how do you stain an old wood fence

by Mr. Sean Corwin MD Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Step-by-Step Guide to Staining an Old Fence

Step 1: Plan and schedule which days to stain your fence ...
Step 2: Inspect the wooden fence ...
Step 3: Strip off the old paint or varnish ...
Step 4: Wash the wooden fence ...
Step 5: Use diluted bleach to remove mold and mildew, if needed (optional) ...
Step 6: Cover all nearby plants and surfaces that don’t need stain ...
Step 7: Apply stain on the slats ...

Part of a video titled How to Stain an Old Fence - YouTube

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We used a two-step product so the first step is a you cleaning product first you wet the fence downMoreWe used a two-step product so the first step is a you cleaning product first you wet the fence down spray the product on with a sprayer.

Full Answer

How you should stain your wood fence?

How to Stain a Fence STEP 1: Choose the right day (or days) for your project. Before staining a wood fence, scan the weekly weather forecast and select a day with temperatures between 50 and 80 ...

How to best maintain your wooden fence?

Follow the instructions below to fill a cracked fence with epoxy successfully:

Clean the cracked area with a wood-safe cleaner
Mix the epoxy according to the directions on the box
Apply the mixed epoxy to the cracks in the fence
Let the epoxy set based on the recommended times in the product directions

How do you seal a wood fence?

How to Seal a Wood Fence

Test to see if you need to seal. How do you know if it’s time to seal your fence? ...
Prepare the fence for sealing. Ok, so you figured out you need to seal the wood fence. ...
Seal the Wood Fence

Should I stain or paint my wooden fence?

Painting or staining a wood fence can help your fence last longer and look better. Either one will extend the lifespan of your fence by giving it some protection against rot, insects, wear, and tear. However, of the two we always recommend that you stain a fence rather than painting it.

Can you stain over old wood fence?

Whether your wooden fence is years old or newly installed, it can benefit from a single inexpensive addition: stain. Applying wood stain to the slats improves its design and prolongs the lifespan of your hard-working outdoor structure—a win-win!

Do I need to sand old fence before staining?

It doesn't hurt though to do some spot sanding if you see some eased edges or other areas where the stain may have difficulty taking. If your fence is older, whether it's been painted before or not, sanding before staining is definitely a good idea.

Is it better to stain or paint an old fence?

Most of the time, staining is better than painting a fence. It's true that stain eventually fades and must be reapplied, but not for several years. Also, because stain doesn't peel or crack, it requires less preparation than repainting. Simply power wash the fence to produce a clean, prepped surface for staining.

Is my fence too old to stain?

Stain should be reapplied at least every three years and paint every five to six years. The conditions that your fence withstands, such as harsh winters or considerable rainfall, may mean more frequent maintenance. Stain tends to show its wear a little more pleasantly than paint.

How do you make an old fence look new?

0:484:28How To Revive an Old Fence - Ready Seal - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow how I'm going to do that is by using a bleach water and a little bit of dish soap mixture. Now IMoreNow how I'm going to do that is by using a bleach water and a little bit of dish soap mixture. Now I recommend you start with a three parts water one part bleach mixture.

Should you power wash a fence before staining it?

Should You Power Wash Before Fence Staining? More often than not, it is not a good idea to power wash a fence before staining it. Power washers can force the mold and mildew (the greying color of the fence) deeper into the wood pickets. This causes the wood to deteriorate quicker.

What is the best color for a wooden fence?

If you want to be a traditionalist, go with white, grey, or natural stain wood. If you want to be modern, we suggest going with blue or black. If you're the type that loves attention, try a flashier color like yellow. Don't be shy, give them all a try by talking to one of our paint professionals and ask for samples.

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. It's important to apply high-quality exterior-grade paint.

Do you have to stain both sides of a fence?

In actuality, you should be staining both sides of your fence. Not only will it be more aesthetically pleasing to all parties involved, it will help your wooden fence last longer. As the days continue to get longer and the sun beats down a little harder, sun protection should be on your mind.

