How do you prepare a wood 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 paint or stain a 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.

How do you stain a wooden privacy fence?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: And I'm using a airless sprayer right here I'm using a 515 tip and using about an 18 inch to 20 inch gun extension. Right here they'll keep me away from the fence. And not absorbing as much overspray.

What do you need to stain a fence?

How To: Stain a Fence

  1. Stiff-bristle brush.
  2. Garden hose.
  3. Oil-based wood stain.
  4. Wood sealant.
  5. Power washer.
  6. Bucket.
  7. See full list «
  8. Bleach.

Should you power wash 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.

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

Two coats are best, and it’s best to avoid applying the stain in direct sunlight. Woodscapes can be second coated within two hours, depending on the humidity and air temperature. Most products can be re-coated the same day. You should stain your fence every three to four years when the coating starts to fade and wear.

What type of wood is used for fences?

There are many fence material options available, but some of the most common wood species used for fencing are Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, Pressure-Treated Wood and Redwood. They’re not all created equal, but they all will give you a strong, sturdy fence (assuming it’s properly installed).

Is staining a fence worth it?

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 much does it cost to stain a fence?

Average Cost of Staining a Fence



The average cost to hire a professional to stain a wood fence is $2,400 for a 250-foot fence. The average is $9.60 per linear foot and $1.95 per square foot.

Should you stain both sides of 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.

What is the best color for a fence?

Best Paint Colors for Fences

  • Grey. As a stain, grey is an option that will let the beauty of the wood show through in a natural but weathered way. …
  • Blue. Not royal, but closer to a blue grey color. …
  • Dark Yellow. Golden Ember is a recent frontrunner in colors for fences. …
  • Dark Grey.


Should I sand 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.

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.

What is the easiest way to stain a fence?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: If 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.

Can you stain a dirty fence?

You never want to apply stain to a dirty fence. Wood fence stain will only trap any dirt and particulates existing on the fencing, and that grime may even cause the stain to not stick.

Can you use a roller to stain a fence?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: I really like this stain also because you don't have to worry about any streaks it's called it's a goof proof type of stain. So you can that's the nice thing you can start staining in one spot skip