What is a Solid deck stain? What is the difference between solid and semi-transparent? What are the pros and cons?
This is a perfect example of what a Solid stain deck looks like once completed.
Solid deck stain is advised for decks 10+ years of age.
What is a Solid deck stain?
Solid deck stain, also known as opaque deck stain, is a type of coating that's applied to wooden surfaces, such as decks, to provide protection and color. Solid deck stains offer maximum protection against the elements, including UV rays, moisture, and mildew, because they contain a high level of pigment and resin. This pigment provides a flat, opaque finish that covers the natural grain of the wood, similar to a paint finish.
Solid deck stains come in a range of different colors, from natural browns, cedar tones, red tones, and from green to yellow colors. They offer a long-lasting layer of protection to the underlying wood, enhancing the appearance of the deck and minimizing the need for frequent maintenance. Solid deck stain is most commonly used on older decks that have already undergone considerable wear and tear, or on decks where the natural wood has deteriorated, as it can cover up cracks, knots, and other imperfections. It is best advised to use solid on decks 10+ years of age.
What are the Pros & Cons?
Pros:
1. Covers blemishes well: Solid deck stain can effectively mask any blemishes or imperfections on your deck, such as cracks and knots.
2. Long-lasting: Solid deck stains offer excellent protection against the elements.
3. Color options: Solid deck stains come in a range of colors, so you can choose the one that best suits your style and preferences.
4. Easy to apply: Solid deck stain is relatively easy to apply with a brush or roller, and it dries quickly. Typically solid is a 2 coat process.
5. More forgiving: solid stains cover any blemishes, imperfections and previously used colored stains. It is possible to change colors every time staining is needed.
6. Thick formula: the product is thicker than oil stains, thus filling in the minor cracks and imperfections in the wood.
Cons:
1. Hides wood grain: Because solid deck stain forms a colored film on top of the wood, it can hide the natural grain of the wood, which may not be ideal if you want a natural wood look.
2. Prone to peeling: Solid deck stain can peel over time and when it is due for maintenance after 2-3 years or depending on deck use.
3. Correct amount of preparation: deck needs to be pressure washed, any loose stain will need to be sanded and the deck needs to be dry. Keep in mind this does not imply the entire deck will need to be stripped to bare wood, very difficult to accomplish.
Ultimately, whether you choose to use solid deck stain or another type of stain will depend on your preferences and the condition of your deck. It's important to research your options and choose the right stain for your specific needs OR have us look at your deck.
An excellent example of how SOLID stain can be applied on imperfect decks and the results are great.
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