Staining wood is a reasonably easy DIY project that protects outdoor furniture, fences, and decks, including security fencing Leeds. However, buyers should consider a few important factors when shopping for the best stain to suit their home, especially those interested in Leeds security fencing.
The best exterior wood stain protects your furniture, structures, and siding from rain, snow, and sun damage. They will also look great, highlight the natural wood grain, and provide a beautiful finish.
Color
Knowing the right color can be a game-changer when staining exterior wood surfaces. If the stain color is too dark or not the right hue, your wood can appear blotchy or uneven. This can cause the wood to oxidize, burn, crack, and rot—something no homeowner wants to deal with.
The type of wood surface and required protection level can also impact stain results. For example, pressure-treated wood absorbs stains differently than natural hardwood wood. This is why it is recommended that new and pressure-treated wood be left to age for 30 days before staining.
Stain opacity is another essential factor determining how often the stain must be reapplied. Clear stains allow the natural wood and grain to show through, tinted paints add just a bit of color, and semi-transparent stains provide a little more protection by limiting how much pigment is used in the finish.
Opacity
Using the right exterior stain is essential if your wood furniture is to last longer and keep its appearance. Stains protect against rain, sun, temperature changes, mildew, and mold growth.
The opacity of the stain is also essential to consider. Translucent stains allow the wood grain to shine through and offer the most natural appearance. However, they need to be reapplied more often than other stain types.
Semi-transparent stains provide a more consistent look than transparent stains and are ideal for those looking to balance protection with a natural appearance. Ready Seal semi-transparent stains are available in 75 colors and work well on all wood surfaces, including pressure-treated lumber, cedar, and redwood.
Darker stains add depth to the deck and hide footprints and dirt better than lighter hues. They also work well with most house colors and wood grain patterns.
Resins
Exterior wood stains come in a wide variety of forms. Some are semi-transparent and sink into the wood surface, saturating it with color while bringing out its texture and grain. Others form a film on the surface but are resistant to peeling and last up to 7 years with proper maintenance.
Evaluating the approximate age and wear-and-tear level of the wood in your home is the first step in choosing the right stain color. Next, determine if you want the stain to protect against moisture and harmful UV rays, provide mildew resistance, or both.
Finally, choose if you want an oil-based or water-based stain. An oil-based stain is made from linseed or alkyd resins that penetrate the wood fibers for maximum protection. A hybrid stain is a third option that mixes the advantages of an oil-based stain with the easy clean-up of a water-based product. Most oil-based stains contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which pollute the air and can be dangerous to your lungs when inhaled.
Water-based or oil-based
How homeowners use their outdoor wood surfaces has much to do with the type of stain they need to preserve them. Exterior-grade stains protect wood from moisture and the sun’s UV rays while changing the overall look of wood surfaces. Stains can vary in color, opacity, and liquid base.
Water-based stains are made from acrylic or latex resins, stabilizers, and pigments. They are similar to house paint but allow more penetration into the wood, dry quicker, and are less hazardous.
Oil-based stains are made with alkyd oils, such as linseed and tung, with added pigments. They have a heavier consistency and soak in better, but they can be challenging to apply and often require more frequent reapplication. They are more durable, however, and maintain their quality of color longer. Many companies offer a combination of both water- and oil-based stains to provide the best of both worlds. They are often more expensive than traditional stains, but they save time by providing both stain and sealer in one product.
