Jim carroll explains why it s not only acceptable to use a water based finish over and oil finish provided you do it correctly but that it can be the best solution when you want to bring out the natural character and color of the wood.
Water based stain over oil based stain deck.
Most tend to retain their color better than their counterpart oil based deck stains.
It s possible to stain over stain on a deck if you do it the right way.
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Water based deck stains are also more breathable which means they will not retain moisture.
And actually the answer is yes you can use our emtech water based sealer or top coat over the oil stain.
Oil vs water based deck stain.
The beauty of all our water based sealers and topcoats is that they ll level and adhere to whatever solvent or oil based stain you ve used.
Admire your hard work.
So there s no need to go oil on oil simply because your stain is oil based.
You ve got yourself a beautifully stained deck.
They take longer to dry up to 48 hours which can be a real problem when you live in a humid or wet climate.
Wherein water based stain is good for drying the stain quickly and holding its color.
Read our article for information that sets the record straight when comparing water based stains with oil based stains.
Water based stains work well on woods that have natural oil or wood that has previously been stain with oil based products.
You can apply a topcoat of oil or water based sealer to give your decking a glossy look and to help keep it looking fresher for longer.
If you wish to change from a water based to oil based deck stain or vice versa here are some suggestions.
As always comments are encouraged.
A water based stain will also retain its color better than oil.
These deck stains tend to adhere better to surfaces that have undergone some sort of staining or painting.
Oil based deck stain can contain higher vocs volatile organic compounds which are bad for the environment oil based stains will not last as long as water based stains.
The chart below is a quick reference comparing oil and water based stains.
Oil based deck stains tend to work better in hot or cold extremes and with most woods.
Indeed staining is an effective maintenance system for your old and damaging deck.
Water based deck stains water based wood stains will normally adhere better to a surface that has formerly been painted or stained with an oil based stain.