The Difference Between Painting & Staining

Painting Preparations

• Painting preparations differ greatly from staining preparations. When preparing a surface for painting, you need not consider the color of the natural wood or surface. You can patch the wood with wood filler or wood patches since paint will completely cover the surface, hiding imperfections.

  Paint usually also requires priming for best adhesion. Always use water-based primer with water-based paint and oil-based with oil-based.

Staining Preparations

• Stain, on the other hand, does not fully hide the wood grain or surface flaws. To prepare your wood surface for staining, you will need to pay better attention to the type and color of wood filler, and to stay away from sanding methods that can scratch the surface of the wood too deeply. When staining any wood that may blotch, it is important to apply a wood conditioner with a brush or rag. As with paint, always match your conditioner to your stain.

  Whether staining or painting, it's always a good idea to treat a small area in an inconspicuous location to be certain you are getting the color you want before starting on the whole piece.

Stain versus Paint Coverage

• Stain penetrates the wood surface, coloring the wood fibers as much as 1/2-inch deep into the wood, whereas paint merely coats the surface and is its own sealant. Stain must be coated with a clear coat finish or sealant in situations where the wood surface might be exposed to water or other products that might discolor the surface or eventually rot the wood. Polyurethane is a readily available sealer that comes in gloss and satin finishes for applying to stained wood.

Types of Paints and Stains

• Water-based stains are used when quick drying is necessary. Oil-based products do not dry as quickly as water-based products. However, oil-based products will not cause wood to swell and can actually penetrate wood, helping to preserve it. Additionally, stain can be purchased as a gel or liquid application.

  Paint, on the other hand, is also sold in water- and oil-based formulations. Paint can also be purchased as a latex or non-latex product, depending on your need and application. Latex paint is slightly flexible when dry and is less likely to crack. Non-latex paint is a bit more brittle but effective in situations where sunlight and weather conditions will not affect the product. Paint is always opaque, and stain is almost always transparent and sometimes semitransparent.

  Both paint and stain are available already tinted, and most stores that sell paint will mix colors to your specifications.

Application

• Paint must always be brushed, rolled or sprayed on. Since this product is intended to coat the surface of your projects, then you must apply large amounts in even strokes. Stain can be wiped on, brushed on or sprayed on, depending on your preference. Spraying either product will provide a more even application. Brushing will produce brush marks in paint but not in stain. Generally, stain any wood surface if you would prefer the wood grain to remain visible. Paint surfaces such as drywall or wood that do not require a display of wood grains.