Paint vs. wood stain: which is right for you?
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Guide written on 6 February 2024 by:
Tess, painting & decorating consultant, Brighton
Important features
- Advantages and disadvantages of paint
- Advantages and disadvantages of stains
- Types of paint
- Types of wood stain
Wood stains vs. paint
When it comes to picking between paint and wood stains, your decision will mainly come down to your own tastes. If you want to cover up the natural look of the wood, then paint is obviously the right option for you.
But if you want to preserve the grain and knots of the wood, a wood stain will be the best choice. Bear in mind that wood stains can also be tinted or coloured.
It is even possible to combine paint with a wood stain. For example, you might want to apply a clear stain to penetrate deep into the wood before applying an oil-based paint over the top. Doing so allows you to combine the benefits of each product.
Before you make your choice, it's a good idea to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of each option. For example, paint provides more durable protection than stains against things like weathering and UV rays while stains are easier to apply and won't flake over time.
Exterior wood stain
Advantages and disadvantages of paint
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Paint is ideal if you are looking for a coloured wood finish. There are a few different types of paint to choose from depending on your requirements and tastes – namely, oil-based paint, acrylic paint and alkyd paint. Unlike wood stains, paint won't start to appear cloudy over time. Paint provides more durable protection. Paint is not necessarily designed to protect wood, unlike stains. | Paint tends to lose its glossy finish over time then starts to flake. Paint does not penetrate into the material but instead sits on the surface and covers up the grain of the wood. Some paints can emit a strong smell. |
Advantages and disadvantages of stains
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Stain leaves the natural look of the material on show and really highlights the grain of the wood. As stains are micro-porous, they protect the wood from moisture but also allow it to breathe. Stains can be clear, tinted or coloured to change the tone of the wood. Stains are easy to apply and dry quickly. They won't turn yellow or flake over time. | Stain is not recommended for horizontal surfaces like stair treads or flooring as it does not provide enough protection. Wood stain is specifically designed to protect wood, unlike paint. Stains can get cloudy over time. |
Different types of wood paint
Three main types of paint can be used to protect wood: acrylic, oil and alkyd. It is also possible to use a natural, eco-friendly or organic paint.
Acrylic paint
Acrylic paint is a water-based paint meaning the solvent used is essentially water. The pigments and filler are held in the water by an acrylic binder.
Acrylic paint can be used indoors and outdoors, and works perfectly for new wood as it allows the material to breathe. It boasts high coverage, does not have a strong odour and has a low volatile organic compound (VOC) content meaning it is better for the environment and for your health. It dries quickly and won't turn yellow over time.
Oil-based paint
Oil-based paint is made using an organic compound solvent like white spirit or turpentine. An oil is used as a binder in this case.
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, oil-based paint adheres perfectly and is very moisture resistant. It can also be used on wood that has already been painted or stained.
However, it emits a strong odour, takes a long time to dry and does not allow the wood to breathe. These days, oil-based paints are considered fairly toxic, and are used less and less.
Alkyd paint
Alkyd paint is made up of water and an alkyd binder. This means it combines the advantages of acrylic paint with the durability of an oil-based paint.
It can be used indoors and outdoors and works well on new wood as well as wood that has already been painted or stained. Alkyd paint has a lower VOC content than oil-based paints and is easy to care for. It also performs better and lasts longer. However, it does take a fairly long time to dry.
Natural paints
Of course, the main benefit of this type of paint, which may also be referred to as eco paint, is that it does not contain chemical binders. Instead, a natural binder, such as soy, lime, etc., is used. These paints have a very low VOC content for a reduced impact on the environment and your health.
Natural paint can be used indoors and outdoors and is usually applied to new wood. However, it does have a limited lifespan.
Different types of wood stain
Available in liquid and gel form, stains can be clear, tinted or coloured. But beware that clear stains do not provide UV protection and are therefore best used indoors.
You will have the choice between acrylic stains, oil-based stains or even natural stains.
Water-based wood stains
Water-based wood stains contain a water-based solvent and an acrylic binder.
Used indoors and outdoors, water based stains are easy to apply, dry more quickly than oil-based stains and do not have a strong smell. They also have a lower VOC content.
At the same time, they provide less UV protection and do have a shorter lifespan than oil based stains.
Oil-based wood stains
Oil-based wood stains contain organic compounds such as white spirit or turps.
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, these stains are very moisture resistant making them a good choice for woods exposed to the elements. They also offer excellent UV protection with a longer lifespan compared to acrylic.
If your wood is subject to temperature fluctuations or is exposed to the sun, you can opt for a weatherproof stain.
The downside of oil based stains is that they have a high VOC content meaning they are harmful to the environment and health. They also have a strong odour and take longer to dry than acrylic wood stains.
Natural wood stains
The final option is a natural wood stain which may also be known as an eco wood stain. Just like natural paint, this type of product is made using a non chemical binder. Instead natural products such as wax, linseed oil or soybean oil are used.
Natural wood stains release very few volatile organic compounds making them ideal for indoor use.
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Guide written by:
Tess, painting & decorating consultant, Brighton
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