Your fence doesn’t just mark the edge of your yard—it protects your privacy, frames your landscaping, and adds curb appeal to your home. But if it’s looking dull, faded, or patchy, it might be dragging down the whole look of your property.
Maybe you’re wondering: Should I repaint it? Restain it? And if stain is the way to go, what kind? Solid? Semi-transparent? Oil-based? Water-based? It’s easy to feel stuck, especially when your fence is older or already has product on it.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been helping Omaha homeowners make smart decisions about their fences, decks, pergolas, and other exterior wood since 1996. We understand Nebraska’s weather—from the humidity of the summer to the bitter freeze in winter—and how that impacts stain durability. Our painters know what holds up, what flakes off, and what’s worth your money. And while we don’t push products, we do believe in educating homeowners so they can hire painters with confidence and know exactly what to ask for.
By the time you finish this article, you’ll understand the difference between solid stain, semi-transparent stain, and paint for fences. You’ll know when solid stain makes sense, when it doesn’t, and what to consider if your fence is older or previously painted. We’ll also answer common questions like, “Can you use a solid stain over a painted fence?” and help you weigh your options—whether you’re staining it yourself or hiring a professional painter.
Transparent stain, sometimes called clear wood finish, is the most natural-looking option. It adds almost no color to your wood and is mostly used to enhance and protect new wood while keeping it looking exactly like itself.
While it provides some UV and moisture protection, it offers the least pigment, so it doesn’t last as long as other stain types. Think of this as more of a short-term or maintenance-friendly option.
A semi-transparent stain is a popular choice for homeowners who want to show off the natural beauty of their wood while still giving it a layer of protection.
This type of stain adds a hint of color but allows the grain and texture of the wood to shine through. It gives your fence a natural, rustic, or high-end look—especially if you’re working with nice cedar or redwood boards.
Solid stain looks a lot like paint, but it acts more like a stain. It covers most of the wood grain and gives a rich, uniform color—perfect if your fence has some imperfections or age spots. But unlike paint, it soaks into the wood a bit, which means it’s less likely to peel or flake over time (when applied correctly).
If your fence is looking patchy or uneven—or if you’re just after a clean, solid look—this might be a good option.
A lot of people wonder whether they should just paint their old fence. After all, if you want a solid color, paint does that, right?
Yes—but not in the same way.
So while painting might sound like a faster fix, it can turn into more work long-term—especially in Omaha’s climate where moisture and temperature swings are a real factor. Solid stain is often the better choice for older wood fences because it offers that painted look without the same risk of peeling.
Short answer: Yes—but it depends.
Solid stain can sometimes be applied over a previously painted surface, but only if the paint is in good condition and not peeling or chipping. Even then, you’ll need to:
That said, a solid stain doesn’t grip to paint the same way it does to bare or stained wood. If your fence is heavily painted or the surface is in rough shape, you may be better off repainting—or fully stripping it before applying stain (which can be a labor-intensive job).
If you’re hiring a professional painter, they’ll likely recommend or use a high-quality brand based on years of experience. At Brush & Roll Painting, we often work with products like:
Each has its pros and cons, and what’s “best” really comes down to your wood condition, color goals, and how much direct sun and moisture your fence gets.
Here’s what you want in a solid stain:
Choosing a solid stain for your fence—or deciding between solid stain and other options—can feel confusing. But once you understand the difference between solid, semi-transparent stain, and paint, it becomes easier to see what fits your project.
If your fence is older, patchy, or previously coated, solid stain offers a clean, uniform look without the high-maintenance drawbacks of paint. It hides imperfections, protects your wood, and holds up well when applied by someone who understands the climate and the prep work required.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been helping Omaha homeowners navigate these decisions since 1996. We use only high-quality stain products and never skip the prep work that makes the difference. Whether you’re repainting an old fence or trying to figure out the best solid stain for your wood, we’re here to be a helpful guide.
Click the button below to get a quote and let us help you bring your fence back to life.
Before you commit to a painter, it helps to know exactly what to ask—and what to watch out for. That’s why we put together a free, easy-to-follow guide to hiring a painter for your home. It covers the questions most homeowners don’t think to ask until it’s too late, explains what makes a paint job last, and helps you feel more confident when comparing quotes.
Whether you're repainting your fence or tackling a full exterior project, this guide will help you hire the right pro the first time. Download it now and take the guesswork out of the process.