Paint vs stain: Which is better for exterior painting

The festivities are rolling in and excitement and music fill the air as people are filling their schedules with last-minute shopping sprees, dinner plans, and all sorts of celebrations. This is a perfect time of the year to be surrounded by your loved ones and reminisce all that the year has brought about!

With all the hustle and bustle, some of you might notice that your home-sweet-home is starting to look a little shabby and tired on the outside. You may even start to feel an unsettling need to give the exterior of your sanctuary that little spark but might not know where to start?

Don’t worry I’ve got you! 

With all there is to do, I aim to help ease this need and offer you a little guidance about the exterior painting adventure you are about to embark on. I will give you all the information you need to understand the constant tug of war between stain versus paint, so you can choose the best option that best brings your home to life. 

Let’s begin! 🙂

When should you use paint or stain?

This is a frequently asked question by most DIY or beginner painters. 

Here’s my personal opinion; when it comes to choosing between the two, inspect the condition of your house before making your final decision. 

This is because, with stain, you don’t need to prime your surfaces and apply a second coat, making staining a hassle-free undertaking. So, if your home needs a lot of prep for painting, it’s better to go with staining.

Also, if you are opting for an aura that offers a more rugged and earthy feel, stain work will offer just that. For a bolder, extravagant feel, choose the paint route, as it offers more variety than stain. 

Which of the two is more durable and cost-effective?

Every professional painter will point out that instead of leaving your homes’ exterior bare and in the hands of mother nature, it is better to either paint or stain. 

Leaving your wood sidings or concrete panels with no protection increases the chances of developing mold, rust, and all things unpleasant that will make your home a nightmare to fix in the future! 🙂

That being said, you may be looking for an exterior painting option that will also benefit you financially and ease your mind from having to redo this whole process frequently. 

When it comes down to which of the two options is more cost-effective, stain takes the win. Its easy,  one-coat application process makes it perfect if you’re looking for a quick fix. 

If durability is what you’re after, painting is generally more long-term and offers a more uniform covering, whereas staining needs constant reapplication. 

Which offers better coverage and appearance?

When it comes to covering up those wood grains and imperfections while providing a more vibrant look to your home, a good paint job does the trick. 

Stain, on the other hand, gives better coverage when compared to paint. 

If you choose to stain, an added advantage you will notice is that staining solutions expand and contract with your wood siding, making it more tolerant to wavering weather conditions. 

A pro-tip when picking your staining solutions is to go for solid solutions, as they allow moisture to escape, preventing the warping of the wood. 🙂

Pick an exterior painting job that best pleases you

While exterior painting may seem like no small feat, when done right, it can turn any place into a head-turner and the talk of the neighborhood! 

Whether it’s paint or stain, choose one that best fits your needs.

If you are looking to match your interior with your exterior, consider looking into a home painting project for a complete wow factor! 🙂

Don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts with all your doubts!

Good luck! 🙂