Oil Vs Water-based stain - The definitive guide

Oil Vs Water-based stain is a developing topic, we firmly believe in continuous business improvement and will update this article based upon new products an research.

It is easy to get stuck in our old ways and don't take the time to see if there's anything new or relevant out there. We feel that if it's good enough, there's no reason to change because newer doesn't always mean better. That's the case of oil versus water-based staining.

When it comes to indoor timber protection we us Hard-wax Oil and new technology Plant based products. This post focuses on Teak outdoor furniture protection but is also relevant for timber decks.

Up until recently, Oil-based stains was the definitive winner, but that was also due to the fact that the primary suppliers in the industry were traditionally only using oil-based stains, without any type of regard or clarity into trying out water-based stains.

This also continues when it comes to wood and teak-based products. Well, we’re here to look at exactly why water-based stains are a much better option than oil-based stains and how to best make your teak and wooded items that you want to stain look and feel fantastic while at the same time having that critical protective layer on them.

When researching this topic you will find conflicting information depending on who you ask. The text below represents our experience. (Don’t trust a website that has links to where you can buy the products, naturally they are biased.)

The main research and new technology advancement has been to the advantage of the Water based products. If you ask grandpa, Oil based Vs Water based stain for teak? He will most definitely say,  “oil based products last longer”. Grandpa was indeed accurate over ten years ago. 

At Sydney Staining Service we have a square meter sized sample board that is being fully exposed 24/7 to sun and rain. As our name implies we are Sydney based and the Australian sun certainly does some serious damage, it shreds timber colour really fast.  

What we have found after one year of full sun exposure is that the water-based products is a lot stronger.

Pros and cons of oil based stain for teak    

Let’s start with the traditional option and take a look at why oil-based stains are so popular. There’s something about putting these layers of oil stains that makes it feel as if we’re putting on a protective layer of armour, and to be fair, we are. But that doesn’t always mean that it’s going to be as effective as it should be.

Pros

We'll put a positive light on Oil-based stains because they aren't a bad option; they simply aren't always the best option. First off, oil-based stains do a great job of protecting against all the elements. They can penetrate the teak better and are great against wind, rain and the sun.

They also take longer to dry, and that usually leads to a more even finish as it settles on the teak to offer that sheen and protection. This makes it also easier to apply and doesn’t require extra attention to detail when applying the oil-based stains. It’s a bit of a set it and forget it mentality which means there’s less follow up and maintenance needed.

Cons

Unfortunately, there are some significant issues when it comes to oil-based stains. First off, there is usually an unpleasant smell that comes with the application of oil-based stains. The drying time can sometimes be one to two days, meaning you're not able to use the area you've stained for that period.

It can be an even more pronounced issue if you're in a humid climate, which is a definite possibility, as we know in Australia. If they are applied to specially treated teak already that's built to be resistant to the elements, the application of the oil might diminish those effects or outright ruin them.

Additionally, the days are gone when oil stains will last longer than water-based stains, and that amount is usually around three years. No matter what, there's a good chance you're going to be adding a maintenance routine to your teak finishes after you start applying that first coat of oil-based stains.

When it comes to the environmental effects of oil-based deck stains, they can be really terrible. It all depends on what levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are in the formula, and that means you're placing potentially harmful chemicals on your teak.

In addition, oil is an organic compound, which means that there is a high possibility that mould, or algae can grow on your deck, especially if there are cracks in the sealant. This means your teak will be eaten as you provide it with a food source from the oil stain.

– Downsides being that it replaces the natural teak oil and sets you on a maintenance routine. That routine is required on a yearly/half yearly basis. The penetration makes it a lot harder to restore, if you down the track decide that you want your teak outdoor furniture setting in a natural silver grey, or another colour. It’s unforgiving in the sense that it turns into a really ugly finish if you stop the maintenance routine.

Pros and cons of water based stain for teak 

As mentioned above, there have been numerous advancements in the development of water-based stains that have helped them get ahead of oil-based stains as the optimal option when it comes to staining your deck or patio out.

Don’t worry if you already went down the route of an oil-based stain first because that's what someone else told you with their years of complacency towards oil-based stains. You're actually able to apply water-based stains over oil-based stains as well, which is a unique way of getting the benefit of a water-based stain.

Pros

Guess what? Water-based stains are great against the elements as well. In fact, they're a superior option against UV radiation, which Australia is more than familiar with, with all those sunny days. You'll easily notice that your vibrant patio deck colours remain that way, even when they're battered with the daily sun, and they won't start to fade as would happen with oil-based stains.

