Solid color versus paint

Probably one of the most confusing terms in paint is “solid color stain“. Not only does this confuse customers, but it confuses new paint store employees, too. So if you find yourself wondering what the difference is between solid stain and paint, then you are not alone.

Traditional stain refers to a pigmented oil that penetrates into the wood surface (like a dye). It is different than paint in that paint is a coating that doesn’t absorb into the wood, rather it is a coating that sits on top of the wood. Paint is a film that could peel whereas a penetrating stain could never peel.

But what is a solid color stain? In essence a solid color stain is an exterior coating just like exterior paint. In fact, solid stain basically is an exterior paint; very different than a penetrating stain (typically referred to as a semi-transparent or semi-solid stain). But solid stain does describe a certain type of exterior paint. Typically a solid stain is thinner than paint and as a result, has the advantage of showing more texture, being flatter and less likely to peel. On the other hand, it’s thinness means that is will not last as long and will need to be done more frequently.

The rule of thumb is that the solid stain will need to be done every 7 years, and redoing it will be a bit easier than if it were paint. On the other hand, paint will need to be done every 15 years and redoing it will be a bit more difficult due to its thicker film. The sold color stain will show more the the texture of the wood and be flat. The paint will typically have a low lustre and better fill cracks and be smoother.

Solid color stains come in either a siding stain for vertical surfaces and solid deck stain which are made to be walked on.