Is it better to stain or seal a fence?

Stains offer the same benefits as sealers but with some extra advantages. Sun damage can cause a fence to fade and become grey in as little as a few months. A quality stain can protect a fence against the UV rays at the heart of the process. The more opaque the stain, the more UV protection it provides.

What happens if you don't stain a fence?

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.

Is it worth staining a fence?

A stain is the go-to method for most fence finishes. While the initial investment cost is higher for stains than it is for paint, stains last much longer and require very little maintenance down the road. Your costs will be lower in the long run, because you won't need to restain your fence nearly as often.

How do you sand down a fence?

Use a hand-held orbital sander on flat fence boards. ... Fit a medium-grit sanding disk to the pad of the orbital sander and hold the sander tightly as you turn it on.Place the sanding pad lightly on the flat surface of the painted fence board and move it up and down to sand off the old paint and smooth the wood grain.More items...

What is the best way to stain a fence?

2:3510:54Easiest Way To Stain A Fence! No Drips Or Runs! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf there's any mold and mildew on the on the fence take some clorox bleach put it on there theMoreIf there's any mold and mildew on the on the fence take some clorox bleach put it on there the bleach will kill the mold and mildew then you let that dry then follow it up with a coat of stain.

Do I need to sand my fence before painting?

To further remove any debris, paint or dirt from your fence, you can use sanding paper. It'll result in a smooth finish when you apply the new coat. If you're repainting a new fence, we'd recommend sanding it as well. If you want to speed up the process, consider investing in a power sander.

How much would it cost to stain a fence?

The average cost to paint or stain a fence is $3 to $14 per linear foot or $1 to $3 per square foot.

How to Stain a Wood Fence- Best DIY Staining Tips

A wood fence will significantly benefit from a simple, inexpensive addition: stain, whether new or old. Moreover, applying the finish improves the structure’s design and prolongs its lifespan. Therefore, let’s get to the nitty-gritty of how to stain a wood fence for a satisfactory outcome.

What Is Wood Fence?

All fences have the same essential components: vertical posts set into the ground, supporting all other parts. However, they should be at least one-third in the ground for added stability.

Why Stain Wood Fence?

It is advisable to stain a wood fence to protect the structure against rotting and decaying. Moreover, a high-quality, correctly applied finish will keep water from penetrating the wooden frame.

Is It Better to Spray or Roll Stain On a Fence?

There is no better method for staining a wooden fence, but always choose the most suitable strategy for your project. Use an airless sprayer for heavy-duty projects as only a roller and brush would be highly labor-intensive and time-consuming. In addition, you can easily stain an entire fence in one weekend with a sprayer.

Do You Have to Power wash a Wood Fence Before Staining?

You do not have to power wash a wood fence before staining, but it is an advisable practice for stubborn stains and dirt. In addition, be careful when using the appliance as it can force the mold and mildew deeper into the wood, causing quick deterioration.

How Long Should You Wait Before You Stain a New Fence?

It is advisable to wait around three weeks before staining a new fence. This way, you give the structure enough time to settle into its new environment and position. In addition, waiting for a while allows the wood pores to open, ensuring the formula soaks quickly into the lumber.

How Often Should I Restain My Fence?

Routine wood fence maintenance is vital to maintaining the fence’s aesthetic. It is advisable to stain the surface every two to three years to preserve its function and appearance.

Step 1: Plan and schedule which days to stain your fence

Cloudy and cool weather conditions can lengthen the drying period of the wood stain. On the contrary, sweltering conditions can over-accelerate the drying period, thereby leaving undesirable patches on your timber fence.

Step 2: Inspect the wooden fence

Next, check the wooden fence for things like protruding staples, nails and screws. Furthermore, inspecting the wood will help you identify broken sections, rotten palings and rough areas that need repairing.

