Redwood fences bring natural beauty and warmth to outdoor spaces, but exposure to sun, moisture, and temperature changes can dull color and degrade wood over time. The right sealer or stain protects against water intrusion, UV damage, and weathering while enhancing the wood’s grain. This guide highlights five top-rated products tailored for redwood, balancing penetration, durability, ease of application, and value. Each option offers a different approach—transparent protection, semi-transparent coloring, or all-in-one stains—so you can choose the best fit for your fence aesthetics and maintenance routine.
Product Summary
- Ready Seal 520 Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood, 5 Gallon, Redwood — Deep, natural look with no primer required
- 1 gal Ready Seal 120 Redwood Exterior Stain and Sealer For Wood — Large can, easy application, fast color development
- Storm System Protector – Pacific Redwood, 1 Gallon — Penetrating, semi-transparent with strong UV and water protection
- Ready Seal Stain & Sealer for Wood, 1 Gallon, Redwood — All-in-one stain/seal with UV protection
- Seal-Once Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer with Polyurethane – Redwood, 1 Gallon — Penetrating, low VOC, durable sealant
When selecting a sealer for redwood, consider penetration depth, color if any, durability against moisture and UV, environmental impact, and how easy the product is to apply and maintain. Below are five products that balance these factors for various needs and preferences.
Ready Seal 520 Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood, 5 Gallon, Redwood
Ready Seal 520 offers primer-free staining with a natural, deep color that develops over about two weeks. It’s designed to penetrate without back brushing, leaves no runs or streaks, and can be applied with a sprayer, roller, or brush. This product is best for long-term color development and a uniform finish on redwood without surface buildup.
Key features include primer-free application, color deepening over approximately 14 days, and avoidance of sealing over painted or freshly stained surfaces. It’s formulated to minimize penetration issues on already sealed surfaces and emphasizes ease of use for DIY projects.
1 gal Ready Seal 120 Redwood Exterior Stain and Sealer For Wood
This Ready Seal variant emphasizes quick, user-friendly results with a 1-gallon can suitable for mid-size projects. Like the 520, it requires no primer and provides a deep color when first applied. It is intended for exterior wood and can be applied via sprayer, roller, or brush, maintaining a smooth finish with no back brushing.
Its design focuses on consistent color development and straightforward maintenance, making it a practical choice for homeowners tackling fencing projects without complex prep work.
Storm System Protector – Pacific Redwood, 1 Gallon
Storm Protector is a semi-transparent, penetrating stain and sealer designed to highlight wood grain while delivering robust water resistance and UV protection. Its versatility extends to a variety of exterior woods, including redwood, and it’s suitable for siding, fences, decks, and more. This product provides a balance between natural look and durable protection against the elements.
The formulation emphasizes penetration and longevity, helping reduce color fading and moisture absorption over time. It’s a practical option for keeping redwood fences looking natural yet protected in varied climates.
Ready Seal Stain & Sealer for Wood, Outdoor Deck and Fence — Redwood (1 Gallon)
This NK Norkan product combines stain and sealer in one for a durable, waterproof finish. It requires no priming, thinning, or back brushing, making application straightforward. It provides UV protection and weather resistance to preserve redwood surfaces while enhancing the wood’s natural beauty with Redwood coloration.
As an all-in-one solution, it’s designed for efficiency and reliable protection across outdoor wood surfaces, including fences, decks, and siding.
Seal-Once Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer with Polyurethane — Redwood (1 Gallon)
Seal-Once Nano+Poly is a penetrating water-based polyurethane sealer that forms a durable, water-resistant shield. It’s odorless and suitable for various exterior wood surfaces, including fences and decks. The product emphasizes deep penetration over surface film, reducing the risk of peeling and improving longevity in harsh outdoor conditions. It’s a high-performance option for long-term protection with low odor and VOCs.
OLYMPIC Maximum Redwood Semi-Transparent Exterior Ready to Use Stain and Sealer
Olympic Maximum blends staining and sealing in one ready-to-use product. It’s designed for weather-ready performance, enabling same-day cleaning and staining in moderate temperatures. The formula emphasizes UV defense, durability, and a single-step approach, making it convenient for homeowners seeking efficient maintenance with strong exterior protection.
DEFY Extreme Crystal Clear Outdoor Wood Stain and Sealer
DEFY Extreme is a high-performance clear sealer that protects against moisture and UV damage while preventing graying and weathering. Its zinc nano-particles block UV rays, preserving natural wood color. Application is flexible via sprayer, brush, or roller, and the sealer provides a long-lasting, low-maintenance finish for redwood surfaces exposed to outdoor conditions.
DEFY Ultra Semi-Transparent Redwood Stain & Sealer — 1 Gallon
DEFY Ultra combines stain and sealer in a semi-transparent finish that preserves grain depth while adding color and protective sealant. It can be applied as a single coat or a two-coat system for deeper color and a satin sheen. This versatility makes it suitable for fences, decks, siding, and other exterior wood surfaces, including redwood.
Buying Guide
- Penetration vs. surface film: Penetrating sealers protect from within the wood, reducing the risk of peeling; surface film finishes create a more visible layer and can alter color or sheen more noticeably.
- Color preference: Transparent or semi-transparent products preserve natural grain; color-rich stains offer enhanced tone but may require more maintenance to protect against fading.
- Durability and UV protection: Look for UV blockers or nano-technology components to minimize sun damage and color fading, especially for redwood exposed to harsh sun.
- Ease of application: Products labeled as “no priming” or “no back brushing” save time on DIY projects, but ensure the surface is properly prepared for best adhesion.
- Maintenance cycle: Some sealers require reapplication after specific weather exposure or when water no longer beads, while others offer extended longevity.
- Environmental considerations: Low-VOC, water-based formulas reduce odor and environmental impact, which can be important for homes with nearby living spaces or gardens.
- Surface compatibility: Confirm compatibility with redwood and other woods in your fence. Some products are formulated for a wide range of substrates, while others perform best on specific woods.
- Budget and coverage: Larger can sizes offer better value per square foot for long fences. Calculate coverage based on your fence dimensions and desired finish.
When choosing, consider whether you prefer a natural look with minimal color change, a semi-transparent tint to alter tone while showing grain, or an all-in-one stain-sealer that simplifies maintenance. Also assess whether ease of application, odor, and drying time align with your project timeline and living environment. Each product listed here provides a distinct balance of protection, appearance, and practicality for redwood fences.