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what is the difference between transparent and semi transparent stain

by Larue Considine Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Transparent stains, although they appear clear, have some pigment in them for UV protection. Semi-transparent stains have more pigment, but still allow some of the wood grain to show through. Solid stains are basically like paint.

Full Answer

Can you use transparent stain over semitransparent stain?

You can use solid stain over existing solid or semi-transparent stain, but semi-transparent stain over solid stain will look strange and won't last. It's designed to penetrate wood and won't adhere well to a solid coating.

What is better semi transparent or solid stain?

Transparent Deck Stain Considerations

  • Limited colors available. Transparent deck stains are limited to around 60 shades, but solid deck stains will offer over 3,000 choices.
  • Choose the right stain for optimal protection. ...
  • Can’t be applied over painted surfaces. ...
  • Can’t hide major imperfections without repairing first. ...

What is the best semi transparent wood stain?

The Top 7 Semi-Transparent Deck Stains Reviewed

  • Best Semi-Transparent Deck Stains. The DeckWise Ipe Oil Hardwood Deck Semi-Transparent Natural Finish is ready to work on your deck and on all other exterior hardwood.
  • Buying Guide for Semi-Transparent Deck Stains. ...
  • Questions About Semi-Transparent Deck Stains. ...
  • Final Thoughts About Semi-Transparent Deck Stains. ...

How to create a semi transparent stain?

Semi-transparent stain consists of two principal ingredients: solvent and solids. The solvent is the vehicle that carries the solids to the wood. The solvent evaporates, leaving the solids to sink into the wood grain to color it.

What stain is better transparent or semi-transparent?

Transparency, or opacity, determines how much wood grain you want to see after your deck is stained. For newer wood, go with clear, transparent or semi-transparent stains — that way some grain still shows through. Semi-solid stains are a better choice for decks that have seen their share of cookouts.

What is semi-transparent stain used for?

Semi-Transparent Stain: The semi-transparent stain is very popular because they help to preserve the wood grain effect of any wooden furniture or exterior wooden surface. This is the reason why semi-transparent stain is often suitable for decking or exterior surface that will be outside permanently.

What lasts longer semi-transparent or solid stain?

Semi-solid stains are much like semi-transparent stains, except that they have a deeper color and show less of the natural wood grain. They provide longer protection and can also be tinted in nearly any color. Solid stains are nearly indistinguishable from paint.

What is the difference between solid stain and transparent stain?

While both solid and transparent deck stain can be made of similar ingredients including pigments, transparent stain is much thinner than solid stain. Transparent stains are made to soak into the wood surface you're finishing, whereas solid stains simply sit on wood surfaces and produce a thin film for protection.

What type of deck stain lasts the longest?

Types of Wood Stains Solid wood stains. Just like regular paint, solid stains hide the grain of the wood, and the best should last three to five years on a deck, the longest of the three types of stains.

Can I use a semi-transparent stain over a transparent stain?

You can use solid stain over existing solid or semi-transparent stain, but semi-transparent stain over solid stain will look strange and won't last.

What type of deck stain is best?

Decks are best stained with a semi-transparent wood stain. These types of products allow the natural grain of the wood to show through, allow the wood to naturally breathe, and are easily cleaned and reapplied.

Do you need two coats of semi-transparent stain?

With a solid stain, CR typically recommends putting on two coats because these are more like a regular paint and will dry one on top of the other. But with a clear or semi-transparent wood stain, a second coat will just sit on the surface of the first coat.

Which stain is best?

Here are the best wood stains:Best overall: Varathane Fast Dry Interior Wood Stain.Best solid wood stain: BEHR Premium Solid Color Waterproofing Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer.Best gel wood stain: Minwax Gel Stain.Best water-based wood stain: SamaN Interior Water Based Stain.More items...•

Is semi-solid stain good?

Semi-solid stains offer more color with less wood grain peeking through. This is a good option for older decks or if there are imperfections in the wood that you'd rather cover up. Solid stain is the most opaque of the stains. You'll get a deep, rich color, but none of the natural grain will come through.

Can you mix solid and semi-transparent stain?

Semi-transparent: Cover the existing stain with semi-transparent or solid stain. Solid: Apply another solid finish stain; semi-transparent stain is engineered to bind with the surface of the wood and won't bind well to a solid surface.

Which lasts longer paint or stain?

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.

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