A: Choosing to paint or stain your trellis depends on several factors, like the look you're trying to achieve. Painting a trellis covers the wood with an opaque finish that entirely alters the wood's appearance, while a stained trellis showcases the wood grain. Another factor to consider is future maintenance. Painted surfaces may require touch-ups from chipping or peeling over time, while a stain is less likely to chip or peel in the long run. Regardless of your decision, you can count on a fresh look and added weather resistance for your trellis.
How to Paint or Stain a Trellis
Adding a splash of color and a dash of elegance to your garden or patio is a breeze - just consider painting or staining your trellis! A trellis is often used to support climbing plants and vines but can also act as a decorative piece on your home's exterior. Whether your trellis is on one of your walls, in a garden or a part of your deck area, providing it with a facelift can enhance your home's curb appeal while protecting the trellis from the harsh outdoor elements and routine watering.
Understanding how to approach staining or painting a trellis can make this project enjoyable and rewarding, which is where Sherwin-Williams can assist. We're happy to provide this guide with stained and painted trellis ideas, including steps to follow, valuable tips and helpful answers to frequently asked questions. So, continue reading for more details on revamping your trellis and adding character to your home!
Benefits of Staining or Painting a Trellis
Whether you desire a painted or stained trellis, there are numerous benefits to refinishing this part of your outdoor space. For starters, this project breathes new life into the structure. You can catch by-passers attention by painting your trellis with a vibrant color or elevate the area's ambiance by staining your wood trellis with a classy, warm tone. Additionally, painting or staining a trellis adds a protective layer between the wood and the outdoor elements. Refinishing your trellis is particularly helpful when used for real plants that require frequent watering, as a high-quality paint or stain can prevent rotting and extend the wood's lifespan.
Painting a Trellis vs. Staining a Trellis
The differences between painting and staining a trellis can help you decide which route to take. Painting a trellis offers a broader range of color options and a thicker, more opaque finish that drastically transforms the structure's appearance. Staining a trellis has fewer color options but penetrates deeper into the wood to enhance its natural grain while delivering a more subtle, natural design.
Painting is the way to go if you want a complete makeover for your trellis. Alternatively, a stained trellis is ideal for retaining the organic, wooden look. No matter your chosen method, you can count on a stunning and durable trellis once complete.
STEP 1
Clean & Prep the Trellis
A clean and properly prepared trellis will make the rest of the project smoother. So, start by removing dirt and debris with a scrub brush. If you find tough-to-remove grime anywhere, use warm, soapy water to clean those areas. Once the trellis is dry, use sandpaper to create a smooth surface free of chipping or flaking paint.
If you prefer a stained trellis, you'll want to remove the previous finish from the wood to allow the new stain to penetrate the surface and prevent the old color from remaining visible. We recommend using SuperDeck® Stain and Sealer Remover for this step.
Tip: While cleaning your trellis, look for areas to repair, like loose joints or damaged slats. Repair these areas before moving to Step 2.
STEP 2
Apply Primer (if painting)
Applying a high-quality primer, like our Exterior Latex Wood Primer, before painting a trellis is beneficial. Priming the wood will help the fresh paint stick and hide the previous paint color while preventing mildew in the future. If you're staining your trellis, you can skip this step.
STEP 3
Stain or Paint the Trellis
Now that you've completed preparation, it's time to paint or stain your trellis! Use a brush or roller to apply the product according to the label instructions. A brush is helpful for smaller slats and hard-to-reach sections, while a roller can help you quickly cover larger slats and flat areas.
If painting, we recommend using Sherwin-Williams' best paint for an outdoor trellis: SuperPaint® Exterior Acrylic Latex. This paint not only goes on smooth and uniform, but it also offers exceptional durability and coverage. If staining, we encourage you to use WoodScapes® Exterior House Stain. This exterior wood stain delivers a breathtaking appearance that promotes the natural look of the wood, protects the structure from the elements and resists peeling.
Tip: Are you still deciding on the right trellis color? Then browse our paint colors and stain colors for inspiration! With so many options at Sherwin-Williams, you'll find the perfect trellis color in no time.
STEP 4
Reassemble Trellis & Appreciate Your Hard Work
After the stain or paint has dried, you can start reassembling and reinstalling your trellis. Once positioned on the side of your house, in the garden or wherever you desire, all that remains is to take a step back and appreciate your hard work! Now, you get to enjoy a beautiful and resilient trellis fit for any plants or decorations you have in mind.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Project Supplies
PRIMER, PAINT & STAIN
BRUSHES, ROLLERS & FRAMES
FAQs
A: We're happy to offer stained and painted trellis ideas. However, the best part about tackling this project is that you can paint or stain your trellis in any color you like! For example, you could paint your trellis a white shade for a clean, crisp style or choose a trellis color that meshes well with surrounding wood furniture for a more uniform design. Lucky for you, Sherwin-Williams offers a plethora of choices to help you pick your perfect trellis color!
More Trellis Color Ideas
Here are some popular colors we love for this project.
