PPG Selects Chestnut Brown as Stain Color of the Year for 2023

Summer is coming. Homeowners often enjoy the summer months sitting outside on their deck, which can provide a beautiful setting for a gathering for friends or family, or even just a quiet place to reflect.

Keeping your deck at its best does take time and care. A beautifully stained deck adds to the beauty of the yard, and using high quality products can protect the deck while reducing the amount of time that is needed to care for the deck.

As a leader in the stain segment with its OLYMPIC Stains by PPG and PITTSBURGH PAINTS & STAINS brands, PPG has long been a leader in the stain field and recognizes key trends in the segment. With an eye on rich hues, PPG’s color experts have chosen Chestnut Brown as their 2023 Stain Color of the Year.

Maureen Taylor, marketing manager for the Olympic Stains brand by PPG, noted that PPG’s unique approach to color trend forecasting is part of what makes PPG a leading color expert in the paint and coatings industry.

“Annually, more than 35 of PPG’s color stylists come together to predict color trends,” Taylor said. “They forecast across all segments and consumer preferences including Aerospace, Automotive, Consumer Electronics, Industrial, and of course, Architectural Coatings. Demographics, lifestyles, societal influences, fashion trends and more all inform the annual forecast.

“When our stylists met to forecast trends for 2023, they aligned on Chestnut Brown for OLYMPIC Stains’ 2023 Stain Color of the Year,” added Taylor. “This warm rich color complements the popular current design trends of warm minimalism and brings an earthy hue to wooden surfaces. It’s the perfect color for homeowners to use to set a welcoming tone to outdoor spaces.” 

There is a lot that goes into the selection of any Color of the Year. In the case of Chestnot Brown stain, Taylor pointed out that consumers are seeking to simplify in the post-COVID era, as the pandemic really shed a new light on the importance of spending time with loved ones and creating moments of relaxation.

“Chestnut Brown fits this sentiment perfectly, as its warm undertones inspire feelings of connection and calm, perfect for welcoming loved ones into outdoor entertainment spaces,” Taylor added. “The versatility of Chestnut Brown takes the guesswork out of design. When used to spruce up any wooden surface including decks, patios, fences, siding and pergolas, consumers can feel confident that they’re on-trend.”

There is a synergy that can be found between PPG’s Color of the Year and its Stain Color of the Year. For example, Taylor noted that Olympic’s 2022 Stain Color of the Year was Mushroom, a warm, earthy soft gray tone, which fit in well with the calming, green colors that were chosen for 2022 colors of the year for paint.

“In the same way, Chestnut Brown pairs beautifully with PPG’s 2023 Color of the Year, Vining Ivy (PPG1148-6),” added Taylor. “Both Vining Ivy and Chestnut Brown are rich, deep colors that balance between retro and elegant aesthetics and can be used to create sophisticated backdrops for any living space—indoor or out.”

In addition to offering highly rated exterior wood stains for any staining project, Olympic also provides wood stain expertise to help make staining projects turn out exactly how you want them to. From how-tos and color tips to answers to stain FAQs, tools to help both DIYers and woodcare specialists tackle their to-do lists are available on Olympic.com/Advice.

Taylor noted that updating stain color is one of the best, and most inexpensive, ways to spruce up wooden surfaces.

“Beyond the color of the stain setting the tone for an outdoor area, the stain itself plays an important role in the protection of exterior wooden surfaces,” she added. “I recommend using OLYMPIC ELITE Semi-Transparent stain and sealant, a premium product formulated to protect and enhance the natural look of wood while providing year-round protection against mold, mildew and algae.”

As for the best time to stain your deck, Taylor said that it is weather-dependent.

“We recommend finding a time of year when temperatures are moderate (e.g. above 50 degrees, but below 90 degrees) with low humidity and no rain in the forecast,” said Taylor. “Staining when it’s too wet outside or if the surface of the deck is too hot can cause problems with adhesion and lengthen the time it takes to complete your project. It can also impact the deck stain color. While having dry conditions is the best way to ensure your project finishes quickly, OLYMPIC MAXIMUM stains can be applied to a wet surface and dry in eight to 12 hours.”