Like topcoat finishes, this can lead to the wood becoming chipped and flaked. Buy on Amazon. Here are eight of the most important factors to consider when deciding between water-based and oil-based stains for your fence … Wood Stain vs. The primary difference between stain and paint is that fence stain is formulated to penetrate the wood, preserving the wood’s natural beauty by allowing the wood grain to show through. Adam Guilford, deck service manager at Decktec Outdoor Design in Golden, Colorado, suggests using only stain on deck floors, but paint can be used on vertical surfaces, such as deck posts or fences. Will crack, peel, and blister. The right fencing solution can enhance the beauty of your home or business and can provide added security for your property. The reason is that the manufacturers put solids, which are cheap but very tough, into their solid fence stains. There are quite a few benefits to staining your wood fence. What happens if you don’t like the color of a fence around a home you bought and you want to stain over painted wood? Don’t worry about mixing your stain. How to Stain a Fence – Guide. At NorTex Fence, our team of experts is here to help! Solid Stain and paint look very similar once applied and dried. Stain fades and it is easier to apply more stain as it has soaked deep into the wood. A solid stain will work better on smooth surface. Well, there are a few options. First, it typically requires significantly less maintenance than paint, since you won’t need to reapply the stain as often as you might need to do with paint. Stain can be a bit more forgiving during application as your fence will soak it up rather than sitting on the surface. They are most widely used in situations where you want a rustic or natural look for the wood. Many other great questions related; Learning what kind of paint to use on cedar siding, or find if you can paint … For most people, brushing and rolling fence stain is the way to go. Yet, the solid stain costs only about $5 per gallon more. Solid stains have a matte appearance which is similar to the look of flat paint. We always make sure to clean up our work area. Paint Vs Stain On Cedar Siding Paint vs stain on cedar siding is a very common question, who have a cedar sided home. While paint is still a great way to protect your wood fence from the elements, it generally requires more maintenance than stain. Painting is just one of many home maintenance solutions available to you. Apply the wood cleaner on the wood surface and clean with the help of a brush or a mop to scrub the debris and dust away. If you don’t know how to stain a fence, then we’ve got you covered. We will show up at the scheduled time and complete the job in the allocated term. This is especially true if the wood is often wet or in direct sunlight. The third estimate is for 1 coat of paint/stain on both sides of the fence. On the other hand, a rough surface likely calls for stain over paint. We also offer professional fence staining services, so you don’t need to take the project on yourself. He did two projects for me. The downside is that solid stain looks a lot like paint. Solid color deck stain and paint contain similar compounds in different quantities. The trade-offs between paints and stains are the same for fences as for decks (see “Decks,” below). I like to pour 3/4 of my stain into a large handy paint tray and keep 1/4 of it in the bucket for brushing the tops of the fence boards and edges. To apply stain, you'll have to wait until it's at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit or 10 degrees Celsius out, with no rain forecasted for at least two to three days. They look very similar. Similar to stain, before adding a new layer of paint, you first need to prep the current surface. Solid stains create a film on top of the wood that completely masks the grain. The conditions that your fence withstands, such as harsh winters or considerable rainfall, may mean more frequent maintenance. These stains look more like paint. These are general guidelines: If your fence looks like it needs a fresh coat of paint or stain, apply it! Stain the wood fence. And so finally! We’ve covered all those details in a separate blog! The suitability of painting versus staining can also depend on the type of wood used for your fence. We don’t recommend letting costs guide your selection. Paint is less expensive, but you’ll need more of it and you’ll also need primer. Of course, the stain protects your wood from excess sunlight and some rough weather. In that case, a stain that is more translucent in color would be a great choice. For treated lumber, stain won’t penetrate as deeply as it … Stain wins here. These stains have been likened to a wood finish, rather than a stain, and that is a very accurate description. Stain contains significantly less pigment than paint. Both deck paints and deck stains are available as oil-based and latex-based mixtures. Rough sawn wood will need significant prep work if using paint. Brushing And Rolling Your Fence Stain Onto Your Wood Fence. For instance, there is guaranteed to be a wider selection of paint colors than stain colors. It hides the natural wood grain of the fence. Solid color stains are non-penetrating, meaning that they lay upon the surface of the wood rather than bonding with it. Click here for our precautionary measures. Cedar wood does not take paint well, and paint can actually reduce the lifespan of your cedar fence. Stain is more expensive, but you won’t need as much of it and it can last longer than paint. It never hurts to do preventative maintenance too early. It’s Not time to apply the stain. Just take extra time to clean the wood well before treating it! The solid stain, which looks like dark brown fence paint, works its jobs of providing a long-lasting high-finish on the fence. Also, unlike paint, stain doesn’t crack or peel from the surface of the wood, so it tends to wear