What Are WeatherOne® Stains?
WeatherOne stains are water-based, low-VOC, 100% acrylic coatings designed to protect exterior wood while delivering dependable colour performance. They’re built for strong adhesion, resistance to mold/mildew/algae, and the breathing flexibility wood needs outdoors.
Translucent Option: WeatherOne® Acrylic Semi-Transparent Stain
WeatherOne Semi-Transparent (translucent) Stain enhances wood rather than hiding it. It penetrates the surface and leaves the grain and natural variation visible, creating a rich, designer look with a low-sheen finish.
Best Uses for Semi-Transparent/Translucent WeatherOne Stains
Choose this option if:
- your wood is newer or in good condition
- you want a natural, wood-forward appearance
- you like seeing grain, texture, and character
- you’re staining siding, fences, lattice, outdoor furniture, or other vertical/horizontal wood surfaces where a natural finish matters
What the Finish Looks Like
You’ll get a tinted, see-through colour that lets the wood show through. The result feels authentic and warm, especially on cedar and other naturally beautiful woods.
Opaque Option: WeatherOne® 100% Acrylic Solid Hide Stain
WeatherOne Solid Hide Stain gives maximum coverage and uniform colour like paint but still penetrates and flexes with exterior wood. It’s Cloverdale Paints highest-quality exterior acrylic stain and comes with a 15-year limited warranty.
Best Uses for Solid Hide WeatherOne Stains
Choose this option if:
- your wood is older, weathered, or uneven
- you want to hide discoloration, repairs, or patchiness
- the surface was previously solid-stained
- you want bold, modern colour with little or no grain showing
What the Finish Looks Like
You’ll get a smooth, consistent colour across the entire surface great for modern curb appeal and for refreshing tired siding or fencing.
How to Choose Between Translucent and Solid Hide
1. Check Your Wood’s Condition
- Good shape / attractive grain → Go translucent. It highlights what you already like.
- Worn / sun-bleached / patchy → Go solid hide. It evens everything out.
2. Think About What Was There Before
This is a key rule for success:
- If the surface was semi-transparent (translucent) before, you can recoat semi-transparent or upgrade to solid hide for more coverage.
- If the surface was solid hide before, stay solid hide—solid stain blocks pores, so translucent stains can’t penetrate properly.
3. Decide How Much Grain You Want to See
Ask yourself one simple question:
Do I want the wood grain to be visible?
- Yes → Translucent/Semi-Transparent
- No → Solid Hide
4. Consider Maintenance and Fade Pattern
Both WeatherOne options are designed for durability, but they age differently:
- Translucent stains fade gradually, so recoating refreshes colour while keeping grain visible.
- Solid hide stains provide the strongest UV/moisture barrier and keep a uniform colour longer, especially on exposed vertical walls.
Choosing WeatherOne Stain Colours
WeatherOne offers a curated palette for siding and other vertical wood surfaces, and almost any Cloverdale Paint colour can be mixed into a Solid Hide stain if you want a custom match to your home’s palette.
Colour Tips for Each Finish
- Translucent colours are wood-dependent. The final colour shifts based on species (cedar vs. pine), age, and prep. Always test on your actual wood.
- Solid hide colours are more predictable. Because they cover evenly, what you see on the colour card is closer to what you’ll get on the wall.
Also note digital colour on screens can vary. Cloverdale recommends confirming with real samples under your project lighting.
Quick Summary
- Pick WeatherOne Acrylic Semi-Transparent (translucent) for a natural look and visible grain on wood in good shape.
- Pick WeatherOne 100% Acrylic Solid Hide for full coverage, modern colour, and the best refresh on older or previously solid-stained wood.
With the right stain type and a WeatherOne colour you’ve tested on your wood, you’ll get a finish that protects beautifully and looks right at home for years.