Can You Stain a Dark Vinyl Lattice?

Lattice Colors

• Once only white, vinyl lattice now comes in a range of colors; white, blue, red, yellow, green, black, gray and beige. Some companies offer light and medium gray and blue lattice. If none of these colors meet the design color element for a landscaping plan, vinyl lattice is easily painted. However, if the plans call for more wood-toned lattice, staining -- or stain-like techniques -- is the best method.

Staining Dark Vinyl Lattice for Color Variation

• When looking at any wood-toned material, whether natural wood, laminate or vinyl, there are variations of color within the wood grain. If the goal is to add color variation on dark vinyl lattice, there are a number of options. If the lattice is black, wipe on a very light shade of stain or pickling compound or paint, let it sit for 5 minutes, and then gently wipe it off. If enough variation does not appear the first time, apply additional layers of stain. The same applies for deep blue, or any other color-saturated vinyl lattice.

Staining Dark Vinyl Lattice for Lighter Shades

• If the goal is to re-work the dark vinyl -- or color-saturated -- lattice into an overall lighter tone, the first step is to paint the lattice in the desired undertone. Working with black lattice, it may take two or even three coats of paint to uniformly lighten the vinyl. Then apply the stain and, after a few minutes, wipe off. Vinyl lattice often comes with faux depth to simulate wood grain; the stain will settle in the creases, and wipe off of the surfaces, creating a wood grain finish to the vinyl.

Staining Dark Vinyl Lattice for Darker Shades

• Should the project start with gray, blue, red or any dark lattice color other than black, the vinyl can be darkened by using a deep-toned stain like walnut or mahogany. Again, dark-toned paint could also be used, by applying the chosen stain medium, and wiping it off within a few minutes. Additional coats can be ragged on to the vinyl lattice, wiping off the excess until the desired darker shade is achieved.