Our paint experts can walk you through every step of your project—from picking the right color and finish to advice on how to prep the surface you want to stain. Our top-quality stain brands, Cabot, Super Deck and Minwax, offer protection and long-lasting results.
You want to keep your deck looking great. The right stain for the job will depend on several factors, including your desired look and how long you want the stain to last. Protection from UV, mold, and mildew growth is also available in some products.
OIL-BASED VS. WATER-BASED
Oil-based Stain
Oil-based stains, which have been around for a long time, are durable and have less maintenance over time. The stain penetrates deeply into the wood, allowing the natural wood grain to appear. They are easier to apply than water-based stains, but they have longer drying and curing times. If the deck is in direct exposure to the elements, oil-based stains will provide a more protective layer.
Water-based stains will keep their color for a longer period of time. They are also more environmentally friendly, using water in place of petroleum-derived solvents. This means less fumes and odor and easier cleanup. Since they do not penetrate as deeply, they will not offer as much protection as oil-based stains.
COLOR + TRANSPARENCY
Transparent
Transparent stains are natural-looking with a hint of color.
Semi-Transparent
Semi-transparent stains have more pigmentation and the ability to add tint to certain colors. They are available in oil-based or water-based with UV protection.
Solid
Solid color stains are very similar to paint. In fact, you can use the same color system as you do for house paint. Solid-color stains are great for decks and siding.
Have a question about what is best for your deck? Give us a call at our Friday Harbor store. We’re happy to help.
Cleaning will make your stain last longer and stop untimely peeling.
Sanding
Sanding is an important step in creating a smooth surface. Start with a medium-grade sandpaper—or power sander for bigger projects—and work in the direction of the wood grain. When you finish with the medium-grade sandpaper, move on to a finer grade. Be sure to vacuum or wipe away the sanding dust with a dry paintbrush or cloth. If you ended with a very fine grit sandpaper, you may want to use a tack cloth or a microfiber cloth to pick up the fine particulate left behind so it doesn’t mar your finish.
