If you prefer a long-term solution, paint is your best option. Painting your siding or deck will last at least twice as long as a stain but does retain moisture within the wood.
Paint generally lasts longer as it forms a protective layer against weathering. However, stains won't peel like paints might over time.
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.
Paint is by far the best protection for wood. Stain does a good job protecting but for a shorter period of time.
Exterior house paint can last anywhere between 5-12 years. However, several different factors can drastically impact the longevity of your home's exterior paint job.
Which brand of exterior paint lasts the longest? Sherwin-Williams Duration is the longest-lasting exterior paint brand, according to Consumer Reports.
Below is the average lifespan of exterior paint by surface: Wood: Hardwood is more durable than softwood, which allows the paint to last longer on hardwood surfaces. Paint on wood tends to last anywhere from 3-7 years.
Staining doesn't last as long as paint does. In fact, stain's lifespan is about half that of paint. It's less durable too, so it'll start to fade with time. Since stains only last about five years, you will need to restrain your surfaces to maintain their color and protective qualities.
The most common kinds of exterior door paint are acrylic resin or latex-based and with a semi-gloss finish. Latex-based exterior paint is the most flexible type and is quite popular. It fills in larger imperfections on a door's surface and resists cracking and chipping.
Clear and transparent stains need a touchup every year or two. Semi-transparent last 2 to 3 years. Semi-solid stains are good for 2 to 4 years of protection. Solid stains on decks may protect up to 5 to 7 years.
Paint lasts longer.
staining the deck, paint generally comes out as the more durable and colorfast finish, lasting 10 years or longer before requiring re-application. Oil-based paints offer the best protection from moisture, whereas latex paints provide the best defense against UV-related fading.
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.
Stain is usually the preferred way to finish pressure-treated lumber because it soaks better into the wood and is easier to apply than paint is. However, there are fewer color options available, and stain won't fill in small cracks in the wood as paint will.
Do All Wood Stains Fade in Sunlight? Tim Inman: Old Sol always wins. Sunshine is incredibly destructive to both finishes and the substrates under them. UV rays will tear up the varnish and the wood structure.
Solid. Solid stains, such as the ZAR Solid Color Deck & Siding Coating, are an excellent option for those seeking a rich, opaque finish for their exterior wood door. Unlike semi-transparent stains, solid stains hide the wood grain, but highlight the texture of the wood.
Acrylic latex paint with UV inhibitors is an excellent choice for painting a metal front door that gets a lot of sun. The UV inhibitors in the paint help to prevent sunlight from breaking down the paint's pigments and causing fading or discoloration.
Choosing long-lasting exterior paint colors like beige, tan, light brown, light blues, white, and light green can significantly increase the durability of your property's façade. These neutral and earthy tones are not just aesthetically pleasing; they also excel in reflecting sunlight and heat.
Deck stains will generally peel for two basic reasons: over application and poor adhesion. This is simple — too much stain on the surface of the wood. With deck stains, specifically with semi-transparent finishes, more is not better. You only want to apply as much product as the wood can easily absorb.
Despite what you may have heard — or maybe your own last attempt — you absolutely can paint over stain beautifully and durably.
A well-applied coat of acrylic exterior paint generally lasts 5-10 years, while latex and oil-based paints don't hold up as long.
As a rule, it is not recommended to use non-pressure treated wood for exterior structures, but there are a few exceptions. Three commonly-used species of wood used in exterior applications are cedar, redwood, and IPE. Each of these species carry some natural resistance to weathering when exposed to sun and moisture.
Why You Should Use a Sealant. Exterior paints are designed to be waterproof and resistant to extreme weather conditions. Although many painted finishes last for decades without a sealant, other surfaces require it to prevent chipping and fading.