If the fence is brand new sanding is generally not required 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.

Do you need to sand new wood 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.

Do you need to prep wood fence before staining?





Let the fence dry out completely



Wait 48 hours before staining. The fence must be completely dry before you apply the stain. If rain is forecast, you will need to wait longer to make sure your fence isn’t even a little damp.

How do you prepare a new 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.

Can you stain a brand new fence?

In fact, even new fences can benefit from staining. Staining your new fence can give you great color options and protect your fence for years to come. You should consider staining part of your regular fence maintenance to keep your fence in great shape for as long as possible.

When should you stain a new fence?

between 1 and 6 months





Consider the type of wood, and then wait the proper amount of time (usually anywhere between 1 and 6 months) before staining or sealing your fence. This will allow it to sufficiently weather and to dry or cure.

What is the fastest way to sand a fence?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Get it at any home improvement store less than $50. You're gonna want to use maybe 80 or 120 grit sandpaper. Something not too fine. But also not too coarse.

Is it better to spray or roll 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. You can easily stain an entire fence in one weekend by renting an airless sprayer from your paint store.

Should you treat a new fence?

When treating a new fence or a bare wood one that hasn’t been treated for a number of years, we highly recommend treating the fence panels with 2 coats of an exterior wood preservative prior to oiling. This helps to protect the timber from biological threats such as mould, algae and wood boring insects.

Should you 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.

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 do you treat a new wood fence?

Clean Every 3 – 5 Years



Every two to three years, clean the wood to remove dirt, moss, mildew and graying. Then, recoat with a UV inhibiting, water-repellent coating. After making repairs, scrape off any moss or loose, peeling paint until you can see new wood, and clean the fence with a pressure washer.

Should I power wash my fence before staining?



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.

Can you stain treated wood right away?

Before you can stain, wait 72 hours for pressure-treated wood to dry completely if has been kiln-dried at the lumber yard. You can check the board for tags and ask the hardware store staff if it’s already Kiln dried If not, it usually takes a few weeks to six months before you can stain.

How long do you have to wait before staining pressure-treated wood?

If you buy ordinary pressure-treated lumber from a home center, however, you’ll have to wait anywhere from two to three days for the wood to dry sufficiently before you can apply a water-based semitransparent protective stain.

How warm should it be to stain a fence?

For most stains, 70 degrees Fahrenheit is the optimum, with the safety range from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Stains do vary, so check the label first. Avoid high humidity and staining on hot surfaces. All finishes, including stains and paint, have trouble drying in moist conditions.

How many coats of stain do I need for a fence?



Solid-color stains are identical to regular paint in most situations, and only one coat is needed to protect your fence. Two coats are also required for semi-transparent penetrating stains, with the second coat being applied approximately an hour after the first coat.

What is the best color to stain a fence?

If you’re considering stain colors for a privacy fence, you may want to stick with commonly used colors like a warm cedar, rich redwood or dark brown. If you’re staining a ranch rail fence, it may be fitting to choose a darker color like a black fence stain or dark brown fence stain.

What if it rains after staining fence?

If it rains within 48 hours of applying a treatment, the water will soak into the wood, and try and displace the stain. This can cause a blotchy, flaky look, rather than a smooth, even, coat. If it rains immediately after you’ve stained the wood, the stain will peel and flake off.

How long does stain need to dry on fence?

If you use a high-quality exterior wood stain like Olympic Elite stains, it can take a full 24-48 hours to cure, depending on the moisture level within your deck as well as the quality and condition of the wood your deck is made from.

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.