The advantage to stain is that it will expand and contract more with the wood, enduring the changing weather better. Stain is also more breathable, allowing natural airflow through the wood. Paint will dry in a thicker coat, providing a more substantial barrier.
But in a head-to-head of painting vs. staining the deck, paint generally comes out as the more durable and colorfast finish, lasting 10 years or longer before requiring re-application.
There are two types of paints suitable and durable for outdoor wood: Oil-based paint Acrylic paint. Oil-based paints dry harder, which provides excellent resistance to wear and tear.
Does Paint Make Wood Waterproof? In order to protect wood from water, a good film of paint over the wood and good paint seals in the joints shed water, so the wood stays dry when it is well maintained.
Types of Waterproofers. There are two basic product categories for waterproofing: stains and sealants. Stains are used on wood to enhance color and make them weather resistant. Sealants protect concrete and wood from moisture but do not stop water movement through the concrete from the outside.
Better, Lasting Coverage
While staining may take less time than painting, painting often does a better job of filling the cracks, covering imperfections, and provides longer lasting protection. Paint also is typically more rot resistance and does a better job of preventing mold and sun damage.
A solid stain will better accentuate the texture of the wood, so a rough surface likely calls for stain over paint. The disadvantage here is that solid stains are very flat and thus are typically less durable than paint. You can still expect 6-8 years of longevity out of a properly executed exterior stain application.
Stain is always thinner than paint and when stain is applied on a surface, it tends to soak into the surface. On the other hand, paint stays on the surface and creates a thin film.
Staining T1-11 is less work than painting it -- you may need only one coat -- but prior cleaning of the substrate is even more important, because any dirt and discoloration shows through. You can give the wood a certain amount of UV protection while allowing the grain to show by using a semi-transparent stain.
Stain has a flat finish as it soaks into the wood whereas a paint has a variety of finish options with varying sheens. Solid stain shows all that beautiful wood grain since it does soak in and has the flat finish. Paint provides more coverage for grain and other imperfections as it sits on top of the wood.
Deck paint is a great garden decking idea, it will not only refresh your outdoor space, but it will also help form a protective barrier around the timber. To ensure you can continue to enjoy your decking area for years to come, we've put together some maintenance tips, along with a guide on how to paint decking.
Most of the time, stains also contain a protective sealant. It's a good idea, though, to re-seal your deck (or check that it needs to be re-sealed) once a year. Water-based stains can adhere to water or oil-based coatings already present on the wooden surface. Water-based stains can be cleaned up with water.
The primary difference between deck paint and house paint is the quality it possesses relating to the surface you use it on. Deck paint is formulated to avoid chipping and wearing. Wood deck paint is able to expand and contract with seasonal temperature and moisture changes.
The best stains should last three to five years on a deck and even longer if applied to siding or fences, which don't get as much abuse.
Varnish, a combination of resin, solvent, and drying oil, gives a hard-shell finish that resists scratches without yellowing. To waterproof wood that will be placed outdoors, choose marine varnish, which contains UV absorbers to resist sun damage.
A sealer goes on clear or transparent to show the grain and the natural wood color. It prevents water from being absorbed and causing rot. Whereas a stain will do much the same as a sealer but also has a pigment added that blocks UV rays that can dry out the wood, causing it to crack or check, and gray.
Unlike stains, sealants lack pigmentation and generally provide less UV protection than stains. Stains always include pigmentation, which adds color to the deck and helps protect against UV damage. Even the best deck stains generally offer only moderate moisture protection.
Yes, you can put Thompson water sealer over stained wood whether the stain is water or oil-based. But surface preparation is key. If the stain has completely dried and cured it's fine to apply sealer, but if there is still some moisture, applying the water seal over the stain might cause problems.
Never apply polyurethane over tacky stain. Otherwise, both stain and polyurethane layers will be destroyed. You should wait till the stain is completely dried over and then apply the polyurethane finish. If the stain doesn't dry, wipe the excess stain, and let it dry completely before applying polyurethane.
Consumer Reports notes the best time to paint or stain a deck is late spring when temperatures are between 60 and 85°F and the nights are cool. You'll need four dry days for preparation, for application, and for a finish to completely dry.
The main difference between paint and stain is that paint lies on the surface of the item being painted, whereas stain is absorbed into it. Here are some pros and cons of both paint and stain. Paint: Paint is thicker than stain, so generally needs fewer coats.
When you opt to paint your deck, you won't have to refinish it anytime soon. A quality paint job, finished by a trusted professional, can last for ten years before needing repainting. Conversely, stains need reapplied every few years because they don't offer the same protection against outdoor elements.
Solid Color Stains
With WoodScapes solid color stain - backed by an 8-year warranty - you can eliminate exterior coating problems, such as blistering, peeling and cracking. Browse our exterior solid color stain colors.
Transparency, or opacity, determines how much wood grain you want to see after your deck is stained. For newer wood, go with clear, transparent or semi-transparent stains — that way some grain still shows through. Semi-solid stains are a better choice for decks that have seen their share of cookouts.