Top 10 Water Based Exterior Stain of 2022

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Buying a Water Based Exterior Stain seems like an easy job, but not everytime. There are hundreds of Water Based Exterior Stain available on the market from various producers, which is enough to confuse you. They are so similar in terms of performance, quality, longevity, and overall user experience that choosing a final buying decision may be tough. All you need at that point is a comprehensive buying guide to help you find the ideal Water Based Exterior Stain for your needs.

In this article, we will go over a few important points to consider about before buying a Water Based Exterior Stain. You can call it a proper review guideline for you which will cover pros and cons of your desired product including its sustainability, affordability, functions, and also practical benefits. There will also be a solid comparison of a few related products. As a result, you’ll be able to quickly select the best option for your needs. Let’s take a look at what’s going on inside.

Best Water Based Exterior Stain : Top 10 Picks

Last update on 2025-06-12 at 06:03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


10 Best Water Based Exterior Stain Reviews According To Experts

We tried to find the top ten Water Based Exterior Stain from thousands of different products in this section. This list will make you feel easy to get your desired Water Based Exterior Stain within a few minutes. We emphasized their usefulness, performance, durability, outlook, affordability, and previous user experiences. We are confident that this list of the top 10 Water Based Exterior Stain will help you find the one that best fits your needs.

Bestseller No. 1
SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Outdoor Wood Stain and Sealer in One - Water Based Wood Stain for Decks, Fences, & Siding - 1 Gallon (Light Walnut)
  • SEMI TRANSPARENT EXTERIOR WOOD STAIN: Our outdoor wood stain and sealer allows the natural wood grain to show through, highlighting the beauty of your decks, fences and sidings and preserving its natural look.
  • ULTIMATE UV PROTECTION DECK SEALER: Shields wood from damaging UV rays, preventing fading & graying. Lasts longer than deck paint for wood decks, siding or fences & is better for the planet because it's water based with less than 50 g/l VOC content.
  • WOOD DECK STAIN AND SEALER IN ONE: This outdoor wood protector serves a dual purpose as both a stain and sealer. It adds color to your wood and seals it, designed to penetrate deep into wood pores for maximum protection and longevity.
  • BEAUTIFUL WOOD STAIN COLORS: Our semi-transparent wood deck stain comes in stunning colors that dry to a flat and natural-looking finish. Enhance the beauty of your exterior wood with our natural, cedar, light walnut, gray, and dark walnut colors.
  • EFFECTIVE ON DAMP WOOD FOR FASTER APPLICATION: Our wood stain sealer works on damp wood, cutting down wait times between cleaning and staining. Once your wood deck is visibly dry, it's ready for staining, speeding up your project.
SaleBestseller No. 2
Varathane 381119 Water Based Wood Stain, Quart, Dark Walnut
  • Water-based wood stain creates rich, even color in 1 coat on most surfaces
  • Low odor, low VOC stain features advanced pigments to enhance the natural beauty of wood
  • Fast drying water based wood stain can be customized to a darker color with additional coats
  • Lower odor than traditional oil-based stains for easy application and excellent coverage
  • Semi-transparent stain cleans easily with soap and water
SaleBestseller No. 3
Varathane Semi-Gloss Water-Based Exterior Spar Urethane, Quart, Dark Walnut
  • Use on railings, furniture, trim, boats (above the waterline)
  • Covers up to 90 sq. ft.
  • Achieve a deep, rich color from a premium formulation that gives a semi-gloss finish to protect from the elements
  • Deeper color, additional coats may be applied
  • Aids in protecting outdoor wood from damage
Bestseller No. 4
Furniture Clinic Wood Stain | Dark Oak | Water Based | Fast Drying, Low Odor, & Non-Toxic | for Indoor & Outdoor Furniture and More | Multiple Finishes | (8.5oz / 250ml)
  • EFFECTIVE ON ALL WOOD SURFACES and QUICK DRYING: Furniture Clinic Wood Stain is a fast drying and highly concentrated wood stain making it effective on all indoor and outdoor wood surfaces. Our wood stain provides excellent coverage and ensures even color penetration. It's water based, environmentally friendly, and dries to a natural matte finish in only 10 minutes.
  • COMES IN 12 COLORS - VISIBLE WITH ONE COAT: Our wood stain comes in 12 colors ranging from dark to light and can be purchased in multiple sizes. It evenly covers and stains wood in one coat, restoring old and tired wood with a new finish.
  • COVERAGE: Available in three sizes to suit your needs, our 250ml bottle covers 3m², our 500ml bottle covers 6m², and our 2500ml (or 1 gallon) bottle covers 30m², making it easy to choose the right amount for your project.
  • WATER BASED and SAFE TO USE: The water based formula of our stain is safer for your wood and the environment than other wood stains. It's low odor, non-toxic, easy to use, and easy to clean up! Ideal for use on all interior wood projects: furniture, cabinets, doors, trim, floors and more.
