Wood Siding Finishing: Painting Vs. Staining

Many qualities have made wood a classic siding material. Its only weakness, though, is its susceptibility to moisture. When exposed to water repeatedly, authentic wood deteriorates and loses everything that makes it a desirable building material.

To protect wood from the elements, you can either stain or paint it. Let Storm Master Construction and Roofing, the local expert on siding and roof repair, explain how each finishing option fares in key areas:

Appearance

Paint forms a film that covers the surface of the wood, hiding all of its imperfections as well as its natural look. On the other hand, stains are generally semitransparent, which is why they can make the color of timber richer without obscuring the grain. Solid stains, however, have high pigment concentrations to hide wood’s original visual features completely.

Adherence

Siding and roof replacement experts, including Storm Master Construction and Roofing, agree that both finishing options need clean and dry surfaces. Paint requires a coat of primer as a base for proper adhesion to prevent premature blistering, cracking and peeling. Unlike paint products, stains permeate wood’s pores and require less surface preparation because they can be applied without priming.

Maintenance

Paint becomes unsightly as it weathers. It peels or cracks when it deteriorates and the affected areas need scrapping to clean the surfaces.

Stains age too, but they only fade over time. Oil-based products are porous, which means they don’t blister or peel. You only need to wash your siding before applying a new coat. That said, some stains act like paint. Opaque stains may peel as they get old.

The level of protection each finishing option provides depends on thickness. Use Storm Master Construction and Roofing’s proven carpentry expertise and experience as a siding and roofing contractor to discuss the right route to prolong the service life of your wood siding.

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