Protect Your Fence with the Best Stain for Fences

To make sure the wood is ready to accept stain, do the same absorption test mentioned above. Spray a few boards with a light splash of water. If the water beads on the surface of the boards, it will likely not absorb the stain and should be sanded with the direction of the grain. Repeat the water test until it absorbs. If the water immediately absorbs into the wood, it should accept the stain with no further preparation.
Above all, make sure to invest in a good quality stain and sealer. The protection your fence will receive, the beauty of its finish, and the time saved on maintenance will far outweigh the initial higher cost of a good quality product. We would love to hear from you. Let us know if you found this article helpful and if you have any questions.
Replace any rotting boards and pay close attention to boards or posts that touch the ground as these tend to rot faster than others. Ensure all posts are straight and investigate if they’re not, rotting and erosion can cause posts to warp, so you want to be sure to catch this early. Any board that touches the ground should be treated or in some way rot resistant.

Water-based VS Oil-based Fence Stain

The answer to whether or not you can stain pressure-treated wood is yes and no. You can stain wood that has been pressure treated, but you cannot do it right away. Wood must be completely dry when it is stained so that the stain can penetrate it fully and protect it properly. Pressure-treated wood is injected with chemicals that protect it from environmental damage but leave extra moisture in the wood. It is crucial that this moisture be completely gone before any staining or finishing takes place.
Pros:
Wash and dry any tools used while staining your fence so they are clean and working efficiently the next time you want them. Also, remember to pick up any drop cloths and remove the painters’ tape from surfaces around your work area.
It is important to note that typically, a single coat should be sufficient, especially if you plan to use a separate sealer coat as well. Additional coats are usually only necessary when trying to achieve a richer, deeper color.
Related: Building a Fence? Get the Best Nail Gun for Fencing

Do I Need to Stain My Fence?

This semi-transparent, oil-based stain and sealer combination is ideal for all exterior wood applications. It is easy to apply and maintain and is biodegradable when in contact with water or soil. Specially designed to provide superior protection without affecting the wood’s natural beauty, grain, and texture, this stain stands out on our list as Editor’s Choice.
A paintbrush is an easy and fairly inexpensive tool that provides a great deal of control over where the stain is applied. For best results, choose a brush that is four to five inches wide and has natural bristles. Work horizontal slats from left to right and vertical slats from top to bottom always maintaining a wet tip on your brush. Don’t forget to stain the ends and sides of each slat with a thinner brush tip.

Pros

Cons:

Tips For Staining an Old Fence

More and more people are wanting to recycle as much as possible which is great for the environment and can also be extremely cost-effective. If you’re looking to build a fence with recycled or repurposed materials, you may be interested in pallet or planter pallet fences, or one made from old shutters or louvered doors.
Most stains intended for exterior use will work on pressure-treated wood, but the oil-based stain is the best. There are some manufacturers that have even started formulating stains specifically designed for pressure-treated wood applications.
When you think that your pressure-treated fence or deck is dry enough to stain, do a water bead test to make sure. If applied water beads on the surface, it is not dry enough. If, however, the water is absorbed, it should be good to stain.

Step One: Check the boards and posts.

If you want to work with wood but are looking for a unique aesthetic you may want to try bamboo, lattice, trellis, wattle, log, or dog-ear fence. A modern slatted or staggered wooden fence or a Chevron Privacy fence could bridge the gap between modern and traditional. Or, if you don’t want to go with a full fence, you could try DIY privacy or portable screen.
A roller applies stain faster than a brush but isn’t always good for hard-to-reach crevices. When choosing a roller, try to find a medium nap cover that will be more likely to reach into grooves along the fence boards. With the roller, apply the stain in two- to three-foot sections alternating direction as you go. Back-brush any uncovered areas with a wide brush to ensure even application and to reach into crevices along the board.

Step Two: Cleaning and Preparing the wood.

