Stain Suggestions
I got a new redwood fence installed in August 2025 and got it stained using the Preserva oil based transparent stain as below. The fence has started greying (esp at the bottom where water collects) and I want to re-stain. This time looking for something longer lasting to conserve money. The ~100 linear feet fence is in front of the house so fence needs to look good, so I am looking for a good-high quality product.
In California bay area, out in full sun.
Per my AI research :
1) I should either go in for Semi – Solid from Armstrong Clark or a Solid from say Cabot or Benjamin Moore (Woodluxe). Semi transparent is out of the question as too less pigment/protection.
2) Semi solid will last for ~3 years and Solid will last ~8 years.
3) However, since my wood is only ~9 months old and original coat was oil based, I could have peeling and blistering on using a Solid stain (since solid stains are mostly water based and not oil based), unless I sand everything down (Sanding is out of the question as it’s a big fence) or use a chemical stripper. The peeling risk is significant even if I do a good job with prep. Furthermore, if stain does peel/blister, it’ll have to sanded out, which is a v expensive prep.
--However, I went into the local Benjamin moore and a knowledgeable sounding guy said that as long as I pressure wash and do a light brushing, I should have a good ~10year result with a solid stain with no peeling/blistering. I personally have no experience with stains.
-What do you guys think?