9 Best Stains for Outdoor Furniture (November 2026)
The best stains for outdoor furniture include the STAR BRITE Outdoor Collection Mildew Stain Remover for mildew-stained furniture, the POFL Outdoor Fabric & Furniture Cleaner for cushions and sling seating, and the Varathane Premium Fast Dry Weathered Gray Wood for weathered gray color.
On this page (15 sections)
- The best stain for outdoor furniture by project
- How we chose these outdoor furniture stains
- 1. STAR BRITE Outdoor Collection Mildew Stain Remover: Best for mildew-stained furniture
- 2. POFL Outdoor Fabric & Furniture Cleaner: Best for cushions and sling seating
- 3. Varathane Premium Fast Dry Weathered Gray Wood Stain: Best for weathered gray color
- 4. Ready Seal Exterior Wood Stain & Sealer: Best for simple exterior coverage
- 5. DWIL Wood Stain and Sealer in One: Best for low-odor DIY projects
- 6. Mollor 16 Oz Water Based Wood Stain: Best for teak-colored furniture
- 7. Minwax PolyShades Wood Stain + Polyurethane Finish: Best for color over finished wood
- 8. Varathane Total Control Dark Walnut Gel Stain: Best for controlled dark color
- 9. SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Outdoor Wood: Best for large outdoor wood areas
- How should you prepare outdoor furniture for stain?
- Which stain formula is easiest for patio furniture?
- How do you choose the right stain color?
- What is the best stain for outdoor furniture?
The best stain for outdoor furniture is Ready Seal Exterior Wood Stain & Sealer when you want an exterior stain and sealer in one. Choose DWIL or Mollor for smaller water-based projects, Minwax PolyShades for changing the color of already-finished wood, or SaverSystems for larger exterior wood areas.
Before you stain, make sure the furniture is actually wood and that the old finish is sound enough to refinish. Fabric cushions, mesh seats and vinyl parts need a cleaner instead of wood stain.
For a complete surface process, follow our guide to How To Refinish Wood Patio Furniture?. If you are changing the furniture color with paint instead, see How To Paint Wood Patio Furniture?.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for mildew-stained furnitureSTAR BRITE Outdoor Collection Mildew Stain Remover
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for cushions and sling seatingPOFL Outdoor Fabric & Furniture Cleaner
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for weathered gray colorVarathane Premium Fast Dry Weathered Gray Wood
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itReady Seal Exterior Wood Stain & Sealer
Best for simple exterior coverage - 5
Check itDWIL Wood Stain and Sealer in One
Best for low-odor DIY projects - 6
Check itMollor 16 Oz Water Based Wood Stain
Best for teak-colored furniture - 7
Check itMinwax PolyShades Wood Stain + Polyurethane Finish
Best for color over finished wood - 8
Check itVarathane Total Control Dark Walnut Gel Stain
Best for controlled dark color - 9
Check itSaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Outdoor Wood
Best for large outdoor wood areas
The best stain for outdoor furniture by project
The best stain for outdoor furniture depends on the actual surface in front of you first. A solid wood chair frame, a mixed set with fabric slings, and a table that lives under cover all ask for different products.
Ready Seal is the clearest exterior-focused pick when you want color and sealing in one step. The other products in this roundup cover cleaning, small furniture updates, controlled dark color, and larger wood areas.
Project size matters more than many shoppers expect. A small side table can work well with a 16 oz can, while a full dining set needs a closer look at coverage before you buy.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you are shopping for. That keeps the ranking tied to stated use, color, formula and size rather than general popularity.
The 2 cleaners are included because furniture prep often decides whether a new finish looks even. Mildew or ground-in dirt left on the surface can show through stain and make the result patchy.
Start with the material, then the placement, then the color. If the piece stays outdoors, an exterior stain and sealer should come before a purely interior color pick.
How we chose these outdoor furniture stains
We compared each product's stated formula, color, use, size, coverage, drying information and application method. Products with an exterior stain or sealer received more weight for patio furniture, while prep cleaners were judged by how well they address outdoor buildup before refinishing.
Size and stated coverage shaped the order as much as the formula did. A 1 gallon can suits a different job than an 8 fl oz bottle, and the right choice depends on whether you are coating one chair or several pieces.