  • USE IN COMBINATION WITH: After staining wood, you should finish the job by sealing the stain in with one of our Furniture Clinic Wood Waxes, Wood Varnishes or Wood Oils. These will bring out the color of the stain further, provide additional protection and can be used to alter the finish to either satin or gloss.
Bestseller No. 5
General Finishes Exterior 450 Water Based Wood Stain, 1 Quart, Chestnut
  • PREMIUM, EXTERIOR WOOD STAINS, MADE IN THE USA - General Finishes Exterior 450 Stains are specifically designed for outdoor projects with vertical surfaces such as fences, patio furniture, garage doors, entrance doors, outdoor kitchens, and interior windows. These stains are not recommended for large horizontal surfaces such as a deck.
  • CONTAINS U.V. ABSORBERS - The U.V. absorbers protect the integrity of the film, but will not prevent the wood from changing color in the sunlight.
  • EASY APPLICATION AND CLEAN-UP - Exterior 450 Stains can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed. Clean hands and application tools with soap and water.
  • PROUDLY MANUFACTURED IN AMERICA - General Finishes-East Troy, Wisconsin. America's leading manufacturer of innovative water-based finishes. Est. 1928
  • FOR EXTERIOR PROJECTS - including wood, MDF and fiberglass.
Bestseller No. 6
Varathane Total Control Gel Stain Water-Based Wood Stain, Quart, Black
  • THICK, NO-DRIP FORMULA: Less mess than traditional wood stains and applies smoothly on horizontal and vertical surfaces including wood, metal, fiberglass and more
  • LOW ODOR, WATER BASED GEL STAIN: Comfortably complete projects indoors including furniture, doors, trim and banisters
  • FAST DRY TIME: Dries on wood in only 1 hour for quick project completion
  • RICH, EVEN COLOR: Covers up to 250 square feet per quart
  • INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR USE: Ideal for indoor and outdoor applications; not recommended for floors, decks or siding
Bestseller No. 7
Classic Coatings | Simple Stain (Spanish Cafe) | Concentrated | Water-Based, Semi-Transparent | Zero VOC, UV Stable | Interior/Exterior | Easy to Use, Fast Drying
  • Easy Application: This water-based concrete stain is a breeze to use, giving both amateurs and pros an easy time. Just mix, apply, and watch your surfaces transform with vibrant hues, perfect for any indoor or outdoor project.
  • Concentrated Power: Packed with potency, our waterbased concrete stain goes a long way. Just dilute with distilled water! Enjoy maximum coverage with less effort, perfect for any concrete staining project!
  • Eco-Friendly Formula: Our environmentally friendly, zero VOC, and UV stable stains ensure you make a stylish choice without compromising the planet. It's the perfect option for eco-conscious DIYers looking to refresh their spaces with safe, bold concrete stain colors.
  • Versatile: Can be used indoor/outdoor on concrete, brick, stone, stucco, wood, cement, plaster, pavers, and more! 1 coat covers 600-700 sq. ft. and 2 coats covers 400-500 sq. ft. (2 coats recommended) depending on application method and surface condition.
  • Long-Lasting Beauty: Experience enduring elegance with this stain . Its durable finish ensures your floors, walls, and outdoor spaces stay beautiful for years. When paired with our concrete sealers, your stain will have excellent durability!
Bestseller No. 8
1 Quart Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer Sealer Stain Killer
  • Designed for interior and exterior surfaces
  • Bonds to glossy surfaces without scuff sanding
  • 35°F low application temperature
  • Formulated with stain‐blocking resins
  • Rust inhibitive ‐ may be used to prime ferrous metal
Bestseller No. 9
Minwax Wood Finish Water-Based Solid Color Wood Stain, True Black, 1 Quart
  • HIDES WOOD GRAIN – Minwax Wood Finish is a penetrating water-based stain that opens a world of possibilities in just one wood-grain-hiding coat.
  • IDEAL FOR – Use this Minwax wood stain for small projects, unfinished furniture, cabinets, doors and trim. Recommended for interior use only.
  • EASY TO APPLY – 5x thicker for easy application while staining wood! Apply with a synthetic bristle brush, foam brush, staining pad or rag. Allow stain to penetrate no longer than 3 minutes.
  • QUICK DRYING – This Minwax stain is a one-coat solid color wood finisher that dries in 1 hour. To darken color, apply a second coat after 2 hours.
  • A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST – Minwax is America’s leading brand of wood finishing and wood care projects. Since 1904, we have been inspiring consumers to Keep on Finishing. We offer consumers a complete line of products to meet every wood finishing need.
Bestseller No. 10
Surecrete Eco Stain Water-Based Stain for Concrete - 4 oz Tester - White
  • TESTER SIZE | Perfect for choosing the right color for your project; This is not a concentrate, and is packaged at the standard dilution
  • PROFESSIONAL GRADE | But very DIY-friendly, water-based, semi-transparent concrete stain is UV-Stable once sealed and is ideal for exterior and interior projects
  • ZERO VOCs | Environmentally friendly, and safe around plants and animals; No acids or harmful chemicals
  • NO NEUTRALIZING REQUIRED | Unlike acid stains, SureCrete Eco Stain does not require neutralization, and it is easier to control the color and intensity; Plus, you can layer multiple colors or dilutions to achieve different effects
  • ECO STAIN MUST BE SEALED to remain permanent

