Exterior paints and stains are an easy way to change the appearance of your home, deck, or outdoor furniture. They also protect from the elements. The Benjamin Moore exterior paints and stains specialists can help you choose the best exterior product for your next home project.

Exterior paint projects that include repainting your home are a substantial undertaking. Ensure the forecast is in your favor for a few days before and after painting to keep the finish looking its best. Avoid painting in direct sunlight or on very windy days, as both can cause your paint to dry too quickly, resulting in peeling or cracking.

Exterior stains for wood can seem intimidating if it's your first time using them. Stain is more demanding than paint, but don't let that deter you. Woodluxe® Exterior Stain products from Benjamin Moore are exceptionally high-quality, making it easier for you to get spectacular results.

Always clean your surface before applying, and use a natural brush for oil-based stains and a synthetic brush for water-based formulas. Like exterior paint, stains won't adhere to moist surfaces, so wait 2-3 days after the last rainfall to begin your project. Stir your wood stain before and during use to ensure consistent color over the entire surface.

• Seventy degrees F is the ideal temperature for application, but the range goes from 50-90 degrees F.
• Water-based stains are more UV-resistant than oil-based ones.
• Softwoods, like cedar or pine, are more absorbent than hardwoods; quick-drying, water-based stains can give you blotchy-looking results.
• Solid-color stains can last up to seven years, while semi-transparent formulas need annual reapplications.
• You can use any exterior wood stain on new wood, but older, weathered wood is better suited for translucent, semi-transparent, or semi-solid formulas.
• You can use oil or water-based stains on new wood you've never covered. You can apply water-based stains over oil-based ones, but not vice versa.