Your wooden fence was once a vibrant boundary that proudly showcased your home’s curb appeal. But now, it looks worse for wear due to years of outside exposure, sending the wrong message about your home’s care and upkeep. As you ponder your options, you come across two solutions: fence staining and fence painting. What’s the difference?
The main difference between fence staining and painting is that while stain seeps into the wood grain, paint sits over the wood. This boils down to a difference in the materials’ compositions. Whereas stain is primarily a solvent, paint has a higher concentration of binder that allows it to adhere to surfaces.
When stain is applied to a wooden fence, it penetrates the wood fibers and leaves behind pigment in the pores. This adds color and protects the wood from moisture intrusion and UV rays. Therefore, fence staining enhances the natural texture and grain of the wood. Paint, on the other hand, forms a plastic-like film over the surfaces of the fence. It adheres to the wood but does not penetrate it. The acrylic resins in paint provide a barrier against the elements. This obscures the natural look of the wood.
Which is The Better Method: Fence Staining or Fence Painting?
Each method has its merits. For instance, staining doesn’t require priming, resulting in quicker applications. However, you may end up using more stain on highly absorbent surfaces to achieve a uniform finish. Paint also seals more than just wooden fences. But both do a pretty good job in the context of wooden fences.
Ultimately, choosing between fence staining and painting is a matter of personal preference, and our experts at Piper’s Painting are here to guide you. Contact us today for more information on these two services we offer.