We also separated cleaners from colored finishes on purpose. A mildew remover can solve a prep problem, but it will not add wood color or sealing protection on its own.
A product that works on wood is not automatically the right choice for every patio piece. Check whether your furniture includes fabric, vinyl, mesh or fiberglass, and mask those areas when applying a wood finish.
Drying time and cleanup were part of the comparison too. Water-based products generally make cleanup simpler, while oil-based and spray options may suit a different work setup.
Color was judged by how it fits outdoor furniture rather than by novelty. Semi-transparent finishes keep grain visible, while deeper tones can hide unevenness but also change the look of older wood.
The goal was a short list you can match to a real project. If a product states interior use only, or excludes decks and siding, that limit is noted instead of smoothed over.
| Product | Best for | Formula | Size | Uses | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STAR BRITE Outdoor Collection Mildew Stain Remover | mildew-stained furniture | High-alkaline buffered-bleach cleaner | 3.25 x 5 x 11.75 in; 1.7 lb | Mold, mildew, dirt, grease and grime removal | 9.7 |
| POFL Outdoor Fabric & Furniture Cleaner | cushions and sling seating | 25.36 fl oz | 9.6 | ||
| Varathane Premium Fast Dry Weathered Gray Wood | weathered gray color | 9.4 | |||
| Ready Seal Exterior Wood Stain & Sealer | simple exterior coverage | 24 oz spray, pack of 1 | 9.2 | ||
| DWIL Wood Stain and Sealer in One | low-odor DIY projects | Water-based, low-odor stain and sealer | 16 fl oz | 8.9 | |
| Mollor 16 Oz Water Based Wood Stain | teak-colored furniture | Water-based acrylic emulsion | 16 fl oz | 8.7 | |
| Minwax PolyShades Wood Stain + Polyurethane Finish | color over finished wood | Oil-based stain and polyurethane | 8 fl oz | 8.5 | |
| Varathane Total Control Dark Walnut Gel Stain | controlled dark color | Water-based gel stain | 8.3 | ||
| SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Outdoor Wood | large outdoor wood areas | 1 gallon, 128 fl oz | 8.0 |
1. STAR BRITE Outdoor Collection Mildew Stain Remover: Best for mildew-stained furniture
STAR BRITE Outdoor Collection Mildew Stain Remover: Best for mildew-stained furniture
- Professional-strength concentrated formula
- Buffered-bleach technology
- Works on wood, vinyl, plastic and outdoor acrylic fabrics
- Spray, wait and rinse application
This is a prep cleaner rather than a wood stain, but it can solve the mildew problem that prevents a clean refinish. Its spray, wait and rinse process suits furniture that needs stain removal before sanding.
Pros
- Made for outdoor surfaces
- No heavy scrubbing required
- Works on wood and outdoor upholstery
Cons
- Test fabrics for colorfastness first
- Does not add stain color or sealing protection
STAR BRITE is a prep step, not a colored finish. Its buffered-bleach technology is made for outdoor acrylic fabrics, vinyl upholstery, wood, concrete, fiberglass, plastic and other outdoor surfaces.
The spray, wait and rinse process helps remove mildew stains without heavy scrubbing. Its high-alkaline, triple-action formula also lifts ground-in dirt and cuts through grease and grime.
Use it when dark mildew marks are hiding the wood or when a mixed-material furniture set needs cleaning before refinishing. Test fabric for colorfastness before applying it to upholstery or outdoor acrylic fabric.
That test matters because buffered-bleach is still stronger than a plain soap wash. A hidden spot on fabric or a less visible wood area will show whether the color holds before you treat the whole piece.
The professional-strength concentrated formula is suited to household and commercial use. It is a better match for stain removal than trying to cover mildew with a new wood color.
Rinsing well after the wait helps the next step look cleaner. Once the surface is clean and dry, you can judge the wood tone more accurately and decide on sanding.
2. POFL Outdoor Fabric & Furniture Cleaner: Best for cushions and sling seating
POFL Outdoor Fabric & Furniture Cleaner: Best for cushions and sling seating
- 25.36 fl oz size
- Made for outdoor fabrics and furniture
- Helps remove mold, mildew, dirt and odors
- Spray, wait 5–10 minutes and rinse
POFL handles fabric and mixed-material patio pieces that should not receive wood stain. It belongs in the prep stage when cushions, mesh or vinyl furniture need cleaning before the wood frame is refinished.