better over time. This is because overtime the paint will chip, scratch, or peel from the wood, even with normal wear and tear. Paint: How to decide Stain. No surprise fees after the work is complete. Feel confident that you are hiring the best in the business. Often, a solid stain is longer lasting than other types of stain finishes. Our Project Wizard was created to help take the strain out of choosing the right stain. Each has their pros and cons, and we're here to go down the list to make sure you end up with a finish that's just right for your fence. Make sure that you follow the instructions written on the wood cleaner before going for it. If you want to remove the grey-color on weathered wood, use a commercial wood brightener before treating the wood. We'll look at the type of wood you have, its current condition, and add your color considerations to help you make the right decision. If you’re shopping for a fence stain that … Here are our tips to consider when deciding whether to paint or stain your wood fence. Your choice of coverage depends on a number of factors including application, intended use, and individual preference. Pressure-treated lumber can be painted or stained, but stain will not soak in as deeply with treated wood than it would with raw. Paint can also be sprayed on a fence, but it requires special equipment. Best Overall: Ready Seal Stain and Sealer. BEHR® Solid Color House & Fence Wood Stain is rated 4.9 out of 5 by 144. Solid Color Stain. No matter which finishes you choose, be sure to make any necessary repairs to your fence before you get started. Solids—Choose these stains if you want a rich, vibrant opaque finish that completely hides the wood grain while allowing very little of the wood texture to show through. Pigment not only adds color to wood finishing product, but also blocks lights and prevents a wood deck from weathering. When deciding to paint your fence or not, keep in mind that you should probably expect to repaint your fence every couple years or so, in order to maintain the look as well as the protective benefits. If you are planning on staining or restaining your current fence, we suggest a power wash first to make sure the surface of the wood is clean and ready for the new layer of stain to be applied. Stain vs. Stain manufacturers have created a variety of hues, and solid stain options give you color stain options that look like paint. One option to consider is using a solid stain vs. paint for deck materials. Your health and safety are our highest priority during this time. Don’t get stuck patching up the fence every few months, opt for a stain instead. Did you know… A transparent stain (without any colour) will last maybe two years. If you're thinking of tackling a major project like painting or staining your fence, the first thing that comes to mind is how often you'll need to do this task. Stain tends to show its wear a little more pleasantly than paint. Whether you have a new fence that's ready for a topcoat or your old fence is in need of attention, deciding whether to paint or stain is a common stumbling block for homeowners. Paint is less expensive, but you’ll need more of it and you’ll also need primer. First, it typically requires significantly less maintenance than paint, since you won’t need to reapply the stain as often as you might need to do with paint. View solid colors. Stain should be reapplied at least every three years and paint every five to six years. Generally, we recommend using stain on new fences since it lasts longer, penetrates the wood, and is easier to maintain. When we provide pricing for the job, we will stick to it. Similar to paint, stain also comes in a variety of colors and finishes. In fact, there are quite a few factors that could contribute to this decision, and some pros and cons of each! Before you start staining the fence… Or, you can choose from a variety of solid color stains, that cover the wood similar to the way a colored paint would. If you have a fence in your yard that has never been painted or stained, it’s never too late! Give us a call today at (888) 261-3633 or request a free estimate online. Film-forming finishes like paint and solid stains last longer and have stronger colors, but will inevitably peel and require more effort to renew. What are Differences between Solid Stain and Paint? Stain is more expensive, but you won’t need as much of it and it can last longer than paint. Since stain cannot peel or flake, all it takes is a good washing to prepare the fence for a new coat of stain. It’s possible as long as you follow the tips from our experts in the link above. All locations are individually owned and operated. By this time the wood has typically had areas that look okay and areas where the wood is getting near the end and apply something other than a solid probably won’t hide the discrepancies and variations in the deck floor. Does stain protect your wood? We have found that since Cabot was sold to Valspar, their quality has fallen for all their deck stains Paint is great for completely transforming fencing. At Neighborly, we are committed to being there for all your home services needs. Most people would say the houses were painted and wouldn't know it was solid stain. When it comes to reapplying, a painted fence requires more prep work. Let the wood fence completely after cleaning. Lastly, paint can be applied in a wide variety of conditions as long as it's not raining. You can see that the playhouse is done in a solid stain, tinted to Broadway by Behr and the retaining wall is painted in that colour in a flat finish. , so you don’t need to take the project on yourself. However, if you're hoping for a fabulous fuchsia fence, paint is the only way to go. You may notice some areas of fading or deteriorating finish. Custom Cedar Fence | Nortex Fence & Patio, Still unsure of which option is better for your fence? Paint prevents the wood from breathing, proving