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The general consensus is that two coats of stain are required and since the cedar is siding, a third coat of sealant is always a good idea. This helps protect the wood and stain, so you won’t need to resand and restain for at least a decade. Each stain after the first will darken the wood, so be aware of that when choosing a colored stain.

Using a paint sprayer takes a little more practice than a roller, but both are equally effective. If you’re in a hurry and have the experience, a paint sprayer can save you some time on your project. If you’ve never used a sprayer and don’t have the time to learn, using a roller or brush will get you closer to your dream results.

Whether to brush or roll stain on wood depends on the project and your preference. Brushing is ideal for smaller, intricate areas and offers more control over the application, ensuring thorough coverage and penetration into the wood's grain. 

Conversely, rolling is efficient for more extensive, flat surfaces and can save time. However, it is not always the best fit for textured or uneven wood. Some projects may benefit from combining both methods, using a brush for detail work and a roller for broader areas. Ultimately, the choice between brushing and rolling depends on the specific requirements of your staining project.

It typically takes three to five days to stain a fence, though most of that time is spent—literally—watching paint dry. The main issue is that you can’t stain a wet fence because the stain won’t sink into the porous grain of the wood. That means you’ll need to wait 24 hours to stain your fence after you wash it and 12 to 24 hours between each coat. Most people spend about an hour staining per 10 to 20 linear feet.