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Clean the fence surface by applying a cleaner — a small solution of soapy bleach water may be all you need, but seek out a fence/deck cleaner for tough stains. Scrub with a stiff bristle brush to remove dirt, debris, and mildew. Rinse thoroughly with a high pressure nozzle attached to a hose or a pressure washer.
How do you clean a fence before staining?
Wood fences can be cleaned with a pressure washer or by hand before staining. Use a pressure washer at 1500-2000 psi with a 25-40 degree angle spray. Alternatively, use a 1 part bleach: 2 parts water mixture and a scrub brush to hand scrub the fence clean. All algae and dirt must be removed before staining.
Do you need to prep a fence before staining?
Tip #2: Do the Prep Work. Make sure you take the time to clean your fence before you stain it. You need to get out the hose or pressure washer and clean your fence because you do not want to be painting over spider webs and smearing dirt all over the place.
Should I pressure wash my fence before staining?
Should You Power Wash Before Fence Staining? More often than not, it is not a good idea to power wash a fence before staining it. Power washers can force the mold and mildew (the greying color of the fence) deeper into the wood pickets. This causes the wood to deteriorate quicker.
Should I sand my fence before staining?
If the fence is brand new sanding is generally not required before staining. If your fence is older, whether it’s been painted before or not, sanding before staining is definitely a good idea.
How long after pressure washing a fence can you stain it?
After pressure washing a fence, allow the fence to completely dry before applying stain or sealant. Typically, a wood fence will dry fully in 24-48 hours. Staining or sealing a damp fence can result in a splotchy or uneven stain job, or the sealant taking longer to dry or not adhering to the fence properly.
Can you stain a weathered fence?
Fences usually face severe weathering, so expect the finish to last no more than three years. Before recoating, wash the fence with a garden hose sprayer and use a bristle brush on stubborn dirt deposits and stains. Let the fence dry and stain it using the same method.
How many coats of stain do I need for a fence?
In most cases, solid-color stains are like traditional paint and need just one coat to protect your fence. Semi-transparent penetrating stains often need two coats, with the second coat applied approximately an hour after the first coat.
How many gallons of stain do I need for a fence?
For a small fence, up to 175 square feet, you will only need one gallon of stain, in any transparency. If your fence is larger, up to 550 square feet, you will need to buy 2 gallons of stain. For very large fences, up to 700 square feet, you will need 3 to 4 gallons of stain to complete the project.
Do I need to use wood cleaner before staining?
Do you have to clean wood before staining? You have to clean wood before staining. This is because staining does little to hide any imperfections on the wood: be it dust, grease, scratches, or dirt. So if you want a smooth finish, always sand the wood clean and evenly, then remove dust before you apply a stain finish.
Can you stain over stain without sanding?
You can stain over stained wood without sanding off the old finish.
Do I need to stain both sides of my fence?
A question that customers sometimes ask is whether both sides of the fence should be sealed. In reality, if one side of the fence faces a neighbor and they choose not to stain or seal their side will discolor and yours won’t, without this affecting the structural integrity of the structure.
What is the fastest way to sand a fence?
Use a hand-held orbital sander on flat fence boards. Fit a medium-grit sanding disk to the pad of the orbital sander and hold the sander tightly as you turn it on. Place the sanding pad lightly on the flat surface of the painted fence board and move it up and down to sand off the old paint and smooth the wood grain.
Is it worth staining a fence?
A wood fence provides privacy, security and a great focal point for your property. Routine wood fence maintenance is important to maintain the aesthetic of the fence and the life of the wood. A fence should be stained every two to three years to preserve the look and function of the fence.
Should I sand my fence after pressure washing?
Assuming your fence is made of sawn timber, you shouldn’t sand it. Also the pressure treatment doesn’t soak in all the way (or at least not at full strength) so you wouldn’t want to remove much material.
How long should fence dry before staining?
Checking the Forecast Before Staining Staining your fence during the right weather conditions is key. Before you apply any stain or sealer, your fence needs to be free from moisture for at least 24-48 hours after cleaning it.
Can I paint over green algae on fence?
Many people think that painting over the green algae on their fence offers a quick and easy solution. However, this is not the case. While painting will cover the algae and renew the appearance of your fence, it won’t kill the contaminant at the source.
