Stain or paint? It is the most common question we hear about exterior wood, and the answer changes depending on whether you are coating a deck, a fence, a pergola or a front door. Here is how to decide.
The basic difference
Stain soaks into the wood and wears away gradually, so the grain stays visible. Paint forms a film on top that covers the grain in a solid color. When a stain fades, it can usually be cleaned and refreshed. When paint fails, it tends to peel, and the surface needs scraping and sanding before it can be repainted.
| Stain | Paint | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Grain and texture show | Solid, uniform color |
| Wear | Fades gradually | Can peel or flake when it fails |
| Refresh | Clean and restain | Scrape, sand and repaint |
| Switching later | Easy to restain | Going back to stain means stripping the paint |
Decks
Decks are walked on, so a film of paint wears through faster than stain does. Most decks are stained for that reason. A solid stain is a good option for older, weathered boards when you want more coverage. See our deck staining page for how we work.
Fences
A stained wood fence keeps its natural look and fades evenly. A painted fence gives you a color match with the house, but the boards expand and contract with the weather, which can crack paint over time. Our fence staining page explains the process.
Pergolas and front doors
Pergolas and wood doors are often stained to show off beams, grain and craftsmanship. Sun-baked beam tops and south-facing doors take the most abuse, so the finish and upkeep matter more than the color. See pergola staining and front door staining.
Can you paint over stained wood?
Yes, with the right prep. The surface is cleaned, sanded and primed so the paint bonds. The reverse, putting stain over paint, usually means stripping the paint off first, so it is worth deciding before you start.
Want a written estimate for your deck, fence or pergola? Request an estimate or call (714) 553-4405. We’re open every day, 9 am to 6 pm.
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