Step 3: Strip off the old paint or varnish

Once you have a good idea of the condition of your wood fence, you will need to sand or strip the old paint or varnish off. There are a few ways you can do this, and some popular ones are sanding, chemical stripper, or a heat gun designed for removing paint.

Step 4: Wash the wooden fence

Using a power washer or a garden hose with a spray nozzle, wash down the wooden slats using high pressure. This will help clear away any residue from sanding, spiders and webs, insects, leaves and particles of dirt.

Step 5: Use diluted bleach to remove mold and mildew, if needed (optional)

If there is any mold and mildew on the wooden slats, you will have to treat them with bleach to enhance their longevity.

Step 7: Apply stain on the slats

Finally, we come to actually staining (I told you most of the work was in preparation!)

Step 8: Apply additional stain coats

Allow the first coat of stain to dry, in accordance with the manufacturers directions.

What Will I Need to Stain a Fence?from northlandfence.com

The tools you will need for a do-it-yourself fence staining will vary depending on how you decide you would like to apply the stain. There are two options: you can either use a paint roller and paintbrush, or you can purchase a sprayer.

What Color Should I Choose For My Fence Stain?from northlandfence.com

There are many different stain colors available on the market. The color of stain you choose simply depends on your own desires. The wood your fence is made of can make a difference in how the color turns out, so keep that in mind. If you’re unsure or stuck between a few color choices, it could be helpful for you to go to your local home improvement store and pick up some stain samples to try out on some excess wood so you can see what opacity and colors appeal to you.

What is the best stain for exterior wood?from bobvila.com

For long-lasting, professional-quality results, work with a semitransparent oil-based stain designed for the exterior. These stains elegantly accentuate the natural patina of the underlying wood with a subtle tint, and, as a bonus, boast formulas that slow the growth of mildew and rot as well as protect the wood from ultraviolet light exposure.

How long does semitransparent stain last?from bobvila.com

Go ahead and take the next couple of summers off—you earned it. Only note that while semitransparent stains can last anywhere between two to five years, extreme temperatures and precipitation can prematurely age the finish. Don’t rest on your laurels too long and risk the weather damage: Aim to stain your fence every two to three years to preserve its sheen and weather protective qualities.

What is a solid stain?from northlandfence.com

Pigments create stains that are called “solid” stains. These could also be referred to as “opaque” stains. Opaque stains typically cover most, if not all, of the wood grain. Dye stains are considered to be transparent, so the wood grains can be seen through the added color.

What to use to keep a stain from getting on my lawn?from northlandfence.com

Cardboard pieces – These will be used to help prevent stain from getting on your lawn or other items nearby that you wish to keep stain-free.

How hot should it be to stain a fence?from northlandfence.com

This is exceptionally important. It’s best to try to stain on clear days that are low humidity and range anywhere from 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare the fence. To prepare the fence, you should power-wash the entire surface you plan to stain.

How to stain a fence with nap roller?

Drape drop cloths over nearby surfaces and objects to protect them from stain spatters. Apply stain to broad surfaces using a ½-inch nap roller. Use a 4-inch-wide trim roller to stain narrow surfaces and to cut in around fence boards. You can also apply stain with an electric cup sprayer.

How long does it take to paint a fence?

Estimated Time. 30 to 60 minutes per 8 linear feet. Most fences are painted or stained, but paint is a mixed blessing. There are few things as pretty as a freshly painted fence—or as ugly as a peeling one. If you plan to paint your fence, expect to invest lots of time scraping, sanding, priming, and repainting every five to seven years.

How to protect canvas from stain?

Spread canvas drop cloths on the ground beneath the fence. Drape drop cloths over nearby surfaces and objects to protect them from stain spatters.

How often should I paint wood with semi transparent stain?

With this stain, you’ll see some grain and some color on the wood. A new coat is only needed every 5 to 6 years.

How often should I paint a fence?

If you plan to paint your fence, expect to invest lots of time scraping, sanding, priming, and repainting every five to seven years. Always prime the bare wood first, then apply the best-quality exterior paint you can afford. A labor-saving alternative is an exterior semi-transparent stain.

