Outdoor Wood Stain & Sealer

Staining and sealing outdoor wood protects the surface.

You've built a beautiful new deck and you'd like it to stay beautiful. Staining and sealing the wood can prolong the life of the deck while enhancing or changing the natural color of the wood to reflect your personal aesthetic.

Stain Versus Paint

Stain seeps into the wood grain whereas paint adheres to the wood surface. Temperature and humidity changes cause wood to expand and contract, which can in turn cause paint to bubble or crack.

Type of Stain

There are acrylic and latex based stains available. The type of wood along with the comfort level of the person applying the stain help determine the right choice.

Latex Stain

Latex-based stain is water soluble and therefore less intimidating to the novice stainer.

Acrylic Stain

Acrylic-based stain, on the other hand, requires paint thinner for clean up and can cause nasty stains on concrete and other surfaces if spilled.

Sealer

To determine if wood needs to be sealed, sprinkle water on the surface. If the water absorbs into the wood, the wood should be sealed. If the water beads on the surface, the wood does not need to be sealed.

Type of Sealer

There are a number of sealer types available, some of which are clear and simply repel water and some of which repel water and color the wood as well.

References

• Aubuchon Hardware: All About Wood Finishes
• Master Garden Products: Finishing Concepts
• Garden Structure: Let's Stain That Deck!