Before treating your new wood fence, follow these professional tips to guarantee flawless results. We receive many questions about staining, sealing, or painting after providing wood fence installation to our customers. There are a few factors to consider beforehand in order to get the best results. Take a look at what our experts recommend before staining a new wood fence.
How long should I wait?
After getting a new wood fence, many people are eager to stain/seal it to preserve and maintain their new investment. We recommend waiting at least 3 weeks* before staining/sealing your new wood fence. This waiting period allows your fence to settle in to it’s new environment and become more absorbent. Your climate and recent weather is a big factor in determining whether or not your fence is ready to be stained. Be sure to apply your stain at least 24 hours after rain and allow at least 24 hours before any more rain is expected. You want your fence to be completely dry throughout to best absorb the stain.
*Pro Tip: After 3 weeks, try putting a small amount of water on your fence. If the water beads off, it’s not ready. If the water is absorbed, you’re ready to go!
How do I choose a stain?
Be wary of cheaper stain products as they need to reapplied more often and tend to be harder to apply evenly than higher quality products. When choosing a color, keep your surroundings in mind like house color and landscaping. Once you’ve chosen a color, try testing a sample of the stain on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure that you are confident in your choice before treating the entire fence.
How do I apply it?
Always follow the instructions provided on your stain product. After ensuring that your fence is ready, the best time to apply your stain is on a cloudy day in the morning or late afternoon. Paint rollers with a fluffy nap are another good option. When choosing your roller, keep in mind that the wider it is, the heavier it will be when wet. Dip into the stain, then apply evenly. Apply to one board at a time working from top to bottom. Most stains only require one coat, but be sure to consult with your stain’s instructions.
What about painting?
Painting is another popular option among homeowners. The process of painting a wood fence is nearly identical to staining. Your fence should be equally dry, you should apply the same way, and do so in the same weather conditions. While a paint roller is still a good option, you might want to invest in an airless paint sprayer. This is the easiest way to get an even, full coverage.