Pros
- Covers several outdoor fabric types
- Helps with musty odors
- No heavy scrubbing required
Cons
- Cleaner, not a wood stain
- Stubborn stains may need a repeat application
POFL handles the parts of patio furniture that wood stain cannot. It is designed for patio cushions, sling seating, mesh chairs, canvas awnings, outdoor umbrellas, outdoor rugs and vinyl fencing.
Rinse the surface first, spray the cleaner, allow 5–10 minutes for it to work, then rinse thoroughly. Stubborn stains may need another application, so plan enough time for a second pass before you begin refinishing a nearby wood frame.
The 25.36 fl oz size suits targeted cleaning jobs. Use it when a furniture set has mold, mildew, dirt buildup or musty odors on fabric and vinyl sections.
This is the right tool for a set where the frame and the soft parts need different care. Clean the cushions and sling material separately, let them dry, and keep wood stain off those areas.
Keep the roles separate: POFL cleans outdoor materials, but it does not add wood color or seal a wood surface. That limit is a strength when used in the right stage, since it focuses on fabric and furniture surfaces.
3. Varathane Premium Fast Dry Weathered Gray Wood Stain: Best for weathered gray color
Varathane Premium Fast Dry Weathered Gray Wood: Best for weathered gray color
- Weathered Gray color
- Oil-based wood stain
- One-coat coverage
- Touch-dry in 1 hour
- Covers up to 275 sq ft
Varathane gives furniture a Weathered Gray color while keeping the focus on visible wood grain. The 1-hour touch-dry time and stated coverage suit a larger furniture refresh when the color fits your design.
Pros
- Fast touch-dry time
- Weathered Gray color
- One-coat coverage
Cons
- Interior wood projects are the stated use
- Oil-based formula needs careful cleanup planning
Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain gives wood a Weathered Gray color and highlights the natural grain. Its oil-based formula is made for interior wood projects such as furniture, cabinets, doors, trim and paneling.
The stated coverage is up to 275 sq ft, and it dries to the touch in 1 hour. Those details make it attractive for a broad furniture refresh when the color is right and the project can follow the stated interior use.
Use a sample area first because gray can look different across old wood, new wood and previously finished surfaces. Remove dirt and loose finish before applying any stain.
Weathered Gray suits a cooler, modern look that pairs well with light cushions or a neutral patio. It also shows grain, so rough or uneven wood will still be visible after coating.
This is a color-focused pick rather than the most direct exterior protection choice in the group. Choose it when the Weathered Gray look matters most and the furniture's placement fits the product's stated use.
4. Ready Seal Exterior Wood Stain & Sealer: Best for simple exterior coverage
Ready Seal Exterior Wood Stain & Sealer: Best for simple exterior coverage
- Natural Cedar color
- Oil-based stain and sealer
- Turbo Spray System
- Up to 50 sq ft per can
- Water and UV resistance
Ready Seal combines color and sealing in one exterior wood product. Its Turbo Spray System suits small furniture projects where a spray application and visible wood grain matter more than a large container.
Pros
- Made for exterior wood
- Stain and sealer in one
- No back brushing required
Cons
- Natural Cedar is the stated color
- Coverage is limited to up to 50 sq ft per can
Ready Seal is the best match here for a straightforward exterior wood furniture refresh. It combines an oil-based Natural Cedar stain with a sealer, so one product adds color while helping protect the wood from outdoor exposure.
The Turbo Spray System creates a spray fan up to 10 in wide, and one 24 oz can covers up to 50 sq ft in a single coat. The formula is designed to avoid laps, runs and streaks, with no back brushing required.
Ready Seal also states that it dries to the touch in 1 hour. Its water resistance and UV protection matter for furniture that remains outdoors, but the surface still needs proper cleaning and preparation.
Spray application suits flat rails, slats and table edges where a brush can be slow. Mask nearby cushions, metal and paving first, since overspray is harder to clean than a drip.
Pick this product when Natural Cedar suits your patio and you want a spray-based exterior process. Measure your furniture before buying because the can covers up to 50 sq ft.
