For wood · Exterior
Benjamin Moore ARBORCOAT
Exterior wood stain in five opacities — from clear to solid — for decks, fences, and siding.
ARBORCOAT is a system, not a single product. You choose how much of the wood grain you want to see — clear, translucent, semi-transparent, semi-solid, or solid — and the stain does the rest.
In Florida, wood outdoors takes sun and moisture from both directions, and the more pigment a stain carries, the longer it protects. Clear looks gorgeous and needs the most upkeep; solid lasts longest and reads closest to paint.
Bring a photo of the wood and tell us how much maintenance you're willing to do — that conversation picks the opacity faster than a brochure.
Priced by opacity and formula. The bigger cost driver is prep — cleaning and brightening the wood is not optional.
Best for
- •Decks, docks, and boardwalks
- •Fences and gates
- •Cedar and wood siding
- •Outdoor furniture and pergolas
Available finishes
Why it's different
What Benjamin Moore ARBORCOAT gives you
- Five opacities from clear to solid
- Waterborne, easy cleanup
- Mildew-resistant coating
- Deck and siding formulas for foot traffic or vertical surfaces
- Tintable to a wide stain color palette
Questions
Benjamin Moore ARBORCOAT — common questions
What people actually ask us at the counter.
Which ARBORCOAT opacity should I choose for a deck?
Semi-transparent is the common choice on a deck in good shape — it shows grain and wears gracefully. If the boards are older, weathered, or previously solid-stained, go semi-solid or solid.
How often will I need to restain in Florida?
Sun and rain here are hard on horizontal wood. Expect more frequent maintenance on a deck than on a fence, and more on clear and translucent finishes than on solid.
Do I need to clean the wood first?
Yes. Clean and brighten bare or weathered wood and let it dry fully before staining. Stain applied over mill glaze, dirt, or a wet deck will not hold, whatever it costs.
Can I stain over an existing solid stain?
Over solid, yes — with solid. You cannot go back down to a semi-transparent look without stripping or sanding to bare wood.
Where to buy
Benjamin Moore ARBORCOAT in South Palm Beach County
Tinted to any color at our stores, usually while you wait. Call ahead and we'll have it mixed before you arrive.
Delray Beach · Boca Raton · Boynton Beach · Lake Worth Beach · Highland Beach · Gulf Stream · Ocean Ridge · Greenacres · Lantana · Wellington · West Palm Beach
Compare
Other lines we carry
Benjamin Moore Aura
The top of the Benjamin Moore line — deepest color, best hide, toughest finish.
Benjamin Moore Regal Select
The everyday workhorse — beautiful finish, forgiving application, fair price.
Benjamin Moore ADVANCE
Waterborne alkyd for cabinets, doors, and trim — a furniture-smooth finish that cleans up with water.
Benjamin Moore Element Guard
Exterior paint engineered for extreme weather — rain, wind-driven moisture, and relentless sun.
Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec
Professional production paint — priced for volume, built to spray, roll, and cover fast.
Benjamin Moore Fresh Start Primers
The primer family that decides whether the finish coat lasts — stain blocking, sealing, and adhesion.