STAINS
Here you'll find information on the general use of stains and preservatives. The greatest thing about stains is they never crack or peel and naturallly help reduce the surface preparation work needed when its time to restain. Most exterior stains contain 'mildewcide' to help resist the growth of mildew.
Exterior Clear Water Repelling Stains and Preservatives:
Clear water repelling stains and preservatives are made of oils, paraffin wax, and silicates which provide hardening to protect against moisture and provide a natural wood finish. Initially, To avoid a relatively short life expectancy they should be applied every 6 to 18 months. Wood 'shelf life' (no pun intended) is preserved for longer periods from the stain's oil properties.
Water repelling stains and preservatives often tefered to as 'sealers' do not
allow moisture to enter and exit wood surfaces because they seal surfaces. Most
water repelling stains and preservatives contain a mildewcide to resist the
growth of mildew. All purpose water repellents and sealers should never be used
on wood surfaces because they are designed more for masonry.
Exterior Semitransparent Stains:
Exterior semitransparent stains contain similar characteristics as water repelling
stains only with a small amount of color which allows wood grain to show through.
These stains are recommended for exterior wood siding and decks.
Exterior solid color stains have the same characteristics as Semitransparent
Stains and can add a variety of colors making surfaces more appealing to the
eye. They provide a painted look finish while allowing the texture of the wood
surface to come through. These stains can be used on siding and deck railings.
You can greatly enhance the durability of exterior colored stained surface by
priming new wood surfaces with an alkyd based stain primer or oil stain.
Exterior Bleaching and Weathering Stains:
Exterior bleaching and weathering stains are similar to clear water repelling
stains, except they allow wood surfaces to keep a weathered and gray look while
acting as a water repellent. These stains can be recoated with clear water repelling
stains and preservatives.
You can provide depth and clarity to the characteristics of interior wood surfaces by using interior stains since interior stains have many of the same characteristics as penetrating exterior stains. These types of stains come in a variety of colors and should be coated with at least two coats of clear polyurethane or varnish. A clear polyurethane or varnish will provide protection from abrasions, water, food, discoloration and other common elements.