What Kind of Stains Will Make Cedar Boards Brighter?

Opaque

• An opaque stain will visibly brighten the color of cedar, but the amount of opacity in the stain determines the finished result. A low opacity stain lets the color of the wood shine through and enhances the natural beauty of the cedar. Stains with a higher opacity will cover up the grain and mask the natural color; however, they may be a good choice if the cedar is significantly damaged, or if the wood has darkened over time.

Semi-Transparent

• If the cedar is still in good condition and the color has not faded or darkened too much, a semi-transparent stain is the way to go. The semi-transparent stain adds shine and a glossy finish to cedar, thus brightening the look of the wood, without stripping it of its natural color or grain. Keep in mind, however, that these stains are not as weather-proof as opaque versions and may have to be touched up every couple of years to maintain the brightness and shine.

Clear Wood Stain

• If the cedar is still in excellent condition and just needs a little polish, use a clear stain to bring out the wood’s color and texture. Unlike opaque or semi-transparent, clear stains will not change the color of the wood. Clear wood stain also offers some protection against damage from the elements. It's important to note that clear stains are not completely clear; they contain a small amount of pigment, so choose one specially made to enhance the color of cedar.

Paint

• If the cedar boards have lost all natural color or you wish to completely change the color of the wood, you can use wood paint to paint over the boards. While you can choose a brighter color, keep in mind that paint will cover up all of the cedar, including any previous stains, and the shine and gloss of the wood will be lost. Therefore, choose your paint color carefully, and if you enjoy the look and texture of natural cedar, opt for a stain instead.