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InteriorInterior
11 December 2009

Coating Timber: When to Paint or Stain?

The following table illustrates the properties of different types of coatings.

  Paint
(Film forming)
Stain
(Film forming)
Stain
(Penetrating)
Finish Solid, opaque colour Semi-transparent, allowing the natural colour and texture of the timber to show through Semi-transparent, allowing the natural colour and texture of the timber to show through
Timber type Has very little, or no impact on the final appearance Dramatically affects the finish- absorbency and colour Dramatically affects the finish- absorbency and colour
Effect on the
timber surface
Forms a solid skin over the surface Forms a solid skin over the surface Penetrates into the timber providing nourishment. Aged coating does not flake and peel, but it erodes away.
Preparation required on previously coated surfaces Sanding, stripping, priming etc These coatings tend to flake and peel with aging, hence sanding and scrubbing is required, before washing with a timber cleaner Washing with a timber cleaner to remove dirt, wax etc
Customer motivation Extensive range of colours, low maintenance Enhance and protect the natural beauty of the timber. They have a longer life than a penetrating stains but are more effort to maintain. Enhances and protects the natural beauty of the timber
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