It's not just the elements they're great against, but humans as well. Water-based stains, when applied correctly, are much more durable and longer-lasting than oil-based stains. Especially with the newer types coming out, the durability and longevity are only increasing.

They're also inorganic, meaning that there is no possibility of you getting mildew or mould on your decks. There are even some water-based stains out there that have additional additives to combat these growths directly. Water-based stains also don't smell terrible (there can still be a slight odour) and are also non-flammable because of their primary component.

When it comes to application, water-based stains dry fast. We're talking a few hours at most, meaning you can apply the stains and enjoy them the same day without any issues. Clean up is also easy. Oil-based stains may need additional harsh solvents when being applied, and that's simply not the case with water-based stains, where you can use simple soap and water for any cleanup.

They are also not as much of a sealant as oil-based stains, meaning there's no possibility of getting any moisture trapped under the stain, which could eventually warp the teak down the line. If you need to do a touch-up, again, simple cleaning and a touch up can be done as soon as the finish starts to look faded. Keep in mind that water-based stains will make your wood look much more vibrant.

 Cons

We want to be as neutral and unbiased as possible, and that's why it's important to note there are some drawbacks when it comes to water-based stains as well. The primary issue is the initial application of water-based stains.

There's no way to simply apply it and wait for it to look marvelous. You need to be consistent and meticulous in your application throughout; otherwise, it could appear unfinished or uneven. If you don’t do this stage properly, you’ll quickly lose out on all the superior benefits of a water-based stain.

Another major issue is overapplication; again, it's all about the right amount the first time. If you over apply the water-based stains, there’s a big chance that peeling will occur sooner than later. Another issue with water-based stains with over-application is that they may appear to lift the wood due to too much water getting getting inside the wood and giving it a rougher texture while swelling up.

There’s also the possibility you might have to apply two separate products to the teak. The first is one to retain the aesthetics, colour, and vibrancy. The other water-based product is there to be a shield that will essentially protect the teak from the elements better. Keep in mind that the shield needs to be re-applied every three to six months due to the harsh Australian weather.

Water based teak protectors stays on the surface of the timber and gives it a really good protection against sun due to hi-technology research that hasn’t been around more than 10 years. Even NANO-technology shield is available on the water based products. (In short that means that it rearranges the particles of the surface and making everything bead on top of it opposed to staining the table.) The water based is also extremely forgiving in the sense that it wears off and then turn into silver grey weathered teak colour eventually without a phase of ugly dark discoloration.

The downside of the water-based is that it normally uses two products. One to protect the colour (does that job for longer than the oil-based, between 6- 18 months). The other one used to shield it against stains. The shield can in Australian conditions wear off within 3-6 months.

To conclude Oil based Vs Water based stain for teak we proudly say that we use both. It will depend on exposure to sun and how you much value you give their different pros and cons. See our ‘Products We Use’ menu to learn more about our preferred products, but we are always scouting for new and better products. 

What we’re all about

At Sydney Staining Services, we’ve been testing out the durability and effects of water-based stains in the harsh climates we get in Australia. We always keep around samples of teak with different types of stains to showcase exactly how well ether stain really does.

Oil-based stains, unfortunately, really don't do well in the high UV environment and tend to have the teak oil oxidize and turn out looking terrible. Yet those water-based stains continue to impress us with the level of protection and aesthetics after a year, and as more nano-based stains come out with additional features, we'll continue to be a big fan of the latest water-based stains.

Of course, it’s important to keep in mind what type of teak you’re going to be using in the beginning. There are some that are pretreated and ready to go with either oil-based stains or water-based stains, so make sure to know this ahead of time and not end up using the incorrect stain from the get-go, which will ultimately ruin the efficiency and effectiveness of that stain.

If you're searching to get some tips and tricks when it comes to staining your teak, or you want to get some questions answered, especially around water-based stains, don’t hesitate to read our new, tips and tricks.

We're here to help support you in everything related to teak staining and will set you on the right path. Our guidance will aid you in ensuring that your investment in a great outdoor space looks great and is properly protected by the elements, all through the correct usage of stains. Don’t end up ruining that space when it’s so easy to protect and maintain it.

Par Arnoldson, the founder of Fornya, is a Teak Maintenance Specialist based in Sydney, Australia.