Why Staining Exterior Wood Siding Can Be Better Than Painting?

Wood siding is considered the most durable and attractive siding material for many houses, but it requires good protection from sunlight and moisture. There are mainly two common options for finishing wood siding. The options are paint and stain. Which one is better actually Exterior Wood Sidingdepends on many different factors, including your preferences for appearance as well as maintenance. Also, the condition of the siding is also important.

Paints Vs Stains:

When it comes to choosing between paint and stains, it is always important to figure out the differences between them a little more. Solid-color stains are almost identical to the regular paint. Both of them create a form of a layer on the surface of the wood. These types of paint or stain will not penetrate the wood. They both come in just about any color and provide the wood siding with the longest and most thorough protection.

Advantages of Stain:

However, the most common advantage to staining is that it will expand and contract more with the wood, enduring the changing weather most. Also, the stain is more breathable and it provides a natural airflow through the wood siding. On the other hand, paint usually creates a dry thicker coat that offers a substantial barrier.
Also, stain requires more frequent applications than paint, but it needs less maintenance to keep them looking attractive. Even if the stain ages and weathers, it fades slowly. As a result, you can refresh its look by using a simple washing clothes and applying a new coat stain. However, paint starts to crack or peel as it ages, which can make your siding look dull and unappealing. Also, the oil-based semi-transparent stains can penetrate the wood and are porous in nature. They are not also going to blister or peel in the long run.

Why Is Stain Better Than Painting?

If you have an existing home, you need to use the same product that was previously applied, whether it is paint or stain. However, if you have a newer home and wood siding, you should go for stain as it will provide you better protection. If you want to get the most out of the natural character of the wood siding, you can use a semi-transparent stain. On the other hand, if you are looking for a product that can provide you with a solid color and longer protection, you can use a solid-color stain. The solid-color stain will also be a cost-effective solution since it offers lower-maintenance cost.

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