What about which type of stain to use? How do you know what the pros and cons are of oil vs. latex? Well, the answer is that they are basically the same pros and cons as are found with oil vs latex paints. For example, oil-based stains feed the growth of mildew so if you've had a mildew problem, it might be better to use an acrylic stain.

You should also consider a pure acrylic if your house has had a peeling problem related to interior moisture, as moisture can pass through the acrylic film more readily than through oil film. Acrylic stains also retain their color longer and maintain flexibility in the coating film much better than the oils.

However, one advantage of oil-based stains, in addition to not requiring a prime coat, is what at first appears to be a disadvantage...although they fade more quickly than acrylics, this deterioration of the coating film prevents excessive film build-up in areas exposed to the sun and rain.

The type of stain you choose, and the location and weather effecting the material that is stained will determine which stain type will work best for you, whether or not you should prime, and how many coats of stain you should use. Sometimes it is best to start out with an oil stain, and a few years down the road, restain using an acrylic or latex stain.

Also, when it comes to how many coats you need, that will depend on the stain type you use, however, while many manufacturers claim that one-coat coverage is possible, whether you go with oil or acrylic stain, you'll get a more uniform appearance and more weather protection with two coats.

The first coat should always be brushed or rolled over the bare wood or primer to cover every nook and cranny. You should concentrate on working the stain into the substrate prevents random failure around cracks, board joints, nail heads, and other breaks in the surface. If you apply the second coat within a few days of the first you can spray it on the second coat without back-brushing or rolling.

Choosing a stain over a paint should be thought out very carefully, especially depending on what you intend to stain. For example, staining an older house may or may not be the best solution to solve paint problems or to restore the appearance of a historic exterior. Not to mention the fact that the cost to strip off all the old paint and prepare the siding can be a major expense, and very time consuming. Paint is also most durable when applied to bare wood, so this means that for the best results you would have to do it anyway, so you might just want to go with a stain as it will give you easier preparation and application when you recoat. Either way, the expense of materials shouldn't be the deciding factor; your decision should come down to your personality type: If you tend to procrastinate and put off chores, paint might better adapt to your schedule, and be an easier solution for you. If you're a go getter, and a real stickler about maintenance, stain might be the choice for you. Either way, you choose.