Table of Contents
Follow these tips for fence waterproofing to extend its life. Clean and Prepare the Wooden Fence. This is the most important step before you can apply a fence water seal or stain. Strip off any Fence Water Seal or Stain. Neutralize the pH. It’s Time to Apply Wood Fence Waterproofing. Maintaining Your Wooden Fence.
Does a wood fence need to be sealed?
Wood fences are traditionally beautiful, and they can be a significant financial investment in the value of your home and property. They do, however, require staining or sealing in order to enhance their beauty and to ensure their life span. Further, the wood can become subject to mold, rot, and decay.
What should I use to seal my wood fence?
Bob Vila notes that an oil-based polyurethane fence sealer can prolong the life of your fence. Clean and Rinse Your Fence. Scrub the fence with a long-handled brush and wood cleaner to remove grime. Fill Garden Sprayer with Polyurethane. Fill a garden sprayer with polyurethane wood sealer. Spray the Front of Fence.
Is it better to stain or seal a wooden fence?
Unlike sealers, stains penetrate into the wood. Although a wood stain is more expensive than a sealer, it can last up to 5 times longer and looks more professional. So you certainly get your money’s worth. Here at DeckMaster™, we recommend using wood stains for your deck and fence maintenance.
Do you need to seal both sides of a 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.
Does pressure treated wood fence need to be sealed?
However, most pressure-treated wood should have periodic sealing against moisture, preferably every year or so. Although the wood is resistant to rot and insect attacks because of the pressure treatment, it can warp, split and develop mildew if not protected from the effects of water.
Should you water seal your fence?
Wood is porous, so every time it gets wet, the water does a bit more damage to the fence. Instead of letting the elements take their toll, use a water seal to protect your fence and extend its life.
How much sealer do I need for my 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.
Can you seal an old fence?
Apply Sealer or Stain If you’re happy with the color of your fence, all you have left to do is apply sealant and let it dry. If you’re looking to change things up or bring new life to your old fence, you can also try staining or painting it. There are advantages to both staining or painting your wooden fence.
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 soon can you seal pressure treated wood?
A newly built deck that uses pressurized wood will need time to dry completely before a sealer can be applied. The chemicals used to treat the wood leave moisture behind, and depending on the climate, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months until it’s dry enough to seal.
Is it too late to stain my fence?
A good rule of thumb is to wait a month or two if the fence is made with dry materials. This will allow it to weather enough but not too much. If the fence is made with pressure treated materials it may be 3-4 months for the posts to dry enough and can be checked with a moisture meter.
Does staining a fence make it last longer?
An exterior decking stain will bring out the natural color and grain of the wood and will seal and protect from moisture and sunlight. Stain will also make your fence last significantly longer. Plan on re-staining your fence every three to five years for optimal protection and beauty.
How long should a wooden fence last?
Life Expectancy Of Wooden Fencing When properly maintained — which includes replacing individual planks and boards as needed — a well-built wooden fence can last in good condition up to 20 years or more.
Can you use Thompson water Seal on pressure treated wood?
Some, like Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Waterproofing Wood Protector, recommend waiting 30 days before application on new pressure treated lumber. Other products, like Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Waterproofing Stain, can be applied immediately to new pressure treated lumber.
How do you keep pressure treated wood from turning gray?
Any wood—even pressure-treated wood—will eventually dry out, crack, and turn gray if left exposed to the elements. To protect your investment and keep your deck looking its best, finish it with a clear water-repellant sealer, a stain, or paint.
Is it better to paint or stain pressure treated wood?
For similar reasons, wet lumber can hinder how well paint adheres to the wood, but the added problem of the preservatives in pressure-treated wood makes it difficult for the paint to bond; this is why it’s advisable to stain pressure-treated wood instead of paint, as painting requires additional preparation.
