STAINING

 

To stain or paint—that is the question? A good question for sure!

 

To start off, it’s important to recognize that on a basic level there isn’t much difference between stain and paint—after all, both staining and painting provide your home with the protection and pop of color they crave.

 

But, there are a couple of ways in which stain differs from paint:

• Stain actually seeps into the surface to which it is being applied. Paint, on the other hand, sits on the surface, creating a thin film of protection; and
• Stain is typically more cost-effective than paint, that’s because there is generally less surface preparation and in some cases primer will not need to be applied to the exterior surfaces being stained

 

WHEN TO CHOOSE STAIN OVER PAINT

The homes of today often feature textured siding and shingles that possess natural-looking flair. Stain may be best for these types of homes because it:

• Enhances and preserves the home exterior’s natural beauty
• Accents the texture of the home exterior’s wood
• Allows the natural color of the wood grain to shine through—depending on the stain color and stain tint you choose

 

Also, stains can be an economical alternative to exterior paint because they generally resist blistering, cracking and peeling.

 

Here are some other ways stains differ from exterior paints:

• Stains do not require a primer.
• Stains generally require just one coat.

 

HOW TO TELL IF STAIN IS RIGHT FOR YOU

Here are some things to consider when deciding whether you should stain or paint the exterior of your home.

 

There aren’t as many color options with stain as there are with exterior paint colors. Also, stain comes in one sheen—flat. Also, stain should be applied over natural wood only; it cannot be applied over surfaces that have been painted. If the exterior surface the stain is being applied to is highly absorbent, it may require more stain than you wanted to use.

 

WHEN TO STAIN YOUR HOME

Gold Painting, Inc. recommends staining your home when the outside air temperature is between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, the dew point is an important factor in determining when it’s the best time to apply exterior stain to your home. For example, the dew point should be five or more degrees lower than the surrounding air. In addition, it’s best to stain the exterior of your home on a day that’s not too windy, as the wind can cause the stain to dry too quickly.

 

Choose Gold Painting, Inc. as your stain partner for your home’s exterior and decking! We are experienced at applying stain to exterior surfaces, including clapboard homes and decks, across the Central Massachusetts, MetroWest, and Boston areas. We are here to answer your questions about stain versus paint and to apply a variety of types of exterior stains, including oil stain, latex stain, semitransparent stain and solid stain.

 

Contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation!