Table of Contents
How do you prepare a fence for staining?
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.
Is it better to brush or spray stain on a fence?
I recommend using an airless sprayer when applying wood fence stain. Using only a brush and roller for this project is extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive. Use a sprayer to quickly apply the material on the surface and a brush and roller to push the material into the wood.
Can I stain my fence myself?
A: Staining a fence is a lot easier than you may think. These things need to be removed or fixed in order to end up with a smooth surface where you can apply the wood stain. When you are working on an old wooden fence, your project can be seriously slowed down if you have to remove nails along the way.
Do you have to powerwash a fence before staining?
You definitely should pressure wash your fence before staining, and here’s why. If you don’t pressure wash your fence before staining, it’s more than likely that the new stain won’t penetrate the wood as it will just sit on top of the old finish(es).
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.
Do you have to stain 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.
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 many hours does it take to stain a fence?
If the humidity is below 30%, each application of stain will require roughly 12 hours to dry. If the humidity is 60% or higher, it could take 24-36 hours for each coat to dry. There are four basic types of stain for wooden fences: Solid colour.
Do I need to sand my fence before staining?
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.
Can you use a pump sprayer to stain 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.
Should I stain fence before or after assembly?
Most installers will tell you to wait a period of time after installation to apply stain or paint. This is true, especially if you install with pressure treated pine fence posts. Just like a deck, it needs to dry before applying a finish.
When should I stain my fence?
A fence should be stained every two to three years to preserve the look and function of the fence.
How long does stain last on a fence?
Stain can last anywhere from 1 to 8 years, depending on how opaque the stain is. Transparent stain lasts a short time, while an opaque stain lasts longer. Paint lasts up to 10 years if it is properly applied and the right type of paint is used.
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.
How long should you wait to stain a fence after pressure washing?
After a deck has been power washed it will have some retained moisture within the wood. It’s important to let the wood dry thoroughly so none of the water that soaked into the wood gets trapped under the stain. In perfect drying conditions, 48 hours is enough for the wood to get to where it needs to be before staining.
Is it better to paint or stain 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.
