Every so often the deck requires a little maintenance. It is exposed to the elements and over time, the materials need replacing or repairs and the finish needs a fresh coat. Some homeowners are at a loss when it comes to finishing the deck with stain or paint however. Where both have their pros and cons, it generally comes down to personal preference. But many people like to take in the facts before they make a choice. We at McKay’s Painting would like to relate a few of the basic points of paint and stain for the finish of your deck.
Pros of Wood Stains on Decks
Stain is more cost effective: For an exterior stain suitable for in comparison for an exterior paint it nearly twice as much for the paint. In addition to the exterior paint costing more, you will have to spend more in cost for primer for the wood preservative. Generally, the commercial wood stains are already infused with wood preservatives and don’t require an extra primer to adhere to.
Stains are more natural looking: They form a thin film over the deck that lets both the natural grain pattern as the wood stain is a transparent to semi-solid in opacity that partially fills the pores of wood; this allows for a very natural look. If you still want the rustic appearance but disguise the imperfections a solid wood stain that is highly pigmented and virtually opaque is available.
Advantages of Painting a Wood Deck
Paint is more opaque: Paints have a more manufactured look 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.
Paint offers more variety: Paint has an assortment of colors from the warm, cool, and neutral pallets to chose from. Stains are only used to accentuate qualities of the woods, but still have an assortment of choices.
Stain application is easier: Prior to staining or painting, 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. If any screw or nails are loose or missing, replace then and replace any damage planks. Sand mildly damaged surfaces and ridges.
Stain typically only requires a single coat brushed or rolled on for the application. Stain is a thin and runny consistency that prevents globs and pooling effects and the transparency of the texture minimizes the lap marks. Additionally, many finishing brands are available as two-in-one stain-and-sealer making it very convenient.
Requires primer. Paint on the other hand requires first a quality primer coat, minimum of two coats of latex or oil-based paint is required and maybe more. Keep in mind with the thick consistency of paint means lap marks and globs commonly crop up in the finish. After enough coats are applied a final coat of a clear polyurethane sealer is a must.
Longevity: Both paint and stain on your deck can have their own issues.
Cons of Paints & Stains
Paint– Prone to peeling and chipping. However, generally more durable and lasts 10 years or more before needing re-application. With the right paint, you can better protection from moisture and more UV resistance.
Stain– Potential heat-related discoloration. Shorter lifespan; anywhere from 1-8 years, depending several factors. Offers little l to know protection from moisture or UV protection for transparent stains, but high moisture and UV protection with solid stains.
Color Consulting, Painting Services & More in Ojai, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Los Angeles, Burbank & Ventura, CA
Where it can be a tough decision for some to choose between stain or paint for their decks, you have a reliable source to get your deck refinished or restored quickly and efficiently with McKay’s Painting. Call us today for more details!
