STAINING + PAINTING
to provide protection and color

Stain + Paint Combination

Protective finishes are applied to properly prepared wood in order to weatherproof/waterproof the surface, sealing it from damaging elements, UV rays, and general wear and tear. Depending on the project, one of the finishes ranging from transparent to solid stain/paint will be applied using proper techniques to maximize results. Choice of finishes depends on the conditions of the wood and chosen restoration options.

The finish will either penetrate the wood or create a film on the surface in order to seal out the elements. Water, snow, and other weather-related issues are just half of the equation, for whom the solution is to seal the wood from anything touching it. 

The second main contributing factor to deteriorating wood is UV damage. The sun is even more of an issue in Denver. The pigment in penetrating stains will block these rays during the life of the stain. For surface-resting stains, the color film on the surface will act as both a sealant and a UV blocker. 

You can expect an application of stain to last 1-3 years on horizontal surfaces such as floors and steps. For vertical surfaces like fences or deck railings, protective finishes can be expected to last between 3-5 years.

Properly preparing the wood determines the effectiveness and longevity of all finishes, making the cleaning/sanding preparation as important as the application of a protective finish. The proper methods for each will maximize quality and minimize costs - along with headaches!