Both deck paints and deck stains are available as oil-based and latex-based mixtures. While traditional, penetrating wood stains soak into lumber, solid color deck stains contain solids that cause the stain to form a permanent film on the lumber’s surface, similar to paint.Click to see full answer. Also know, whats the difference between solid stain and paint?If you look at paint and stain, they both look the same. Stain is always thinner than paint and when stain is applied on a surface, it tends to soak into the surface. On the other hand, paint stays on the surface and creates a thin film.Similarly, what is a solid color stain? Solid Stain Colors Solid color stains provide a rich, opaque color that allows the texture of the wood to show. They accentuate the wood’s texture, are self-priming, and compared to other types of finishes, they provide a high amount of protection for your surface. Consequently, is solid stain paint? A solid stain is, essentially, a paint. Both are films that sit on the surface of a substrate. A solid stain will better accentuate the texture of the wood, so a rough surface likely calls for stain over paint.Which is better stain or paint?Stain is normally cheaper to purchase than paint. It is easier to apply stain, as well as to re-coat surfaces that need a touch up. Stain is quicker to apply than paint, because you don’t always need to prime surfaces first. Paint is liable to peel, crack or flake, whereas stain is more resistant to chipping.