LET NATURAL BEAUTY SHINE

The distinct grain pattern is part of wood’s allure. Paint covers the wood surface entirely, obscuring your view of the wood’s natural beauty.

PROTECTION FROM ELEMENTS

Wood is a fantastic choice for decking and siding because it’s a renewable, biodegradable resource. Unfortunately, this means wood is very susceptible to damage from the elements, and your outdoor wood items will last much longer when you stain them.

Stain is cost-effective when covering exterior wood in high-traffic places, like stairs. Paint is more likely to chip, flake, or peel after repeated use, which means more frequent touch-ups.

Oil molecules are much smaller than water molecules, which will penetrate the wood’s surface more deeply. Oil binds with wood to create a film that reflects light and offers a deeper, richer color. Oil-based stains also take longer to dry, may require multiple coats to achieve the desired appearance, and have fumes that can irritate sensitive sinuses.

When you choose a water-based stain, you’ll enjoy faster drying times, less fumes, and easier cleanup than oil-based varieties. Water-based options also tend to cost less than their oil-based counterparts. The drawbacks to water-based stains are that they may not penetrate as deeply, are not always as durable, and can raise the grain of the wood when the moisture within the molecules expands.

Benjamin Moore Exterior Stain

Color Selection

Exterior stain is an excellent way to improve the appearance of your wood decking and outdoor furniture while protecting them from the elements. Let the knowledgeable Benjamin Moore stain experts at Aurora Paint Pot help you select the perfect exterior stain for your East Aurora, NY home.

When deciding on the Benjamin Moore exterior stain color you need for your outdoor project, there are a few things to keep in mind:

The age and condition of the wood — older wood tends to have more imperfections than newer, so opting for a semi-solid or solid stain is usually the best choice. If your wood is new, you can start with a semi-transparent stain and choose to go darker or more opaque in the future.
Your end goal — how much of the wood’s grain do you want to show through the stain? Are you looking to enhance the natural appearance of the wood or transform it?
Different stain colors — consider using a different color stain on the handrails, railings, or steps. This contrast will add depth and visual interest.
Wood undertones — if you won’t be using a solid stain, you will need to consider the undertones of wood. Wood can have red, yellow, orange, or warm brown undertones, so it’s essential to work with the wood’s natural colors, not against them.

Exterior Stain Benefits

Exterior stain can produce a beautiful effect and has several benefits.

LET NATURAL BEAUTY SHINE

The distinct grain pattern is part of wood’s allure. Paint covers the wood surface entirely, obscuring your view of the wood’s natural beauty.
PROTECTION FROM ELEMENTS

Wood is a fantastic choice for decking and siding because it’s a renewable, biodegradable resource. Unfortunately, this means wood is very susceptible to damage from the elements, and your outdoor wood items will last much longer when you stain them.
COST-EFFECTIVE

Stain is cost-effective when covering exterior wood in high-traffic places, like stairs. Paint is more likely to chip, flake, or peel after repeated use, which means more frequent touch-ups.

Oil vs. Water-Based Stain

Water and oil-based stains are very different formulations, each with pros and cons.

OIL-BASED STAINS

Oil molecules are much smaller than water molecules, which will penetrate the wood’s surface more deeply. Oil binds with wood to create a film that reflects light and offers a deeper, richer color. Oil-based stains also take longer to dry, may require multiple coats to achieve the desired appearance, and have fumes that can irritate sensitive sinuses.
WATER-BASED STAINS

When you choose a water-based stain, you’ll enjoy faster drying times, less fumes, and easier cleanup than oil-based varieties. Water-based options also tend to cost less than their oil-based counterparts. The drawbacks to water-based stains are that they may not penetrate as deeply, are not always as durable, and can raise the grain of the wood when the moisture within the molecules expands.

Our Exterior Stain Offerings