Stain Smarter With Woodluxe

Your guide to long-lasting beauty and protection with Benjamin Moore’s premium exterior wood stain.

1. Why Choose Woodluxe Exterior Stain

Woodluxe® by Benjamin Moore is a premium line of exterior wood stains engineered to enhance, protect, and preserve wood surfaces. Designed with both beauty and durability in mind, Woodluxe offers advanced protection against UV rays, mildew, peeling, and water damage.

Whether you're refreshing an aging deck, staining a brand-new fence, or restoring wood siding, Woodluxe gives you professional results with fewer steps and longer-lasting colour. Available in both water-based and oil-based formulas, and in four opacities (translucent, semi-transparent, semi-solid, and solid), it adapts to almost any outdoor wood surface.

2. How to Choose the Right Woodluxe Product

Choosing the right Woodluxe formula and opacity depends on the type of wood, the age of the surface, the desired look, and the environment. Here's a breakdown to help guide your decision:

BY FORMULA

• Oil-Based

  • Deeply penetrates the wood

  • Rich, natural appearance

  • Ideal for dense or exotic hardwoods
    

• Water-Based

  • Dries quickly

  • Soap and water cleanup

  • More environmentally friendly

  • Best for softwoods like cedar or pressure-treated lumber

BY OPACITY:

Opacity	Look	Best For
Translucent	Enhances natural grain	New wood or high-end hardwoods (e.g., ipe, mahogany)
Semi-Transparent	Adds soft colour, shows grain	Slightly aged decks/fences
Semi-Solid	More coverage, hides imperfections	Older wood with some wear
Solid	Paint-like finish, full colour	Very weathered wood or colour matching to home

Pro Tip: For clients who want low maintenance, go for solid stains. For clients who love the natural wood look and are okay with more upkeep, translucent or semi-transparent is ideal.

3. Prep: The Foundation of a Great Finish

Before staining, thorough prep ensures maximum adhesion and stain longevity:

1. Clean the surface: Use Woodluxe cleaner and brightener to remove dirt, mildew, or old finishes.
   

2. Sand or strip if necessary: For previously stained or rough surfaces, light sanding or stripping may be required.
   

3. Allow wood to dry: Moisture content should be below 15%. Wait 24–48 hours after cleaning.
   

4. Mask surrounding areas: Protect nearby surfaces like concrete or siding with drop cloths or tape.

   

4. Application: Step-by-Step

Once the wood is prepped and dry, you’re ready to stain. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Stir the stain thoroughly – never shake, as it can cause bubbles.
   

2. Apply in sections – always maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks.
   

3. Use the right tools – high-quality brush, roller, or sprayer depending on the surface and formula.
   

4. Work with the grain – apply in long, even strokes.
   

5. Avoid direct sunlight – stain in shaded or cooler areas to prevent flash drying.
   

6. Let dry completely – Refer to product label for dry and recoat times (usually 24–48 hours).

   

5. Maintenance & Re-coating

Woodluxe stains are built to weather beautifully and require minimal upkeep. However, regular maintenance will keep your surfaces looking great:

• Inspect yearly for fading, peeling, or water absorption.

• Clean with a mild deck cleaner every season to remove grime and mildew.

• Re-coat as needed – translucent and semi-transparent finishes may need refreshing every 2–3 years; solid stains last longer.
  

Bonus: With Woodluxe, future re-coating is simpler—no stripping required in most cases.

6. Tips for Painters & Homeowners

Whether you're doing this yourself or hiring a professional, keep these tips in mind:

• Sample before staining – especially for semi-transparent or translucent finishes.
  

• Match stain to surroundings – choose a colour that complements the home’s trim, siding, or landscape.
  

• Timing matters – early summer or fall are great seasons for staining (not too hot, not too humid).
  

• Choose quality tools – good brushes and sprayers make a big difference in finish and efficiency.

7. Final Thoughts

Benjamin Moore’s Woodluxe line brings together high-end aesthetics and rugged durability in one easy-to-use product. Whether you’re a homeowner protecting your investment or a professional painter delivering top-tier service to clients, Woodluxe gives you the confidence to stain with style and performance in mind.