Last update on 2025-06-12 at 06:03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API




Things To Consider When Buying Water Based Exterior Stain

It is impossible to ascertain everything about anything as a human being. It is impossible to be an expert in every field. In that case, going through a proper buying guide can save us from being fool after purchasing a Water Based Exterior Stain just because of not knowing properly earlier.

You do not have to be an expert on that specific product in order to purchase it. Just focus on a few key points that we’ll go over later. Taking these simple considerations into account may make your shopping experience more pleasant and straightforward. Let’s get started.

Understand what you require.

The very first thing to discover is your needs or requirements. If you are not properly informed of your demands, there is a big chance that you will purchase the incorrect things at the wrong time and waste a significant amount of money. So, first and foremost, we recommend that you carefully consider your requirements when searching for a Water Based Exterior Stain. Simply make a short list of your requirements. This simple task will lead you to simplifying your purchasing process. Then you will be able to know your prioroties which is the most important thing.

Budget vs Pricing

Before you decide to buy anything, one of the most important issue to think about is budget. Your desired product can be asked any amount of price by it’s seller and producer. That depends on different expences like raw material purchasing, manufacturing, transportation, operational costs and their brand value playes a huge role there. You need to be prepared to spent the higher amount of money if you demand for the higher quality in your product. Budget is so important for this cause. This is almost a universal truth and your Water Based Exterior Stain also fall into it.

There is a popular proverb in our society, “Cut your coat, according to your cloth”. First of all, you can find out those products on the internet which you actually want. Look carefully their features and prices. With your deep observation, make a proper comparison among them and select one that you need. Now make a question inward your mind that you are really financially capable enough to purchase that specific Water Based Exterior Stain or not? If the answer is yes, then go for it. You may think about the second best option if your answer is no.

