Paint sits on top of the wood and can hide imperfections better than stain can. This means if the wood on your home is old or unattractive, paint will help cover it up. No paint is perfect, though—if your wood needs replacing, paint cannot make it look new.
Wood. Painting is going to coat the surface of wood, so you'll lose the natural texture and tone of the wood you're working with. Stain, on the other hand, penetrates, protects, and preserves it. It's important to stress that wood stain is very different than other stains like concrete stains.
Our tip for painting over rotting or weathered wood is to use oil-based primers, because oil primers seal the wood grains and prevent bubbling. Prime any filled spots first, and then work your way from the top of the exterior wall to the bottom.
Yes, but it's important to ensure the wood is clean and free of any previous finishes. Using a wood conditioner can help the stain penetrate evenly.
The Disadvantages of Staining Wood
The wood surface must be thoroughly sanded and cleaned before staining, which can be a time-consuming process. Additionally, applying stain can be messier and more complex than painting, requiring more skill to achieve an even finish without blotches or streaks.
This could result in a lap mark and unequal penetration of the stain in the wood. Hence, avoid staining wood outside if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Paint will last longer than stain and cover up any flaws in your siding or deck, but it can be more slippery and will trap moisture within the wood which leads to other issues later on. You can expect your properly painted wood deck or siding to last about ten years.
Fully opaque, Silver Lining's lack of transparency conceals scratches and scuffs from years of hard use. This solid color stain gives your wood a highly desirable weathered look, as well as offering the tough, durable resistance required to keep your exterior wood protected from wind, rain and pounding sun.
When preparing wood for stain, you'll need to sand its surface. Use a sanding sponge or orbital sander. Sandpaper with a lower grit number will make wood rougher, allowing more stain to absorb and creating a darker color. Start with 120-grit sandpaper for pieces that already have a finish.
Oil-Based Deck Paints: Oil-based paints penetrate deeply into the wood, providing a durable finish that's less likely to chip or peel. They're particularly effective for decks that have seen a lot of wear and tear.
Sanding your deck may achieve the desired result, but the gritty experience is less than desirable. The deep-cleaning action of a pressure washer will remove ground-in dirt, mold, and mildew without all the mess. Use a mid-sized pressure washer with at least 2400 PSI of pressure.
If you prioritize a natural wood look, minimal maintenance, and early protection for new wood, sealing is the way to go. On the other hand, if you seek color consistency, enhanced durability, and the ability to conceal imperfections, painting may be the better choice.
A stain will need to be reapplied after 2-3 years, while the paint will last between 5-10 years before it needs to be recoated. However, this doesn't factor in any scratches and chipping that may occur to your deck. A painted deck can look unsightly in a short time.
For true stained wood, you will need to first strip off all of the paint, then apply the stain. Stain over paint instead produces a stylized, faux wood grain look. Depending on the color and sheen of the paint and the type of stain, the result has a streaky, glazed, lacquered look with rich, dark undertones.
The goal of this step is to create a smooth-but-grippy surface that your paint will adhere to. For wood with a penetrating stain, lightly scuff the entire surface with fine-grit sandpaper. For wood with film-forming finishes, scrape off any loose finish then scuff the entire surface with fine-grit sandpaper.
Manual Stripping to Remove the Gray from Wood
With this method, you sand off the old finish and the gray by hand or with an electric sander. Start with a coarse grit, and once complete, go over the wood again with a more medium grit. This will help to smooth out the surface and prepare it for staining and re-sealing.
Apply a coat of primer to the dry wood.
Bare wood always needs priming before painting as the primer acts as a sealant. When you are sure that the outside wood has thoroughly dried, use a top quality latex or oil-based primer and apply it to the entire exterior of the house.
Paint generally lasts longer as it forms a protective layer against weathering. However, stains won't peel like paints might over time.
The natural beauty of Weathered Wood will always be in style. A base of deep brown is accented with hints of earthy clay, and lighter brown to create a look that is strong, rustic and cozy. Color and product availability varies by region and manufacturing location.
If you have an older fence or deck that has turned gray you may think it is too late to have beautifully stained wood in your backyard. The truth is that fences and decks can be restored to their original condition and transformed with quality outdoor stain.
The choice to apply your stain with a roller or a sprayer may depend on how much time you have. Rolling on a stain will take a lot more time. So, if you have a very long fence and you plan on staining with a roller, expect to dedicate several days or weeks to get the job done.
Two Coats Recommended: Most manufacturers suggest applying two coats for optimal protection and appearance. Drying Time Matters: Wait at least 4 hours between coats and 24 hours before using the deck. Avoid Over-Application: Too much stain can lead to poor adhesion, peeling, and uneven color.
Oil-based stains offer superior coverage against aspects like sunlight and moisture compared to their water-based equivalents. However, they also take longer to dry — up to 24 hours as opposed to 4 hours with water-based products.