Can you leave cedar unfinished?

You can also leave redwood or cedar unfinished and allow it to weather naturally to a soft, silvery gray. If so, apply a clear wood preservative every year to keep the fence from splitting and cracking.

Do You Need to Stain a Wood Fence?

If so, apply a clear wood preservative every year to keep the fence from splitting and cracking.

What to look for when staining wood?

Closely examining the wood involves looking for things like broken fence pieces, screws, nails, or staples. These things need to be removed or fixed in order to end up with a smooth surface where you can apply the wood stain.

Can you relax after staining a fence?

Now has come the time to enjoy your beautifully stained fence. You can kick back and relax. However, you will want to maintain the look of your newly-stained fence.

How do I clean a wood fence?

Clean the fence with water from a high-pressure spray nozzle attached to a garden hose (or use a power washer ). This will remove light to moderate dirt accumulations and complete the job of the wood stain stripper in blasting away any old varnish from the fence, if applicable. If using a power washer, opt for a low-powered unit operating at no more than 2,000 psi so as not to weather the wood slats. Make sure to let the wood dry out completely before continuing.

What is the best stain for exterior wood?

How long does semitransparent stain last?

Can you stain a fence?

With basic cleaning supplies and this straightforward tutorial on how to stain a fence, you can refresh your wooden privacy wall in as little time as a weekend—and reap these benefits right away.

How do I clean a wood fence?from homeguides.sfgate.com

Slip on a pair of rubber gloves and goggles. Pressure-wash the wood fence with a unit featuring a 25- or 40-degree tip. Standing 8 to 18 inches away, wash all the dirt , grime and debris from the wooden fence. The Family Handyman recommends working your way from the fence's top to the bottom with a 1,500 to 2,000 psi washer. Any stronger and you could damage the fence.

How long does it take for a stain to penetrate a wood fence?from homeguides.sfgate.com

If you're not satisfied with the fence's color, apply a second and if necessary, third coat. Allow the stain to penetrate the wood for at least one hour between applications.

How long does semitransparent stain last?from familyhandyman.com

Most semitransparent oil stains are guaranteed to last two to five years. (Solid-color stains last longer but are more difficult to renew.) Fences usually face severe weathering, so expect the finish to last no more than three years. Plan on recoating the fence within this time frame to keep your fence looking fresh. 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 long does it take for a wood fence to dry?from homeguides.sfgate.com

Allow the fence to dry for at least 24 to 48 hours. If it's damp or stormy, wait at least 48 hours. Slip on a pair of goggles and apply the first coat of oil-based wood stain with a paintbrush or medium-nap roller. Use the roller to cover the bulk of the fence, and a small paintbrush to coat any trim or edge pieces.

How long does a fence last after being repainted?from familyhandyman.com

Fences usually face severe weathering, so expect the finish to last no more than three years. Plan on recoating the fence within this time frame to keep your fence looking fresh. Before recoating, wash the fence with a garden hose sprayer and use a bristle brush on stubborn dirt deposits and stains.

What is the best way to clean cedar fences?from angi.com

Power washing your fence helps remove grime, fungi, wood flakes, and peeling wood. It’s also a good way to clear away gray fading, a common occurrence when tending to older cedar fences.

What is a well constructed fence?from angi.com

A well-constructed fence is held up by its posts. If those are structurally sound and just need some TLC, then you can proceed. If they are falling apart or compromised beyond repair, installing a new fence (or hiring a local fence company) might be the better way to go.

What Will I Need to Stain a Fence?

What Color Should I Choose For My Fence Stain?

What is a solid stain?

How to make a sprayer for staining?

This is necessary to ensure your sprayer is functioning as it should and to prevent unnecessary difficulty when staining. Fill the sprayer’s canister as directed by the manual. Put on your safety goggles and respirator.

What to use to keep a stain from getting on my lawn?