Whether it's a commercial feature of your eatery or a place for you to relax in your backyard, your deck needs occasional maintenance to look its best. Regular staining and exterior painting every few years are key to guarding against the elements. The two main types of finish for an exterior painting or staining project are oil-based or acrylic, also known as water-based. Oil and water don’t mix well, so it's best if you stick to just one type and repeat it every year or two. Below is a discussion of the two types of stains and the pros and cons of each.

A Guide to Deck Stains

Acrylic

Acrylic paint or stain forms an outer protective shell around the deck surface to seal out moisture, dirt, and other contaminants. Acrylic dries quickly, which is convenient in that you don't have to wait long to use the deck. The downside of quick-drying is that it makes application more difficult, since the edge may start to dry before you're ready to stain the next section. Another issue is that, because it covers the deck surface but doesn’t penetrate it, acrylic may crack or peel during power washing and must sometimes be removed entirely before refinishing. Still, it provides exceptional protection against weather.

Oil-Based

If you choose an oil-based stain for your exterior painting project, you’ll notice that the wood soaks it up and the oil protects the deck from within. Because it lies below the surface, it takes longer for the oil to dry. The oil doesn’t crack or peel. Instead, when you clean it with a pressure washer, you’ll notice that the fibers simply fade a bit and the oil washes off evenly. Because it isn't completely sealed, moisture can still penetrate wood that’s been treated with oil-based exterior painting, so it's important to clean it regularly to prevent algae growth. Even so, oil-based stains prevent the color of the wood from fading in the sun and keep it looking sleek and smooth. 

In Hawaii, it's important to choose a deck stain that withstands sun, rain, and the salty sea air. For professional assistance with your exterior painting project, contact Brown Painting, a trusted painter in Kailua Kona, HI. They’ve been locally owned and operated for more than 40 years. In addition to exterior painting and staining services, they also specialize in interior painting and pressure washing. Visit their website to view their service area and business hours or call (808) 271-5706 to schedule a consultation.