Table of Contents
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.
How do I calculate how much stain I need for my fence?
Divide the total square feet of fence to be stained by the coverage listed on the can. For example, if you have 1,000 square feet of fence and the stain says that 1 gallon covers 200 square feet, you would divide 1,000 by 200, which equals 5 gallons to cover the fence.
How do I calculate how much stain I need?
Wood Stain Note: The amount of product recommended has been rounded up to ensure you have enough to complete your project. As far as this calculator goes, if a stain covers 100 sq. ft., and your deck square footage is anywhere between 101-199 sq. ft., it will recommend you buy 2 gallons.
How many fence panels will 5 gallons of stain cover?
Approximately 4.5 four-board fence panels per 5 gallon pail of paint.
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.
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.
Is it worth it to stain a fence?
Benefits of Staining and Sealing Fences Staining and sealing wooden fencing not only keeps it looking good it also ensures it will last longer, particularly if a softwood like pine has been used for construction.
How much does 8 oz of wood stain cover?
Easy to use wood finish covers up to 70 sq. ft. per 8 oz.
How much stain do I need for 400 square feet?
Divide the total square footage of the area you want to stain by the square footage covered by a can of your chosen stain. Round the result up to the next whole number. For example, if you have 400 square feet of floor to cover and a can of stain covers 220 square feet, you need two cans of that stain.
How far does a quart of stain go?
ft/gallon; Rough Sawn Lumber: 150-250 sq. ft/gallon. Polyurethane and varnish- 125-150 sq. ft./qt.
How much stain do I need for a fence panel?
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.
Is it better to stain or paint a fence?
Paint creates a thicker barrier initially, but it also chips and peels, obvious defects that make the fence appear worn, thus requiring immediate attention. Stain, on the other hand, simply fades over time and doesn’t have to be replaced as often, meaning you will likely have to buy less of it over the years.
How much stain does a gallon cover?
On average most deck stains cover 150-300 sq. ft. per gallon depending on the age, condition, and porosity of the wood.
Is 3 coats of stain too much?
Generally, you only need 2 coats of stain. This is because stain is known to penetrate the material so you should only use the number of coats that the material can absorb. Three coats will be too much and you’ll need to wipe off the excess.
What happens if you apply second coat of stain too soon?
If you apply a second, unnecessary coat of stain to wood that is already adequately covered, you risk creating a tacky surface that is prone to early peeling because the second coat is not penetrating the wood surface, but simply laying on top of the first coat of stain.
Can you apply a second coat of stain after 24 hours?
Yes. You can apply an additional coat of stain after 24 hours if you want a darker wood color, especially if the first coat takes longer to dry. Just be sure to apply the stain coat the same way you did the first, and wipe off the excess.
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 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 use a roller to stain a fence?
If using a roller, opt for a medium nap roller cover, then fully saturate the nap with the stain. Apply the stain in two- to three-foot sections of the fence at a time, taking care to back-brush, or re-paint over uncovered areas left by the previous stroke, with a wide brush.
