Stain vs. Paint: The Difference
Staining vs Painting
When it comes to staining versus painting real wood furniture, there are some key differences to consider. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preference, desired look, and maintenance effort. If you love the richness of color and want to highlight the wood grain, staining might be your go-to. If you prefer bold colors and maximum protection, painting could be the way to go!
- Surface: Stain soaks into the wood,
enhancing its natural grain. - Protection: Less protective than paint
(usually needs a clear polyurethane top coat). - Variety: Comes in a wide range of colors.
Provides a classic, timeless look. - Finish: Natural Look Preserves the
wood’s natural appearance. - Process: Requires just one coat of stain,
but you can have multiple coats for a deeper finish. - Limitation: Once stained, it cannot be easily
painted without stripping the finish.
Staining
- Surface: Paint sits on top of the wood,
covering the grain and providing a solid color. - Protection: It offers good protection for the wood.
It is color and sealer in one product. - Variety: Comes in a wide range of colors.
Wood grain is not visible. - Finish: Can be matte or flat (very little
to no sheen) or glossy (has the highest sheen). - Process: Typically requires a primer and
multiple coats of paint. - Limitation: Once painted, the wood cannot
be stained without stripping it down first.