A solid stain is, essentially,
 
 a paint
 
 . Both are films that sit on the surface of a substrate. A penetrating stain differs from a solid stain entirely in that the product actually absorbs into the wood. … Paint, on the other hand, is a much thicker film that solid stain.
 Is solid stain good for deck?
 
 You
 
 should not use solid
 
 color stains on your decking area, because they will not protect it against weathering and wood rot.
 What is a solid deck stain?
 
 Solid deck stains
 
 cover the wood grain and texture with an opaque layer of color
 
 . To protect the deck but still see the wood’s character, a semisolid or semitransparent deck stain might be preferable. … Paints encapsulate the surface of the wood. Solid deck stains penetrate the wood, creating a stronger bond.
 What is solid color deck stain?
 
 While traditional, penetrating wood stains soak into lumber, solid color deck stains
 
 contain solids that cause the stain to form a permanent film on the lumber’s surface
 
 , similar to paint.
 What’s the best solid stain for decks?
 
- Olympic Stain Wood Solid Stain and Sealer – Best Overall. …
- KILZ Exterior Waterproofing Wood Stain – Best Value. …
- SaverSystems Deck Wood Paint & Sealer – Premium Choice. …
- DEFY Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain. …
- Cabot Solid Color Decking Stain. …
- Flood/PPG Pro Past Base Stain.
 What is the longest lasting deck stain?
 
 
 Opaque
 
 : Sometimes called a “solid deck stain,” this product contains the highest percentage of pigment and will protect wood the longest, requiring a recoat every 4 to 5 years. Opaque stain is also the densest and completely hides the wood grain. It offers the most coverage short of applying a deck paint.
 Is there a deck stain that doesn’t peel?
 
 A: Many experts agree that the best finish for pressure-treated wood is a
 
 semi-transparent stain
 
 . This stain penetrates the wood and won’t peel, unlike some solid-colour stains, which sit on the surface like paint and can peel and flake under some conditions.
 What lasts longer deck stain or paint?
 
 While staining may take less time than painting,
 
 painting
 
 often does a better job of filling the cracks, covering imperfections, and provides longer lasting protection. Paint also is typically more rot resistance and does a better job of preventing mold and sun damage.
 What is the difference between deck paint and deck stain?
 
 What Is The Difference Between Deck Paint and Deck Stain?
 
 Deck paint will cover the deck with a complete film and will allow you many more colour choices
 
 . Deck stain on the other hand will give you a more natural look highlighting the grain of the wood to show through.
 How long does solid stain last on a deck?
 
 Solid. Just like regular paint, solid stains hide the grain of wood, and the best should last
 
 three to five years
 
 on a deck, the longest of the three types of stains.
 What lasts longer semi-transparent or solid stain?
 
 Semi-
 
 transparent
 
 stains are the lightest in color, allowing much wood grain to be seen. They can come in nearly any color, and they typically last 3-4 years. … They provide longer protection and can also be tinted in nearly any color. Solid stains are nearly indistinguishable from paint.
 Is semi-transparent or solid stain better?
 
 Semi-Solid – Semi-solid deck stains will almost completely hide the wood grain and natural color. These stains provide more
 
 UV protection than a semi-transparent
 
 and are a better representation of the stain’s actual color. … Solid color stains will “film” on top of the wood, masking the grain, while looking like paint.
 Do you have to remove old stain before restaining?
 
 Removing the old stain before reapplying a new coat isn’t always necessary. If you are applying the same color and brand to the wood,
 
 you shouldn’t have to strip the old stain
 
 . Using a quality deck cleaner should be all you have to do before reapplying the same stain.
 Which is better Olympic or Behr deck stain?
 
 According to Consumer Reports,
 
 Olympic Maximum Solid Stain & Sealant
 
 in One is rated in their top solid wood stains category, coming in slightly behind Behr.
 Can you spray solid deck stain?
 
 You can apply deck stain with an
 
 airless paint sprayer
 
 , but it usually has too much power to spray deck stain effectively and efficiently. A garden pump sprayer or a deck stain pump sprayer is the perfect tool to use to apply deck stain.
 
 