SEMI-TRANSPARENT: Our Water-Based Semi-Transparent Interior Stain allows the natural grain to shine through the color. It goes on 5x thicker than traditional oil-based stains for easy application. SOLID: Our Water-Based Solid Stain provides more color and shows less grain.
Stains do not peel or crack when applied to a properly prepped surface. A semi-transparent stain won't show fading like a solid stain will. You can expect 4 to 8 years before needing to recoat most semi-transparent stains. A solid stain will last twice as long but will fade in direct sun in as little as 3 or 4 years.
Semi-solid stains are much like semi-transparent stains, except that they have a deeper color and show less of the natural wood grain. They provide longer protection and can also be tinted in nearly any color. Solid stains are nearly indistinguishable from paint.
A solid stain will last longer than any other stain. The downside is it doesn't show the wood grain's natural beauty. A semi-solid will be more durable than a semi-transparent, but you lose more grain.
How old is it? Always stain your deck. If it's super old wood that's on its way out then you can use a solid stain. Which is basically a paint.
For instance, a transparent or semi-transparent stain will bind to bare wood just fine but won't adhere as strongly to a previous layer of solid stain.
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.
So, the next time you need some exterior wood stained, see if a solid body stain might be a better choice than a semi-transparent stain or standard paint. It will last longer than a semi-transparent stain, as long as a good quality paint and it will be much easier to maintain going forward.
For 2024, Benjamin Moore's “Fresh Brew” has emerged as the leading solid stain color, chosen for its deep, earthy tone that provides a clean and contemporary look.
Natural Oils:
“These stains last longer and are more durable than unsealed water-based stains because there is no film on the wood to chip or fail,” according to the Green Home Guide, Tung oil is the optimal penetrating oil because it can penetrate, harden and still remain somewhat flexible.
shellac, polyurethane and epoxy coatings, are the principal coatings involved when peeling problems occur. To a lesser extent, other products like semi-transparent stains, Cabot Semi-Solid® Stains and Cabot Decking Stains can flake and peel from wood siding or deck structures if these products are over-applied.
The sun beating down, the rain pounding, and the snow piling high. Dirt and residue are going to settle in and build upon that flat surface. That's why it's so important to treat your deck with a good quality stain or paint. The best stains should last 3-5 years when applied correctly.
SEMI-TRANSPARENT: Our Water-Based Semi-Transparent Interior Stain allows the natural grain to shine through the color. It goes on 5x thicker than traditional oil-based stains for easy application. SOLID: Our Water-Based Solid Stain provides more color and shows less grain.
Advantages of Solid Stain for Wooden Decks & Siding
Staining preserves the natural texture of the wood and usually only takes one coat, meaning it's more cost-effective than painting. In addition, stain allows the wood to breathe, allows moisture to escape, and is resistant to cracking, peeling, and blistering.
Different brands of semi-transparent deck stain have different application instructions. Apply a second coat when the deck stain instructions indicate you should do so. Some decks need two coats depending on the color, type, age, and condition of the wood, what type of stain was previously used, and proper maintenance.
Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® Wood Stain delivers oil-like performance without the odor in a thick, fast-drying water-based formula. This product is available in a curated palette, hand-picked by Joanna Gaines to enhance the natural beauty of your interior wood surfaces.
Pale and Medium Brown: The Classic Timeless Colors
One of the primary reasons why pale and medium brown are considered timeless hardwood floor colors is their inherent versatility.
Benjamin Moore's 2024 Color of the Year is Blue Nova, a cool and captivating shade of blue with the prettiest hint of violet. The intriguing color choice stems from the desire to travel both near and far — even outer space! This midtone blue has an almost cosmic quality that carries an adventurous spirit into the home.
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. You'll still see some grain, but you'll hide more of the wear and tear your deck has endured.
Solid stain plugs up the wood pores, preventing a semi-transparent or clear stain from soaking into the wood. “But a solid stain can be applied over any type of stain.”
Rollers are a great way to apply wood stain as well for the speed at which you can apply the stain. However, when using rollers can be a disadvantage when you have hard to reach areas. If you are going to use a roller to apply your stain, make sure to have a brush as well for those hard to reach areas.
Applying a second coat too soon can result in uneven coverage and poor adhesion.