Do you intend to do some renovation in your home, specifically with your wooden deck or fence? It all comes down to choosing between paint vs stain and which product will be suitable for the weather.
There are types of woods that naturally flourish alone and do not need any form of coating. Also, there are types of wood that require coating to survive in the environment.
For maintenance work, you may be wondering if it’s best to use stain or paint. You also have to consider other factors such as cost, how to apply stain and paint, and longevity.
What is Stain?
Stains are composed of a similar mixture as paint- solvent, resin, and pigments. A stain is designed to penetrate the pores of the wood, revealing its natural structure and texture.
Generally, stain comes in three finish options such as transparent, semi-transparent, and opaque.
Opaque or solid colour stains have more pigments compared to transparent and semi-transparent types. Stains are not available in a wide range of colours compared to paint.
It typically only comes in shades of brown.
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What Is Stain Best for?
Applying house paint to your wooden deck or fence is not something you should consider because it won’t be suitable for it. Instead, you can use decking paint to coat your fence and deck and it lasts for a longer period.
Stain is your best option if you intend to do some renovations. It’s best for your wooden deck, fence, table, door and frames.
But keep in mind that there are types of wood that won’t adhere to the stain.
Woods that easily adhere to the stain are the only types of wood you should apply the material on. If stain remains only on the surface, it won’t make any difference because the wood is supposed to soak in this substance.
What Is Paint?
Paint is a type of coating that is made of four components-solvent, resin, pigment, and additives. Unlike stains, paints are made in different colours and types that are applied to the surface of an object or material.
The pigment in paints makes the colours and the binders keep the pigment participles together.
The solvents contained in paints dissolve and spread the other components. Addictive are added to paints to help provide more properties like faster drying time, improved resistance to water or UV light and durability.
Paint is used to coat and protect the wooden surface from moisture and also improves the appearance as well.
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What Is Paint Best For?
Paints are used to decorate the surface of anything. Whether it’s walls, wooden fence or deck, there are several surfaces to apply paint.
Generally, there are paints specifically for walls, wooden decks or fences, and furniture. Deck paint is the best option for a wooden deck and it lasts longer than stain.
Stain vs Paint: Key Difference
| Stain | Paint |
| Stain only comes in shades of brown. | Paint is thicker than stain but needs multiple coatings than stain. |
| It’s easier to apply and do not require multiple coating like deck painting on wood. | Paints are in an array of colours compared to stains. |
| Stain is less expensive compared to deck paint. | More uniform in its covering. |
| While paints are likely to peel, crack or flake, stain is more resistant to chipping but will fade with time. | Paints can be applied more than once on a wood surface. It can be used on metal, plastic, stucco, etc. |
| Applying stain to the wood surface will enhance it rather than covering it up. | There are more finishes and sheen available in paint. |
Stain vs Paint: Advantage of Using Stain or Paint to Decorate Your Homestead
| Stain | Paint |
| Stains are composed of a similar mixture as paint- solvent, resin, and pigments. | Paint is a type of coating that is made of four components-solvent, resin, pigment, and additives. |
| Stain is less expensive compared to paint. It costs about $30 to $50 per gallon. | If you decide to paint your deck, you will need to purchase a wood preservative and primer to coat your deck. Expect a cost between $15 to $40 per gallon. |
| Applying stain is simple and good for recoating surfaces that require a touch-up. | Paint is available in a variety of colours compared to stain. |
| Applying stain is quicker compared to painting because you don’t always need to prime surfaces first. | Deck paint lasts longer than stain. |
| While paints are likely to peel, crack or flake, stains are more resistant to chipping but will fade with time. | If you have applied paint on a surface before, you can also repaint the surface if you want to. |
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Which Should You Choose between Stain vs Paint?
One thing you want to consider before choosing stain or paint is the surface that requires a little touch-up.
If you want to cover concrete or wood surfaces, using stain will give a natural or warm finish.
Paint on the other hand offers a variety of colours for decoration and also protects surfaces from moisture. You get to protect the wall’s surface and at the same time can choose any colour suiting your taste.
The truth is, whether you decide to decorate with stain or paint, it all comes down to your taste and the suitability of the surfaces you intend to cover.
Stain vs Paint: Key Difference between Stain and Paint
Let’s look at some key differences between stain and paint.
Appearance
The appearance of these two substances is the main difference between them.
While painting is often used to cover the wood and give it a uniform colour, staining is designed to penetrate the pores of the wood, revealing its natural beauty, structure and texture.
Transparency
Stains are generally transparent or semi-transparent, which creates a unique appearance that shows the natural grain of the wood. With paints, the grains are covered completely.
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Maintenance
You will likely do more maintenance with stained wood than painted wood. Stains may fade or wear away over time and will need re-coating every few years.
Deck paint lasts longer compared to deck stain.
Preparation
Staining requires less preparation and does not need multiple coatings like paint. While stain can be applied directly to clean wood, painting requires more preparation like priming, filling, and sanding impactions.
Time
Staining is a quicker process compared to painting- it can be applied in a shorter amount of time and it also dries faster compared to painting.
Cost
Stain is less expensive compared to paint. It costs about $30 to $50 per gallon.
If you decide to paint your deck, you will need to purchase a wood preservative and primer to coat your deck. Expect a cost between $15 to $40 per gallon.
Conclusion
Applying house paint to your wooden deck or fence is not something you should consider because it won’t be suitable for it. Instead, you can use decking paint to coat your fence and deck and it lasts for a longer period.
Stain and paint differ in terms of appearance, cost, preparation, maintenance, and durability. One thing you want to consider before choosing stain or paint is the surface that requires a little touch-up.
Stain is your best option if you intend to do some renovations on your wooden deck, fence, table, door and frames.
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References
- Thatsweettealife: Stain vs. Paint: The Pros and Cons of Each Finish
- Usvintagewood: What’s the Difference Between Paint And Stain? Which Is Better?
- Cobbbrothersco: Difference Between Paint and Stain
- Paintworld.com.au: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STAIN AND PAINT?
- Marcpoulospainting: The Difference Between Paint and Stain
