What to Use to Stain Cypress Wood

About Cypress

• Cypress wood is harvested from many areas in the southern United States. It grows in marshy areas and is often found along rivers and streams. It is a durable wood that is dimensionally stable for construction and is less apt to split and warp, according to the Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association. It must be carefully dried to retain its construction advantages. Cypress wood contains natural oils that make it resistant to rotting and insect damage. It naturally has a tan or reddish color that will darken with age. Stains help to both preserve the color and keep the natural oils within the wood for a longer period than if left unfinished. Cypress is higher in cost than pressure-treated wood, and may even be more expensive than redwood, depending on where you live.

Staining Cypress

• Cypress can be painted or stained. Many homeowners value the natural color and look of the cypress wood and choose to stain the surfaces to enhance color and resistant qualities. Stains wear away when exposed to the elements and require reapplication every few years.

Types of Stains

• Stains can be latex-based or oil-based. Both types come in transparent, semitransparent and clear types. Transparent types of stains contain the smallest particles of pigment and penetrate into the wood, according to writer Gail Elber on the PaintPro website. Semitransparent stain contains larger particles of pigment that rest on the surface of the wood. Clear coatings have no pigment and allow the color of the wood to show through while protecting the surface. Many stains contain compounds that protect against ultraviolet light damage from the sun or may contain antifungal compounds to help resist mildew growth. These properties can be helpful for exterior cypress that lies in bright sun or deep shade.

Applying Stain to Cypress Wood

• The surface of the wood should be clean and free of mold and mildew before applying stain compounds. Wash the wood and scrub mold from areas as needed and allow to dry thoroughly. Stains are generally applied to cypress wood with a brush or with spray equipment, working in small areas until the entire surface is coated. A clear coat is then applied over the stain to help it to resist the elements and protect the wood. Stains generally last between two and five years, depending on type.