Paint or Stain?
When the holiday prep started, you might have noticed the cabinets, stairs, or even the walls themselves (I can't be the only one with wood paneling still, right?) looking a little worse for wear. Before you hop on the phone to give MDF a call for your new painting project, you might be wondering what is the best product for your home. Should you use a stain or paint? Both will add protection and color to the surfaces in your home.
Painting wooden surfaces coat the woods' top section only. It is a good option for a low maintenance makeover for surfaces in your home. There are more color and sheen selections available in the paint than in stains. For this reason, using paint is the best way to make a specific vision come to life. Paint also covers more fully than a stain. If there's a previous paint job that you're looking to cover up, paint is a better option. Paint also covers any imperfections. After the paint dries, there will be no variations throughout the surface. Even though paint doesn't absorb into the surface as a stain does, it will sit on the surface perfectly. Part of this sleek appearance comes from the method of painting. For example, cabinets are typically sprayed with the paint of choice. This could make touching up the paint harder to take care of on your own (luckily, MDF has a warranty on their painting jobs!). This rule also goes for updating your look in the future. Changing from a stain to paint is pretty easy but going back to a stain after the painting is a big hassle!
Stains have their pros and cons too. They're a good option when you want to preserve the "natural look" of the wood. The grain pattern, knots, and any other unique characteristics will still be visible after applying the stain since it is more translucent than paint. There are different "sheens" with stains: clear shine will highlight the natural hue while protecting from UV rays. Solid stains create a darker look. Semi-transparent will add color subtly. Stains will add a touch of color and protection to wood surfaces, concrete, shingles, and siding as well. When staining, you choose how much to saturate the surface, as opposed to layers of opaque paint that cover everything. If the product is high quality, it will absorb into your wood. Compared to paint, stain costs less. It is also less slippery after drying. However, using stains has its drawbacks. Once a surface is stained, it will need to be reapplied more often than paint. Staining also doesn't fill in cracks and cover imperfections like paint.
If you're reading this and still cannot decide the best option for updating your home, give MDF Painting a call! Our Paint Care Consultants will outline all the options available to you and help you make a decision. When you choose a professional over DIY, you choose experience and know-how. Use it to your advantage and get a free estimate today!