Larissa from Prodigal Pieces walks you through the process she used to stain her fence in only one day. Using the HomeRight Super Finish Max sprayer and working in a top-to-bottom/bottom-to-top pattern she seamlessly applies the first coat of stain before allowing it to cure while she sprays additional wood pieces for the yard. Once cured, Larissa applies the second coat and reveals the end results once both coats are dry. Learn useful techniques and helpful hints to make your staining project run smoothly.
The post Protect Your Fence with the Best Stain for Fences appeared first on Homedit.
If there are cracks or chips in the boards, you can use a wood filler to repair these prior to staining. The filler will nicely hide these imperfections once stained.

Step Three: Ensure the wood will accept stain.

This water-based, semi-transparent stain and sealer provides superior protection from all exterior elements and is ideal for all types of wood, including pressure treated. It is available in 1- and 2.5-gallon pails and five colors making it a perfect complement to any wood.

Step Four: Watch the weather forecast and choose staining days accordingly.

Many people believe that you cannot stain pressure-treated wood, but that isn’t the case. You just have to wait a bit longer. The chemicals used for pressure-treated wood help to protect it from insects and decay, but it is still prone to signs of aging. Applying a stain once the wood is ready, gives an extra layer of protection and adds beauty to your deck or fence.

Step Five: Protect the surrounding area.

Water-based stains are formulated using a mixture of water for the solvent and water-soluble dyes to add color. These breathable stains absorb fully into the wood and dry with no oily film, allowing for air to move more freely drying any moisture that may occur. This results in superior protection from mold and mildew. Water-based stains often have richer color that tends to last longer than oil-based alternatives and they can typically be applied over older water- or oil-based stains without fear of patchy results. They are not flammable, have no harmful fumes, and are easy to clean up with just mild soap and water. It is important to note, however, that water-based stains may require you to condition the wood prior to applications. This conditioning will prevent grain rising which can occur as the stain absorbs into the wood.
Grab a patio chair and a refreshing drink and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Step Six: Choose and collect your tools.

Ensure nails and screws are properly embedded and replace any that may be missing. Remove dirt and debris on the surface of the boards, and if possible, pressure-wash the boards to remove embedded dirt. Cleaning the fence ensures that the stain can reach and absorb fully into the wood and results in a much more even finish. Allow the fence to dry for a minimum of forty-eight hours before applying the stain.
One of the most important reasons is that staining protects the wood from environmental damage. Unlike paint, most stains contain sealants, which protect the wood from water and UV damage that cause the woods fibers to break down over time. Staining minimizes this damage and helps to prevent discoloration, mold, mildew, and other damage caused by the elements.

Step Seven: Stain your fence.

If there are areas of the fence that you don’t want stained or walls that adjoin the fence, use painters’ tape to protect them while you work.

An oil-based stain and sealer combination meant for any exterior wood application and designed to penetrate deep into the wood to provide excellent protection from the elements. Available in six semi-transparent colors that can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed on, this stain is the best bargain on our list.
 

Step Eight: Apply a sealer.

Best Bargain – Storm Protector Penetrating Sealer and Stain

Step Nine: Clean your work area.

If you are applying multiple coats, make sure to let the first coat dry for the length of time recommended by the manufacturer before applying the second coat. Moving too quickly can lead to unfavorable results.

Step Ten: Enjoy your newly stained fence!

Storm Protector Penetrating Sealer and Stain is an oil-based, semi-transparent stain and sealer combination meant for decks, fences, and all other exterior wood applications. It is designed to penetrate deep into wood surfaces to fully protect against UV rays, water, and all other exterior elements. Available in six different colors, this stain is suitable for any wood species allowing the natural grain, texture, and color to show through.

Do I Use a Brush or Roller to Stain Fence?

Available in one-gallon pails, Storm Protector Sealer and Stain can be applied with a brush, roller, or spray applications and requires no lapping. Coverage is approximately 125 to 175 square feet per gallon on smooth surfaces and 100 to 150 square feet on porous surfaces.
Other tools you may need include, pails, cleaning cloths or rags, water, soap, mineral spirits, and a cold drink.
If you have a traditionally built fence and want to add uniqueness with the finish, consider a dark or non-wood colored stain, or perhaps painting a mural on one or both sides.
Protect the ground below the fence and any surrounding vegetation by covering it with drop sheets or plastic. If using plastic to cover plants, ensure to leave some airflow so that the plants can breathe.
Your creative juices are sure to start flowing as you’re inspired to build a fence that meets your needs, skills, and budget.

