Benjamin Moore Woodluxe is a premium collection of exterior stains engineered to provide rich color while protecting wood surfaces from all types of weather. In this guide, our experts will explore the different stain options in the Woodluxe collection so you can select the product that best fits your project!
Woodluxe stains are available in a wide selection of colors and four different levels of opacity: translucent, semi-transparent, semi-solid, and solid. Each finish is formulated to resist mildew and UV rays — for advanced, all-weather protection year round!
Benjamin Moore's translucent, semi-transparent, and semi-solid finishes are available in both oil and waterborne formulas. Woodluxe solid stains (flat or ultra-flat) are water-based.
The best finish for your project will depend on factors such as the condition of the wood, your environment, and your preferred aesthetic.
For example, translucent stains penetrate deeply into the wood — protecting it without concealing the wood’s natural grain. However, a translucent finish will break down more quickly under exposure to high sun, salt air, and wet environments where mildew grows rapidly. Solid stains show less grain, but offer more protection, last longer, and come in a wider selection of colors.
Formula: Oil-based or Water-based
Clean-up: Mineral spirits (oil-based) or soap & water (water-based)
Colors: Natural, Redwood, Teak, Cedar, Mahogany, Chestnut Brown, Bleached Gray
Best choice for: New wood, wood in excellent condition, softwoods (such as redwood or cedar), and high-end hardwoods (such as mahogany, teak, or ipe)
Achieve this look with Woodluxe Translucent Stain in Teak ES-30
Woodluxe translucent stains enrich the natural beauty of wood with just a hint of color, protecting it while revealing the natural wood grain. A translucent stain is an excellent choice for showcasing the elegance of the wood itself, so it’s best for new surfaces or wood in excellent condition. Translucent stains perform the best on softwoods like cedar, but can also be used with beautiful results on high-end hardwoods like mahogany, teak, and ipe. This natural finish is a superb choice for specialty doors and can be used on any wood surface where you aim to highlight the natural grain.
Translucent stains are more susceptible to mildew, damage from sea salt, or fading from high-sun exposure because they contain fewer solids to shield the wood from UV rays and moisture. Depending on your wood’s exposure to the elements, a translucent stain may need recoating every 1-2 years. Homeowners can choose between a Woodluxe Oil-Based Translucent Stain or Woodluxe Water-Based Translucent Stain.
Formula: Oil-based or Water-based
Clean-up: Mineral spirits (oil-based) or soap & water (water-based)
Colors: Available in 75 color options
Best Choice for: Sun-faded decks, pressure-treated wood, or softwoods (such as redwood or cedar)
Achieve this look with Woodluxe Semi-Solid Stain in Benjamin Moore Mystic Gold HC-37
Woodluxe semi-transparent and semi-solid stains allow some of the wood’s grain and texture to show while adding color and a layer of protection. This creates an excellent combination of a natural wood look, color variety, and durability. A semi-opaque stain provides more coverage and better UV protection than a translucent stain but without the commitment to a completely solid look. It’s a good choice for sun-faded decks, softwoods, pressure-treated wood, or wood that needs restoration to its natural color.
Benjamin Moore provides homeowners with a variety of semi-opaque finishes. For a semi-transparent look, choose between:
For a semi-solid finish, choose between:
You can use a semi-transparent or semi-solid stain on previously stained wood, as long as the existing stain isn’t flaking or peeling. If it is flaking or peeling, use Woodluxe Wood Stain Remover before applying a new finish.
Formula: Water-based, 100% acrylic resin
Clean-up: Soap & water
Colors: Available in 3,500+ colors
Best Choice for: pressure-treated wood, old wood, wood in poor condition, previously-stained wood that needs a different color
Achieve this look with Woodluxe Solid Stain in Benjamin Moore Solid Normandy 2129-40 (porch) and Benjamin Moore Caliente AF-290 (chairs)
Woodluxe water-based solid stains combine the opaque look of paint with the penetration and durability of a wood stain — providing unmatched color variety while still allowing some of the wood’s texture to show. Engineered with Benjamin Moore’s proprietary Gennex® color technology and available in any of their 3500+ authentic colors, you can achieve the best color precision with Woodluxe solid stains.
A solid stain is suitable for all wood types, but it’s recommended for staining softwoods and pressure-treated woods — or for covering previously-stained wood with a different color. If you have an old deck, or wood in poor condition, the rich matte finish provided by a solid stain will add new life to your outdoor living space. A solid stain is also a great choice for painting wood furniture or exterior siding. Choose between Benjamin Moore Woodluxe flat and ultra-flat solid stains for a bold new look that lasts!
A solid stain is a water-based finish with high opacity. It penetrates the wood to create a deep level of protection. Because the stain is absorbed into the wood, it is less likely to peel than paint. Paint sits on top of the wood, protecting it by forming a surface coating. It offers superior UV protection, but is susceptible to peeling as the wood expands and contracts.
Read Paint vs Stain: Choosing the Right Finish For Your Outdoor Deck for an in-depth look at these options.
Woodluxe water-based solid stains feature mildew-resistant additives and use a formula that protects against blistering and peeling. However, when staining a deck that is less than four feet off the ground, homeowners should note that a solid stain will be susceptible to cracking as the wood absorbs and releases moisture from below. On raised decks and vertical surfaces, the concentration of solids adds extra weather protection which results in a longer lifespan compared to transparent stains.
Woodluxe’s comprehensive line of exterior stains will equip you for any outdoor staining project. When designing the look of your outdoor living space, consider these factors:
Once you have a complete understanding of your project, you can let your imagination soar. Whatever your vision — Woodluxe stains can make it a reality!
Ring's End carries a wide selection of Benjamin Moore exterior stains, in-store and online. Our fast, convenient online shipping means you can get any of Benjamin Moore’s Woodluxe products delivered straight to your door anywhere in the United States!
Find Benjamin Moore Woodluxe Exterior Stains and samples at Ring's End. We ship anywhere in the U.S.!
The longevity and quality of your finish are greatly impacted by selecting the right stain for your project and doing the right prep work. For free, expert advice about your project, chat with our team online or text us directly at (203) PRO-HELP. We’ll be more than happy to help!