EXPERT ADVICE
How to Choose Stain Color & Transparency
Staining the surfaces throughout your home can be colorful (and easy). Choosing the right wood or concrete stain colors doesn't take a doctorate in color theory. Start with the basics by learning about stain transparency and color for interior and exterior staining.
Choosing the Right Stain Transparency
This is a crucial step in the staining process as transparency, or opacity, can range from lightly pigmented to total coverage. Sherwin-Williams' stains range in opacity from solid to clear.
Each level of opacity will enhance the look of your porch, deck, trim or siding, concrete driveways, and walkways. However, the less transparent a stain is, the more protection it will provide.
Staining Wood Surfaces
Clear, transparent and semi-transparent stains work best on new wood, and nicely show off that fresh grain.
Semi-solid stains are a great choice for decks that get a lot of use. This option shows some grain while hiding more wear and tear.
Solid stains are best fit for decks with older, more vulnerable wood, surfaces with many blemishes or when you want to go bold with color.
Staining Concrete Surfaces
Clear sealants or waterproofers give your concrete surfaces a clean, finished look, and you can typically choose from multiple sheen options.
Solid-color concrete stains also come in a variety of sheen options and allow you to customize the look of your concrete to match your style.
Staining Brick & Masonry Surfaces
If you're looking to stain exterior brick or brick inside your home, your transparency options will be similar to those offered for concrete. One difference to note, however, is that brick and masonry surfaces are much more porous than concrete. So staining brick and masonry to achieve a certain color might require additional coats.
Explore Our Stain Products
Color Mixing & Matching
Whether you're looking for a deck stain color, a color for an interior stain project or just the right shade for a concrete surface, you'll be able to choose from a world of stain colors.
Sherwin-Williams stain is available in several pre-mixed colors that will help you let the natural wood shine through, match a grain color or simply bring a colorless area to life.
As you select a stain color, remember that wood can take on stain color differently depending on its type and age. How many coats you apply of the stain will also impact the look of the finished product. So be sure to test the stain colors you're considering. Apply to a small area and view in different lighting before choosing a stain color.
Looking for a specific shade? As your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams paint experts, we're here to blend the perfect color to match your style.
Also, see our Staining How-Tos for more expert advice and project inspiration.
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