Home Exterior Stains
Stains in general, as well as deck stains have been a problematic item of paint contracting challenges within the past few years. More specifically, these projects are more challenging. This is due to new strict regulations went into effect limiting the amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in paint. Let’s get into a little bit more about home exterior stains.
As a house painter in Westchester County, New York, I have been looking for a stain product that protects and beautifies wood surfaces, resists mildew, has an easy application, can withstand the elements, and more importantly, it’s environmentally safe. One of the good products we have had success with is Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Stains®. Our painting crew loves the way it lays out and has been applying it for most of our new wood staining projects. Sherwin Williams also makes good stains called Woodscapes and Deckscapes for siding and decking respectively.
Arborcoat
Arborcoat Stain® comes in Transparent, Semi Transparent, Semi-Solid, and Solid. It is 100% acrylic, formulated to penetrate and protect the wood, resists abrasion, and beautifies wood surfaces on deck, siding, and fence. The fact that it is 100% acrylic makes it a perfect solution for mildew prone areas and surfaces. Arborcoat Stain® may be applied to new and pressure-treated lumber and is ideal for soft wood such as cedar and pine. However, I’d avoid using it on hardwood such as mahogany, ipe, and oak.
Additionally, one major characteristic I like about Arborcoat Stain® is its ease of application and hiding property on solid colors. But, the transparent and semi-transparent Arboarcoat Stains® have to be top coated with Arborcoat clear protection coat (636). This is a low-luster protective coat which protects the stained surface against weathering elements. The good news is that this clear coat can be applied on the same day as you stain the deck.
Finally, for the maintenance of transparent and semi-transparent surfaces, Benjamin Moore recommends washing the surface lightly and applying a coat of clear protective (636) each year to keep the wood looking beautiful and structurally sound.
For more information on Arborcoat visit the Benjamin Moore website at www.benjaminmoore.com
Owner & General Manager
Meet Mr. Paint Track himself, Ray! Having been in the industry for three decades, Ray has built Paint Track on a foundation of honesty, knowledge, and respect. He exemplifies leadership, with a commitment to both his craft and our team. Ray is known for his great sense of humor, and if you’re familiar with him, you’ve undoubtedly heard numerous jokes! His vibrant energy uplifts our team. Thanks to his leadership, Paint Track has earned a reputation as a trusted name in the community for the past 20 years.
Ray’s expertise and dedication to quality are evident in every project Paint Track undertakes. He’s not only a master of his craft but also a mentor who generously shares his wealth of knowledge with every team member, helping each of us grow and improve. Ray’s hands-on approach ensures that every detail is attended to, and he consistently goes above and beyond to exceed client expectations.
Ray’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a master’s degree in Telecommunications, which have contributed to his exceptional organizational skills and analytical approach to managing projects. His education and strategic thinking have been instrumental in building an efficient and effective business operation that continues to deliver outstanding results.
In addition to his work with Paint Track, Ray is deeply involved in the community. He actively participates in multiple Chamber of Commerce groups and serves as a board member on the Painting Contractors Association (PCA) Education and Finance Committees. His dedication to advancing the industry and supporting local businesses exemplifies his commitment to both Paint Track and the community.
Under Ray’s leadership, Paint Track has become known not just for superior workmanship but for a client-centered approach that prioritizes communication, transparency, and trust. We’re incredibly grateful to have him leading the way, and we’re proud to carry forward his legacy of excellence in every job we do.
Skills Leadership, customer relations, estimating, and problem solving
Hobbies: Exercise, beekeeping, and hiking
Favorite Paint Color: Sherwin Williams Indigo 6531