Wood Fence Stain - Wood stains penetrate wood instead of creating a film on top like paint. Pigment is suspended in a solvent and binding agent. Although similar to paint, there is very little binder. This allows color to penetrate into the wood, while leaving the substrate partially visible. Stain gives the wood a rich, deep color.

The initial application of paint or wood stain is absorbed into the substrate. Since stains contain low amounts of binder, the pigment remains near the surface, while the binder penetrates to a deeper level. On the other hand, paint has a high amount of binder, so the pigment forms a layer on the surface.

Wood stains range from very low viscosity to extremely thick. The thicker stains are designed primarily for exterior use. They penetrate better than paint, but usually do not hide surface defects as well. Exterior stains tend to be more flexible than paint and last longer. If you decide to use stain, be aware that most cannot be painted over. So once a surface has been stained, that’s most likely how it will have to stay for life.