How Long is An Unopened Can of Stain Good For?
| Type Of Wood Stain | Expected Time To Last |
| Opened wood stain | 1 Year – 18 months |
| Unopened wood stain | 3 Years |
| Exterior wood stain | 5-6 Years |
How long does stain last before it dries?
The stain should be dry after 24 hours if it’s still usable. If the wood still feels wet to the touch, sticking to your skin upon touch 24 hours later is probably time to dispose of the stain. How Long Does Stain Last on Wood? Exterior wood stains generally last about three to five years on wood due to the effects of sunlight.
How long do deck stains last?
The best stains should last three to five years on a deck, and even longer if applied to siding or fences, which don't get as much abuse. "The sun and water beat down on a deck, snow can pile up, and even dirt and mildew spores can settle on the flat surface," says Rico de Paz, Consumer Reports' wood stain tester.
Do paint and stain have expiration dates?
But like nearly everything else in the world, paint and stain have expiration dates. They are only capable of lasting a certain amount of time before paint or stain should be reapplied. As paint and stain protect your home from rain, snow, and exposure to sun, it is these elements that wear the products down over time.
When is the best time of year to paint and stain exteriors?
Here in the Pacific Northwest we’re headed toward spring, which is the beginning of perfect weather to paint and stain exteriors. Despite our reputation for rain, our beautiful weather often lasts until late September. Here at Amsberry’s Painting, business is picking up as people begin to schedule exterior painting and staining jobs.
Does exterior stain fade over time?
Solid stain can last up to 10 years in protected areas. In wet, sun-drenched, and heavy foot traffic areas, your solid stained deck will need a recoat every year.
How long does wood stain last outside?
The best stains should last three to five years on a deck and even longer if applied to siding or fences, which don't get as much abuse.
Does exterior stain last longer than paint?
Better, Lasting Coverage 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.
How often should you stain exterior wood?
every two to three yearsTypically, homeowners should restain horizontal surfaces such as decks every two to three years. Poor deck upkeep will decrease the time you have to enjoy the deck before restaining it, while good deck upkeep may give you another year or two before you need to restain the deck.
How long does waterproof stain last?
Wood Finish Shelf Life: Can Stains and Finishes Go Bad?ProductShelf LifeWater-Based Stain + Poly3 YearsWater-Based Polyurethane3 YearsOil Based Polyurethane3 YearsWood Conditioner3 Years4 more rows•Jan 3, 2021
Why does my deck stain peel every year?
Deck stains will generally peel for two basic reasons: over application and poor adhesion. This is simple — too much stain on the surface of the wood. With deck stains, specifically with semi-transparent finishes, more is not better. You only want to apply as much product as the wood can easily absorb.
Is it better to paint a deck or stain it?
Paint allows you more color options, as where stain is limited to shades of brown. Because paint fills gaps and cracks, it hides the flaws of a weathered or old deck much better than stain does. It's easier to clean a painted deck rather than a stained one.
Can you paint over outdoor stain?
A. You can paint over stained siding if the stain is latex. If it is an oil stain, I would check with the manufacturer first. I applied a pigmented stain to my house for years.
Which is better exterior paint or stain?
The advantage to stain is that it will expand and contract more with the wood, enduring the changing weather better. Stain is also more breathable, allowing natural airflow through the wood. Paint will dry in a thicker coat, providing a more substantial barrier.
How long do wood stains last?
Wood stains can remain good for as long as six years in the can. While most manufacturer labels indicate a storage life of three years, the number varies according to how and where the oil-based stain is stored.
How often should you Restain a house?
approximately every 4 yearsAccording to Networx, “wood siding should be repainted every 3-7 years, or stained approximately every 4 years.” How often you'll need to restain or repaint will depend on your region's weather conditions as well as how often your home suffers damage.
How long does solid stain last on a house?
It depends on the type. Those with more pigment last the longest: up to 7 years for a solid-color stain. Clear toners, which have the least amount of pigment, need to be reapplied annually.
Table of Life of Exterior Wood Finishes (Paints & Stains) on Various Types of Wood Surfaces
Our page top photo of a painted sign (The Big Tomato lunche one tte in Poughkeepsie, NY) shows variation in two paints differing by color and chemistry, applied at the same time to the same surface. Also see PAINT FALURE, DIAGNOSIS, CURE, PREVENTION for details of paint failure cause, diagnosis, cure and prevention.
Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia
Questions & answers or comments about how long paint or stain should last on a building exterior surface.
How long do wood stain last?
According to Rockler, manufacturers of wood stains that are oil, water or solvent based say the stains have a general shelf life of three years. Three years is a good baseline if you’re looking for one, but the truth is, with proper care and storage, wood stain can last much longer. Many lacquer stains have been known to last for decades (yes, ...
How long does it take for wood stain to dry?
Lacquer wood stains should dry in under an hour, water-based wood stains should dry in six hours or less, and oil wood stains should dry overnight. If your wood stain still isn’t dry within those time frames, it’s probably time to get a new can.
What are the different types of wood stains?
They include oil stains, varnish stains, water-based stains, gel stains, and lacquer stains among a few others. Let’s take a brief look at them.
How to tell if wood stain is ready to throw out?
