Staining or painting your pergola depends on how you want the structure to look and the maintenance you're willing to commit to. For instance, staining is the best option if you like the look of the wood grain. However, painting offers more color options but has the chance of peeling and needing to be touched up sooner than stain.
How to Stain or Paint a Pergola
Do you want to enhance your outdoor hangout space with a straightforward and cost-efficient project? If so, consider staining or painting your pergola! While a pergola holds functional purposes, like providing shade and cover from the elements, it also acts as an outdoor centerpiece, contributing to your home's overall aesthetic appeal. Painting or staining your pergola can have massive positive impacts, including boosting your home's curb appeal and the quality of the structure.
Completing this pergola DIY project has numerous upsides, and Sherwin-Williams is here to assist you through the fun and exciting renovation. We're happy to provide this comprehensive guide of pergola ideas, including detailed instructions on refinishing, answers to frequently asked questions, plus other helpful tips and tricks!
Benefits of Refinishing Your Pergola
You'll appreciate the functional and aesthetic benefits of staining or painting your pergola. For instance, refinishing your pergola will provide a protective barrier from inclement weather and UV rays. Not only does this protective coating extend the life of the structure, but it also reduces maintenance work and costs on your part in the future. On the other hand, staining or painting your pergola revamps the look of the structure and surrounding space, whether you make a statement with a bold, vibrant color or opt for a more natural wood tone.
Staining a Pergola vs. Painting a Pergola
While staining and painting a pergola each have benefits, it's also essential to consider the differences between each finish and method of application. First, a stained pergola can show the wood grain and texture while enhancing the natural beauty of the wood. Stain also penetrates the surface of the wood, which will help prevent chipping or peeling in the future. As for preparation, you'll have to remove the previous stain or finish before applying a new stain.
Painting provides more color options than stain, allowing more room for creativity and your chance to make your pergola decorating ideas come to life. Painting your pergola will also provide a thick, opaque coating that is durable and resilient to harsh climates. Preparing to paint a pergola does not require removing the previous coating, and a clean and sound surface will not require the additional priming step.
Deciding to paint or stain your pergola depends on your preferences, the finished result you desire and the maintenance you're willing to perform in the future. Still, either option will transform your pergola for the better and protect it from the elements.
Step 1
Clean & Prepare the Pergola
Properly preparing your pergola is a vital first step, as it will help ensure the topcoat sticks and lasts as intended. Start by removing any furniture or décor from the area and covering nearby shrubs with plastic sheeting so they don't get paint or stain on them. Then, use a brush and soapy water to remove dirt and debris from the entire surface before using a scraper to remove any flaking or chipping paint.
If you're staining the pergola, remove the previous stain to allow the new stain to penetrate the wood. For this process, we recommend using SuperDeck® Stain and Sealer Remover. If you're painting your pergola, we recommend applying our Exterior Latex Wood Primer to promote adhesion and coverage.
Tip: It's helpful to check the weather before starting this project. Ideally, you'll want to paint or stain in dry conditions and allow ample drying time afterward.
Step 2
Paint or Stain Your Pergola
Once prepared, it's time to apply two coats of stain or paint on your pergola! We encourage you to use WoodScapes® Exterior House Stain if you're staining your pergola. If you're painting, you'll want to use SuperPaint® Exterior Acrylic Latex.
For this step, use a brush or roller to apply the paint or stain, depending on which tool is easier to use based on the shape and size of your pergola. Start at the top of the structure and work down to prevent drips from running into the areas you've already covered. Be sure to apply the paint or stain in thin, even coats and cover all surfaces, including the sides and undersides of each board.
Step 3
Clean Up & Enjoy Your Updated Pergola
After you've applied two coats of stain or paint to your pergola, all that remains is to clean up and put furniture back into its place. If you removed any hardware to complete this project, ensure the final topcoat is fully dry before reassembling. Then, be sure to appreciate your hard work and the stunning results of your painted or stained pergola!
Colors We Used
Like what you see? Here are the shades we used for this project.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Project Supplies
Primer, PainT & Stain
Brushes, Rollers & frames
OTHER TOOLS & SUPPLIEs
FAQs
One advantage of completing this project is the opportunity to paint or stain your pergola any color you please - and there are tons of pergola color ideas out there! For example, you could coordinate the color with the rest of your house or stand out on your street with an eye-catching shade. Thankfully, Sherwin-Williams offers a wide range of pergola stain colors and paint shades, ensuring you find the one you like the most.
More Pergola Color Ideas
Here are some popular colors we love for this project.
