The two main stain bases are either oil based stain or water based stain and there are certain situations where one is better to use than the other.
Oil based stain vs acrylic stains for wood siding.
When staining with oil based stain you will have to clean up your tools and spots using mineral spirits.
If you are planning on painting your wood siding with an exterior wood stain you re probably wondering whether to use a water based or an oil based product there are important factors you should consider when making your decision.
When staining any exterior wood element such as a fence deck siding or garden bridge you can choose between either an oil based or latex based stain oil based stains traditionally been used for exterior elements but they are messier and smellier than latex based stains.
Oil based stain will require raw wood in order to sink in and properly seal.
Acrylic stains lay on top of the wood and protect it from the outside.
Exterior stains are water based sometimes called acrylic oil based sometimes called alkyd or oil modified.
While paint only coats the surface stains such as varnish penetrate below the surface.
There are acrylics and there are oils these are referred to as the base ingredient of the wood stain or deck paint product.
Difference between oil and acrylic stains.
Oil as it ages will eventually fade away.
Oil based stain penetrates the wood and protects it from within.
Acrylic based stains are.
They have less odor and offer easy cleanup with soap and water.
It s common knowledge that oil and water do not mix.
Water based stains have more color options and dry within a couple of hours letting you complete the project quickly.