Best painters near Richfield, UT

Choosing the best color for your home exterior should factor in longevity as well as your personal taste. To keep your house looking newly painted as long as possible, stay away from red paint. Although red homes pop and are quintessential for country-style barns, red paint tends to fade fastest in the sun. Go with earth tones if you want paint that best resists fading.

Wood stain is typically dry to the touch within 6 to 12 hours, but it is not fully cured at this point. You should wait at least 24 hours before applying a second coat or a protective finish. For surfaces like decks, avoid walking on them for at least 24 to 48 hours, and wait even longer before placing furniture. The full curing process can take from 24 hours to one week, depending on the type of stain. Factors like high humidity and cold temperatures can extend drying and curing times, so it's wise to allow for extra time in these conditions.

Staining or sealing a cedar deck or fence is highly recommended to extend its lifespan and protect it from the elements. While cedar is naturally resistant to mold and mildew, it is not impervious to damage from moisture, sun exposure, splintering, fading, and rot over time. Applying a protective finish creates a shield that preserves the wood's strength and appearance, potentially extending its life by five to 10 years.

When choosing a finish, it's helpful to understand the difference between a sealer and a stain. A sealer sits on top of the wood, whereas a combination stain and sealer soaks into the top layer. Because it penetrates the wood, a stain generally offers better protection against UV damage and rot and lasts significantly longer. For the best results that also preserve the wood's natural color, consider using a near-translucent stain.

To maintain protection, plan on reapplying the stain or sealer every two to three years, either as a DIY project or by hiring a professional.

If you have the time and the budget, we strongly recommend staining your fence, especially if it's looking a bit tired or hasn't been treated recently. While you may not see the same return on investment (ROI) as you would with a project like a kitchen remodel, staining a fence is one of the best ways to add a facelift to your property—a new fence stain adds serious curb appeal to your home.