Deck Paint vs. Deck Stain: Which is the Best Choice for Your Deck?
- NOVEX
- Jul 1
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Deck Paint vs. Deck Stain: Which is the Best Choice for Your Deck?
When it comes to protecting and enhancing your deck, you have two main options: paint or stain. Each has its benefits, and the right choice depends on your deck’s condition, the look you want, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. Here’s a simple guide to help you decide.
Deck Stain: Natural Look with Lasting Protection
If you’d like to showcase the natural beauty of your timber while adding durable protection, a stain is the way to go. We offer two high-performance deck stains to suit different needs:
NOVEX ELITE Deck & Furniture Stain (One Coat Stain).
SUPERDECK Decking & Furniture Stain
SUPERDECK Decking & Furniture Stain
Both are water-based, semi-transparent stains designed for New Zealand’s tough conditions. They penetrate the timber to preserve the grain while protecting against moisture, UV rays, and wear.
One Coat is all you need. Elite deck and furniture stain uses advanced linseed oil and resin technology, delivering a rich, even colour in a one-coat system. It’s perfect if you want a quick, premium solution with a natural look that lasts.
SUPERDECK combines oil, alkyd, and acrylic binders for an innovative stain that balances deep penetration with surface durability and quicker drying. It’s ideal for decks that get heavy foot traffic and need extra resilience.
Why two?
Each stain has a unique formula to suit different customer needs
— ELITE is a one-coat premium finish for easy application with a brilliant natural finish and kwila and charcoal.
- SUPERDECK offers a robust, flexible finish with enhanced wear resistance.
Best for: Pine & hardwood decks, outdoor furniture, fences, weatherboards
Finish: Semi-transparent, low sheen
Maintenance: Reapply every 2–3 years
Prep Needed: Always clean and brighten with NOVEX Timber Clean & Prep before staining.
Deck Paint: Tough, Durable & Long-Lasting
If you prefer a solid colour with maximum surface protection, consider TIMBERSTYLE Deck and Timber Paint. This 100% acrylic coating forms a protective layer over the timber, shielding it from weather and foot traffic. It provides great durability, though decks do naturally wear more than vertical surfaces and may need occasional touch-ups.
Best for: Timber decks, fences, trellis, fibre cement, and concrete surfaces
Finish: Low sheen, high opacity
Maintenance: Reapply as needed based on exposure and use
Prep Needed: Clean and prep with NOVEX Timber Clean & Prep for best adhesion and durability.
Before staining or painting, it’s essential to start with a clean surface. NOVEX Timber Clean & Prep is a specially formulated cleaner and brightener that removes dirt, mould, and weathered fibres, restoring your timber and helping new coatings stick better and last longer. Use it to get the best results from your stain or paint.
Which One Should You Choose?
👉 Choose stain if you want to keep the timber’s natural look with a semi-transparent finish.
👉 Choose paint if you prefer a solid colour and a protective topcoat.
No matter which you choose, preparation is the key to success. Always clean and prepare your deck with NOVEX Timber Clean & Prep to get the best results.
FAQs
1. Can I paint over a stained deck?
Yes, but clean and sand first for proper adhesion. TIMBERSTYLE also acts as a primer for best results.
2. Can I stain over a painted deck?
No. Stain must penetrate the wood, and paint prevents absorption. You’d need to remove the paint first.
3. Which lasts longer, paint or stain?
Paint generally lasts longer before needing a recoat, but stain is easier to maintain and refresh.
4. Does deck paint peel over time?
If properly prepped and applied, paint can last years. Moisture underneath, however, may cause the paint to peel.
5. How can I make my deck stain last longer?
Clean regularly and reapply stain every few years to maintain protection.
Comments