5. DWIL Wood Stain and Sealer in One: Best for low-odor DIY projects
DWIL Wood Stain and Sealer in One: Best for low-odor DIY projects
- Peach Wood color
- Water-based semi-transparent finish
- 16 oz size
- Touch-dry in about 1–2 hours
- Soap-and-water cleanup
DWIL fits small outdoor furniture updates when you want a warm Peach Wood color, low odor and simple cleanup. Its semi-transparent finish keeps the natural wood texture visible.
Pros
- Water-based formula
- Fast touch-dry time
- Stain and sealer in one
Cons
- 16 oz size suits smaller projects
- Peach Wood may not match every furniture style
DWIL combines a water-based semi-transparent stain and sealer in one 16 oz container. The Peach Wood color adds warmth while allowing natural wood texture to remain visible.
It is designed for outdoor furniture, fences, railings, planters, small deck areas and exterior wood doors. The water-based, low-odor formula can be applied with a brush, roller or lint-free cloth along the grain, then cleaned up with soap and water.
DWIL reaches touch-dry status in about 1–2 hours under normal conditions. That timing suits a weekend touch-up, especially when you are working on a chair, side table or other smaller furniture piece.
The 16 oz size is a practical fit for limited coverage, not a large furniture collection. Apply a test coat first because the final color may deepen with additional coats.
Peach Wood leans warm and light, so it can lift a dated piece without going dark. On older wood, a second coat may be needed for even depth, which makes testing on a hidden rail or leg worthwhile.
6. Mollor 16 Oz Water Based Wood Stain: Best for teak-colored furniture
Mollor 16 Oz Water Based Wood Stain: Best for teak-colored furniture
- Teak color
- Water-based stain and sealer
- 16 fl oz size
- Low odor
- Ready for normal use in 4 hours
Mollor is a practical choice when Teak is the target color and you want a water-based stain with a built-in sealer. The 4-hour normal-use time works for a planned furniture refresh.
Pros
- Teak color
- Water-based low-odor formula
- Stain and sealer in one
Cons
- 16 oz size is aimed at smaller projects
- Optimal performance is reached after 7 days
Mollor is a water-based Teak stain and sealer in one. It suits outdoor furniture when you want a warm teak color without using a separate primer and top coat.
The 16 fl oz formula is made for interior, exterior and craft wood projects. Mollor describes it as low odor and water based, which can make the application more comfortable in a suitable work area.
The surface dries for normal use in 4 hours, while optimal performance is reached in 7 days. Keep the furniture protected during that longer period and follow the product directions for drying and care.
Choose Mollor for the Teak color and built-in sealer. Its small container makes more sense for a chair, table, planter or touch-up than for a large set of furniture.
Teak tones suit warm, natural patio styles and can make mixed wood pieces look more uniform. Sand lightly, remove dust, and test a hidden spot so you can see how the color sits on your wood before coating the full piece.
For a related color-specific process, read How To Stain Teak Patio Furniture?.
7. Minwax PolyShades Wood Stain + Polyurethane Finish: Best for color over finished wood
Minwax PolyShades Wood Stain + Polyurethane Finish: Best for color over finished wood
- Classic Oak color
- Satin finish
- Oil-based stain and polyurethane
- 8 fl oz size
- Works on bare or already-finished wood
PolyShades suits a furniture piece that already has a finish and needs a color change without full stripping. Its Classic Oak satin finish is a focused option for small wood surfaces.
Pros
- Can be used over polyurethane
- Stain and polyurethane in one
- Classic Oak satin finish
Cons
- Small 8 fl oz container
- Two coats are recommended
Minwax PolyShades is the best choice here when the furniture already has a polyurethane finish and you want to change its color without removing the old finish. It combines Classic Oak stain with polyurethane protection in a satin finish.
The 8 fl oz container suits smaller surfaces. Minwax recommends light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper, removing sanding dust and brushing on a coat, with 2 coats recommended and a third coat used to deepen the color.
Use it on bare or already-finished wood, but prepare a hidden test area first. Existing finish, wood color and previous repairs can affect how Classic Oak appears.
This is an oil-based product, so plan your work area and cleanup before opening the container. Choose it when color change over an existing finish matters more than a dedicated exterior spray system.
