Your wood fence gets battered daily by damage from the sun’s UV rays, rot-inducing moisture and other destructive elements. You want your fence to continue to look good through it all. A wood stain can help. It creates a protective barrier that keeps your wood fence looking great over the years. In this article, we’ll go over 5 tips for wood fence stains.
1) You have to pick the right time for staining a wood fence
If you just built the fence, you need to wait at least three weeks before staining a fence. This allows the wood to ‘settle’ into the new environment. It also gives wood time to open its pores so the stain will sink in more efficiently. Regardless of your fence’s age, the best time to stain it is in the morning or late afternoon on a cloudy day. You should also wait 24 hours after a rain when no more rain is forecasted for at least 24 more hours.
2) Choose the right stain for your fence
There are so many variations offered for staining your fence by the fence company. Big box retailers often offer stains at a cheaper price. However, remember that you get what you pay for. A cheaper stain might need to be replaced more often and it might not give you the you want. You should also think about stain color. You want something that will look good with your house. Why not get a sample of the stain and test it out prior to applying it to the whole fence?
3) Choose the right tools
When it comes to staining a fence, you can use a brush, roller or pad. If you’re going with a brush, get one that’s 4 or 5 inches wide. If you opt for a pad, the best type for a fence staining is one with a fluffy nap such as the ones you’d use on a deck. Any paint roller will do. The wider the roller, the heavier it will be. Before you buy a roller, hold it in your hand and move it around to make sure you can bear its weight for a long period of time.
4) Prep the fence before staining
Old wood fences may have mold, mildew, dirt and other debris on them that may affect how well the wood absorbs the wood stain. If that’s the case, clean your fence a few days before you stain it. Wear protective gloves because you’ll be mixing one part household bleach with three parts water in a plastic bucket. Scrub your fence with this solution. Then rinse it to eliminate all traces of the solution. After cleaning the fence, we suggest that you lay a sheet of plastic, canvas or cardboard underneath to protect any concrete, grass or plants from stain drips.
5) Applying the stain to your wood fence
If the weather is dry and has been for more than 24 hours, you can begin staining your fence. Using the pad, brush or roller, dip it into the stain. Then apply an even coat. Work from one board to the next. Focus on painting from the top to the bottom. Most solid-color stains require one coat, but read the instructions on your staining product to make sure you do it correctly.
We sure do hope this helps if you need assistance staining a wood fence. Feel free to reach out to our Austin fence company at 512-284-8716 with any additional questions.
FAQs
How to stain a fence with metal posts?
Fences with metal posts, you can simply wipe the posts down with a dry cloth to remove the stain.
What is the best time to stain a fence?
Early or late summer are good times to stain a fence. You’ll need a few days of dry, warm weather, both before and after you stain. Don’t forget to read the forecast.
How long to wait before staining new redwood fence?
For a new redwood fence, wait the proper amount of time (usually anywhere between 1 and 6 months) before staining or sealing.
What tools are best for staining a wood fence?
For staining, you can use a brush, roller, or pad. A 4- to 5-inch-wide brush works well, or a pad with a fluffy nap is suitable for fences. Paint rollers are also effective; choose one that you can handle comfortably for extended periods.
Can I stain my wood fence in direct sunlight?
It is best to avoid staining your wood fence in direct sunlight. The heat can cause the stain to dry too quickly, leading to uneven application. Stain during cooler parts of the day or when the fence is shaded.
