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Paint or Wood Staining?

painting a wooden fence

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You have decided on a wooden fence installation around your property. But you are perplexed about the finer details. Should you paint the wooden fence or apply stain over it?

Paint and stain have similar compositions—they consist of pigments and a vehicle. Both come in oil and acrylic varieties. Painting and staining both add color to the wood and save it from decay. But the two processes are different. Based on these differences, you can assess what’s the better choice for you.

Paint

Paint is a commonly available material used in various household projects. You can paint your fence, walls, doors, etc., to a color of your liking. You can go for the classic white or unconventional royal blue—it’s all about what you want!

Unlike stains, paint remains on the outer surface of the object. This means that one coat is usually sufficient for wooden surfaces. Paint comes in a wide variety of colors and textures. The more pigments it has, the more saturated its appearance. Paint can have a glossy, matte, or satin finish.

You must prime the wood surface before painting it. Between paint and stain, paint is the costlier option.

Stain

If you ever open a can of stain, you will instantly note that it is much thinner than paint. The thin consistency makes it easy to apply; there won’t be any liquid pooling on the surface; just a swoop of brush or roller brings finesse to the wood. It has fewer pigments and it will show the wood surface it is painted over, creating a more natural look.

Stain costs less but comes in limited colors. It only gives a matte finish, though you can use varnish to make it glossy. Its use is restricted to wooden surfaces; you cannot use stain on concrete or metal. You need not prime the surface before using stain. Just apply it directly on the wooden surface. The stain will seep into the wooden surface, creating beautiful patterns and textures.

You can control the color by using fewer or more stains. The stain won’t peel off like paint. But if the wood is highly absorbent, you must apply more coats of stain.

Paint Vs. Stain

Let’s compare paint and stand based on different factors-

Variety– Paint wins hands down here. The sheer amount of variety in paint can’t be found in the stain.

Budget—If we compare per gallon, the price of stain is definitely less than that of paint. The price of paint will vary according to your choice.

Ease of application—Stain is easier to apply. Painting a surface requires a steady hand and more patience.

Maintenance– Paint is easier to maintain as it resists dirt and dust, whereas a stained surface efficiently gathers dust.

Based on these factors, you can decide what is good for you- painting or staining. Of course, you can always hire the services of an experienced company for painting or staining to save time and get high-quality results.

Take the first step to transform your fence! Contact Austin Fence Pros – Installation & Replacement at (512) 354-7670 and let our experts help you decide between paint and wood stains for a stunning finish!

Post Author: Austin Fence