Paint or stain the deck, which is a better option?
The lifespan of a wooden deck can be prolonged by protecting it from moisture and weather side effects through a proper finishing. Though both paint and wood stain can protect it but has a different appearance, its application, maintenance, durability, and cost. Cabot deck stain colors have distinctive features than wood paint.
Here is
a comparison of stain and paint, which works better.
Stain is economical
Stain
costs around $20 to $35 per gallon whereas exterior paint costs almost $30 to
$60 per gallon. With paint, per gallon extra $15 to $40 has to be spent for
wood preservative and for primer, almost $15 to $30 per gallon. Whereas, the
majority of the wood stain contains preservatives and there is no need for
additional primer.
Stains provide a natural look
The Cabot deck stains colors are either transparent or semi-solid in nature which fills the pores of the wood. A thin layer is formed over the deck allowing the natural grain pattern and superficial cracks to be visible, like a natural wood design. On the other hand, paint has higher pigmentation and resins which completely fills the pores of the wood, hiding its cracks and natural pattern, giving it a more refined and manufactured look. For a rustic look with little imperfections, Cabot deck stain colors are a better option.
Paint has more variety
There
are a variety of paints available, including a chocolate brown kind of neutral
colors to forest green, royal blue, or even crimson to give it contemporary
feels. Whereas, stain keeps the actual qualities of the wood, therefore its
variety of shades is mostly clear or only in the brown range.
A stain is easier to apply
The surface of the deck needs to be prepared either with a home-made deck cleaner
or with deck cleaners readily available in the market before applying wood
paint or Cabot deck stain colors. The damaged boards are
also either replaced or repaired. The fluid consistency of the stain can then be
applied using a brush or roller in a single coat. It does not pool and the lap
marks are also minimized through its transparency in the final finish look. In
case, a two-in-one stain and sealer are used, there is no need for an
additional top clear coat.
Whereas, before painting the wood, it needs to be treated with wood preservative removing stain from deck and then with a quality primer. Then two layers of latex or oil-based paint are required. The thick consistency often leads to globs and lap marks which hide in the finish. After the wood is painted, it is then sealed with a polyurethane sealer.
Paint is more long-lasting
Paint and the stain has its own advantages and disadvantages. Paint may chip or peel off whereas stain decolorizes due to heat. Overall, paint is more durable and lasts for up to 10 years or more before requiring re-application. For protection against UV relate fading, latex paints are preferred and for protection from moisture, oil-based paints work better.
Stains
have a short life on wood and may last from one to eight years and then require
another application or coat of stain. The pigmentation of the stain determines
its resistance to moisture and UV protection, the more pigmented it is, the
higher the resistance. Transparent stains have low moisture protection and
almost no UV protection whereas white solid stains have higher protection
against UV and moisture.
Paint can be maintained easily
It is
easier to clean the dust and dirt from the paint due to its glossy finish
whereas, stain being matte requires more effort to clean it. This often prompts
the deck owners to wash the stained deck wood which may damage the wood. To
remove bacteria and mold, the decks either painted or stained needs to be deep
cleaned at least once a year.
It is easier to paint the stain
The
color of the stain can be changed easily or repainted by first dulling it with
sandpaper, de-gloss it by wiping it down, and then by applying prime and paint
over it or applying another shade of the stain on it. Though already painted a wood deck can be repainted but it is hard to stain the painted wood as removing
stain from deck is not easy.
Both painting and staining have their own pros and cons, thus depending on your preference, you can either choose to paint your deck or use Cabot deck stain colors.
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