Painting vs. Staining
in Lancaster, PA
by CertaPro Painters® of Lancaster, PA
Painting vs. Staining in Lancaster, PA: What’s Right for Your Home?
Expert Exterior Finishes from CertaPro Painters® of Lancaster
Choosing between painting and staining your home’s exterior surfaces is about more than just color. Both finishes serve different purposes and offer unique benefits depending on the material, the weather exposure, and your long-term goals. At CertaPro Painters® of Lancaster, we help homeowners across Lancaster County make informed decisions about protecting and beautifying their siding, decks, fences, and trim.
Understanding the Difference: Paint vs. Stain
Paint creates a thick, protective film that sits on top of the surface. It provides a uniform look and can completely cover the material underneath, making it ideal for homes looking for a bold, crisp transformation. Paint comes in countless colors and finishes and typically lasts longer than stain when properly applied and maintained.
Stain, on the other hand, soaks into wood and enhances its natural grain and texture. Staining is typically preferred for wood surfaces like decks, fences, cedar siding, and porches. It offers a more organic or rustic appearance and often requires more frequent reapplication—especially in climates with moisture and seasonal fluctuations like Lancaster, PA.
My experience was excellent from start to finish. The cost was reasonable & within my budget. The painter was on time, very thorough, & professional. I would hire CertaPro again.
- Gloria J. | Lancaster, PA
Best Uses for Paint in Lancaster Homes
Lancaster homes, whether historic in the city or farmhouse-style in the countryside, benefit from painting when:
- The surface is wood, fiber cement, or aluminum siding
- You want to completely change the color of your exterior
- The material is already painted and you want to refresh or update it
- You’re looking for maximum durability and coverage
Paint is also recommended for trim, shutters, doors, and other architectural accents where bold contrast or uniformity is desired.
Best Uses for Stain in Lancaster Homes
Staining is most effective on bare or previously stained surfaces, making it ideal for:
Decks and fences exposed to weather
Wood siding like cedar, redwood, or pine
Pergolas, railings, and porches with visible wood grain
Brick surfaces in need of a refreshed, uniform color
Concrete patios, walkways, or porches that need enhanced curb appeal
Homeowners who want to preserve or highlight natural textures in wood, brick, or concrete
In Lancaster’s humid summers and snowy winters, using the right stain—whether transparent, semi-transparent, solid, or masonry-specific—is key to protecting surfaces from rot, warping, moisture intrusion, and UV damage.
Additional home upgrades that can make a big impact include:
Ceiling Painter
Front Door Painting
Change Light Fixtures
Power Wash Exterior Surfaces
Paint Your Mailbox
Clean Windows
Truly professional from beginning to the end Great job more than satisfied!!!!
- Richard P. | Lancaster, PA
Services We Offer for Your Home
CertaPro Painters® offers professional interior and exterior house painting services to locations in Lancaster. We take great pride in our quality painting services and high customer reviews. Click one of the links below to learn more about the painting services we offer.
Cabinet Refinishing and Repainting
Your cabinets are perhaps one of the most touched surfaces in your home, so it’s no surprise that they wind up with a little wear and tear. At CertaPro Painters® of Lancaster, PA we’ll work with you to find a finish or paint that meets the needs of your home and daily routine.
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Color Consultation
Not sure which shade to choose? Struggling to differentiate matte, satin and gloss? We’ll help you navigate the sea of options to find a color that matches your home’s interior aesthetic and stands up to your family’s daily routine.
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Concrete Staining and Epoxy Finish
Applying a stain to an interior or exterior concrete floor can add unique dimension to any space. You can enhance the durability of your concrete with an epoxy floor coating. The CertaPro Painters® of Lancaster, PA team is trained in applying concrete stains and epoxy floor coatings.
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Drywall Repair
Whether your home has water damage that requires drywall repair or your walls have medium-to-large holes that need patching, the CertaPro Painters® of Lancaster, PA crew will patch, sand and prime, to create a flawless surface to paint on.
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EPA Lead Certified
At CertaPro Painters® of Lancaster, PA we are EPA Lead Certified. This means that if we are performing a renovation, repair or painting project that disturbs lead-based paint in your home, we use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers and follow lead-safe work practices.
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Faux Painting and Decorative Services
If it’s a distinct look you’re after, the CertaPro Painters® of Lancaster, PA crew has the skills required to make your vision a reality. Our team will work with you to find the perfect faux finish for your home’s unique style.
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Painting and Staining
At CertaPro Painters® of Lancaster, PA we offer a variety of interior and exterior home painting and staining services, including your home’s deck and fencing. Regardless of the room inside your home that needs an update or the area of your home’s exterior that needs protection from Mother Nature, our team works with you to determine the best plan of action for your home.
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Popcorn Ceiling Removal
While popcorn ceilings had their time on top trends lists, they are rarely seen in modern homes. Removing a popcorn ceiling yourself can be extremely difficult. The crew at CertaPro Painters® of Lancaster, PAis trained to remove popcorn ceilings in an effective way that will leave your ceilings feeling fresh.
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Power Washing
Power washing is a vital step in painting the exterior of your home. CertaPro Painters® of Lancaster, PA uses the process to remove mold, oil and old paint so new paint absorbs into your surface better.
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Stucco Repairs and Painting
As with any other home exterior, it’s important to maintain the stucco or EIFS (also known as synthetic stucco) covering your home. The CertaPro Painters® of Lancaster, PA team is very knowledgeable in both repairs and painting related to these two materials and will work alongside you to determine what services your home needs.
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Vinyl and Aluminum Siding Painting
Whether you have high-tech vinyl siding or a more traditional siding, CertaPro Painters® of Lancaster, PA knows how to restore them. Our team has the right approach to add new life to your exteriors.
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Wallpaper Removal and Installation
Removing and applying wallpaper can be a tricky task. The crew at CertaPro Painters® of Lancaster, PA is skilled in removing wallpaper and will make this time-consuming task, hassle-free for you. We will work with you to help you choose a wallcoverings style that’s perfect for your home, and then apply it to your walls. All you’ll have to do is enjoy the final look.
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Areas We Serve:
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