Paint or Stain? Considering the Pros and Cons
Paint and stain are the two popular and widely used finishes for restoring or beautifying surfaces and offer protection against the elements. Homeowners who love DIY projects often feel overwhelmed about choosing between them as they both provide excellent results.
Both paint and stain are viable options to add color and provide protection to the surfaces of the items in the yard like decking, pathways, fencing, or outdoor furniture. For the success of any paint job, choosing the right finish is critical. The selection of the finish depends on the surface to be painted and the desired final look.
Paints and stains perform similar functions. A common factor between all paints and stains is their similar ingredients (pigments and a vehicle), and both are available in oil and acrylic varieties.
To assess which out of the two you should use, it is helpful to understand the different aspects of paints and stains and their pros and cons.
Paint
Homeowners use paint for application on any surface. It provides an opaque appearance and is usually suitable for coloring drywalls, shutters, sidings, trims, windows, and doors. Paint does not seep into a surface and requires preparation and multiple coats to achieve the desired finish. It has more pigment particles and is thicker than stain. It is highly versatile and facilitates homeowners' creativity to experiment and have fun with the wide range of colors available to complement any home.
Pros
More durable
Offers protection from UV rays and resists mold and rot
Availability in endless colors, sheens, and finishes
Versatility in application
Provides a more uniform finish
Easier to apply
Better at hiding flaws
Possible to paint over a previously painted surface
Cons
Expensive
Time-consuming
Offer an artificial look
A painted surface is prone to peeling and fading with too much sun exposure
Requires multiple coats
Repainting is the only solution as it is tough to switch from paint to stain
Stain
Staining enhances the natural look of a surface and preserves it for a flawless look. It is ideal for application on furniture and a variety of other materials. Stain provides a transparent to solid appearance and is suitable for surfaces like wood siding, wooden molding and decking, wooden fences, and cedar siding. It is meant primarily for wooden surfaces but is also amenable for concrete surfaces. It is thinner and more absorbent than paint. It penetrates the wood to provide an attractive texture.
Pros
No concealment of the original look of the surface
No priming required
Resistant to peeling and chipping
A single coat offers a beautiful finish
Cost-effective
Takes less time due to quick and easy application
More convenient as it can be re-coated for touch-ups
Cons
No way to hide flaws or fill in cracks
Less durable and needs re-application every few years
Limited color choices and no options in sheen
Not suitable for application on painted surfaces
Not all woods hold stain well
Get professional help for your project
Homeowners can choose to paint or stain based on personal taste and the surface. Get in touch with a painting company to know more about painting and staining and which is the best option based on the results you wish to achieve.