First, start with a visual inspection. If you open up your can of wood stain and its contents look separated, stringy, rubbery, or thick, it may be time to throw it out. Additionally, if your wood stain looks moldy or has a skunk-like odor, that’a a good indicator it’s time to toss it.
What is the most common type of wood stain?
Oil stains are the most widely available and common type of wood stain. Oil stains are what most people picture when they think of wood stains. Some oil stains only contain pigment, where other oil stains only contain dye, or contain pigment and dye. This type of stain is versatile.
How to store wood stain?
Where wood stain is stored matters a lot. When you’re getting ready to store your wood stain, make sure it’s in an area that is relatively temperature controlled. Wood stain can become unusable if it freezes or is exposed to extreme heat. Moderate temperatures like 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 65 degrees Fahrenheit are optimal for storing wood stain. ...
What is wood stain?
At its simplest description, wood stain is a type of paint that is used to color wood. Let’s paint a different picture for you, though: there are many different types of wood, and each has a complex system of complex and hidden grain patterns under its surface.
How long does it take for a deck stain to show wear?
General use of your deck or patio that has had a fresh coat of deck stain on it will show signs of wear after only a few months. This is because of the small pieces of dirt and sand that are on the bottom of people's shoes.
How often should I reapply deck stain?
Reapply Every Four Years. While your deck stain will only last a few years with its full protection, you can apply another coat to help prolong the life of it. However, after approximately four years you will want to completely remove the old stain and reapply two fresh coats of stain over your deck. This will help revitalize the wood, bring new ...
Is it bad to have a deck stain in the sun?
This is going to depend significantly on some different factors and may vary a little. Direct sunlight is one of the worse things that deck stain has to deal with. The properties of the sunlight can dry out the stain and cause it to weather much faster.
Can you stain a deck over paint?
Many people want to show off the wood grain of their newly built deck and will choose deck stain over paint to do just that. Paint, while it will protect the wood, is just a covering. Deck stain actually penetrates into the wood itself to form a seal against water, snow, ice, and the freezing and thawing that occurs with the seasons.
Types of Stains
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. But the paintlike qualities of solid stains have a drawback: They might build up a film, especially after several coats, which can peel, chip, and crack, just like paint.
Shopping for a Stain?
See our wood stain ratings and check the Features & Specs tab to see which stains are best at resisting cracking, fading, dirt, and mildew. That makes a difference depending on the climate you live in. Look for a stain that resists mildew if you live in a humid area, for example, or one that resists dirt if you live in a desert.
The Worst Wood Stains From CR's Tests
As a category, transparent wood stains, or clear sealers, don't fare well in our tests. The Olympic WaterGuard for Wood is the worst of the bunch, earning the lowest Overall Score in CR's stain tests—a 5 out of 100.
Which stain lasts the longest?
All forms of stain, however, are more susceptible to the elements than paint is. Paint lasts the longest because it’s a very thick layer, while stains naturally deteriorate faster due to the nature of their purpose of not concealing the natural wood. Both solid and semi-transparent stain exist in the medium between being thick ...
Why is stain redone?
By nature of the stain preserving the natural appearance of the wood, it is less protectant to the elements, and needs to be redone more often. Constant exposure to the sun causes aging, graying, and premature degradation in the wood. Consistent renewal of the stain, which acts as a protectant, helps prevent this from happening.
Why do we recoat our homes in the Pacific Northwest?
Rain. Here in the Pacific Northwest, it’s very important that we recoat our homes is due to our excessive amount of rain. The extra moisture causes many varieties of mold and mildew to grow in unwanted places, such as on our buildings.
Why does my paint fade?
When it comes to paint, UV rays can cause your paint to fade, especially on the South facing side of your house. Overexposure to sunlight and dramatic fluctuation in temperature causes the wood of your house to expand, which results in cracked paint.
Does paint protect against mold?
Paint and stains, once applied, also have anti-mold attributes. Not only is your coating a protective layer between the raw wood of your house and the elements, but it’s actively protecting your home from potentially invasive elements.
Does paint expire?
Ultimately, paint and stain on the exterior of a house serve two purposes: Protection and aesthetics. But like nearly everything else in the world, paint and stain have expiration dates. They are only capable of lasting a certain amount of time before paint or stain should be reapplied. As paint and stain protect your home from rain, snow, ...
Does Unopened Wood Stain Go Bad?
Unopened wood stain does go bad eventually though the stain can last over 3 years if stored correctly and left sealed. Just like every other product, stain will also go bad even if left unopened.
Does Wood Stain Go Bad After Opening?
Wood stain doesn’t go bad after opening but the shelf life of the stain is usually halved after the stain has been opened. This means if the stain was supposed to last 3 years, it wouldn’t last more than 18 months (or 1 1/2 years). There are different reasons for this.
How Long is An Unopened Can of Stain Good For?
An unopened can of wood stain is good for up to 3 years. Generally, unopened stains last between 3 years and 5 years. Ordinary wood stains last for about 3 years at most while wood stains with sealants like varnish, polyurethane, and wax can last up to 5 years.
How To Revive Old Wood Stain?
There are a few ways to revive old wood stains. The method that will work depends on the type of wood stain you have and how long it’s been sitting in storage. The first method on the list is:
How Long Does Exterior Wood Stain Last?
Exterior wood stain lasts between 3 years and 5 years if left unopened. Opened exterior wood stain doesn’t usually last more than 1 year.