What are the pros and cons of water based vs. oil based deck stains?

Answer by  Teaberry (846)

Water based stains are easier to work with and easier with clean up. Oil based stains require more work to get the brush,rags, etc. clean. Also with oil based stain, it goes on a lot smoother and lasts a bit longer.

Answer by  Liz59 (10966)

The pros of water based deck stains are that you can easily go over them and replace them. Oil based deck stains are harder to remove in the long run.

Answer by  champaign9497 (11977)

Water based tend to have a shorter protective life than oil water oil based also protects deeper into the deck that the water based does.

Answer by  kennethjgoodson (4903)

Water based is the best because it is made from water and when water gets on the deck it does not hurt it. Oil based you will see puddles.

Answer by  champaign9497 (11977)

Oil based stains seem to last longer because the water tends to bead up and run off them. Water based just lets the water lay there til it soaks.

Answer by  pancakequeen (127)

When you use an oil-based paint you can initially expect a much better look. Oil-based stains tend to be glossy and the deck will gleam in the sun. However, when the paint starts to chip and peel, because the surface needs to be clean for repainting. Water based paints are much easier to handle.

Answer by  Latin4 (11170)

I have used both at one time or another. I found that the oil based deck stain last longer if it is exposed to sun, then the water based. Water based takes little time to dry, but oil based takes longer and also lasts longer. It keeps it shine and doesn't fade.

Answer by  Liz59 (10966)

Well and oil based deck stain is harder to get rid of. A water based stain is very easy to remove.

Answer by  kennethjgoodson (4903)

The main differences between water based and oil based are that an oil base will leave puddles all over and the water makes the wood adjust to water without completely rotting out. Oil is going to be good if something is not getting wet all the time. It is great for stuff inside.

Answer by  Darry (3853)

Oil-based is best for decks as it can stand up to abuse better but it takes much longer to dry, water-based is easy to clean and won't protect as well.