Here in New Zealand the choice of coatings to protect your wooden house, decks and fences has basically been between traditional stains and paints. Paints provide a protective coating which sits on top of the wood and completely covers any wood grain patterns.  Whereas traditional stains soak into the wood, allowing the wood grain to be visible but providing less protection to the wood and the finish which requires recoating often. Solid Stains are widely available and are very popular in the American market due to the great advantages they provide.  ZAR Solid Stain in now available in New Zealand.  ZAR Solid Stain