Looking for a way to make your exterior surfaces look nice but not sure about a paint job? Staining is a popular way to protect your wooden porch or fence from the elements. It maintains a natural look while guarding against moisture and UV damage.

Some people say that staining is easier than painting. To us, the comparison is a bit apples-to-oranges. Both choices have their pros and cons, which you can learn about below. Like painting, staining is an art form. Here’s how to achieve the best results for your property.

What is Wood Staining?

Staining is the application of a thin, pigmented liquid onto a porous surface. The goal is to enhance its natural hue and texture. Stains come in a range of viscosities from transparent to semi-solid. 

Unlike paint, you can only apply stains to porous materials, such as wood. That’s because stain works by being absorbed into the surface — hence the name. Keep that in mind, as you’ll only want to apply as much as your material can soak in. 

What Type of Wood Stain Do I Use for My Deck or Fence?

The wood stain you’d use on a coffee table or cabinet is very different from the one you’d use outdoors. Exterior stains are typically oil-based so they can withstand rain and humidity. 

In most cases, you’ll want a semi-transparent to semi-solid wood stain. This provides enough coverage to make your wood look nice, without forming a thick film that could peel off.

New wood benefits from a semi-transparent stain, which allows the beautiful grain to show through.

If your deck or fence is older, a semi-solid stain can help hide flaws in the wood. 

Staining Step-by-Step

Your staining process may vary depending on the project, but it generally follows these steps:

• Step 1: Clean the surface thoroughly.
• Step 2: Work from the top: Stain your railings before your floorboards, and the tops of your fence posts before the bottom.
• Step 3: Treat all areas of the wood, including joints, edges, and ends.
• Step 4: Use the right number of coats for the stain transparency:
  • For clear, toner, semi-transparent, and semi-solid stains, apply one thin coat. 
  • For solid stains, apply two thin coats of deck stain with a brush, roller, or paint pad. To avoid lap marks, apply to a few boards at a time, keeping a wet edge.
  • Let dry before walking on the surface or replacing furniture.

Technique Tip: For best results, work the brush backward into the surface to make sure your stain evenly covers the wood grain.

Staining Do’s and Don’t’s 

DON’T  scrimp on your stain. Cheap products, especially oil-based stains, can allow moisture to build up and harbor mold or mildew.

DO stain during drier weather. If the wood is damp or the air is humid, the stain won’t take as well. However…

DON’T stain during sunny weather. If it’s very hot and bright, the stain could dry before the wood can absorb it. In Florida, we recommend staining during spring, early summer, and mid-to-late fall. 

DO spot-test before you do the whole deck. Find an inconspicuous area to do a test run with your stain. Apply the same number of coats you plan on using everywhere. Let it dry so that you can be sure to get the wood stain color you want. 

DO use a high-quality brush to apply the stain. We recommend natural-bristle brushes that can hold oil-based stain and dispense it directly into the wood grain.

DON’T oversaturate. The wood can actually only take so much stain. More coats don’t always mean a more durable stain. In fact, it could make it worse as the extra layers will flake off.

 

Should You Paint or Stain Your Deck?

Staining is a great way to showcase your wood deck’s natural beauty. However, painting does have some advantages over staining — and vice versa. 

PROS of Staining Your Porch or Deck

Enhance Natural Beauty

Staining highlights the wood’s natural grain rather than covering it like paint. This is perfect if you want a more organic, warm look. Consider the overall colors of your home’s exterior, including the landscape.

Reduce Project Costs

At an average cost of $20-35 per gallon, wood stain is usually cheaper than exterior paint. If you choose to paint, you’ll also need a wood preservative and primer to prep the deck. Stains don’t need primer and already contain a preservative. 

CONS of Staining Your Porch or Deck

Limited Color Options

As staining is meant to enhance your wood’s natural look, it’s only going to darken or slightly alter that organic hue. So if you want a specific color, painting is a better option. (Tip: Reach out to our color consultation team to see which would best complement your home’s exterior.)

Does Not Hide Imperfections

Stains do not conceal flaws in your wood. If your deck has a bit of a rustic look, staining might be a better option. While any surface will need to be sanded and primed before a paint job, painting your deck might cover some imperfections. It fills in the pores and grain for a smoother appearance.

CorsPaint Can Make Your Staining Project a Success

We have paint in our name, but we also do wood staining to make your porch or deck look as beautiful as possible. Staining can be a tedious process, especially considering Florida’s hot, humid climate. You can count on us to do it right. Plus, we’re happy to help you choose the best stain color and viscosity for your property. Schedule a free estimate today.