Whether you have an older deck that needs some maintenance, or installing a brand-new deck, they are commonly stained or painted to not only offer beauty but to protect it from the elements as well. When it comes to finishing the deck with stain or paint, many homeowners are indecisive. It generally comes down to personal preference as they each of their advantages and disadvantages. Before you make your choice, we at McKay’s Painting would like to offer some food for though concerning painting or staining the deck.
Cost of Stain is Often Less than Paint
When comparing to outdoor stains and paints, the paints are usually twice as much as stains. Also, you will have to spend more in cost for primer for the wood preservative on top of the extra cost of the exterior paint. It is not required for an extra prime step since the commercial wood stains are usually already infused with wood preservatives.
Stain Wood to Make it Look Natural
You get a more natural look with stain. The wood stain is transparent to semi-solid in opacity that partially fills the pores of wood, making it form a thin film over the deck that lets both the natural grain pattern. You can maintain a rustic appearance while disguising the imperfections with a solid wood stain that is highly pigmented and virtually opaque is available. With high percentage of pigments and resins that completely fills the pores of the wood and dries to an opaque surface that hides cracks and covers the distinction of the wood grain, paints have a more manufactured look.
Paint has More Color Choices than Stain
From the warm, cool, and neutral pallets to choose from, paint has an assortment of colors. Though they still have an assortment of choices, stains are only used to accentuate qualities of the woods.
It is Easier to Stain a Deck than Paint It
The deck needs preparation that includes clearing off the surface, sweeping of the dirt and mud and use an approved to clear scrub off the stains prior to staining or painting. Replace then and replace any damage planks if any screw or nails are loose or missing. Mildly damaged surfaces and ridges need to be sanded. For an easy application, stain typically only requires a single coat brushed or rolled on. Globs and pooling effects are avoided, and the transparency of the texture minimizes the lap marks since stain is a thin and runny consistency. Many finishing brands are available as two-in-one stain-and-sealer making it very convenient as well. A first quality primer coat, and a minimum of two coats of latex or oil-based paint is required and maybe more when it comes to paint on the other hand. Also, the thick consistency of paint means lap marks and globs commonly crop up in the finish. A final coat of a clear polyurethane sealer is a must, after enough coats are applied.
Paint or Stain Longevity
Over time, both paint and stain have their own issues.
Paint– Peeling and chipping are common long-term concerns. However, before needing re-application, it is generally more durable and lasts 10 years or more. You can better protection from moisture and more UV resistance with the right paint.
Stain– Heat-related discoloration can develop over time. Depending on several factors, it has a shorter lifespan and needs re-staining anywhere from 1-8 years. Solid stains can have high moisture and UV protection, though transparent stains usually have little to no protection from moisture or UV protection
Deck Staining, Painting, Refinishing & More in Ventura, Ojai, Newbury Park, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills & Santa Barbara California
When it comes to staining or painting your deck, you can trust in McKay’s Painting to ensure your deck is properly coated.
