How to ensure second coat of timber and deck stain isn't darker?

teamwalrus

I've used Feast Watson Timber & Deck Stain on a fairly new pine timber fence.
Colour is Swan River Jarrah. I'm really happy with the colour.
So far I've only applied one coat.
To provide best protection for the fence I was planning on doing a second coat, however I'm concerned that the second code will make the colour much darker.

Should I be looking at applying a non-tinted/coloured product for the second coat so that the colour doesn't change?

Or am I worrying about nothing and the colour will won't changed that much on a second coat?

JacobZ

Hi @teamwalrus,

Keep in mind that pine fence palings are treated to be outdoors without a coating, so your oil is just providing more protection beyond this. I wouldn’t stress too much about there only being one coat. Pine palings are treated to be outdoors. Even if you decide to stick with just one coat, your fence is still well protected.

A second coat will deepen the colour slightly, but usually not dramatically. If you’re unsure, a good approach is to apply a second coat to a small test section and let it dry. That’ll give you a clear idea of how much darker it’ll go before committing to the whole fence.

Also keep in mind that what you’re seeing now is at its richest, the colour will fade back a bit over the next few weeks as it settles and is exposed to the elements. If you didn't want to add a second coat now, you can always add one in a month or so if you feel the colour has faded a bit.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob