Get matched with top painters in Exeter, ME

Q: Does wood stain go bad?

• <div><p>Wood stain does go bad, but it will last in the can for between three and six years, provided you use proper storage techniques. Storing wood stain in open containers or in extremely low or high temperatures will cause your wood stain to become unusable much more quickly. Water- and latex-based wood stains typically last for just two to four years, while oil-based wood stains can last for three to six years. </p></div>

Q: Is it necessary to apply a sealer after staining wood?

• <div><p>Applying a sealer or topcoat after staining wood is highly recommended, though not always strictly required. A sealer protects the wood from moisture, UV rays, and weather-related issues, which is especially important for outdoor surfaces like decks and fences. It also enhances the stain's durability, prevents fading over time, and gives the wood a cleaner, more professional-looking finish. For some indoor applications, a sealer may not be necessary, depending on the type of stain used and the level of protection needed. It's always best to check the stain manufacturer's recommendations and consider the wood's intended use and exposure when deciding whether to apply a sealer.</p></div>

Q: Will a second coat of stain even out?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-stain-wood.htm">Adding a second coat of stain to wood</a> can even out the color to some extent, but it won't drastically alter the hue if the initial application is too light or too dark. It's more effective at enhancing the richness of the color rather than significantly changing it. Ensure the first coat is dry before applying the second.</p></div>

Q: What is the best paint finish for wrought iron railings?

• <div><p>The best finish for wrought iron railings is either a semi-gloss or a gloss sheen, as each offers good durability against rain, wind, heat, cold, and snow. </p></div>

Q: How long does wood stain last?

• <div><p>Wood stains last anywhere from two to five years, depending on exposure to the elements, your local climate, the type of stain, and the surface it&rsquo;s on. For instance, vertical surfaces last longer than horizontal surfaces. Some types of woods, like dense hardwoods, will require a recoat yearly, as they are too dense for the stain to absorb. In any event, apply a recoat every 2 to 4 years. As for storage, a can of unopened stain can last up to 5 years, though results may vary.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your painting project in Exeter, ME?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Painting pros in Exeter, ME

*The Angi rating for Painting companies in Exeter, ME is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Painting needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Painting companies in Exeter, ME is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Painting needs.

Last update on June 13, 2025

Reviewed in June 2025
Innovation Painting just finished staining the exterior of our log home and garage and words cannot express how impressed we are. Nick and his crew were prompt, professional, personable and immensely talented. The property has never looked better. I intend to recommend them to everyone I know....
Innovation Painting & Remodeling
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2023
They did a phenomenal job painting the exterior of our home. They were meticulously detailed and were a joy to work with. Looking forward to working with them again!
Pro City Roofing, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2022
Zack is very efficient and does a great job. He is prompt, clean, and professional. Zack listens to his customers and can create exactly what they want. I have had many compliments on the paint job he did on my old farmhouse, I would hire him again for sure.
Distinctive Painting
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2021
This is the BEST painting Contractor I have EVER used. The quality of his work, his attitude, his expertise in his craft and his demeanor are ALL superb ! I will DEFINETLY recommend him to anyone. You will not find a better one at any price. i will certainly use his services again, ,and again. ...
Douglas APS
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2020
We hired terry Barnes to do a couple things make a deck stain and paint, we needed the cabinets. Painted as well as the kitchen walls . Very professional his time management was very good,
Bangor painting and flooring
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2020
Very skilled in painting and I am very happy with his service. Timely and dependable.
Ben's Painting
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2019
Great work ethic. They came in removed part of a wall,moved a door, and relocated it. Painted, ceilings and walls, took out rugs a replaced it with laminate in whole house, all in three weeks. They handled all my requests with good humor.
River Construction & Landscape Design
Request a quote

Find Painters in Exeter

Innovation Painting & Remodeling

4.9(

)

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeInterior Home or Surfaces - Paint or Stain+7 more

Serving Exeter, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2023

Warranties offered

Credit card accepted

"Innovation Painting just finished staining the exterior of our log home and garage and words cannot express how impressed we are. Nick and his crew were prompt, professional, personable and immensely talented. The property has never looked better. I intend to recommend them to everyone I know. We will definitely be using them on future projects. The best! Thank you guys!"

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by87%of homeowners

Request Quote

Innovation Painting & Remodeling, LLC

5.0(

)

Interior Painting or Staining: 1 - 2 RoomsInterior Painting or Staining: 3 - 4 RoomsInterior Painting or Staining: 5 + Rooms

Serving Exeter, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"We hired IP&R to paint the ceilings, walls, and trim of our LR/DR/kitchen/staircase areas. The work was done as we contracted in 1.5 days. We are very happy with the results and would definitely use them again for a painting job."

+13

Response time9 hrs

7 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by33%of homeowners

Request Quote

Absolution Drywall and Paint LLC

5.0(

)

Interior Painting or Staining: 1 - 2 Rooms

Serving Exeter, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Banyon was excellent. He came in and did a complete stud to mud to paint room for me. Fast, detailed, and reliable!"

Request Quote

Eagle Construction and Remodeling

4.2(

)

Interior Painting or Staining: 1 - 2 RoomsPainting or Staining - Small Projects - For Business

Serving Exeter, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1996

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Very prompt with painting, even when some of the rooms had to be repainted due to my color choices."

+84

Response time8 hrs

Response rate86%

Recommended by73%of homeowners

Interior Painting or Staining: 1 - 2 RoomsInterior Painting or Staining: 5 + RoomsInterior Painting or Staining: 3 - 4 Rooms+2 more

Serving Exeter, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"He came right away. Could not solve problems, but he showed us what is wrong. Now we need a locksmith. ( No locksmiths on angi)"

+12

Response time6 hrs

Response rate87%

26 neighbors recently requested a quote

Interior Painting or Staining: 1 - 2 RoomsPainting or Staining - Small Projects

Serving Exeter, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"He was quick and thorough. Had all materials on hand. Professional and good customer service. Has done electrical and plumbing also. I would recommend him. He also did mechanic work on vehicle and four wheeler."

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Interior Painting or Staining: 1 - 2 RoomsInterior Painting or Staining: 5 + Rooms

Serving Exeter, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"I’ve hired Anthony for multiple projects and am always very pleased with his work. He is very time efficient, while always paying attention to details."

4 neighbors recently requested a quote

Request Quote

A Team Property Maintenance & Handyman Services

5.0(

)

Painting or Staining - Small Projects

Serving Exeter, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Very thorough and very task oriented. They do excellent work and are very reliable. I would highly recommend them for a multitude of projects."

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Interior Painting or Staining: 1 - 2 RoomsInterior Painting or Staining: 3 - 4 RoomsInterior Painting or Staining: 5 + Rooms

Serving Exeter, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1997

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Dave showed up when he said, completed all of the work as promised and even better than promised. The crew was professional, and always thorough. I hired him again after the first job for another roof repair, and my son will be hiring him after seeing the work he did. This is the company to go to."

Response time2 days

Response rate86%

9 neighbors recently requested a quote

Request Quote

James Dickson

New to Angi

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeInterior Painting or Staining: 1 - 2 Rooms+5 more

Serving Exeter, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

hey there- My name is Jamie Dickson- i'm actually a senior pastor at a central maine church. Before pastoring I started one of the larger more successful painting companies in maine and before that worked with Sherwin williams company closely with product and specialty knowledge on job sites. Currently just looking for small jobs to help pay for my kids tuition to school. thanks!

Request Quote

...

Showing 1-10 of 131

Painting questions, answered by experts

Wood stain does go bad, but it will last in the can for between three and six years, provided you use proper storage techniques. Storing wood stain in open containers or in extremely low or high temperatures will cause your wood stain to become unusable much more quickly. Water- and latex-based wood stains typically last for just two to four years, while oil-based wood stains can last for three to six years.

Applying a sealer or topcoat after staining wood is highly recommended, though not always strictly required. A sealer protects the wood from moisture, UV rays, and weather-related issues, which is especially important for outdoor surfaces like decks and fences. It also enhances the stain's durability, prevents fading over time, and gives the wood a cleaner, more professional-looking finish. For some indoor applications, a sealer may not be necessary, depending on the type of stain used and the level of protection needed. It's always best to check the stain manufacturer's recommendations and consider the wood's intended use and exposure when deciding whether to apply a sealer.

Adding a second coat of stain to wood can even out the color to some extent, but it won't drastically alter the hue if the initial application is too light or too dark. It's more effective at enhancing the richness of the color rather than significantly changing it. Ensure the first coat is dry before applying the second.

The best finish for wrought iron railings is either a semi-gloss or a gloss sheen, as each offers good durability against rain, wind, heat, cold, and snow.

Wood stains last anywhere from two to five years, depending on exposure to the elements, your local climate, the type of stain, and the surface it’s on. For instance, vertical surfaces last longer than horizontal surfaces. Some types of woods, like dense hardwoods, will require a recoat yearly, as they are too dense for the stain to absorb. In any event, apply a recoat every 2 to 4 years. As for storage, a can of unopened stain can last up to 5 years, though results may vary.

The Exeter, ME homeowners’ guide to painting services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Rachel Hoffman
•
Aug 3, 2026Aug 3, 2026
How Much Does a Gallon of Paint Cost? [2026 Data]
How much is a gallon of paint? Whether latex or oil-based, spray paint, primer, shellac, or lacquer, we’ll tell you what price to expect.
Angi
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Kitchen? [2026 Data]
Wondering about the cost to paint a kitchen? Discover prices, key cost factors, and tips to help you budget for your kitchen painting project.
Dan Simms
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Paint the Interior of a House? [2026 Data]
The cost to paint the interior of a house depends on size, layout, type of surface, and more. Learn what factors can influence your total in this guide.
Rachel Hoffman
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Types of Paint: Which Is Best for Your Project?
Knowing what type of paint is ideal for your project will give you the best results. Learn about different types of paint and what to use them for.
Kelly Reilly
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
Ceiling Paint vs. Wall Paint: What’s the Difference?
Not sure whether to use ceiling or wall paint for your upcoming paint job? Compare ceiling paint vs. wall paint with this informative guide.
Audrey Bruno
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How to Texture Walls in Your Home
If your room is falling flat, learning how to texture walls will help bring dimension to your space. Get to know all the different options and how to do them yourself.