Why Oil-based Stain is Better Than Water-based Stain?

Josh Richards • Mar 23, 2023

Why Oil-based Stain is Better Than Water-based Stain?
For a long time, homeowners and professionals have preferred an oil-based stain to protect exterior wood from harmful elements. It penetrates the wood and protects it from moisture. It comes in various tints and opacity options. The pigments used in the stain will decide its opacity.

There are several reasons why oil-based stains are preferred over water-based stains, such as it has slow drying time, which means it protects the wood longer. This stain type is also easy to maintain and can be stripped off easily when applying a new layer of the stain after its first life.
In this post, we will highlight all the factors that make the stain better than the water-based wood stain.

The Pros of Oil-based Stain

There are several advantages to using oil-based stains. Some of those are listed here:

Long Life

Oil-based stains are more durable than water-based stains. Oil-based stains do not wash away easily. This wood stain penetrates deep, protecting the wood from moisture that may cause the wood to split, crack, and warp. The deeper the stain penetrates, the better the protection.
They also resist fading and provide excellent protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Easy to Apply

Oil-based stain is easy to apply for its adherence to the wood. The stain is also less challenging to apply on exterior wood for its penetration feature.

Oil-based stains can be easily brushed and wiped off without leaving any streaks or brush marks. That makes them ideal for novice woodworkers still learning to apply the stain evenly.

Ideal for Multiple Surface

Oil-based stains are usually the first choice for many wood staining projects. These are ideal for decks, fences, and other outdoor projects.

The stain won’t create lap marks and is also considered suitable for several wood types. Besides that, oil-based wood stains come in various colors and opacities. You can find one that will complement the wood grain and give your project a unique look.

Slow Drying

Although slow drying is not a benefit for many users, it can become one when considering that you will get a better finish with this feature.

Natural Beauty

Be it a water-based stain or oil-based, both work to protect and beautify the wood. Stain-containing oil will enhance the wood’s natural beauty, restoring its natural appeal.

Key Benefit of Oil-Based Stains

Best Oil-based Stains

For many experts, Defy Extreme Exterior Wood Stain is their first choice. It is a semi-transparent product, giving natural wood appeal and artificial beauty. The product is available in seven color options.

The product is highly durable that can protect almost every wood used outside your house. It works well on decks, fences, wood siding, log homes, outdoor furniture, and other natural wood surfaces. You may also use this product on pressure-treated lumber, pine, cedar, redwood, mahogany, and other hardwoods.

The product contains zinc nanoparticles that protect the wood from harmful UV rays, mold, and mildew.

The product has a long history of protecting and restoring wood’s life. However, the product also contains some harmful materials. We highly recommend protecting yourself when applying this product to your wood.

Conclusion

Choosing between stains containing oil or water is challenging. It primarily depends on the type and condition of the wood, weather conditions, the effort you want to spend, and your budget for the entire project.

You can also ask staining professionals to help you choose the best. Reputed professionals will not only help you select the best option, but they will also help you complete the project in less time.

FAQs

Does oil-based stain take longer to stain the wood?

We can say that oil-based stains take less time and effort than water-based stains.

What is the best factor in using oil-based stains?

Oil-based stains are durable. They naturally penetrate the wood longer than water-based stains.

Is it better to use an oil-based stain for exterior wood?

Both types of stains are suitable for exterior wood. However, experts suggest water-based stains for interior timber while oil-based stains for exterior wood.

Is semi-transparent better than solid stain?

The opacity of the stain decides how the wood grains will appear. It has nothing to do with its protection. The more opaque the stain is, the more grain you will witness.

Is it better to seal the wood?

Sealing the wood after staining is better if the product doesn’t include a sealant. However, you don’t require a sealer if the product already consists of a stain and sealer.