Fences are what separate the outside world from the land you own. Not only does it mark what is yours, providing safety and security to your humble abode, but also beautifies your yard. Wood fences are great, but they can’t really hold their own against moisture. To deal with this, homeowners stain their fences. Not only does it combat moisture, it is also a cost-effective layer of defense from just about every type of damage that plagues one’s pickets.
So how do you go about staining your fence? Here’s how:
- Check Lumber Durability
The last thing you want is finishing a staining process only to have your fence break a day later. Make it a habit to examine your wood before you do anything to it. If it’s damaged or in a lesser state, make sure to run maintenance—fix it, replace anything that needs replacing, tighten screws and loose areas. Only then should you begin the staining process.
- Clean up your Fence
Now that your fence is in good shape, it’s time to clean it. Scrape off any dirt, moss, and debris that may have found their way on your fence. If there’s mold growing on the wood, spray a strong detergent on it to kill it and prevent future infestations. If you’re using wood cleaner, make sure you apply it evenly throughout the entirety of your fence line. Once you’re done, allow your fence to dry before moving to step 3.
- The Staining Process
Now we can begin staining. This part shouldn’t be too tough; all you need is a brush and wood stain (you can also use a roller or a spray as well.) Put a coat of wood stain on your brush and start going back and forth until you cover every exposed area. It’s important to apply the coat evenly so as to not have blotchy areas and puddles. If areas like these do occur, make use of a roller to even them out.
- Sit Back and Relax
After finishing, then you’re pretty much done. Allow your fence to rest for a few days and keep an eye on it to make sure the staining process goes smoothly. The rest fence should rest for a few days, 48 hours at a minimum, but the process greatly depends on the humidity of your country.
- Do Routine Maintenance
A week has passed since you stained your fence, maybe even a month or a year. However long it has been, it is important that you maintain your fence and its coat. Repeat step 1 and 2 every few months or so, checking durability and damages, repair/replace if needed. Clean the fence regularly so debris does not accumulate on the fence.
And there you go! That should be everything you need to know about staining your wood fences. Wood fencing is an important component of any backyard, and it is our responsibility to maintain them. Treat your fences with great care and they will stand in your yard for a very long time.