Can I Stain Pressure Treated Wood?

Use a brush, roller, or paint sprayer to apply the stain to your fence. Each option has pros and cons (which we will discuss in the next section), and the choice really comes down to personal preference.
Although there is no hard and fast rule saying you have to stain your fence or any other wood structure for that matter, there are several reasons why staining is a good idea.
Stain can be applied in one of three ways – brush, roller, or sprayer – and each has its benefits and drawbacks. The choice of tool really comes down to personal preference, but the manufacturer’s recommendations should always be taken into account.

You’ve just finished building a beautiful new wood fence and now you’re looking for the best fence stain to protect it from the elements. Or maybe, your yard has an existing wooden fence, but it’s looking a little aged and you’re wondering if a fence stain can make it beautiful again?

The Best Fence Stain

Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood

Using Ready Seal oil-based fence stain, Holly Ambro walks you through the process she used for staining her family’s new wood fence. Holly explains how they determined which stain color to use with help from Ready Seal’s color sample kit as well as why they went with Ready Seal Stain. You will learn how to use a moisture meter and what level of moisture your wood needs to be before you can stain. With a roller application, a brush for finer details, and a bit of elbow grease, Holly and her husband Jason show the entire process of staining their fence and share tips and tricks they learned along the way.
Finally, staining your fence enhances the beauty of the wood as well as the overall design and aesthetic of your home and yard. Rather than looking dull, gray, and aged, the wood’s natural beauty, grain, and texture can shine through complimenting the surroundings it is in and providing ample curb appeal.
Happy staining!

Fence stain and paint are not the same. Paint sits on the surface of the wood or other substrate it is applied to and is designed basically for aesthetic purposes. It is used to add color and hides grain and texture. Stain on the other hand penetrates the surface and is designed to protect the wood from environmental damage. Like paint, stain adds color, but the natural grain and texture of the wood remain visible.

• Penetrates wood providing superior protection against scratches to surface finish.
• Easy maintenance.
• Contains no linseed oil.
• Will not stain hands.
• Biodegradable when in contact with soil and water.
• Meets current U.S. VOC level requirements.

Fence stain and paint are not the same. Paint sits on the surface of the wood or other substrate it is applied to and is designed basically for aesthetic purposes. It is used to add color and hides grain and texture. Stain on the other hand penetrates the surface and is designed to protect the wood from environmental damage. Like paint, stain adds color, but the natural grain and texture of the wood remain visible.

• Transoxide Pigmentation
• Twenty-four-hour dry time for touching, handling, and recoating
• Six available colors

Fence stain and paint are not the same. Paint sits on the surface of the wood or other substrate it is applied to and is designed basically for aesthetic purposes. It is used to add color and hides grain and texture. Stain on the other hand penetrates the surface and is designed to protect the wood from environmental damage. Like paint, stain adds color, but the natural grain and texture of the wood remain visible.

• Advanced polymers provide fade-resistant color.
• Exceeds Industry Standards for ASTM D-4446.
• Four-year protection on horizontal surfaces and six-year protection on vertical surfaces.

• Not Oil-Based.
• No Warranty Listed.

Cabot Semi-Solid Deck & Siding Low VOC Stain

Pros
Most stains are a mixture of stain and sealer, but not all. If you used a stain with no sealer, it is important to apply a separate coat over the stain once it is dry. A single coat of clear, waterproof sealant properly applied, will ensure your fence is protected from water and UV damage until it is time to re-stain.
Regardless of the stain you use, it is inevitable that you will have to re-stain at some point. Although it is typically done every two to three years, how often really depends on a few factors with the main one being the quantity and type of weather exposure your fence endures. Fences that are exposed heavily to the elements will typically need to be re-stained more often than those that are more sheltered. You may also want to re-stain every couple of years to maintain the color and overall appearance of the wood. This factor ultimately comes down to personal preference over best practice.

