There are some key differences between stain and paint, and some essential ways to tell them apart and to know which you need. While stain provides protection similar in ways to how paints do, stain has a thinner consistency and soaks into the wood (whereas paint resides on the surface). Stain generally doesn’t require as many coats as does paint. Stain tends to dry faster, which is good news if you’re staining a deck or fence, for example, and it’s exposed to incoming weather. Stain features a more natural look, bringing out the best of the wood’s highlights versus paint which covers wood. Stain is matted, versus the range that paint provides in matte to sheen. Stain does change the colour and tone of the wood but keeps it within a natural range. If you’re looking to give wood a natural look, and you are coating a high-traffic wood surface (and/or one that’s exposed to the elements), stain is a great choice. Your Bonds Decor Ottawa stain specialist will be happy to answer any other stain questions you may have.