow. I ended up sand stripping a deck because I bought an oil based stain that read “clear”. So unless you like yellow, go with water based.

[@JoeEverest]

I don’t recommend clear stains, in general, as they don’t provide UV protection and need to be reapplied at least annually.

[@therodsky]

When would be a good time to stain the fence? After installation? wait a year or so?

[@allenrj1]

@@JoeEverest Still think you should stain the back before fixing

[@spookyfish5457]

Thanks for the advice! Looks like I'll be using oil-based, because I also love to see the wood grain. SO! I just got my FIRST CEDAR fence last week! How long do you recommend I wait to let the wood breathe before applying my first sealant? It's almost September, I'm a little weary about going through a brutal Illinois winter with an untreated fence.

[@sylviaperez6871]

If you view his video on cedar vs pine fence, he will give you the answer to your question.

[@stainxpert]

You can & should stain your cedar fence immediately after it’s installed 😀 General rule is 4 - 6 weeks on pressure treated pine

[@88Vicky]

You should let the cedar fence "season" before you stain. New Cedar has lots of moisture, so give it a year of sun, rain, snow as it expels its moisture.

[@danmc2678]

It depends on climate. If you live in the southwest and it's dry, wait a month. Waiting a year in a damp climate and it will turn gray.

[@DJDOUBLE077]

I only use oil for exterior...it's never disappointed like water based.

[@57colliegirl]

I am having split rail cedar fence installed in another month. Should I expect them to include sealing my wood after its installed as part of the estimate? I haven't seen the breakdown yet of labor and materials...just total cost estimate. Thanks. I would want oil based product.

[@57colliegirl]

@@JoeEverest Sir, thank you! I've decided to do the stain/sealing myself. 😊 between your video and my brother's advice I am confident I'll achieve good results for less than the quoted price of $850 for staining my fence - additionally without any discussion from the person who would do it nor which products would be used. (?) I have not been contacted or asked for my input on what I want to be put on my wood. So I will make these decisions myself.

[@57colliegirl]

Shouldn't the customer be asked WHAT it is they are wanting in a look and product along with the professionals' recommendations or do many of these folks just think they can decide these things for the client? I am puzzled by this lack of communication.

[@arthusiast]

Hi, am getting red cedar wood fence panels in my back yard, do you think it needs to be sanded, before I apply the oil. I mean it is required for brand new installation as there is no wear or outdoor exposure yet. Any advice appreciated.

[@JoeEverest]

Nope, no sanding required!

[@adrianred4929]

Hey Joe. I just put 200sq ft of board on board around my house. What do you recommend I should stain with living in Jacksonville Fl where it rains a lot. It’s not rainy season now so should i go with oil? Also is it too early to stain my fence since they just got put up. Thanks joe

[@JoeEverest]

I always prefer an oil-based stain, simply because oil naturally repels water. As for the timing of when to stain, I would suggest picking up a moisture meter to test the fence; they’re around $30 on Amazon. Wait until the moisture content drops below 13% and then apply the stain. Great questions!

[@matthewsalvador9783]

In your opinion would shou sugi ban before the oil stain work well together?

[@allenrj1]

Great question if we could understand it - what is 'shou sugi ban' ??

[@LifeInZadar]

A win for TN.

[@user-yd8hk9yb2u]

When does the video start?

[@chrisrodgers855]

How do you measure the water content in the wood?

[@JoeEverest]

We use moisture meters found on Amazon! Great question!

[@larry3702]

we used thompsons water sealer on the beams that we wrapped in cedar and the new railing system we installed. its like you said, it started flaking and the arm rails on the porch turned black. we sealed when it was cold. i think oil would be the better purchase. can we apply oil on top of the old thompsons coat or do we have to strip it? if so how do we strip it and what is your recommended oil product for cedar?

[@JoeEverest]

Unfortunately you’ll need to strip off the water-based stain before applying the oil-based. I like to use both the stripper and stain made by Expert Professional Wood Care Products.

[@larry3702]

@@JoeEverest can we SAND off the thompsons with a low grit paper?

[@untitledno3]

Can you do a layer of water based to even the color, then use an oil based on top to protect it?

[@pedalhardridefree1905]

no, use all oil based

[@johndebus8369]

Should you pressure wash the fence to get it clean and rid of the gray before you use the oil base stain?

[@foppo100]

No.

[@Dani-gr4xv]

Am I crazy if I use a oil based grey stain on a cedar

[@jackwardley3626]

the best way to stain a fence is if its new or bare is linseed paint thinned with raw linseed oil and turpentine not white spirit until its translucent will last wont peel or flake after every 10-15 years just rub over with raw linseed oil. alkyd stains are ok though.

[@Ho_ten]

SO...I have a question about all this, hopefully you'll get back to me sooner that later. I need to spray my backyard fence with Austrian lumber oil stain. I have about 1,000 foot of fence that I need to treat. I haven't purchased my spray gun yet and nor do I have a compressor. What would you recommend for this type of job? Thanks for reaching out! Any insight you might have is going to be greatly appreciated.

