How To Stain A Fence: 3 Easy Tips and Tricks

Staining a fence is a great way to extend the lifespan of your fence and add value to your home. Whether you’ve just installed a fence or you’re looking to give an old fence a much-needed makeover, you want to do your homework when it comes to knowing about how to stain a fence. 

The team at Index Fence understands how important this is, which is why we’re sharing 3 easy tips and tricks to make the staining process as simple as possible.

What’s the Best Way to Stain a Fence?

When you’re looking for the best way to stain a fence, you want to keep these 3 steps in mind:

1. Prep the Fence Properly

Don’t skimp out when it comes to prepping your fence. If you don’t start the process right, you’re setting yourself up for failure. 

Start by cleaning the wood. If your fence is new, you may not have to do too much work here. If you have an older fence, you’ll want to pressure wash it on a low setting. This will get the job done without damaging the wood. 

Once you’ve done this, make sure the wood dries completely before you apply any stain. This usually takes anywhere between 24 and 48 hours. If you’re not sure if the wood is dry enough, scatter some water on it lightly. If the water soaks in quickly, it’s time to start staining. If it beads up, you’ll want to give it more time.

Next, for older fences, repair and sand any issues you may find. This includes loose screws or cracked boards. Staining a fence that needs repairs is not going to look good. Be sure to complete any repairs before beginning the staining process.

2. Apply the Stain Evenly and Take Your Time

Consider the size of your fence so that you use the best tool to apply your stain evenly. A paint sprayer is often recommended because it speeds up the process. But you can’t forget about a brush or paint pad. These are the best tools for hard-to-reach areas. Even if you are using a sprayer, you’ll want to use a brush to make sure the stain is worked into the fence. Always use a single, thin coat. You can apply a second coat if needed. Avoid using one heavy coat. This can lead to an uneven appearance.

3. Properly Dry & Seal It

Make sure you give the stain time to dry. Be sure no rain is in the forecast because rain and stain do not mix! Avoid staining on extremely hot days or in direct sunlight. This can lead to lap marks and uneven drying. 

Consider sealing the fence for maximum protection. Many oil-based stains come with a built-in sealer. A separate wood sealer or water repellent can be a good idea if you want maximum moisture and UV protection. Always perform regular maintenance and keep up with the staining process. 

When Is The Best Time To Stain A New Fence?

The best time to stain a new wooden fence is typically one month after it’s been installed. Depending on the weather, this window can extend to 5-6 weeks. If wooden fences are not treated properly, the sun can also lead to fading and warping. Down the road, this can make the wood more susceptible to mold and decay.

Always make sure the fence is properly dried out before applying any staining products. Wood can either swell when it’s wet or contract when it’s dry. Any constant swelling and contracting can lead to cracks. This damage can ruin a new wooden fence. 

Is It Better To Paint or Stain a Fence?

If you have a wooden fence, you’ll want to stain it because staining enhances the natural appearance of wood. You can choose between a translucent stain and a solid stain. Keep in mind that a translucent stain will allow the grain and texture to show through more than a solid stain. A solid stain is good to cover any imperfections. 

Painting can be a better option for vinyl and metal fences because it can dramatically change the color and look of the fence. When deciding between painting and staining, weigh the material you have and the look you want to achieve.

FAQs About How to Stain a Fence

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