Wood stain is usually used when the wood is of a quality that you want to enhance the look of the wood grain and the wood itself.
In these cases a good quality semi-transparent stain can add a decorative look and give the wood added or enhanced colour. It will also give the wood a bit of protection from sun and use, although a good quality finish or top coat is advised. The stain can also make a less expensive wood appear to be a more expensive product.
Solid stains are more often than not a less expensive exterior product used in place of a more expensive heavy bodied paint.
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If it's never had a coating before, staining is much better. It penetrates further and will continue to look better than painting after usage.
form_title=Painting & Staining Type of project?*= () Painting () Staining What are you looking to paint or stain?*= () Deck () Interior walls () Exterior walls () Garage () Porch () Shutters () Trim () Other Choose the appropriate status for this project:*= {Ready to hire, Planning and budgeting} When would you like this project to be completed?*= {Timing is flexible, Less than 2 months, 2 to 4 months, 4 to 6 months, More than 6 months}
It depends a lot on the type of wood you are staining. The last one I stained was made of very smooth pine planking. This was ideal for the pad and my stain went on very smoothly and quickly. I've done others where the wood was not so smooth and in thse cases a roller worked better.
Use a roller or staining pad to apply the oil or water-based semi-transparent stain. Go in the direction of the grain and do not allow the stain to puddle.
Paint covers a surface with a protective film, and stain will penetrate through the wood. Stains are generally considered to be lower maintenance than paint, so stain is a better choice for a deck.