Table of Contents
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.
Do you have to clean fence before staining?
Before even thinking about staining the fence, you need to let your fence dry. Having a completely clean and dry fence before staining will ensure the best results! It’s recommended to let your fence dry for at least 48 hours after pressure washing and before staining.
Do I need to sand fence before staining?
Do I need to sand the fence first? You should not stain over a painted fence, sand it first to prepare the surface. If you want to add color choose a stain which will bring out the best from the grain of the wood. Often a clear stain looks best, showing off the quality of the grain in the new fence on the property.
How do you sand a fence before staining?
A hand-held power sander is your best bet. Use medium grit paper or a disc and start lightly. It’s a good idea to do one board first to discover the pressure you’ll need to remove the paint as neatly as possible.
What do I need to know before staining a fence?
How to Stain a Fence STEP 1: Choose the right day (or days) for your project. STEP 2: Prepare the wood for painting. STEP 3: Clean the fence thoroughly and let dry. STEP 4: Spot-treat mold or mildew with diluted bleach. STEP 5: Use wood filler to patch imperfections in the fence slats.
How do you clean a wooden 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.
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.
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.
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.
Can I use a garden sprayer to stain my fence?
While some may think staining a fence can take an entire Saturday, with the right prep and a pump sprayer you can achieve gorgeous results in a very short amount of time. Some stain is meant to be applied with a brush and roller, and some are perfectly fine to apply with a pump sprayer.
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.
How much should I charge to stain a fence?
The price of having a professional paint or stain your fence averages $2,000. Homeowners could pay anywhere between $750 to $4,250 depending on the condition, height and length of the fence. Costs average $3 to $17 per linear foot or $1 to $2.50 per square foot.
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.
Can you stain over an already stained fence?
It’s possible to stain over existing stain and much easier than painting over it. As long as you clean and prepare the surface properly, you can do another long-lasting stain job.
When should I stain my wood fence?
Consider the type of wood, and then wait the proper amount of time (usually anywhere between 1 and 6 months) before staining or sealing your fence. This will allow it to sufficiently weather and to dry or cure.
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.
Should you pressure wash your fence?
Yes. Pressure washing fences before painting is recommended because it will remove dirt so it is not “painted” onto the fence. How much psi do I need to clean my fence? You need at least 1800 PSI to effectively clean a wood fence.
Do you need to prep a fence before painting?
Cleaning & Preparing the Fence. Once you’ve cleaned and prepared the area around the fence, you’ll need to prepare the fence. Don’t start painting without examining the fence for damage or dirt. The most crucial thing to do before painting a fence is to ensure it’s clean.
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.
Do you need to seal fence after pressure washing?
After pressure washing your fence, let it dry for at least 48 hours. You want to allow enough time for all of the absorbed water to evaporate from the wood so it doesn’t get sealed in. Once your fence is fully dry, it’s important to paint or seal it so that it doesn’t become damaged by the sun and wind.