detrimental to its lifespan. Paint also provides a thicker barrier against the elements and can last for years. If you're still not sure whether paint or stain is right for your fence, contact the pros at Five Star Painting. Here are the basic differences between paint and solid color stain: Sheen Availability of Paint or Stain: When beginning your exterior painting project, you’ll want to consider the sheen or gloss level of the paint or stain. Do you prefer the look of the natural wood, but just want a stain to help protect it over time? Cedar fences, in particular, are better suited for staining. Paint . Certain services are subject to state and local licensing and may not be available at all locations. We don’t recommend letting costs guide your selection. In the end, both products cost about the same when you consider how much you need and how long they last. If you want a truly unique look for your fence, paint is the way to go, as your color selection is virtually endless. Still unsure of which option is better for your fence? Both types of finishes need regular attention. Finally, the last estimate is for 2 coats on both sides of the fence. Paint offers an unlimited number of color choices and can easily cover flaws or blemishes within the wood, while stain helps … Stain can do the same but that grain can be seen most of the time and the impact is less dramatic. On the other hand, raw, rough wood is happy to have a coat of stain where the paint will require sanding and smoothing of the surface. The fence will need to be lightly sanded and all peeling or flaking paint will need to be removed. Give us a call or fill out our simple contact form today. Paint is more expensive and is more time consuming to apply on a surface. Whenever you use a pump sprayer or a paint sprayer, the results will be the same if you follow this guide. The step you have been prepping for. On the other hand, paint stays on the surface and creates a thin film. semitransparent vs. solid stain Semitransparent stains are usually used on decks, fences, and areas where you want to see the grain of the wood and even the original color. At NorTex Fence, our team of experts is here to help! While stain and paint both offer protective as well as aesthetic benefits to your wood fence, there are some differences. Stain is always thinner than paint and when stain is applied on a surface, it tends to soak into the surface. Lastly, before you make your decision between painting or staining your fence, consider the type of wood your fence is built from and what its current finish is. We recommend adding an additional 5% - 10% to account for additional paint (or stain) needed for fence posts, to account for spillage, etc. This product has a thicker consistency compared to traditional stain, but it doesn’t peel as bad as paint. Whether you have a current fence that you’re not sure what to do with, or you’re planning on getting a new fence in the near future, one of the decisions you’ll have to make is if you’ll be painting it, staining it, or leaving it as natural wood. Also, painting or staining prevents the wood fence from warping and twisting, and really preserves the life of the fence. This means it won’t show drips or runs as easily as paint. When to use a solid deck or fence stain I start recommending solid stains when the deck is around 15 or 18 years old. While solid stain can resist fading from the sun, it won’t resist eventual cracking, peeling, or blistering. Paint, on the other hand, tends to crack, bubble, and peel as the time to reapply draws near. The first layer of paint should be scraped off completely before adding the new layer, which can be time consuming, especially for large fences. A semi-transparent stain lasts 2-3 years. Rated 5 out of 5 by KathieB from Victorian porch railing I decided to use Behr solid stain on my new Victorian home's porch railing and spindles that was not treated in any way. A fence can turn from beige to blue in the blink of an eye. Semi-transparent oil stains won’t last as long. Is It Cheaper to Paint or Stain a Fence? View semi-solid colors. Most stains can easily be applied with a handheld garden pump sprayer. While both paint and stain protect your fence from the weather, insects, and rot, staining your fence is the better option. Five Star Painting is a Neighborly company. One of my exterior paint guys uses the Cabot stains in solid instead of paint on pretty much any wood house that doesn't already have paint on it. Also, unlike paint, stain doesn’t crack or peel from the surface of the wood, so it tends to wear better over time. There are quite a few benefits to staining your wood fence. Read on to find out more about this option! Cabot Solid stains have been around for 20+ years. The upside is that you get better durability for the money. Paint, on the other hand, is formulated to cover up the wood surface completely. It must dry out before treating, too. Like should I have paint or stain on exterior cedar siding. When solid stain is used on a deck, the stain will completely cover the wood grain. DO your homework BEFORE you stain or paint your fence. The solid really looks like paint. Choosing between oil-based and water-based stains for your Houston wood fence can make a big difference in its appearance and longevity. © 2020 Dwyer Franchising, LLC All rights reserved. Paint or Stain? However, unlike stain, a simple power wash will not be sufficient in order to properly apply a new coat of paint. Horizontal surfaces, such as the deck floor, experience more foot traffic and therefore require more maintenance, and painting can be more costly. One is to buy a white vinyl picket fence, which will never need to be stained, painted, or maintained other than a good cleaning every once in a while. Give us a call or fill out our simple. There are some benefits of choosing paint over stain. 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