Drew McClain

The lifespan of a wooden deck can be prolonged by protecting it from moisture and weather side effects through a proper finishing. Though both paint and wood stain can protect it but has a different appearance, its application, maintenance, durability, and cost. Cabot deck stain colors have distinctive features than wood paint.

Here is a comparison of stain and paint, which works better.

Stain is economical

Stain costs around $20 to $35 per gallon whereas exterior paint costs almost $30 to $60 per gallon. With paint, per gallon extra $15 to $40 has to be spent for wood preservative and for primer, almost $15 to $30 per gallon. Whereas, the majority of the wood stain contains preservatives and there is no need for additional primer.

Stains provide a natural look

The Cabot deck stains colors are either transparent or semi-solid in nature which fills the pores of the wood. A thin layer is formed over the deck allowing the natural grain pattern and superficial cracks to be visible, like a natural wood design. On the other hand, paint has higher pigmentation and resins which completely fills the pores of the wood, hiding its cracks and natural pattern, giving it a more refined and manufactured look. For a rustic look with little imperfections, Cabot deck stain colors are a better option.

Paint has more variety 

There are a variety of paints available, including chocolate brown kind of neutral colors to forest green, royal blue, or even crimson to give it contemporary feels. Whereas, stain keeps the actual qualities of the wood, therefore its variety of shades is mostly clear or only in brown range.

A stain is easier to apply

The surface of the deck needs to be prepared either with a home-made deck cleaner or with deck cleaners readily available in the market before applying wood paint or Cabot deck stain colors. The damaged boards are also either replaced or repaired. The fluid consistency of stain can then be applied using a brush or roller in a single coat. It does not pool and the lap marks are also minimized through its transparency in the final finish look. In case, a two-in-one stain and sealer are used, there is no need for an additional top clear coat.

Whereas, before painting the wood, it needs to be treated with wood preservative removing stain from deck and then with a quality primer. Then two layers of latex or oil-based paint are required. The thick consistency often leads to globs and lap marks which hide in the finish. After the wood is painted, it is then sealed with a polyurethane sealer.

Paint is more long-lasting

Paint and stain have their own advantages and disadvantages. Paint may chip or peel off whereas stain decolorizes due to heat. Overall, paint is more durable and lasts for up to 10 years or more before requiring re-application. For protection against UV relate fading, latex paints are preferred and for protection from moisture, oil-based paints work better.

Stains have a short life on wood and may last from one to eight years and then require another application or coat of stain. The pigmentation of the stain determines its resistance to moisture and UV protection, the more pigmented it is, the higher the resistance. Transparent stains have low moisture protection and almost no UV protection whereas white solid stains have higher protection against UV and moisture.

Paint can be maintained easily

It is easier to clean the dust and dirt from the paint due to its glossy finish whereas, stain being matte requires more effort to clean it. This often prompts the deck owners to wash the stained deck wood which may damage the wood. To remove bacteria and mold, the decks either painted or stained needs to be deep cleaned at least once a year.

It is easier to paint the stain

The color of the stain can be changed easily or repainted by first dulling it with sandpaper, de-gloss it by wiping it down, and then by applying prime and paint over it or applying another shade of the stain on it. Though already painted wood deck can be repainted but it is hard to stain the painted wood as removing stain from deck is not easy. 

Both painting and staining have their own pros and cons, thus depending on your preference, you can either choose to paint your deck or use Cabot deck stain colors.

Reference

https://sunfrogwoodsealers.blogspot.com/2020/08/Cabot%20deck-stain-colors.html