Stain vs Paint
Stain vs. Paint on Pressure-Treated Wood Mailboxes
When finishing a pressure-treated wood mailbox post, choosing between stain and paint makes a big difference in appearance, maintenance, and longevity. Both are good options—here’s how they compare.
🪵 Stain: Natural Look & Lower Maintenance
Best for: Homeowners who like a natural wood appearance and easy upkeep.
Pros:
Soaks into the wood instead of sitting on top
Won’t peel or crack over time
Enhances the natural wood grain
Easier to reapply—no scraping required
Works better as treated wood continues to dry and move
Cons:
Less color variety than paint
Needs reapplication every 2–3 years
Less protection from impact or heavy wear
Why stain works well on treated wood:
Pressure-treated wood contains moisture and chemicals. Stain penetrates the surface, allowing the wood to breathe, which reduces peeling and bubbling.
🎨 Paint: Bold Color & Maximum Protection
Best for: Homeowners who want a specific color or a polished, uniform look.
Pros:
Offers the widest range of colors
Provides a smooth, finished appearance
Creates a thicker protective barrier
Can match trim, shutters, or home color
Cons:
Can peel, chip, or crack over time
Requires proper prep and priming
Treated wood must fully dry (often 3–6 months) before painting
More maintenance when repairs are needed
Important note on treated wood:
Painting too soon can trap moisture inside the wood, leading to peeling and premature failure.
Feature Stain Paint
- Natural wood look ✅ Yes ❌ No
- Color options ⚠️ Limited ✅ Wide range
- Peeling risk ❌ None ⚠️ Possible
- Maintenance ✅ Easy ⚠️ More work
- Best for treated wood ✅ Excellent ⚠️ Only after drying
Overall Recommendation:
For most pressure-treated mailbox posts, stain is the better long-term choice. It lasts well, looks great, and handles weather and wood movement better than paint. Paint is still a great option if you’re willing to wait for the wood to dry and want a specific color match.
Professional Tip
If your mailbox post is newly installed, staining can usually be done sooner than painting. This helps protect the wood early while avoiding future peeling issues.