Mississauga Handyman: Painting vs. Staining

When you want to add a touch of colour to your home, you look for painting services in Mississauga. However, you have another option for wood: staining. Which is the right choice? Let’s explore what each has to offer.

What Colours Does Paint Offer?

One of the best things about paint is the wide range of colours. You can pick any shade in the rainbow, stick to neutrals or use a combination of the two. Bright hues, such as yellow, red and pink, are excellent for high-energy spaces:

• Kitchens

• Playrooms

• Living rooms

For a home office, you can utilize hues that induce calm and increase productivity:

• Purple

• Grey

• White

• Cream

Blues are calming, making them an excellent choice for bedrooms. Browns and greens invoke nature, creating a serene atmosphere that can make a room feel cozy.

What Colours Does Staining Offer?

Unlike paints, stains are translucent, allowing you to appreciate the beautiful grains of the natural wood beneath. Rather than completely changing the surface colour, they deepen it for a richer hue.

Natural wood is incredibly versatile; it can create a rustic atmosphere or an elegant effect, depending on the finish. It also matches a wide range of decor, making it a favourite for home design. Certain features, such as hardwood floors, can even boost property value, so homeowners avoid covering them up.

When Should You Choose Paint?

Paint is the best option if colour is your number one priority. You can paint a room one colour or opt for a brilliant accent wall. You can even create stripes, geometric designs or murals for a unique effect.

When Should You Choose Stain?

Wood stain is great when you want to showcase a feature’s natural beauty:

• Hardwood floors

• Cabinets

• Butcherblock

You can also use stains on outdoor structures:

• Fences

• Sheds

• Decks

Since wood is an organic material, it requires a barrier between it and the elements. Stains designed for exterior use protect against UV radiation and moisture, which can chemically damage wood and lead to rot.

How Long Does Painting Take?

The total time for painting projects depends on the square footage you want to cover. In most cases, a single room can take up to 10 hours between prepping, painting and cleaning. Multiply that by however many rooms you have, and that’s your total.

One thing to keep in mind is that painting requires multiple layers. Most professionals apply three: one coat of primer and two coats of paint. The paint must dry between coats, which takes at least half an hour and may require up to three. Latex-based paint dries faster than oil-based formulas, so take that into consideration when calculating the total project time.

How Long Does Staining Take?

Staining wood is labour-intensive, as the surface must first be sanded to eliminate chips and scratches. If the wood already has a finish, that must be removed first, which may require applying solvents. Once sanding is complete, the area must be cleaned to ensure dust and debris don’t interfere with the staining process.

After prepping, staining is a relatively quick process, especially when done by professionals. However, it takes two to three days for the stain to dry completely. Once the stain is dry, your contractor can apply the finish, which seals the surface and protects it from moisture and dirt. The finish takes another one to two days to dry, so your project may require up to five days total.

Why Hire Staining and Painting Services in Mississauga?

When you trust the experts at Handyman Connection, you get expertise and quick results. We offer a variety of surfaces, from cabinet installation to deck repair. To request an estimate for your project, give us a call or contact us online.