Select the Best Brand

Because of our emotional attachments, we are frequently predisposed toward certain brands. This practice yields positive results at times and negative results at other times. However, there is no way to argue with the concept of relying on well-known brands. Because having enough cash in your pocket makes making decisions half as easy. But one thing remains, if you are not 100% sure that your brand of choice makes the best product that you are seeking for. So you have to be very carefull when you are choosing any product if it is the right product from right brand.

People are divided into two groups. One is fully reliant on a single brand, while the other seems unconcerned. All he requires is the appropriate goods for the price he is paying. May be we are not aware of the category that you belong to.However, there are a few pointers that may be useful to both of you when it comes to selecting the correct brand for the right product.


  • Make sure in this case that you are well-versed in the brand.

  • What people are saying about this brand.

  • What is the average rating for that brand’s specific product?

  • Contrast the features with those of competitors.

  • Does these features meet your necessities?


Analyze the Features Section.

Whether you buy it online or offline, the first thing you should check is while buying is the features of Water Based Exterior Stain. This is the best way to know about a product and get a clear concept. You will be able to understand, that product will match with your requirements or not.

The features section also helps us in swiftly identifying the differences with others. Then, using the features, you can compare it to similar products. If you do so, it will be much easier to reach to the final decision because you will be able to understand about the quality here.

Consider the benefits and drawbacks.

Every item has its own set of advantages and pitfalls. It is our job to thoroughly inspect them before purchasing them. So, stay cool, and find out the drawbacks which you demanded from that Water Based Exterior Stain. Maybe some other manufacturer made the perfect one for you. Just don’t be too lazy to compare your options to theirs before making your final decision.

Pros and Cons sections can be found on most websites. Take your time reading that part. For asking more you can contact them via email or phone.

Quality and performance

Color, Style, Performance, Materials, and, most importantly, Durability are all factors that contribute to quality. When you are buying anything, be carefull to check those quality related issues. We think you are actually paying the money for this. Do you think this Water Based Exterior Stain is worthy enough against the investment you did? It completely depends on the quality that you are going to experience.

Know About Warranty and Return Policies

A lot of manufacturers are making products. A good amount of them are maintaining high quality as well. To make us known about those products, they make also creative advertisements. Everything is fine. But then arrives the matter of Warranty and After Sales Service. For many, it’s really a big deal and it is quite able to make a big difference.

Don’t forget to check the facts like warranty, guarantee, and obviously the return policy if there any. Nobody can claim that nothing will happen, no matter what the quality of that product is. Nothing lasts forever. But a minimum return of value you can expect from the Water Based Exterior Stain you are going to pay for. So, be careful about checking policies. You may get some companies who are so clever that they try to make people puzzled with their obscure and mystical policies. In that case, don’t hesitate to contact with their representative and ask about what you want to know.

Checking FAQs and Customer Reviews makes your job easier.

If you want to save your time precisely, then checking FAQ anwers and customer reviews can be utile for you. There are few common questions people asked before and they are answered as well is called the Frequently Asked Questions or FAQ. On the other hand, you will get a real life experience through the customer reviews in which they share their sotries about the product.

If you want to get a clear idea of both, checking out those two things are must. You may find there such informations which might not come in your mind to ask if you didn’t go through. You will be able to decide whether this Water Based Exterior Stain will come handy or not without any hesitaton.

Final Thought

One last word, don’t forget to consider the price you are paying for the Water Based Exterior Stain is logical enough against the value it is providing to you. Have you been able to gratified with that? Can you be able to fullfill your demands with that? That’s the thing that should get the most importance we guess.

Hope you have enojoyed this whole article which was actually a buying guide that will lead you to buy the best Water Based Exterior Stain. All the efforts we put here will get success when you will find this even a little bit of useful for you. At the end of the day, your satisfaction matters most to us.

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