There are so many ways to customize the exterior of your home and make it look better than ever before. If you have a fence or deck that you think could use a touchup or even an entire color overhaul, your painting company in Flower Mound wanted to provide you a few tips before you get started.
One of the most common questions we get is whether customers should stain their deck or fence vs. paint it. We answer that and more in today’s post!
What to Consider When Staining
Sometimes you want to maintain the grain lines and texture that comes with your fence or deck, but still give it a like-new appearance. To enhance the grain and texture you’ll want to use a semi-transparent stain. This will emphasize the natural design of your fence. Plus, you can add tinting colors to the stain without sacrificing the texture of the fence or deck itself.
Alternatively, you can improve the appearance of your fence and deck with an opaque stain. This increases the color and covers the wood grain more significantly because of its higher concentration of additives. Up-close, you’ll still be able to see the texture of your fence or deck, but from further away, people will be more likely to notice the color you chose as part of your stain.
When You Might Prefer Painting
If you think it’s time for a more significant change, painting can be a more ideal solution. This is especially true if your fence or deck is very old or if it’s been finished multiple times previously. A single coat of exterior paint can make them look new again.
When choosing a paint color, consider white, gray, or other neutral colors as these tend to pair with the rest of your home the easiest. However, you can always go with a typical brown or similar color that enhances the overall appearance of your home’s exterior.
Oil-Based vs. Water-Based Coatings
When you’ve decided which route you’d want to take, you’ll have to determine whether an oil-based material or a water-based material is right for you. Take note of the differences below:
- Oil-Based – these products are known for penetrating exterior materials easily, such as distressed wood. While this matches perfectly with wooden exteriors, oil-based products require more re-applications in a given time period. They are also affected by UV rays and will penetrate the wood permanently.
- Water-Based – Water-based products are great for standing the test of time because the ingredients are more durable under extreme weather conditions. Cracking and peeling is less likely to occur, especially if the exterior has already been painted. Keep in mind that if a surface has already been painted or stained with an oil-based product, a water-based product will better adhere to the surface.
Want more advice on improving the exterior appearance of your home? You’re guaranteed to get it when you contact your painting company in Flower Mound!
About Platinum Painting
Platinum Painting makes the process of exterior home improvement as simple and straightforward as possible. Our dedicated team of painters know all the best practices for enhancing the appearance of your deck, fence, and everything in between. To learn more about exterior stains and paint or to get a free estimate from your Flower Mound painting company, contact us through our website.