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.
Weather conditions: Water-based stains are more susceptible to damage from sunlight, rain and wind than oil-based stains. If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, you should use an oil-based stain. Type of wood: Some woods, such as pine and fir are more prone to rot and mildew than others.
Water-based stains will not attract any microorganisms, and some even contain zinc for extra mildew and rot resistance. Application of water-based wood stains is safe (no VOCs) and cleanup requires nothing more than soap and water.
Because water based stain is high in viscosity, its method of protection is to sit on top of the wood's surface, usually layered in 2 or more coats. Because of these layered, thick top coatings, water based stains tend to blister, crack, flake or peel over time, usually starting to fail in its first winter season.
Water-based stains are non-reactive, so they are very safe and easy to handle and apply. This also means the color development is more predictable than acid stains. Water-based stains can also be applied in a wide range of methods including sprayers, sponges, and brushes.
When you're doing a simple woodworking project, especially one that requires quick drying time, a water-based stain is your best bet. It can dry in as little as 30 minutes through upwards of 1-2 hours is generally a more realistic drying time. Remember... oil-based stains take much longer.
Water-based stains offer great waterproofing and protection against UV rays while oil-based stains are better suited for resisting mildew buildup and repelling water.
The general rule of thumb is to apply only as much deck stain as the wood can absorb. Typically this will be 2 coats, unless you are dealing with extremely dense hardwoods which may only be able to absorb 1 coat of wood stain.
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 wood stains are for deck surfaces that have a lot of imperfections, or you just want to add a splash of color.
Most oil-based stains must dry for at least 12 hours before they are exposed to any moisture/rain; however, Ready Seal, if properly applied to prepped and dried wood, can get wet within a couple of hours, and it won't wash away. Oil-based stains will generally take 24-72 hours to fully cure.
Oil-based stains are not easily penetrated by the elements and are much more durable than water-based stains. These types of stains require less long-term maintenance. While oil-based stains dry more slowly, they maintain a more even finish, making the stain look nicer in the long run.
Paint tends to last a little longer than most stains, coming in at around 8-12 years before you will likely have to repaint. Stain, on the other hand, typically has to be refinished every 5-10 years.
Wash the surface gently to avoid damaging the stain. Keep wood free of leaves and other debris, including between boards. Check for mold and mildew every few months. Use a mold and mildew remover that twists onto the end of a garden hose for easy application.
Water-based stains last longer and retain their color better than other types of stains, as long as they are applied correctly. Low VOC. These stains are mostly non-flammable and low odor making them an excellent choice for large indoor projects.
Most solvent or water-based stains just colour the wood. These stains need to be sealed in with a varnish, wax or oil. However, some products marketed as wood stains are all-in-one products that colour and protect / seal the wood.
And here are some of the key ones you should know: THE FAULT: Water-based stains can be more difficult to use because they raise the grain of the wood.
Best Oil Based Deck Stain: Cabot Wood Toned Deck Siding Stain. By combining oil and resin, Cabot Wood Toned Deck Siding Stain provides everything you might expect of the best oil based deck stain. It's great at keeping out moisture, protecting from mildew and mold.
Latex Stains
Cleaning up afterwards is easier as well. So overall, the job will take less time with much easier cleanup. The downside to using latex is that it does not offer as much moisture protection as oil since it sits on top of the wood surface where the oil based stain soaks into the surface.
The problems that are most commonly noted with acid staining are related to application. If too much or not enough stain is applied, the results can be unattractive. This can be corrected by using the correct amount of stain. Using heavy coats of stain does not always help color develop better.
Different types of stains react differently to wood
For example, water-based stains bring out the color of the wood grain, while oil-based stains penetrate the wood deeper, giving it a deeper color. Woods like pine are prone to blotching and tend do better with gel stains, which help provide a more even coating.