What’s the Difference Between Translucent and Solid Hide Stains?
Translucent Wood Stain (Natural, See-Through Finish)
A translucent stain is designed to enhance the natural character of wood. It lets the grain, texture, and variation show through while adding a soft tint. SharkSkin® Translucent is a deep-penetrating, oil/alkyd hybrid stain that uses transparent iron oxide pigments for long-lasting colour and UV resistance.
Best for:
- New or newer wood in good condition
- Homeowners who want a natural, wood-forward look
- Outdoor spaces where grain and texture are part of the design
The look you’ll get is warm, authentic, “wood first,” with colour acting like a filter over the surface.
Solid Hide Stain (Paint-Like, Opaque Finish)
A solid hide stain sits more on the surface and provides maximum coverage and uniform colour, similar to paint but formulated for wood movement outdoors. SharkSkin® Solid Hide is a 100% acrylic solid stain with hybrid waterborne alkyd technology for superior adhesion and resistance to cracking, peeling, and blistering.
Best for:
- Older, weathered wood with visible imperfections
- Previously solid-stained surfaces
- Homeowners who want bold, modern colour with minimal grain showing
The look you’ll get is smooth, consistent colour that refreshes the whole exterior.
How to Choose the Right Stain Type for Your Project
1. Start with the Condition of Your Wood
- If your wood is new or still looks great, translucent stain is a perfect match because it highlights what you already like.
- If wood is aged, patchy, or heavily sun-worn, solid hide stain is usually the better choice because it evens out the surface and hides flaws.
2. Consider What Was on the Wood Before
This matters a lot for performance:
- Previously translucent/transparent? You can recoat with translucent after proper prep, or move up to solid if you want more coverage.
- Previously solid? Stay solid. Solid stains block wood pores, so translucent stains won’t penetrate properly on top of them.
3. Decide How Much Wood Grain You Want to See
Ask yourself one simple question:
Do you want the wood to be the star, or the colour?
- Wood star: Translucent
- Colour star: Solid hide
4. Think About Maintenance and Longevity
Both stain types protect, but their aging patterns differ:
- Translucent stains fade gradually, so recoating keeps the look fresh while maintaining grain visibility.
- Solid hide stains offer the highest UV and moisture barrier, and are typically chosen for durability and when even colour matters most.
Choosing Deck & Siding Colours with SharkSkin®
Cloverdale’s SharkSkin Deck & Siding Colour Palette gives you curated options for both finishes, from natural translucent tones to modern solid shades. Popular neutrals and naturals are especially reliable for decks, fences, and siding because they coordinate easily with roofing, stone, and landscaping.
Translucent Colour Tip
Because the wood shows through, the final colour depends on your wood species and its age. Cedar will read warmer; pressure-treated lumber often reads cooler or greener at first. Always sample first.
Solid Hide Colour Tip
Solid hide colours are more predictable because they cover uniformly. If your home exterior is light, a deeper deck or accent siding colour can modernize the look. If your house is dark, lighter solid tones can add contrast and lift.
Don’t Skip Prep: It Determines the Finish
No stain performs well on dirty or sealed wood. Cloverdale’s SharkSkin® Deck Prep guide recommends cleaning, stripping old coatings when needed, and opening the wood pores so stains can bond and penetrate properly.
Quick Prep Checklist
- Clean debris, mildew, and graying
- Remove failing coatings
- Ensure wood is dry and porous
- Test a small area before full application
Quick Summary: Which Should You Pick?
- Choose SharkSkin Translucent if you want a natural finish, visible grain, and your wood is in good shape.
- Choose SharkSkin Solid Hide if you want strong, even colour, maximum coverage, or your wood is older or previously solid-stained.
Either way, starting with Cloverdale Paints’ SharkSkin® Deck & Siding Colours helps you land on a finish that protects your wood and gives your home a confident, long-lasting look.