Oil-based wood stains have been a popular choice for professionals, and for good reason. They penetrate deep into the wood, hold up against the elements, and deliver long-term durability you can count on. When performance matters, oil has always led the woodcare industry.
The most common assumption is that oil-based stains are associated with higher emissions, higher VOCs, resulting in pollutants released into the air. EXPERT’s low VOC wood stain is here to show you why that is no longer the case.
EXPERT™ Professional Wood Care has introduced the first exterior oil-based wood stain to achieve GREENWISE® certification for low emissions. This isn’t just progress, but completely changes the game for woodcare performance.
What Is GREENWISE Certification?
GREENWISE certification is an independent standard used in the coatings industry to identify products that meet defined low-emission requirements.
To qualify for this certification, a product must meet the VOC limits established for its specific category:
EXPERT Clear and Transparent Finishes comply with the ≤100 g/L VOC requirement.
EXPERT Semi-Transparent and Semi-Solid Finishes meet the ≤250 g/L VOC requirement.
In other words, it’s a measurable way to evaluate how a product is formulated, without the guesswork.
What are VOCs?
VOC stands for volatile organic compounds, a standard measurement used in the coatings industry to evaluate emissions.
What This Means for Oil-Based Wood Stains
Traditionally, oil-based stains have been associated with higher VOC levels. That’s been part of the trade-off for their performance. That’s where the EXPERT™ Professional Wood Care formulation comes in, to change the perspective of oil-based stains. Independent testing shows that EXPERT Stain & Seal Fence & Deck formulation delivers VOC levels of ≤100 g/L, meeting GREENWISE certification standards.
Why does this matter? Because it shows that we can provide you a quality, professional-grade product that delivers and meets low-emission standards.
Why Professionals Still Choose Oil-Based Stains
There’s a reason oil-based products have remained the standard in professional wood care.
Benefits:
- Deeply penetrates into wood fibers
- Protects against harsh elements
- Protection from moisture and weather
- Enhances the natural beauty and grain
- Consistent and reliable application
These aren’t just trends, they are proven results that contractors depend on every day.
See what professionals and homeowners are saying and why they trust our products on real jobs:
“We use EXPERT Stain & Seal because it is easy to use and it’s low VOCs, no strong smell.”
– James Jordan with Magnolia Stain & Seal
“We use EXPERT Stain & Seal because it is super easy to use and delivers an excellent finished product. Very beautiful.
– Juan Calero with Outward Solutions Pressure Washing LLC
Making All Things New Deck and Fence Care has been blessed with the opportunity to use EXPERT Professional Wood Care products! We love opening a bucket of stain and not having to deal with the hassle of harsh chemical smells and enjoy knowing that we are using the best products in the staining industry! It is a true oil that penetrates into the wood and doesn’t peel or flake! We love the product, we love the customer service, we love the staff at Expert! 5 stars all around!
– Justen Meneses with Making All Things New Deck & Fence Care
The Shift
This goes beyond just a single certification, it sets new expectations in the industry for how coatings are developed.
Today, professionals expect more. Products need to balance:
- Performance
- Durability
- Ease of application
- Emission standards
EXPERT Professional Wood Care was built with that balance in mind, which is bringing together traditional oil-based performance with updated formulation standards.
Where This Makes a Real Difference
This isn’t just theory, it’s proven performance that you can rely on everyday. At EXPERT, we want professionals to use a product they can trust, and deliver quality performance to every job.
Think about:
- Fences exposed to constant sun and weather
- Decks that take daily wear and need lasting protection
- Log homes and exterior wood structure
These are applications where performance isn’t optional.
Now, they can be protected with a system that also meets defined low-emission standards.
The Bottom Line
EXPERT™ Stain & Seal sets a new benchmark.
It’s the first exterior oil-based wood stain to achieve GREENWISE® certification, meaning:
- To qualify for this certification, a product must meet the VOC limits established for its specific category: EXPERT Clear and Transparent Finishes comply with the ≤100 g/L VOC requirement. EXPERT Semi-Transparent and Semi-Solid Finishes meet the ≤250 g/L VOC requirement.
- It delivers the performance professionals expect from oil-based systems
It’s a real step forward in wood care technology.
Commonly Asked Questions
What is GREENWISE certification?
It’s an independent coatings standard that evaluates products based on low emissions and responsible formulation.
What does ≤100 g/L VOC mean?
It means the product meets the defined limit for volatile organic compound emissions within this category.
Is this still an oil-based stain?
Yes. EXPERT Stain & Seal is a penetrating oil-based wood stain designed for professional performance.
Why does this matter for contractors and homeowners?
It provides confidence that the product delivers long-term protection while meeting modern emission standards.
Where can I buy this EXPERT Stain & Seal formulation for my fence, deck, or log home?
EXPERT™ products can be found at trusted resellers nationwide and now internationally in the United Kingdom
For more information on stain application, color selection, and best transparency selection for your fence, deck, cabin or outdoor wood structure, visit the EXPERT™ Wood Care YouTube channel.
Learn More
Want to see how this performs on real projects or find a reseller near you? Explore EXPERT™ Professional Wood Care, and learn more about GREENWISE®.