[@ricardorodriguez4353]

I recommend you spray it it will save you a lot of time!

[@Ho_ten]

@@ricardorodriguez4353 Thank you.., after prepping the fence, meaning, the board to be exposed at or just below ground level, took the longest. Once that was completed, I used an airless sprayer, it took just a little of four hours from start to finish, Spraying over 600 ft. of fence and 20 gallons of Austrian Lumber Oil

[@PoppyJone]

I accidentally bought interior stain for an exterior fence. Is it true it wont be protected from UV and water? Its an oil based miniwax penetrsting stain

[@johnwade1095]

I use creosote.

[@dmytrovolodimirovich]

Thank you for the video, which one would you recommend to be used as a coat for the deck timber floor outside - water-based or oil-based varnish? My concern is the water influence and durability.

[@dmytrovolodimirovich]

@@JoeEverestThank you for your prompt reply! I am about to assemble my deck floor. Should I apply the oil based varnish on both sides or just on the top? My concern is that the wood I use is cedar and it is fresh wet and if apply the coating on both sides then I will basically seal the moisture inside and I am afraid it can start getting mold from inside.

[@RobertSmith-fx7oe]

Motor oil thinned 2 -1 with lacquer thinner and sprayed with garden sprayer will make a fence last longer than any commercial products if you like it dark use waste motor oil

[@MichaelMiller-gj4ef]

You don't cracking and peeling with wood rx water base stain. You have to wet the fence to apply the first coat this absorbs the stain into the wood. My fence from my old house from 6 years ago still looks like day I stained it. 2 years now on my recent home.

[@allenrj1]

@Joe Everest - at 2.45 in video you state that oil based is more transparent. Sorry but I disagree strongly. In Australia where I am, oil based stain contains a color which is impregnated in the wood when it is used (Cabots Oil Based Stain), in Australia where we have temperatures ranging from 3 Centigrade to 40 Centigrade Oil based stain is far superior. Question re fence stain - do you stain the back side of fencing boards before fixing them, if not , you are doing it wrong. I reseal my deck every 4 - 5 years, friends who use water based have to seal every 2 - 3 years. This maintenance speaks for itself really. John

[@D.A.Hanks14]

I always thought that Thompson's WaterSeal was a linseed oil based product, but when I bought a gallon of Rustic Red to use on my raised beds, I was dismayed to see that cleanup is with soap and water. There is no info on the can to indicate what this product is made from. Does anyone know???

[@pedalhardridefree1905]

water based

[@erwinbrubacker7488]

For our deck.

[@adrianpoe4416]

I live in south FL. Bought a new (old) house and fence is weathered and ugly. I don’t see how to do anything to it because it’s 70% humidity here pretty much year round. Especially damp towards the bottom. Any advice?

[@JoeEverest]

If the fence is structurally sound it should be able to be cleaned and sealed. In such a damp climate and oil based stain would certainly be preferred.

[@erwinbrubacker7488]

Seal Once, Marine. Waterbased, $70 @ gal. Im considering.

[@hYnPrincess]

Can you apply the product/stain no matter how old the wood is? My deck hasn’t been sealed or re-sealed for 5 years and it’s pretty gray and dry. Is there anything that needs to be done before applying stain?

[@dana-rg5lh]

Finally whats the product name ? From nashvile ???

[@jeffpezzati9864]

​@@JoeEverest Weirdest endorsement ever! you mention the company once and the mention is in then 'Where section' not the 'Who section''. It's the opposite of most commercials. You know where they mention the product 10 times per minute. You should have also provided a link to the product site.But you are very well spoken .. nice job you seem likable and believable....

[@coldfinger459sub0]

I wait till end of summer to stain or paint so the fence is bone dry with no rain for 2 to 3 months. Then I apply continuously think and heavy as much oil as the wood can keep soaking up. I keep it wet and keep applying it to the point of puddle and run for the first coat. Then smooth and even it out. I wait 3 or 4 days to re-coat oil second time. Water stains suck. Stuck with oil.

[@JoeEverest]

Sounds like a great process!

[@Oliapgh]

Hi Joe, Question for you..Can you/should you apply oil base wood preservative to fresh cuts of pressure treated wood, which is wet when purchased? Or should you wait till the wood is completely dry? My fence will be 5.5 feet tall, so I'll be cutting of 0.5 foot of the bottom of each picket. Also, would it be ok to sit pickets directly onto the ground not leaving any space between the ground and the bottom of pickets. I just don't like to have any space there. Considering to use Copper Green wood preservative. Please advice. Thank you.

[@johnwade1095]

@@JoeEverest makes it easier to mow underneath too!

[@stainxpert]

Typically wait 4-6 weeks on anything pressure treated…. No wait time on cedar Use SSE penetrating oil for the best results possible

[@asdfjklol]

The stain you recommend may be great, but there isn't a single dealer in my entire state. Would have been nice of you to also recommend something people could reasonably buy.

[@JoeEverest]

Even though we’re a dealer in our area, most people end up buying it online.