Painting vs. Staining
in Reading, PA
by CertaPro Painters® of Reading, PA
Paint vs. Stain: Which Is Right for Your Reading, PA Home?
Professional Exterior Finishes by CertaPro Painters® of Reading
When it comes to enhancing and protecting your home’s exterior in Reading, PA, choosing between paint and stain can make a big difference. Whether you’re maintaining a classic Colonial in Wyomissing or updating a rustic property in Birdsboro, the team at CertaPro Painters® of Reading is here to help you make the best choice for your home’s siding, deck, trim, or fence.
The Basics: Paint vs. Stain
Paint forms a solid film over the surface, giving it a smooth, opaque finish. It’s ideal for dramatic color changes, covering imperfections, and creating a more polished look. Paint is long-lasting and offers excellent protection against the elements.
Stain, by contrast, penetrates the material—typically wood—and enhances its natural grain. It creates a more natural, rustic appearance and allows the texture of the material to show through. Stains come in transparent, semi-transparent, and solid varieties, each offering different levels of coverage and protection.
Friendly. Prompt. Excellent paint job. Will use them again!
- Peter H. | Reading, PA
When to Choose Paint in Berks County
In the Reading area, homes often need the durability and coverage that paint provides. Paint is the better choice if:
- You’re painting fiber cement, stucco, aluminum, or wood siding
- The surface has been previously painted
- You want to completely change the look and color
- You need maximum UV and moisture protection
Painting is also recommended for garage doors, shutters, and exterior trim, where a consistent finish and long-lasting color are desired.
When to Choose Stain for Reading Homes
Stain is ideal for exterior wood surfaces such as:
- Decks, fences, pergolas, and porches
- Cedar or pine siding
- Wooden railings and trim
- Homes aiming for a more natural or traditional aesthetic
In Reading’s climate—where winters are cold, and summers are humid—staining helps protect against moisture while allowing the wood to breathe.
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
Services We Offer for Your Home
CertaPro Painters® offers professional interior and exterior house painting services to locations in Reading. 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 Reading, 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 Reading, 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 Reading, 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 Reading, 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 Reading, 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 Reading, 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 Reading, 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 Reading, 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 Reading, 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 Reading, 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 Reading, 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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