EXPERT Clear Wood Stain & Seal |  Oil Based Deep Penetrating | Great For Hardwoods & IPE Wood|Extreme Climate Apply -10°F to 110°F | Mildew & UV Resistant | Low VOC

COVERAGE RATE

Apply when air and surface temperature between -10°F to a high of 110°F

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE APPLICATION STEPS

Before applying Expert Stain and Seal cleaning products or stain, make sure to protect any sensitive surfaces from overspray.  Can prewet surfaces needing protection with water prior to starting and wipe off any overspray with a rag while wet.  Expert Stain and Seal stain will not adhere to metal surfaces and overspray can be simply wiped off while wet.

PREPARATION

STEP 1 CLEAN  When recoating over previously applied Expert Stain and Seal brand stain, no need to strip and replace.  Simply  use a small amount of Ec0-Clean cleaner (8 oz concentrate per gallon water) and rinse, then apply a new coat of Expert Stain and Seal.

For all other previously stained surfaces, need to remove all old stain down to bare wood before applying Expert Stain and Seal.  How to do this depends on age of previous stain and whether it is oil or water based.  Apply preparation products with a hand pump garden sprayer and then rinse and go to Step 2 (Step 2 not required when using Eco-Clean).

• For newer decks and fences less than a year old, first apply our Eco-Clean and then rinse.
• For older deck and fence surfaces to remove stains, organic growth and more that also have faded color or semi-transparent stain, first apply our Wood Cleaner and then rinse.
• For decks and fences with extreme organic growth and more or have oil based stains first apply the Wood Stripper and then rinse.
• For decks and fences with water based stains first apply a blended mixture of Wood Stripper and Wood Stripper Booster.  Per gallon of blended mixture, mix 3/4 gallon of water with 8 oz Wood Stripper Booster (powdered concentrate) and 1 quart Wood Stripper Booster then rinse.
• MUST FOLLOW UP ON STEP 1 WITH STEP 2  PREPARATION AND USE WOOD BRIGHTNER TO NEUTRALIZE PRODUCTS USED IN STEP 1 (EXCEPT ECO-CLEAN)

STEP 2 NEUTRALIZE & BRIGHTEN

Wood Brightener is the go-to and required option after using one of the cleaners and strippers removing old stain, organic material etc from the surface.  It will renew the woods natural pH and color after washing and rinsing.

STEP 3 STAIN AND SEAL

Mix contents well before use, stir contents often during use. Do NOT hand mix with a stir stick but ideally use a Jiffy Style drill mixer.  Mix thoroughly for at least 3 minutes, making sure to move drill mixer from top to bottom as oil will sit on the surface and pigment concentrations may settle to bottom of container.

Ok to apply when air and surface temperature between -10°F and 110°F.  Moisture content of wood should be <18%.  Do not apply when rain expected within 4 hours on horizontal surfaces and within 1 hour on vertical surfaces to allow proper curing.

Be sure to protect areas surrounding stain project from potential overspray.  Can wet down surface with water prior to application of Expert Stain and Seal and then wipe off stain while wet (oil based stain and water don’t mix)

DO NOT THIN THIS PRODUCT. If using multiple pails of stain, mx them for consistent color uniformity. Apply using a brush, roller, stain mitt, stain applicator pad, or sprayer (airless, HVLP or hand pump garden sprayer).

For horizontal deck surfaces, do the entire deck at one time to avoid stop/start lines which can occur if allowing the stain to dry between applications.

Apply one coat by fully saturating the wood surface with a generous amount of stain using a “Flood Coat” (applying to refusal) but DO NOT ALLOW THE STAIN TO POOL OR PUDDLE ON FLAT SURFACES. Remove or spread out any stain left on the wood surface after 30-60 minutes from flat, horizontal surfaces. If excess stain not removed it may leave a shiny film on the surface, delay drying time, and cause premature failure.

EXPERT Stain & Seal self levels on vertical surfaces, while back brushing may be required on horizontal surfaces. Using a dry cloth or soft bristle brush (like one you would use to wash your car),

EXPERT Stain & Seal’s penetrating oils go deep into the wood, drying slowly for several days after application. Finished color can take up to several weeks for true color.

DO NOT walk on stained surfaces for 24 hours, allowing 72 hours for light traffic. 

APPLICATION TOOLS

Apply with brush, roller or sprayer.  Can use a hand pump garden, HVLP or airless type sprayer.

For Brush Application, consider using the Pro 7″ Fence & Deck Stain Brush. 

Using an airless offers the quickest application.  Can use a standard Graco 5-19 or 6-19 spray tip (or equivalent) with the spray tip held about 8″ – 10″ away from the surface.  For those experienced at spraying wanting a much quicker application process and wider area covered at one time while minimizing overspray suggest a 12-23 low pressure spray tip, Graco Rac-X LP Switch Tip, (apply only 6″ from the surface) with an extension wand to allow you to get up close while moving very quickly across the project.

Need help in knowing how to properly use an airless sprayer?  Please see this video by leading spray equipment manufacturer Graco, How To Use An Airless Paint Sprayer.

CLEANUP

Use water for cleanup of any application tools or spray equipment.  Overspray will not adhere to metal surfaces but can be wiped off with a rag.

