How to Stain a Fence

Staining your wood fence adds beauty, enhances your home’s color and landscaping, protects it from the elements, and adds value to your property.

This guide will outline everything you need to know about how to stain a fence to achieve a professional-looking finish.

How to stain a fence

Prepping your fence

Proper preparation is critical to get a good result.

1. Clean the fence using a pressure washer or stiff brush and cleaning solution to remove dirt, mildew, and debris.

2. Repair any damage by filling in cracks, holes, or rotted areas with wood filler or epoxy. Allow all repairs to dry completely before moving to the next step.

3. Sand the entire fence to create a smooth, even texture, eliminating any splinters. Use medium-grit sandpaper for overly rough areas and fine-grit for finishing.

Choosing your stain

The best stain for your fence depends on these variables:

1. Consider your wood type: The type of wood matters when choosing a stain because it will affect the absorption and appearance of the finished product.

2. Decide between an oil- or water-based stain: Oil-based stains provide deeper penetration of the stain and offer better protection against the elements. Water-based stains are quick drying, low-odor, and environmentally friendly. However, it is important to note that a water-based stain won’t offer as much protection against the elements as an oil-based stain.

3. Decide on the color and finish: When choosing a color, consider your home’s overall style, color, and landscaping. You can pick a color that complements your home and landscaping or select one that is close to the same color as your home.  It all depends on the look you want to achieve.

Application steps

1. Primer: While primer is optional if your fence is weathered or you are worried about rot, a wood primer will help improve the stain’s absorption and durability.

2. Applicator method: You can choose to use a brush or sprayer. If your fence spans a large area, a sprayer may be quicker. Just keep in mind that you have to be able to control overspray if you do opt for a sprayer application. Brushes provide more control but are time-consuming.

3. Thin coat application: Applying stain in thin coats achieves a more even finish by avoiding pooling or dripping. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next coat, and follow all manufacturer’s specific drying times.

4. Protection: Use drop cloths to cover any landscaping or plants to keep them free from overspray.

Maintenance and care

Inspect your fence regularly for signs of damage, peeling, or fading. Clean and repair it regularly to remove dirt and debris. Re-stain it every 2-3 years to keep it protected and looking its best.

If you follow these easy steps for how to stain a fence, you will have a beautiful, protected fence that will last years.

Premier Fence is your trusted fence company, focusing on exceptional customer service and expert installers. Schedule a free estimate today!