The satin sheen gives a softer look than a gloss finish. That can suit traditional furniture, while a flatter finish may blend better with rustic outdoor pieces.
8. Varathane Total Control Dark Walnut Gel Stain: Best for controlled dark color
Varathane Total Control Dark Walnut Gel Stain: Best for controlled dark color
- Dark Walnut color
- Water-based gel formula
- No-drip consistency
- Touch-dry on wood in 1 hour
- Covers up to 250 sq ft per quart
The thick gel formula gives you more control on vertical furniture parts than a thin stain. Dark Walnut works for a deeper color, while the stated use excludes floors, decks and siding.
Pros
- No-drip gel consistency
- Water-based low-odor formula
- Works on wood, metal and fiberglass
Cons
- Not recommended for decks or siding
- Dark Walnut is a strong color choice
Varathane Total Control Gel Stain uses a thick, no-drip formula that works on horizontal and vertical surfaces. That consistency can make chair legs, rails and other upright furniture parts easier to coat without a thin stain running as readily.
The water-based gel is Dark Walnut and dries on wood in 1 hour. It covers up to 250 sq ft per quart, and the low-odor formula cleans up with soap and water.
Its stated compatible materials include wood, metal and fiberglass. The product is suitable for indoor and outdoor applications, but it is not recommended for floors, decks or siding.
Choose it when you want a darker color and more control over application. It is a focused furniture option, not a general substitute for an exterior deck stain.
Dark Walnut adds contrast and can make a plain frame look more finished. Because the color is strong, test it on a small area first, especially if the wood is already dark or has patchy old finish.
9. SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Outdoor Wood: Best for large outdoor wood areas
SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Outdoor Wood: Best for large outdoor wood areas
- Dark Walnut color
- Water-based semi-transparent stain and sealer
- 1 gallon size
- UV protection
- Flat finish
SaverSystems gives you the largest container here for multiple wood pieces or a broad outdoor project. Its semi-transparent Dark Walnut finish keeps grain visible while the water-based formula adds UV protection.
Pros
- 1-gallon size
- Semi-transparent finish
- Made for exterior wood
Cons
- Coverage is stated as 100 sq ft
- Its main uses are decks, fences and siding
SaverSystems gives you the largest container in this roundup: 1 gallon, or 128 fl oz. Its water-based Dark Walnut stain and sealer is made for exterior wood and has a semi-transparent finish that lets natural grain show through.
The stated coverage is 100 sq ft. That makes it a better fit for several pieces, a large outdoor table or a broader wood project than the 8 oz, 16 oz and 24 oz options.
The formula adds UV protection and dries to a flat, natural-looking finish. It is designed for decks, fences and siding, so confirm that the furniture surface and project instructions match before applying it to patio pieces.
Pick SaverSystems when you need more material and want a semi-transparent Dark Walnut look. For an older furniture set that needs more than a new coat, see How To Restore Old Wood Patio Furniture?.
How should you prepare outdoor furniture for stain?
Clean, dry and lightly sand the furniture before staining, then test the color in a hidden area. Remove mildew and dirt first, strip or sand loose finish, and protect nearby fabric, vinyl and metal from overspray or drips.
Use STAR BRITE when mildew stains affect wood or other outdoor surfaces. Use POFL for cushions, mesh, sling seating, canvas and vinyl parts that need a fabric and furniture cleaner.
After cleaning, let the wood dry according to the product directions. Sand only as much as needed to smooth rough areas and remove loose finish, then wipe away dust before applying stain.
If the frame has deep damage or a failing old finish, follow our guide to How To Restore Wood Patio Furniture?. Staining over dirt, mildew or peeling finish usually creates an uneven result.
Which stain formula is easiest for patio furniture?
Water-based stains are usually the easiest choice for simple cleanup, while oil-based stains suit buyers who want an exterior formula or a traditional wood-finish process. Gel stains add more control on vertical parts, and spray stains can speed up coverage on small projects.
Choose DWIL or Mollor when low odor, water-based application and soap-and-water cleanup matter. Choose Varathane Total Control when a thick Dark Walnut gel helps you work on rails, legs and upright surfaces.
Ready Seal is the most direct exterior-focused option in this group because it combines stain and sealer and includes water resistance and UV protection in its stated features. SaverSystems is more useful when you need a gallon for a larger exterior wood area.