Product has a 2 year shelf life.

NOTICE TO BUYER: DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES AND LIMITATIONS ON OUR LIABILITY We warrant that our products are manufactured to strict quality assurance specifications and that the information supplied by us is accurate to the best of our knowledge. Such information supplied about our products is not a representation or a warranty. It is supplied on the condition that you shall make your own tests to determine the suitability of our product for your particular purpose. Any use or application other than recommended herein is the sole responsibility of the user. Listed physical properties are typical and should not be construed as specifications. NO WARRANTY IS MADE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, REGARDING SUCH OTHER INFORMATION, THE DATA ON WHICH IT IS BASED, OR THE RESULTS YOU WILL OBTAIN FROM ITS USE. N0 WARRANTY IS MADE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, THAT OUR PRODUCT SHALL BE MERCHANTABLE OR THAT OUR PRODUCT SHALL BE FIT FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. NO WARRANTY IS MADE THAT THE USE OF SUCH INFORMATION OR OUR PRODUCT WILL NOT INFRINGE UPON ANY PATENT. We shall have no liability for incidental or consequential damages, direct or indirect. Our liability is limited to the net selling price of our product or the replacement of our product, at our option. Acceptance of delivery of our product means that you have accepted the terms of this warranty whether or not purchase orders or other documents state terms that vary from this warranty. No representative is authorized to make any representation or warranty or assume any other liability on our behalf with any sale of our products. Our products contain chemicals that may CAUSE SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY. BEFORE USING, READ THE MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET AND FOLLOW ALL PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT BODILY HARM.

What surfaces can clear wood stain be used on?

EXPERT Clear Wood Stain & Seal is designed for many exterior wood surfaces including:

• Wood decks

• Wood fences

• Wood siding

• Pergolas and gazebos

• Log homes

• Cedar shakes

• Pressure-treated lumber

• Hardwood decking such as IPE

It can be used on both vertical surfaces and horizontal wood surfaces exposed to weather.

Why choose a clear wood stain instead of a colored stain?

Clear stains are ideal when you want to protect wood without changing its natural appearance.

They are commonly used on:

• High-end hardwood decks like IPE

• New cedar or redwood with attractive grain

• Decorative wood structures

• Log homes or natural wood siding

A clear stain highlights the natural beauty of the wood while still protecting it from moisture and weather damage.

Will this clear stain peel or chip?

No. EXPERT Clear Wood Stain & Seal is a non-film forming penetrating oil stain.

Because it soaks into the wood fibers rather than forming a coating on the surface, it will not peel, crack, or chip like many paints or film-forming coatings.

Maintenance typically involves cleaning and reapplying another coat rather than sanding or stripping.

How does this stain protect the wood?

The penetrating oils soak deep into the wood and help protect it by:

• Preventing drying that leads to cracking and warping

• Repelling water

• Reducing UV damage

• Protecting against mildew growth

This helps maintain the wood’s natural color and structural integrity over time.

Is this stain good for hardwood decking like IPE?

Yes. This clear penetrating stain works well on dense hardwoods such as IPE decking because the oil penetrates deeply and nourishes the wood fibers instead of sitting on the surface.

Hardwoods often benefit from penetrating oils because they help prevent drying and surface cracking.

Can this stain be applied in cold or hot weather?

Yes. EXPERT Clear Wood Stain & Seal can be applied in extreme temperatures from −10°F to 110°F, making it suitable for nearly any climate.

This allows contractors and homeowners to complete staining projects even in colder seasons or during hot summer conditions.

How soon can it rain after applying the stain?

The stain becomes rain-safe relatively quickly:

• Vertical surfaces: about 1 hour

• Horizontal surfaces: allow about 4 hours

This flexibility makes it easier to stain decks or fences when weather conditions are uncertain.

How many coats of clear stain should be applied?

EXPERT Clear Wood Stain & Seal is designed as a one-coat flood application.

Typical process:

1. Apply a generous coat until the wood is saturated

2. Allow the oil to penetrate into the wood fibers

3. Wipe or spread any excess stain from horizontal surfaces after 30–60 minutes

This one-coat system helps reduce labor time compared to multi-coat products.

How much area does a gallon cover?

Coverage depends on the wood type and porosity.

Typical coverage rates:

• 125–150 sq ft per gallon on rough wood

• 175–200 sq ft per gallon on smooth wood surfaces

Older or weathered wood will absorb more stain.

Can this stain be applied with a sprayer?

Yes. The stain can be applied with:

• Brush

• Roller

• Stain pad or applicator

• Airless sprayer

• HVLP sprayer

• Garden pump sprayer

Many contractors spray the stain and then back-brush to help ensure even penetration.

Can this stain be applied over old stain?

If the previous coating is a penetrating oil stain, the wood can typically be cleaned and recoated.

If the previous coating is a film-forming stain or paint, it should be removed before applying this product so the oil can properly penetrate the wood.

When can the deck be walked on after staining?

Typical dry times:

• 24 hours: light contact

• 72 hours: light foot traffic

Because penetrating oils absorb slowly into the wood, curing may continue for several days after application.