***This giveaway is no longer accepting entries***
We’ve been planning a refresh for our dull front porch as part of the BHG 48-Hour Challenge, and after some thought we realized a new exterior stain would make the biggest visual difference. A few years ago we gave the porch a basic stain-and-seal, but its color and protection have faded over time. Looking into better options led us to consider products specifically formulated for exterior use—stains that offer improved durability, richer color, and weather resistance.
At just the right moment, Olympic Paint reached out to remind us about their line of exterior stains. They make a wide range of formulas suited for decks, porches, fences, and siding—everything from semi-transparent toners that highlight wood grain to solid-color stains that provide fuller coverage and longer-lasting color. We thought this would be a great way to help readers tackle their own outdoor projects, and Olympic generously offered to provide sample cans for a giveaway.
We received three gallons of Olympic Exterior Stain to share with three randomly selected readers. These cans can jump-start a small deck or porch project, refresh outdoor furniture, or add color to fencing. Olympic’s selection includes many semi-transparent toners ideal for accentuating natural wood grain, as well as more than a hundred solid-tone options that deliver uniform color and strong UV protection. If you’re planning a larger project such as cedar siding, you’ll likely need additional cans beyond a single free gallon, but even one complimentary can be useful for testing color and finish before committing to a full purchase.
The giveaway details originally asked readers to enter by commenting on the post with the phrase “I’M A STAIN MASTER” by a specified deadline. Alongside that required phrase, entrants were encouraged to share a short note about a skill they do consider themselves a master of—whether it’s gardening, organizing, small-space design, or even conquering the StairMaster at the gym. The intention was to build a bit of personality into the entry and hear about the many everyday expertise readers bring to their homes and projects.
Winners were to be chosen at random and announced shortly after the close of entries. The prizes were available to ship within the United States and Canada, with a limit of one entry per email address. Although this promotion is now closed, we wanted to leave the entry instructions here as a clear record of how the giveaway was conducted and what the requirements were for participation.
If you’re considering refreshing your own outdoor space and are evaluating exterior stains, here are some practical things to keep in mind:
- Choose the right opacity: semi-transparent stains show grain and texture, while solid stains provide more coverage and UV protection.
- Test a small area or use a sample can to confirm color and finish before committing to a large purchase.
- Prepare the surface properly—clean, sand, and repair as needed for the best adhesion and longevity.
- Check the manufacturer’s instructions for application and recoat intervals to maintain protection over time.
The images above were provided by Olympic Paint, whose exterior stain products inspired this porch refresh and the related giveaway.