Water Based Stain

A water based stain whether it is interior or exterior is formulated to give you a transparent finish. When the stain is applied to a wood structure such as a log home or cedar siding it will accent the wood grain. This really helps in bringing out the character of the wood.

It doesn't matter if your home is a new home under construction and needing stained or an existing home that needs the old finished removed. An exterior water based stain would work equally well on either home.

The application of a water based stain is a four step process. Of course the first thing that needs to be done is to make sure that the surface is clean of any dust, dirt or mold and mildew. There should be nothing between the wood surface and the stain when it is being applied to assure proper adhesion.

The two methods of application that are usually recommended are by brush or an airless sprayer. I prefer to use the airless sprayer when I'm staining a home, I think that it goes faster and I get better coverage. Even though I use a sprayer I still need to back brush the stain as I go to assure I am getting maximum coverage and a uniform coat.

The second step is to apply the first coat of stain. A good pointer when doing an application is to start at the top and work your way down if possible. It is also recommended that you don't work in direct sunlight. This will cause the stain to dry to fast and you won't be able to get an even coat. It will leave the stain looking blotchy.

The third step is to apply a second coat of stain over the first after you have given it enough time to dry. Just apply the second coat in the same manner that you did the first coat. Always make sure that when you are applying the stain you are going with the grain of the wood.

The fourth step is to apply a topcoat or a sealer over the stain. Some companies call it a topcoat and some call it a sealer but they are both the same product. This will help to extend the life of the exterior stain with added UV protection and water repellency.

When it does come time for a maintenance coat of stain to be applied just lightly power wash off any dirt or dust before you start. You will also have to apply a new coat of topcoat or sealer over the new stain to do the job properly.

An advantage a water based stain has over an oil based stain is that when maintenance coats are applied they tend to remain the same shade as the original coat. Oil stains on the other hand tend to get darker with each additional coat applied.

A disadvantage is that the water based stain tends to dry fast so you don't have to much time for the back brushing. However since they do dry fast sometimes within 1 or 2 hours you can start applying your second coat or topcoat sooner. This way you have less down time waiting for the stain to dry.

Over the years I have used both PERMA-CHINK AND SASHCO water based stain and I would say that they both perform equally well. The only difference being is in the colors that each provide. There is a wide range of colors in both interior stain and in the exterior stain for you to choose from.

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