{"id":11481,"date":"2022-07-15T11:23:29","date_gmt":"2022-07-15T10:23:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wood-finishes-direct.com\/blog\/?p=11481"},"modified":"2024-06-19T11:21:02","modified_gmt":"2024-06-19T10:21:02","slug":"should-i-stain-or-paint-a-fence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wood-finishes-direct.com\/blog\/should-i-stain-or-paint-a-fence\/","title":{"rendered":"Should I Stain or Paint a Fence?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It’s time to give your fence a much needed makeover, but you can’t decide whether you need to \n\nstain<\/a> <\/strong>or \n\npaint your fence<\/a>, so first of all what’s the difference and what’s best for your fence? You apply both formulas in the exact same way, they can offer similar protection, they both come in solvent and water-based variations with \n\nHigh VOC’s and Low VOC’s<\/a>, yet they fall under separate categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So What’s The Difference Between Paint and Stain?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\"Paint<\/a>
Paint being applied to a fence<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lets Start With Paints<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lets start with \n\npaint<\/a>, this formula is a high build finish that covers the grain of the wood making it impossible to see the natural beauty of the wood. However, it comes in the vastest range of colours compared to any other wood finish and some paints can be applied to multiple surfaces including metal and plastic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re looking for fence paint on a budget, a quick glance over \n\nRonseal Garden Paint<\/a> might be worthwhile. It’s important to note that the viscous formula can vary greatly in terms of price, of course there are the value for money options there are also a variety luxury paints that can often set you back close to \u00a390 for a 5 litre tin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes an expensive paint worth every penny is the quality of the pigments and ingredients they use when making the formula, don’t feel like you’re paying an extortionate amount of money for a brand name – it’s the quality of the formula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should look at repainting your fence with an extra coat annually, of course it can all depend on weather conditions, but once every couple of years should do enough to keep your fence looking as good as new, rather than leaving it for an extended period of time and it becoming worn and damaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to take a look at our in-depth guide on how to paint your fence, \n\nclick here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Do Stains Do?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Stain are popular because they show the grain of the wood, whereas paint doesn’t. Some stains really hit the value for money marker, such as \n\nCuprinol’s 5 Year Ducksback<\/a> – which can be picked up for just over \u00a315 (5 litre version).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One thing with stains to be aware of is the fact that they don’t come in as many colour variations in the cheaper end of the spectrum, if you want a very out there and unusual colour to help stand out – you’ll do well to find it with value for money stain. Whereas cheaper paints such as \n\nGarden Shades<\/a> come in an array of colours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The more diluted stain formula is less likely to blister, peel, crack or flake due to it not being particularly thick, but it will feel the effects of weathering slightly quicker if it’s not annually topped-up with a fresh coat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\"Cuprinol<\/a>
Cuprinol 5 Year Ducksback Stain in Silver Copse<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What’s Best For My Fence Then?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They’re both great for fences, if you already have a tin of \n\npaint<\/a> <\/strong>or \n\nstain<\/a> <\/strong>that’s suitable for exterior wood with adequate weather protection, use it! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you need a few pros and cons to help make a decision, here they are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/td>Pros:<\/td>Cons:<\/td><\/tr>
Stains:<\/td>Help enhance the grain of the wood.<\/td>Will require a new coat every 12 months to maintain the fence.<\/td><\/tr>
Paints:<\/td>More colour choices.<\/td>Covers the grain of the wood, making the fence look less natural and more uniform.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Pros and cons table<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Our Choices For Paint<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Value For Money Option<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\n\n\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Nothing screams value for money quite like Ronseal and this tradition certainly continues with their \n\n5 star rated Garden Paint<\/a>. This water-based exterior timber paint is available in over 20 vivid colours, while also being rainproof within 1 hour of application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This product goes in with the bold claim of up to 5 years colour protection, which will prevent your painted timber from losing that natural shimmer and shine. Another huge plus for the budget option is that is has up to 12m\u00b2<\/small> per litre coverage, which is fantastic for a product in that price range. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The multipurpose paint tin offers a handy guide on the reverse of the tin on how to paint each type of wood; with the instructions for fences being extremely simple, just use a stiff brush to get rid of any dirt before applying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n