Staining house. Can latex stain go over existing oil based stain?

Got a cedar sided home, dark brown oil based stain that is faded (built in 1999). Heard the latex stains were better, but also told by one guy latex can't go over oil based stain. Another guy tells me it can be done. This is a huge job and expense and I want to get it right. Any insight appreciated.



-Dan






current stain...

 

Generally latex stains can be applied over weathered oil base stains. Washing the siding with a TSP solution will also help, add bleach to the solution if there is any mildew on the wood. Be sure it's rinsed well.

Latex stains are almost always solid stains which means it looks more like paint than stain. Latex stains/paints do tend to hold their color better with sun exposure. I suggest using a waterborne stain. You can get it in semi-transparent like what you currently have. Waterborne stains are kind of a cross between latex and oil. You'll find your best grade of stains at your local paint store - not a paint dept in a bigger store. They usually have better trained help too

 

Been working last few days out of town. Thanks for the message. I appreciate you sharing some insights. Having never owned a wood sided home, I have no insight into stains. Got much to learn before getting this job done and appreciate any input here.



-Dan

 

I'd go with a solid body stain - it's going to hide the grain quite a bit and even look a little like you painted instead of stained but it should go the longest before you have to coat it again.