Expert
Answers to Some Common Questions About Exterior Stains
Most
homeowners know that both paints and stains can be used to enhance
wood exteriors. But while many people have a basic understanding
of paint, they know far less about exterior stains. To help
bridge this information gap, here are answers to some of the
most common questions about exterior stains, courtesy of experts
at the Robin and Haas Paint Quality Institute.
Q:
HOW DOES AN EXTERIOR STAIN DIFFER FROM PAINT?
A:
Both paints and stains impart color to a surface, but
paints obscure the texture of the surface below, essentially
creating a new, uniform surface, while stains maintain the
texture - and sometimes even the grain - of the underlying
surface.
Q:
ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF EXTERIOR STAINS?
A:
There are two broad categories of exterior wood
stains: "solid color" stains, sometimes referred to as "opaque"
stains; and "semi-transparent" stains (sometimes called "transparent"
stains). Solid color stains are more highly pigmented and,
hence, are more like paint. They are designed to allow the
texture of the wood to show through, but not the grain.
Semi-transparent
stains contain less pigment and produce a thinner film, in
part to allow the texture and the grain of the wood to show
through. Both solid color and semi-transparent stains are
available in water-based and oil-based formulations.
Q:
NOW IMPORTANT IS THE QUALITY OF AN EXTERIOR STAIN?
A:
Very. While it is always wise to use top quality
coatings on the home's exterior, it is especially important
when working with stains. Consider that exterior paints are
commonly applied on top of a primer and often in two coats;
in contrast, stains are typically applied direct to bare wood
in just a single, thin coat. You simply can't afford to compromise
quality on this type of application.
Q:
WHAT IS THE PROPER WAY TO PREPARE EXTERIOR WOOD FOR STAINING?
A:
Exterior stains can be applied directly to new
bare wood that is free of dust, dirt and mildew. New bare
wood that is dirty should be washed with soapy water, then
rinsed; mildew can be removed by scrubbing with a common bleach
solution (one part bleach, three parts water), and allowing
the solution to stand on the surface for a few minutes before
rinsing. Be sure to protect your skin, eyes and nearby plants
or bushes when using the bleach mixture. If the wood was previously
stained or painted, it should be power washed to remove the
old coating, dirt and mildew. One final tip: For best results,
bare wood that has weathered more than a few weeks should
be thoroughly sanded before applying the stain, to remove
surface wood fibers.
Q:
WHAT IS THE BEST TECHNIQUE FOR APPLYING EXTERIOR STAIN?
A:
On wood lap- or bevel-siding, stain should be applied
with either a brush or roller in a horizontal fashion. Apply
the stain to just a few boards at a time, working all the
way to the end of the wall, then do the next lower boards,
and so on. Following this procedure will help prevent "lapping,"
an unsightly effect created when dry and wet sections of stain
overlap, leaving extra pigment in the overlap area. (When
staining vertical sections, like board-and-batten siding,
work the boards from top to bottom before starting the next
board.)
Q:
HOW OFTEN SHOULD EXTERIOR STAINS BE APPLIED?
A:
Stains usually have to be reapplied more often than quality
paints, typical, every few yew. This is especially true for
semi-transparent stains. When applying latex stain, use of
a top quality 100 percent acrylic stain will provide better
adhesion and likely lengthen the life of the job.
If
you have questions about stains speak to a knowledgeable salesperson
at the local paint store, hardware store or decorating center.
Or visit the Paint Quality Institute Web site at www.paintquality.com.
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