Staining or Painting a Fence?

Painting and staining fences are great ways to alter their appearance and protect them against wear and tear. Both methods work for newly-installed or old fences in need of new life.

This guide will highlight the advantages and disadvantages of staining and painting fences.

The pros of painting

Painting a fence is the best way to transform its appearance. Paint comes in all colors, from white to green, black, blue, and red. No matter what style or vibe the homeowner wants, it’s all possible with paint.

A thick coat of paint should also protect the fence against various threats. Wind, storm, rain, sun, and pest damage are less likely on a properly painted fence. As such, painted fences should last much longer than bare or unfinished fences.

The cons of painting

Unfortunately, painting also has its downsides. Notably, paint often starts to crack or peel after only a few years. It can start to look like an eyesore, and homeowners must repaint fences regularly to maintain their appearance.

There’s also a risk of painted fences being more likely to rot. The reason is that paint can lock moisture into the wood and make breathing harder. Over time, this may lead to rotted planks and posts.

The pros of staining

Stain works differently to paint. It soaks right into the wood, providing a deeper and much longer-lasting level of protection. Accordingly, stained fences can last for years before needing a fresh treatment.

Stains also won’t peel or crack as paints do. In addition, there are plenty of styles to select from in the market. The range includes transparent stains, which let the natural beauty of the wood shine, and opaque options that can provide a similar look to paint.

The cons of staining

Staining doesn’t have too many drawbacks, but it is certainly more expensive than painting. However, since it doesn’t need to be applied as often, it usually works out cheaper or around the same price in the long run.

Another downside for some homeowners is that there are fewer colors to choose from when shopping for stains. Stains also can’t provide the same dramatic, total transformations as paints.

The better option

In most cases, staining is the better option for homeowners. It costs a little more initially, but the costs even out. Plus, staining provides better, longer-lasting protection. However, those who care more about aesthetics may still prefer to have their fences painted.

Turn to the pros for painting and staining

Ultimately, painting and staining effectively help fences look better and last longer. But, to get the best results, working with pros is important. Find a trusted painting or staining service provider to handle all fence treatments.

M & B Painting, a Father-Son family-run business, has a proven record of Service Excellence in residential and commercial interior and exterior paint projects. Call us at 623-289-3366 for all of your painting needs!