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 vs acrylic stains for wood siding.
There are acrylics and there are oils these are referred to as the base ingredient of the wood stain or deck paint product.
Acrylic based stains are.
Oils penetrate into the wood and protect from within while acrylics lay on top and create a shell to protect the wood.
Water based stains when choosing a stain for your outdoor wood project there are several factors to consider in choosing the kind that is best suited for your needs.
This is a great way to tell if your previous stain is oil based.
Oil based stain will require raw wood in order to sink in and properly seal.
When staining with oil based stain you will have to clean up your tools and spots using mineral spirits.
Acrylic stains lay on top of the wood and protect it from the outside.
Oil as it ages will eventually fade away.
Oil based stain penetrates the wood and protects it from within.
They have less odor and offer easy cleanup with soap and water.
Difference between oil and acrylic stains.
Water based stains have more color options and dry within a couple of hours letting you complete the project quickly.
It s common knowledge that oil and water do not mix.
While paint only coats the surface stains such as varnish penetrate below the surface.