DIY Fence Stain Tutorial Ideas

All You Need to Know About DIY Fence Projects

Available in five-gallon pails, Ready Seal 512 can be applied at any temperature with a brush, roller, or spray application. It requires no primer, back brushing, diluting, or wet-line application and will never leave runs, streaks, or laps. Ready Seal blends itself and reaches its true color typically within fourteen days.
When it is time to re-stain your fence, there are steps you should take to ensure the best possible results are achieved. These include:
Ideally, you want to stain on days between 50- and 80-degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 27 degrees Celsius), with low to moderate humidity, and no precipitation for at least twenty-four hours. Staining in weather that is too hot and dry can lead to the stain drying too quickly and leaving lap marks in the finish. Staining in weather that is too cold or damp can prolong drying time and affect the finished results.

Oil-based stains contain a mixture of oil (typically linseed), solvent (typically mineral spirits), and pigment. Like water-based stains, they penetrate into the wood, but not as deeply and they leave a thicker “film” of protection. Oil-based stains have longer drying times which result in a better, more even finish. They are also extremely durable and tend to last much longer than water-based stains, meaning less maintenance and re-application over time. Typically, oil-based stains need mineral spirits when cleaning up, but new formulas, containing an acrylic-oil blend, are becoming much easier to clean up without chemicals. One major thing to keep in mind is that oil-based stains are flammable and as a result are typically not used on surfaces that connect directly to a house or other building.
Cons
Cons

How to Stain a Fence the Fast and Easy Way

If the fence has been previously painted, or you are reapplying with an oil-based stain, you may need to strip the old finish prior to staining. This can be done using a stain or finish stripper and a stiff-bristle brush, or by using a hand or electric sander.
Ready Seal 512 Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer is an oil-based, semi-transparent stain and sealer combination ideal for decks, rails, and all other exterior wood applications. Its unique formula absorbs deeply into wood protecting it from UV rays, mold, mildew, and other harmful effects caused by exterior elements. The stain’s natural cedar color enhances the beauty of the wood while its semi-transparent nature allows the grain and texture to remain visible.

Simple and Cheap Way to Refinish/Stain a Fence

Learn how to thoroughly clean and prepare your old wood fence by following the steps Nathan Nagele takes to restore his fence to its former beauty. Using a spray pump and a simple bleach and water solution, Nathan soaks each board before giving it a rinse with a garden house and attached pressure fitting. Once dry, Nathan shows how he sprayed the stain finish onto his fence and what you should and shouldn’t do to reach an ideal finish.
Cabot Semi-Solid Deck and Siding Stain is an oil-based protective coating that deeply penetrates wood for superior protection from the elements. Suitable for use on decks, fencing, and siding, it offers superior fade resistance and durability.

DIY Wood Fence Staining

Pros
Be careful if you share your fence with a neighbor who doesn’t plan on staining their side. Use tools that will adequately cover your side of the fence but won’t inadvertently apply blotchy stain to their side.

FAQ

Is fence stain the same as paint?

Apply your chosen stain to the fence using the manufacturer’s recommended steps and techniques.

Can you stain a dirty fence?

If you find boards with a very small amount of mildew, they do not necessarily need to be replaced. First, try soaking the area with a solution of bleach and water then a good scrub with a firm-bristled brush. If the mildew stain can be removed, the board is likely still good for continued use and re-staining.

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

Join the Homedit staff as they walk through forty different DIY fence ideas including links to tutorials for each. If you’re looking for a traditional wooden fence, you’ll find tutorials for basic, horizontal board, white picket, cedar, simple split rail fences, and more.

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

Typically, only one coat of stain is sufficient to protect your fence or deck. However, depending on the richness of color you want to achieve, you may want to add additional coats.

Conclusion

Thompson’s TH.042841-16 Waterseal Waterproofing Stain is formulated to provide complete protection from the elements, including UV rays, water damage, and mildew. This semi-transparent stain has a moderate pigment of acorn brown, giving it beautiful color while allowing the wood’s natural grain and texture to show.
Available in one-gallon pails, Thompson’s Waterseal can be applied to damp or dry wood and is suitable for all outdoor wood applications.
Another beneficial, although often overlooked, advantage is the extra security a well-stained, and therefore maintained, fence can add to your property – whether it’s your home or office. Areas that are clean and fenced off with a well-maintained and treated fence are typically targeted less than areas that look rundown and in need of repair.