Stain soaks into the wood, lets the grain show and wears evenly; a semi-transparent stain lasts about two to three years. Paint forms a thicker coat that hides the grain and can protect for five to ten years if it is well maintained, according to CAA-Québec. Going from paint back to stain means stripping everything.
By the DV Groupe team · Updated · 2 min read
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The two side by side
Stain
Soaks into the wood instead of sitting on top
Lets the grain and texture show
Wears evenly, according to CAA-Québec
Semi-transparent: about 2 to 3 years
Paint
Forms a thicker coat on the surface
Hides the wood grain
Gives a full, even colour
Opaque: 5 to 10 years if well maintained
Durations: CAA-Québec. They vary with the deck’s exposure and how it is used.
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Changing your mind later
Switching finishes doesn’t work the same way in both directions. The data sheet for Benjamin Moore’s Arborcoat stain explains it: the stain can go over wood that already has a worn transparent or semi-transparent finish, as long as it isn’t flaking or peeling.
On a surface that has already been painted, though, the stain can only be applied once the old coating has been completely removed. A painted deck that needs to look like wood again has to be fully stripped before staining.
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How to choose
You like seeing the wood
A semi-transparent stain keeps the grain and texture visible.
You want a solid colour
Paint covers the grain and gives an even shade.
The deck is already painted
Stay with paint, or plan a full strip before any stain.
You prefer simple upkeep
Stain wears evenly: upkeep is a fresh coat on prepared wood.
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Either way, preparation decides
Paint and stain go on under the same conditions: between 10 and 32 °C for 24 hours, dry wood and three days with no rain in the forecast. The details are in When to stain a wood deck.
Common questions
Can you stain over paint?
Not directly. According to the Arborcoat data sheet, the stain goes on a painted surface only once the old coating has been completely removed.
How long does deck stain last?
About two to three years for a semi-transparent stain, according to CAA-Québec. The real lifespan depends on sun and weather exposure, and on how the deck is used.
Does paint protect the wood better?
It forms a thicker coat and can protect for five to ten years if it is well maintained, according to CAA-Québec, but it hides the wood grain.
