what's the difference between paint and stain?

[Littledanniel]

I just found they are new to me when I went Home depot to find the materials to repaint my deck. The server mentioned 'paint' and 'stain' which I don't know.

I would be grateful if you can help me with it.

[Kitosdad]

Paint is a coloured "skin" that simply decorates the material to which it is applied, usually wood.
Paint can usually be removed by the application of heat or acids designed for the purpose.

Stain is more liquefied, and is designed to "seep" into the pores of the wood. It is almost impossible to remove later.
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Keep it simple ... Keep it interesting.

[Beeesneees]

In addition, paint is generally opaque and covers the natural pattern in the wood. 'Stain' is translucent/ semi-transparent and allows yo to still see the natural pattern (though in a less natural colour!)
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Cheers m' dears!

[Littledanniel]

Thank you so much, Kitosdad.

So I should buy paint instead of stain to repaint my deck, it that right? Old paint is starting to be off on my deck.

[Beeesneees]

It really depends on what finish you want. In my experience, most people tend to use stain on decking.

Of course if the decking was covered in paint previously, then you would either have to remove it completely to use stain, or repaint over it using paint (having rubbed it back and prepared the current surface adequately).
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Cheers m' dears!

[Littledanniel]

Thank you, Beeesneees!

My deck was covered in blue paint previously. It looks too much work for me remove that completely since I don't have experience and tools to do that. I would just repaint it over it.

Thank you for clarifying the 2 words!