I do a number of two-tone decks and have typically used the solid acrylic stain. These are typically aged pressure treated pine decks that have been restored. Is there really a good reason for me to be using a solid acrylic stain instead of the BM Aura for instance?
The newer technology / formulations are much more flexible and bond better than the acrylics of yester-year.
I did my spindles last year, half in rubbol solid dek from Sikkens, the other half in Regal Select low lustre. The Regal is holding up well and the Sikkens is peeling. I applied both over aged (clean) cedar, no primer. The Sikkens says its fine with no primer, the BM recommends priming, which I didn't. I know, I'm a cowboy right? Well the BM is fine, applied out of spec too. Sikkens is peeling a year later. I posted some pics in another thread. Can't remember which one.
It looks good still, I painted them again this year just for a slight color change, no other reason. Well, I had to fix the Sikkens ones. Will see how long it lasts, it was more of a test than anything. I'm planning on metal rails whenever this paint job starts to fail.
I never liked Rubbol Dek. Ya think that's why it's discontinued? The jury is still out on the acrylic versions. The theory behind using a stain instead of a paint on decks is that the stain isn't supposed to peel like the paint does. Also, we notice that when stain does peel, it's easier to fix than peeling paint, easier to strip, easier to power wash back to raw, etc.
The rubbol dek (red can & oil) is discontinued, all that is available now is the latex. Solid stains are fine usually, my beef with them is, if they're that easy to strip off, how good can it be? If its easy to remove, its not doing something right. They have their place, don't get me wrong, but given a choice for a vertical surface, paint it is. Horizontal surfaces, yes, I'm picking stain.
Tony, I can't see why not. Exterior house paint on a properly prepped surface of a home can last 6-8 years or more. The only variation between the two topcoats would be the mandatory priming needed for the paint.
The last two-tone that I finished had a small section of railing. I put a coat od SW Deckscapes (solid) and a finish coat of Aura. Looked great.
If I'm not mistaken, the reasoning for the acrylic stain was for penetration (bonding) and elongation or flexibility. A premium product like the aura which has the bonding (self-priming) and is much more flexible than paints 10-15 yrs ago.
Just trying to implement a new system for my exterior PT railings
With a stain you won't have many options for sheen level. The color retention and resistance to dirt pick-up will be better with with a paint. Painting involves caulking, priming, and two top coats which means more labor and materials. I'd go with either for all areas besides decking. Stick with stain or appropriate exterior floor coating for walking area. Product choice is dependent upon customer wants.
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