Formula choice should follow where the furniture lives and how you will apply it. A chair brought under cover for a weekend project can suit a water-based product, while a piece left out in sun and rain needs exterior protection to be part of the decision.
Cleanup is a practical difference, not a minor one. Water-based products simplify brush and roller care, while oil-based products ask for more planning before you start.
Application method matters too. Spray can cover small furniture quickly, gel can stay put on upright parts, and a brush or cloth gives more control on small touch-ups.
How do you choose the right stain color?
Choose the color by the furniture's current wood tone, the surrounding patio and how much grain you want to see. Weathered Gray creates a cooler look, while Natural Cedar, Peach Wood, Teak, Classic Oak and Dark Walnut move warmer or deeper.
Old wood rarely takes color evenly, so the starting tone will change the result. A light, worn surface may look softer with gray or peach, while a darker frame may need walnut to look intentional rather than patchy.
Semi-transparent finishes keep texture visible and suit furniture where grain is part of the appeal. They also reveal repairs, scratches and uneven absorption, so prep and testing matter more with this style.
If your goal is to hide worn boards or create a uniform surface, a more solid finish may be a better fit. For visible grain, test a hidden area and let it dry fully before judging the color.
Always test a small hidden area before coating the full piece. Old wood can absorb stain unevenly, and a semi-transparent finish will show more of the original surface than a solid coating.
Consider the cushions and nearby materials as well. A warm teak or cedar tone can tie in with natural fabrics, while gray can suit a cleaner, modern palette.
Think about maintenance too. Lighter colors can show dirt more quickly, and darker colors can make faded patches more noticeable over time.
The best choice is the one that matches your wood, your patio and how much upkeep you want.
For a painted finish instead of visible grain, read How To Paint Wood Patio Furniture?. Painting and staining solve different appearance problems, so decide whether you want color coverage or a wood-focused finish.
What is the best stain for outdoor furniture?
Choose Ready Seal if you want an exterior stain and sealer with Natural Cedar color and spray application. Choose DWIL or Mollor for smaller low-odor water-based projects, Minwax PolyShades for changing already-finished wood, and SaverSystems for a larger exterior wood area.
Use STAR BRITE or POFL before staining when mildew, dirt or outdoor buildup is the real problem. For furniture with loose finish or deeper damage, restore the surface first so the new stain has a clean, sound base.
Match the product to the piece before you buy. A single chair, a full set and a mixed-material set each need a different size, formula and prep step.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for mildew-stained furniture
STAR BRITE Outdoor Collection Mildew Stain Remover
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for cushions and sling seating
POFL Outdoor Fabric & Furniture Cleaner
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for weathered gray color
Varathane Premium Fast Dry Weathered Gray Wood
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is the best stain for outdoor furniture?
Ready Seal Exterior Wood Stain & Sealer is the strongest all-around fit here for exterior wood furniture because it combines a Natural Cedar oil-based stain with sealing, water resistance and UV protection. Choose DWIL or Mollor when you prefer a water-based, low-odor option for a smaller project.
Should you clean outdoor furniture before staining it?
Yes. Remove mildew, dirt, grease and grime before sanding or staining so the new finish can contact the wood.
STAR BRITE is suited to mildew-stained outdoor surfaces, while POFL is made for cushions, sling seating, mesh, canvas, vinyl and other outdoor materials.
Is water-based or oil-based stain better for patio furniture?
Water-based stain is usually easier to clean up and often has lower odor, while oil-based stain can suit buyers who want an exterior formula or a traditional wood-finish process. Compare the stated use, color, dry time and whether the product includes a sealer before choosing.
Can you stain already-finished outdoor furniture?
Sometimes. Minwax PolyShades is designed for bare or already-finished wood and can change color over polyurethane after light sanding.
For other stains, remove loose finish, clean the surface and follow the product directions before applying a test coat in a hidden area.
How do you choose a stain color for outdoor furniture?
Choose the color by the existing wood, the amount of grain you want to show and the look of nearby patio pieces. Weathered Gray, Natural Cedar, Peach Wood, Teak, Classic Oak and Dark Walnut create different starting points, so test a small hidden area first.
