Get Stunning Results With These Tips for Fence Staining

Jul 04, 2023

Have you stained your fence and are not happy with the results? Are the streaks, blotches and missed spots driving you crazy? If so, don't worry; you're not alone. Many people struggle with getting perfect results when staining their fences, but there are some things you can do to make the process a bit easier. 


We'll share some tips that should help you get stunning results every time in this post. Let's get started!


What is Fence Staining?

Fence staining is the technique of using a pigmented stain to enhance the natural beauty of wood or protect it from the elements. A good fence stain will penetrate deep into the wood grain, providing long-lasting protection against fading, water damage and UV rays.


There are two main types of fence stains: water-based and oil-based. Water-based stains are easy to apply and clean up and don't provide as much protection as oil-based stains. Oil-based stains offer better protection against the elements, but they're more challenging to apply and clean up.


When choosing a fence stain, it's essential to consider the type of wood you're working with. Some woods are more porous than others, so they'll need a different kind of stain. For example, cedar and redwood are very absorbent, so they need an oil-based stain. If you're not sure which type of wood your fence is made from, ask a professional for help.


How to Stain a Fence?

Now that you know the basics of fence staining let's look at how to do it. The first thing you'll need to do is clean your fence. This is important because you want to remove any dirt, dust or other debris that could prevent the stain from penetrating the wood.


To clean your fence:


  1. Begin by splashing it down with a garden hose.
  2. Use a stiff brush to scrub away any dirt or grime. If there are any persistent spots, you can use a pressure washer on a low setting.
  3. Once your fence is clean, let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.


The next step is to use the stain. To do this, start by pouring some stains into a paint tray. Then, using a roller or brush, apply the stain evenly to the fence. Again, ensure to work in small sections so that the stain doesn't have time to dry before you're finished.


Once you've used the stain, let it sit for a few minutes before wiping away any excess with a clean cloth. Then, let the fence dry completely before applying a second coat, if necessary.


Tips for Perfect Results

Here are a few directions to assist you in getting perfect results when staining your fence:


  • Use a high-quality stain. Cheap stains will usually result in streaky, blotchy results. Instead, pay a little extra money on a good quality stain, and you'll be much happier with the results.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Each type of stain is different, so following the manufacturer's instructions is essential to ensure the best results.
  • Work in small sections. This will help control the stain from drying before you're finished and give you more time to work with it.
  • Use a brush or roller specifically designed for use with stains. This will help ensure even coverage and prevent streaking.
  • Let the fence dry completely between coats. This is especially important if you're applying more than one coat of stain.
  • Use a sealer. A good sealer will help protect your fence from the elements and extend the life of the stain.


You should achieve perfect results when staining your fence using these tips. Just take your time, use quality products, follow the manufacturer's instructions, and be happy with the results.


Pros and Cons of Staining a Fence

It would be most helpful to keep in mind a few things when deciding whether or not to stain your fence. First, consider the pros and cons of staining a fence:


Pros


Enhances the Natural Beauty of Wood

The right stain will bring out the attractiveness of your wood and turn a plain fence into something exceptional.


Protects Wood From Fading, Water Damage and Uv Rays

When your fence is stained correctly, it will help protect against the elements. Over time, fading, water, and UV damage can cause your fence to look dull, faded and old.


It Can Be Used in a Sort of Different Woods

Whether you want to stain your cedar fence or your redwood fence, you can find various stains at your local home improvement store.


It Is Easy to Apply and Clean Up

Staining your fence is relatively easy and requires minimal effort. You can usually do it in sections, and you can clean the brush or roller with soap and water. For a small investment, you can get a beautiful, long-lasting finish.


Cons


More Expensive Than Painting

Staining your fence will typically cost a bit more than painting it. This is especially true if you want to hire a professional. But, in most cases, the added cost will be worth it for the added protection and beauty you'll get from staining the fence.


Requires More Frequent Reapplication Than Painting

Because a good stain goes deep into the wood, it's essential to reapply the stain every year or so to keep the wood looking its best. This can be a bit of a hassle, but it's well worth protecting your wood and keeping it looking nice.


Some Woods Are More Problematic to Work With Than Others

Some woods are much harder to stain than others, so it's essential to ensure you choose the right type of wood for the job. For example, cedar is much softer than redwood, making it more difficult to stain. Redwood is also a much better choice for a fence.

It Can Be Messy and Smelly

Staining your fence can be a messy and smelly process if you're not careful. As you work, you'll need to keep the stain covered, or it will dry and harden. Once it's dry, you can clean the brush with soap and water, but it can be a bit of a hassle.


If you're searching for a new fence or looking to give your fence a new look, consider getting it stained by a professional. It's the surest way to get the best results.


Final Thoughts

Staining a fence is a great way to add value and beauty to your home. It can also help prevent rot and extend the life of your fence. With a little prepping and patience, you can get the best results. As long as you use a high-quality product, follow the manufacturer's instructions and work in small sections, you should have no problem.


If you want to learn more about painting, check out our guide to painting a fence. If you would like a professional to handle your stain job, call our stain experts at (604) 848-7204 . We proudly serve people in Surrey, British Columbia. Contact us today!


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