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Painting vs Staining A Deck
Sam Lutz • Jun 09, 2015
The decision to stain or paint a deck can be a difficult one. One the one hand, painted surfaces are a solid color and feature none of the beauty of the original wood grain. Stained decks, on the other hand, have a natural appearance that allows them to blend in with the backyard landscaping. Aesthetically, these two options are so different that the right choice depends on the preferences of the homeowner. Which leads us to the question: which one is longer-lasting and better for the deck?
Durability: Which One is Better?
The answer varies depending on the expert. There are those who believe
that a properly painted deck, by sealing out moisture and completely protecting the wood, can outlast a stained deck by many years. According to these experts, a stained deck may last, at most, about 2 or 3 years, while a painted deck may last as many as 10.
On the other hand, there are others who say that a painted deck lasts much less time than a properly stained and sealed deck. The argument against paint in this case is that paint doesn’t allow the wood to breathe, and instead traps existing moisture inside the wood. As a result, the natural fluctuations in the wood’s size, caused by temperature and weather variations, will quickly cause the paint to crack and peel away from the wood. Stained wood is allowed to breathe and thus the finish stands up to the elements.
Process is Important
One thing the experts can agree upon is this: the process you use to stain or paint the deck is critical. Preparing the wood is just as important as the actual painting or staining process. To properly paint or stain your wood, follow these tips:
- Strip and clean the deck before painting or staining. Strip off any existing finishes and sand to remove loose wood.
- Countersink nails and screws, then fill the remaining hole with wood filler.
- If painting, caulk all the joints to seal the wood.
- If painting, apply a water-repellent preservative, then apply a primer.
- Paint or seal all surfaces of the wood, including the ends of all pieces of wood. If applying paint, use water-based latex. If applying stain, use a stain that contains a water-repellent preservative.
- Apply a second coat.
Resources
Whether you’re painting or staining a deck, these resources will help you get started in the process.
For more information about painting and staining, and for all the necessary supplies, stop in at Ace Paint and Unfinished Furniture. We’re happy to offer tips and get you started on the process!
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