You nailed it with the semi-transparent stain—solid stains always seem to peel in big ugly sheets for me, and then I’m stuck scraping for hours. Have you tried any of the newer water-based eco stains? I was skeptical, but the one I used last year held up better than expected and didn’t stink up the yard. As for the squirrels, I’ve given up on outsmarting them... now I just plant extra and call it a draw. Ever tried using planters made from recycled materials? They seem to hold up better against critters, weirdly enough.
Those eco stains surprised me too—my neighbor swore by them and I finally caved last spring. Didn’t miss that chemical cloud one bit, and it’s holding up after a rough winter. About those recycled planters, I’ve noticed the same thing. Maybe they’re just tougher, or maybe the critters don’t like the texture? Either way, my tomatoes lasted longer this year. Squirrels still get their share, but hey, sharing’s caring... right?
- I get the appeal of eco stains, but I’ve had mixed results with them on some of my rentals. Sometimes they fade faster than the traditional stuff, especially in high-traffic areas. Maybe it’s just the brand I tried?
- Recycled planters are interesting—cost-wise, they’re a bit higher upfront, but if they really do last longer, that could balance out. Haven’t noticed critters avoiding them at my places though. Squirrels seem to treat everything like a buffet...
- Curious if you’ve run into any issues with drainage or cracking over time. That’s been my main concern with some of the recycled materials.
I’ve seen the same thing with eco stains—some brands just don’t hold up, especially on decks or steps that see a lot of foot traffic. One trick I’ve found is to lightly sand and clean the surface before applying, then do two thin coats instead of one thick one. It seems to help with longevity, but yeah, nothing’s quite as bulletproof as the old oil-based stuff.
On recycled planters: I’ve had a few that cracked after a couple winters, but it really depends on the material blend. The ones with more rubber content seem to flex better in freeze-thaw cycles. For drainage, I always drill extra holes if they’re not already there and add a layer of gravel at the bottom—keeps roots happier and helps prevent soggy soil.
Squirrels... haven’t found anything they won’t chew on or dig in. If you ever do, let me know!
nothing’s quite as bulletproof as the old oil-based stuff.
Right there with you—those oil-based stains were tough as nails, but good luck finding one that’s legal anymore. I’ve had better luck with the water-based ones if I reapply every couple years, but it’s still not the same. And yeah, sanding makes a huge difference, especially on older boards. As for planters, I’ve seen the same—anything with more rubber or even a bit of fiberglass seems to last longer. Squirrels, though… I watched one drag off a whole plastic pot last spring. Relentless little guys.