Exterior Stain

Wooden decking, furniture, and siding are beautiful accents to any property but are susceptible to deterioration when exposed to the elements. Exterior stain enhances the appearance of wood while protecting it from UV and moisture damage. Combining premium exterior stain products with professional know-how will ensure the best results, and Superior Paint & Decorating offers both.

Waterborne vs. Classic Oil Exterior Stain

ARBORCOAT® Waterborne Stains provide unparalleled UV protection and dry quickly. Water-based exterior stains are easy to clean up with soap and water.

ARBORCOAT ® Classic Oil Finishes penetrate further into the wood to deliver superior UV and water protection and prevent peeling and cracking. Oil-based exterior stain is also easy to recoat.

ARBORCOAT® Exterior Stain

• Ultra flat finish offers excellent coverage of surface imperfections
• Available in thousands of colors
• Mildew-resistant

Flat Semi-Solid

• The semi-solid formula shows the texture of the wood and some grain
• Great for softwoods like cedar and pine
• Available in 75 colors

Flat Semi-Transparent

• Protects surface while allowing the texture and grain to show
• Mildew-resistant
• Available in 75 colors

Flat Translucent

• Enjoy the full beauty of the wood's texture and grain
• Can be used on wooden decking, furniture, and siding
• Excellent for both soft and hardwoods
• Available in six ready-mix colors - Natural, Redwood, Teak, Cedar, Mahogany, Silver Gray

Flat Semi-Solid Classic Oil Finish

• Provides outstanding UV protection
• Allows some of the natural texture and grain of the wood to show
• Mildew-resistant
• Available in 75 colors

Flat Semi-Transparent Classic Oil Finish

• It shows a bit more of the wood's grain and texture
• Available in 75 colors
• Exceptional UV and moisture protection

Flat Translucent Classic Oil Finish

• Displays the most texture and grain
• Ideal for both soft and hardwoods
• Available in six ready-mix colors - Natural, Redwood, Teak, Cedar, Mahogany, Silver Gray

Exterior Stain Opacities

Choosing an opacity for exterior stain is similar to selecting a finish for paint. If you're staining newer wood, a semi-transparent or semi-translucent deck stain will allow you to enjoy the most texture and grain. Decks that have been around for a few more years will look great with a semi-solid stain that conceals minor imperfections while still showing some of the wood's texture and grain. A solid exterior stain is ideal for wood with lots of blemishes or for spicing up your deck's appearance with some color.

Preparing to Apply Exterior Stain

You can expect to enjoy your wooden deck for up to 20 years with proper protection. Your deck will need staining every couple of years. If you're unsure whether it's time to stain, pour water on several spots, especially those with prominent wear and fading; if the water stops beading within 10 minutes, your deck needs a recoat.

To begin with, a clean surface, it's essential, but a quick spray with the garden hose isn't always enough. You want to remove any grime that has built up since the last staining, and that requires elbow grease and, occasionally, a pressure washer. Once your deck is squeaky clean, check out the forecast. Moisture will prevent the deck stain from adequately adhering to the wood, so a dry week is ideal; a couple of days of dry weather before staining and a few days following the project.

Many people think sanding is a requirement, but unnecessary sanding can hurt your final results. Exterior stain works by penetrating the wood. If the wood is too smooth, the stain won't be able to adhere properly, but wood that is too torn up will also prevent proper stain application. Only break out the sander if your wood is in the middle ground that needs it. If you aren't sure, we're happy to help.

Exterior Stain Prep Products

Remove

• Removes oil and latex stains, and clear finishes from solid color stains
• Fast-acting, concentrated formula

Restore

• Returns luster to old, weathered wood
• The bleach-free formula is gentle on wood and the environment

Brighten

• Removes tannin and rust stains
• Breaks the "mill glaze" on new wood
• Remedies the darkening of tannin-bearing woods after using Remove and Restore

Clean

• Ideal for maintenance cleaning
• Concentrated formula quickly removes mold and mildew stains

Superior Paint & Decorating has been the premier paint store in Lexington, KY, since 1985. We're here to help you create a home you love with an extensive selection of paint, stain, wallpaper, and decorative accents. Please stop by to see us at 2551 Regency Rd. #104 in Lexington, KY, or call (859) 276-5264. Superior Paint & Decorating proudly serves the greater Lexington, KY, area.