When staining any exterior wood element such as a fence, deck, siding, or garden bridge, you can choose between either an oil-based or latex-based stain. Oil-based stains traditionally been used for exterior elements, but they are messier and smellier than latex-based stains. The final appearance is different, due to matters of opacity and color vibrancy.
Oil Stains | Latex Stains | |
How They Look | A more natural appearance, with the wood's grain showing through. Color is muted. If improperly applied, shiny areas can result. | More of a solid color look akin to the appearance of house paint. Vibrant colors. Easy to apply consistently. |
How They Work | Oil-based stains completely soak into the wood's cellular structure. With the cells filled, water cannot penetrate. It just beads up on the surface. | Adheres to the surface of wood. Does not soak into the wood's cellular structure, which may allow water to penetrate. |
Application | Difficult to apply, though because you are working outside, downsides associated with indoor oil paint usage are mitigated. Use a natural bristle brush, synthetic filament brush, or pad applicator. Unless you are experienced, using an airless sprayer for oil-based stains is not recommended. | Easy to apply. Nylon or polyester brush, 3/4” (19 mm) long nap roller, or sprayer. |
Curing Time | 4-5 hours. Oil does not dry. It soaks into the wood. | About 2 hours. |
Lifecycle | 2 years on decks, 4 years on fences and siding. The issue isn't that the stain is failing; the transparent nature of oil-based stain gets only more transparent over time, allowing UV rays to degrade the wood. | While annual refinishing is recommended, latex stains might go as long as 4-8 years before you need to refinish. |
Cleanup | Mineral spirits are required to clean up oil-based stains. | These stains require only water and a paint comb to clean the brushes thoroughly. |
Pro | Wood grain will still show through even dark oil-based stains. With lighter latex-based stains, wood grain may not show. | Even though the opaque pigments make for a less transparent stain, this also means that the wood is better protected against UV rays from the sun. |
Con | Over application means the stain will sit on the surface and pool up. Since oil does not dry in air, it will remain until you rub it off with a cloth. | Cannot be used on horizontal surfaces, such as decks, as they do not wear well. |
Representative Brand Names
Oil Stains
- Behr Semi-Transparent Oil-Based Wood Stain
- Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck Exterior Oil-Based Transparent Stain
Latex Stains
- Behr Solid Color House & Fence Wood Stain
- Behr Premium Semi-Transparent Weatherproofing All-In-One Wood Stain & Sealer
- Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck Exterior Waterborne Clear Sealer
Recommendation
Even though oil-based stains are harder to work with, I recommending using them. For most homeowners, the beauty of the wood grain is the reason they installed a wood fence in the first place--otherwise, you could have put in a white vinyl fence and never had to deal with protective coating issues. If you truly hate clean-up, one solution is to purchase low-cost brushes that you can discard after each use, rather than soaking in spirits.