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outdoor woodwork paint or stain

Weighing the Options for Using Paint or Stain on Outdoor Woodwork

When it comes time to paint the exterior of one’s home or business, the question of how to address ancillary structures, such as decks, railings, fences, pergolas and the like usually comes up. While paint is generally used for most exterior walls, many home and business owners like to keep the natural look of any wood structures that may accent the main walls. In such cases, the use of stain rather than paint may be a viable solution; however, many people tend to be confused about the differences between paint and stain, as well as their correct application. Thus, consider this blog post a primer of sorts on the differences between paint and stain, with some guidelines on when, how and why to use either of the two.

Differences Between Paint and Stain

The easiest way to differentiate paint from stain is that paint coats and hides the original surface, while stain penetrates the surface. Clear and semi-transparent stains also serve to enhance the original grain and beauty of the wood, while semi-solid stains add more color, but hide more of the grain. Solid stains come the closest to mimicking paint, and completely hides the wood grain.

Paint and stain both have positive and negatives to weigh in determining which to use, but either one is better than leaving bare wood exposed to the elements.

Positive factors to consider with both include:

Paint

  • greater number of color choices
  • deeper and more vibrant color options
  • greater protection from sun and water damage
  • greater longevity between re-applications
  • can be used on other materials besides wood

Stain

  • finish options include clear, semitransparent, semi solid and solid
  • ability to enhance wood’s natural beauty
  • ease of application
  • no blistering
  • better handling of abrasion from foot traffic
  • no need to strip before re-application

Negative factors to consider:

Paint

  • horizontal surfaces subject to peeling and blistering
  • potential for rapid weathering with intense water, ice or sun exposure
  • intensive scraping and stripping required before re-application

Stain

  • the need for frequent—one-to-five-year—re-applications depending upon opacity and exposure
  • cannot be used on previously painted wood
  • can only be used on wood and most wood composites

Color and Surface to be Treated Key Considerations

All in all, the choice of whether to ultimately go with stain or paint depends upon each building owner’s particular needs and specific weighting of the above listed positive and negative factors. Color should perhaps be the first consideration, as the color choice may be limited with stains. The surface to be treated should take secondary consideration, as it often dictates the choice. For example, those wanting to retain and enhance the natural look of wood will likely want to lean towards using stain. Likewise, stain is usually considered the better option for porch floors and decking due to its superior ability to withstand foot traffic.

If you’re still stumped about whether to opt for paint or stain, FCI Painting can help you assess the job and determine the best painting or staining options for all of your outside ancillary structures. Contact FCI Painting online, or by calling (239) 435-1001, to see what our painting specialists can do to help beautify the exterior of your home or business.

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The entire process from start to finish was professional. They did a great job and left everything clean. Ryan wouldn’t leave until everything was perfect. The entire team was so responsive. I would recommend FCI to anyone. I would give them 6 stars if I could.

Bruce G

Reasonably Priced & Very Detailed

We have a three unit, two story condo building that needed an exterior painting job we awarded to FCI Painting. Their proposal was reasonably priced and very detailed. Richard Foden’s came to estimate the job and took the time to explain the process, answer questions and provide recommendations (that help us in our process). We received four proposals and FCI’s stood out making our decision straight forward. FCI crew was professional and the foreman ‘Eduardo’ exceptional. On a daily basis’s he communicated what to expect, what they would be achieving and the crews next steps. Crew was courteous and cleaned up the grounds every evening. We highly recommend FCI Painting company. Thanks

Leo G

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I honestly cannot recommend this company enough. I was attempting to find painters in Naples while I was still in Canada. Richard and his team were so helpful in the process, going above and beyond what I could have ever imagined. They were thorough, professional, and one of the best prices I found in the area. Incredible service.

Jeremy S

Definitely Use Them Again

Richard and his team were great to work with. They were polite, cleaned up and did an awesome job! I have already recommended them to people and would definitely use them again.

Helen R

Ahead of schedule

Very professional, prompt… even ahead of schedule. I will always use them from now on.

Brittany K

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I can’t recommend FCI Painting enough! Owner Richard Foden runs one of the finest painting companies I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. When my business moved into our new office, we started researching painters in Naples, FL and FCI came highly recommended. The commercial painters that Richard works with are prompt, thorough and professional. After working with them in a business setting, I’ll be certain to give Richard a call next time I’m in need of house painters as well.

Martin V

Professional & Friendly

Had my condo painted by FCI Painting and they did an outstanding job! They were professional and friendly.

Eileen F

Competitive & Fair

FCI Painting did an outstanding job for us and we are more than pleased with the results. We found the pricing to be competitive and fair. Our painter, Chris, was an expert craftsman, patched several areas of drywall that needed attention and helped us work through a problem we had with one of the colors we chose. We would definitely recommend FCI painting for anyone looking for a quality job at a fair price.

Donna C

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Big thanks to FCI, I had them paint my house inside and out and they did a fantastic job, way above my expectations, there employees were punctual and polite, and the work was completed 2 days before the scheduled completion date. Would not hesitate to recommend A++++++++++

Neil S

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FCI Painting did a fantastic job on my driveway. They were swift, neat, and very sharp eye on quality. I would highly suggest there work and I would call them again.

Tom D

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FCI did a great job painting our home! Job was done on time & on budget, no surprises! Rich was a pleasure to deal with & was very prompt when responding to a question or request. Chris, our painter, was on-time each day, always prepared, cleaned up every afternoon, worked at a good pace & super friendly. Would definitely use them again & recommend them highly!

Christine C

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My family has used FCI in our homes and businesses. They have always done an outstanding job, neat and clean and Richard is wonderful accommodating owner to work with. I would highly recommend this company to anyone.

Valerie G

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Great Company, Great Results! We use FCI whenever we can!

Bill

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Pleasant and easy to deal with. Did exactly what they said they would, when they said they would do it. Would highly recommend.

Christopher G

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Beautiful work and very friendly respectful employees. Couldn’t be happier.

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