When to Paint Vs. Stain
Paint vs. stain is a classic debate that isn't always easy to answer. Beyond color and final look, there are many factors to consider. If this seemingly simple choice gives you decision paralysis, this guide will walk you through the differences between paint and stain to help you decide which finish is right for your next project.
Difference Between Paint and Stain
Paint and stain protect your wood projects while delivering a stylish finish to complement your home. However, paint and stain work quite differently on wood. Paint creates a solid coating on top of the surface, while stain soaks into the wood, preserving its natural texture. Think of paint as wearing a coat and stain as wearing a dye that becomes part of the fabric.
In addition, paint comes in an array of dazzling colors and helpful finishes to accommodate many different environments. On the other hand, stain enhances a wood's natural beauty and often comes in brown and other earthy hues.
What Lasts Longer, Paint or Stain?
When planning a project, you want to ensure the finished product will last for years to come. In optimal conditions, paint lasts 5-10 years before needing a refresh, while stain lasts 2-8 years before reapplication. While paint has better overall longevity, it is more susceptible to chips and scratches, requiring frequent touchups than stains. While stain doesn't peel, it will fade over time, so paint offers better UV protection. Some formulas offer UV protection to prevent fading and discoloration.
If mold and mildew protection are important, paint and stain can be formulated with inhibitors.
Tip: While paint lasts longer over time, it's not always the best for exterior projects because paint traps moisture, which can lead to wood damage. Stain allows moisture to escape from wood, making it an excellent choice for deck staining.
Other Aspects to Consider
Condition of Material
Before deciding whether to paint or stain, consider the condition of your project, as that will significantly impact the final product.
New wood allows you to paint or stain, depending on your preference. Just make sure to prep properly.
Old wood can be stained; however, paint will best hide any imperfections if it's damaged or weathered.
If you have previously finished wood, keeping the same finish is often easier. If you have stained wood and want to paint it, or vice versa, prepare to strip the finish to get your ideal look.
Tip: Besides material condition, wood type is another factor to consider. Pine, for example, doesn't take stain well and requires additional prep to be stained properly. In these situations, it may be just as easy to paint your pinewood projects.
Desired Final Look
Aesthetics are typically the first thing you consider when planning a project. After all, the final look is one you'll have to experience every day. Depending on their transparency, stains tend to show off wood grain and add warmth to a space. Staining is a good option if you're looking to add more natural tones or texture to a space.
Painting wood allows you to use warm or cool tones, but you lose the texture of the wood grain. If that's not something that matters to you, go with paint. Thanks to the endless selection of colors, paint also allows you to match your projects to existing decor.
Regardless of which finish you choose, remember to consider the sheen finish, as this will affect light reflectivity and the appearance of a color.
Project Difficulty
Painting and staining are easy DIY projects, but additional steps may be needed to get your desired professional finish. Staining is typically considered easy to apply because there's no prep work involved, and it can be applied in one to two thin coats. However, some DIY-ers find stains harder to work with than paint because using the wrong tool can lead to streak marks in the stain. Even if you're using paint, you still have to worry about lap marks if you've applied the paint incorrectly.
On the other hand, painting requires a little more patience because you have to wait several hours between coats, and some projects may require a primer, which can add even more time to the project.
Ease of clean-up is another aspect that factors into project difficulty. Paint is typically considered harder to clean, but oil-based stains require chemicals like mineral spirits to clean materials properly.
Budget
Just because you're not hiring a contractor to complete a project doesn't mean a small project can't exceed your budget. Stain typically costs less per gallon than paint and generally doesn't need a primer. In addition, stain needs to be reapplied less often than paint, especially when applied to exterior surfaces. While this isn't something that will affect the initial project, it is something to consider down the line, not to mention the additional time investment. Lastly, remember to factor in brushes, rollers and prep materials when considering total material costs.
Is Paint or Stain Better?
Now that you know the pros and cons of using paint and stain, it's time to decide which is right for you. Ultimately, there's no right or wrong answer. Choose the finish that works best for your project and desired outcome. If you're still unsure, here are a few quick points to consider for paint and stain.
- Choose paint if:
- You want to change the color of the wood completely
- The wood has significant damage to hide
- You need maximum weather protection
- You're matching existing painted surfaces
- Choose stain if:
- You want to enhance the wood's natural beauty
- The wood is in good condition
- You're looking for an easier application process
- You want a more natural look
