What's the Difference between a water and Oil based stain?

One thing that is often asked when it comes to stain is, what is the difference between water and oil based? As often as this question comes up and as easy as it may seem to answer, it will make a difference what you choose depending on the surface you apply it to. The simple answer is as obvious as it sounds, however they have different properties and protect the surface in different ways. Also, one is a better choice than the other depending on if you're staining something that is outside compared to a piece of furniture that sits in your living room. 

Water based stain is easier to apply and will dry faster. If you use a sprayer to apply it, the risk of overspray goes down because it dries in the air very quickly. It is used more often than not by DIY'ers because its not as messy and you don't need much experience to get a good looking final product. Water based stain also is a lot easier to clean up. Often just soap and water are needed. It can usually be cleaned off of surfaces easily if spilled compared to oil based. Basically, any big box store or hardware store that carries stain has water based.

Oil based stain on the other hand requires a little more experience, prep work and caution when applying. However, if you know what you're doing oil-based stain will yield a better looking final product and typically last a little longer if the prep work is done correctly. Cleanup is messier and will require mineral spirits or paint thinner so it literally pays to do more masking and prep work to avoid spills, drips and overspray. Oil based will take longer to dry and sometimes you only need one coat. If you decide to spray oil based it comes with the risk of overspray. Unlike water-based stain oil-based stain takes longer to dry and the particles in the air are smaller so it can literally float with the wind and get on something that's a block away. This is why it requires more prep work and experience. 

Oil based will typically be a little more water resistant, however if it is a one coat product you will most likely have to re-apply more often. Oil based over water based may also be a little more expensive and harder to find. Water based stain typically has more options on the other hand to choose from. Typically, if what your staining is going to be an outdoor piece like a bench or fence/deck a 2 coat oil based product is a good way to go. If you're in a climate with a lot of moisture this is a good route. If you're staining an indoor piece depending on experience and preference a water-based product is a good route due to it being easier to clean up and apply. You'll also notice a lot of times oil-based stain has a stronger smell and higher VOC content (Volitization of chemicals). This is another reason water based is good for indoor projects. In the end its better to stain and protect something that's not already coated then leaving it bare. One last thing to know is, that if something is already stained and you want to re-stain, avoid applying an oil-based stain over a water-based stain because it will not properly adhere. But you can apply a water-based product over an oil-based product when prep work is done correctly.

How often should I stain my Fence or Deck?

 One of the most common questions when it comes to fences or decks is, how often does it need to be painted or stained? Now in all reality the fence or deck will hold up without having been coated with paint or stain, however it will not last as long and you will see mold or rot starting to settle in after a couple years. You will also start to notice it will get darker, and this is due to mildew. Overall if it is never coated it will not last nearly as long. The paint or stain will not only seal and waterproof the wood, It of course adds an appealing look. Some people like the look of the wood and do a transparent stain, others like color and will use a solid stain or paint. Either works well, however applying stain will be a little cheaper and faster to apply.

First things first. If you decide to paint a fence or deck it should be primed first with "Oil Based" primer. Once this is done 2 coats of paint should be applied for best results. If you skip the primer, then you'll start to notice flaking and peeling fairly quickly. Depending on your local climate it may happen within 6-18 months. Overall, in my professional opinion if you want the look of a solid color, go with a solid stain. When you stain a fence or deck, primer is not required. Stain will not only give the wood some color but will act as a primer and seal/waterproof the wood as well. It may also be a little cheaper because you don't need to prime and depending on the stain you use, only one coat of stain is required.

Oil based stains usually on require one coat. Water based stain typically need 2 coats of stain. This may differ though depending on the stain you choose. In reality your climate will be a large factor in how long the product will last on your fence or deck. Decks will usually need to be done more often because of the horizontal surfaces that moisture can puddle up on. Fences don't usually need to be done as often because moisture can usually just run off and dry. Now how often should you actually have this done? Its safe to say every 1.5-2 years for decks and 2-3 years for fences. In all reality climate plays a huge role. Moisture rich climates cause more "wear and tear", High altitude and very dry climates will also break down the paint or stain faster. Sections of a fence or deck may need to be done more often due to their exposure to the elements. 

So, for example, if your back yard is full of trees and vegetation and you're in a moisture rich climate, the fence or deck may need to be done more often because it doesn't get as much exposure to the sun thus it stays damp longer. Compare this to fences or decks exposed to the sun out in the open, they are able to dry faster reducing the possibility of mold and mildew growth. On the flip side of the coin if you're in a dryer climate with little moisture annually, then the fences or decks exposed to the sun constantly will need more frequent attention. In conclusion each product may have a different recommendation on how often you should re apply. Alot of people go over 5-7 years without re-staining or painting the fences or decks or they just do sections at a time year by year. In the end though this will cause more mold and mildew growth and require extensive pressure washing most likely to end up with a desirable result. This of course comes with a higher price tag though for next time you want it done, if you decide to pay someone to do it properly.