Paint vs. stain

[dtimms]

I put the first coat of deck stain on my chicken tractor, and I'm not thrilled with it. It's made from pine, and each board seems to have absorbed it differently. I know it needs a few more coats to even it out, but I'm worried.

Would I be better off painting it? Can I even do that now that I've already coated it with cedar-colored deck stain?

I hate staining so much that I was considering putting only one coat on the interior structures and 2-3 coats on the outside. Does that sound OK?

Ughhh.... all this work to get the coop made, and now stymied by the finish!!!!!

 

[patandchickens]

Yup, your wood needs to be pretty much alike to get an even effect from stain. If you don't want to live with the way it looks, yes you can certainly paint over top of it.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[flopshot]

it's tough to match transparent stains. try some semi transparent or solid stain. i try to go with stains over paint whenever i can.

 

[dtimms]

Thanks.... maybe I'll try some paint because I really don't want to be putting 12 coats of stain on to make it match.

If I already have a coat of stain, do you think 2 coats of paint would do it? Or suck it up and put on 3?

 

[first riser]

Hello,

Why not try a solid color stain? They come in a number of colors and unlike paint do not peel or chip and keep their color quite well. Not to promote a product - I used an Olympic stain for the frame of my tractor. I also used this on my grape arbor which has held up well for years.

Hope this helps
Ray

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/35648_5.jpg

 

[dtimms]

I think I am using a solid stain, but maybe not... It's the Hope Depot weatherproofing stain in cedar. How would I know?

Thanks for at least reminding me that there is a benefit to stain so I feel like it's all worthwhile...

 

[first riser]

Dtimms,

I have also used an Olympic branded solid color cedar stain on my deck and it covers completely so I'm thinking what you have is at least semi-transparent. Olympic is sold at Lowe's.

 

[dtimms]

Maybe a trip over to Lowe's is in order!!! We've got one of those nearby too. Thanks for the tip! I used up my entire quart can of the other stuff so I need a refill anyway!