A fence should be stained
every two to three years
to preserve the look and function of the fence.
How long should you wait before staining a new fence?
A good rule of thumb is to wait
a month or two if the fence is made with dry materials
. This will allow it to weather enough but not too much. If the fence is made with pressure treated materials it may be 3-4 months for the posts to dry enough and can be checked with a moisture meter.
What time of year is best to stain a fence?
The best time to stain a deck is when it’s been dry for several days and the wood is dry. You need at least 48 hours with no rain in the forecast after the application of the stain. Temperatures should be between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. For most people, these conditions are met between
late spring and early fall
.
What temperature should it be to stain a fence?
Apply stain only at the proper temperature. For most stains,
70 degrees Fahrenheit
is the optimum, with the safety range from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Stains do vary, so check the label first. Avoid high humidity and staining on hot surfaces.
What happens if you stain a fence too soon?
Staining too soon can
lead to the stain not being absorbed by the wood and result in a patchy and failed upgrade for your deck
. … Test to make sure that water is absorbed by the wood which ensures this drying process is done. After the wood is dry, it is ready to stain.
What happens if you stain over stain?
Fix Your Stain Color By Going
Darker
If you have yet to apply a finish to your piece, applying another, darker stain can change the shade of your project. Obviously staining over stain can be a bit of gamble as to what color your piece will ultimately become.
Is it OK to stain only one side of a fence?
A question that customers sometimes ask is whether both sides of the fence should be sealed. … In reality,
if one side of the fence faces a neighbor and they choose not to stain or seal their side will discolor and yours won’t
, without this affecting the structural integrity of the structure.
Do you need to power wash a fence before staining?
Before applying any type of finish to a fence, including stains, you need to remove any old finish(es) and remove any built up dirt, dust, grime or other substances from the fence. … Pressure washing a
fence before staining it will also ensure blemishes are removed that could show through the surface of the stain
.
What if it rains after I stain my fence?
If it rains within 48 hours after you apply the stain,
the water will soak into the wood pores and try to displace the stain
. This will result in a splotchy surface rather than an even tone. If it rains right after you apply the stain, the stain will peel and flake off.
Can I stain in 40 degree weather?
High temperatures are a big concern while applying the stain. If it’s too hot, the stain may dry too quickly, potentially causing lap marks and uneven penetration.
Avoid staining your deck if it’s above 90 degrees Fahrenheit
. … It’s okay if the temperature rises after the stain is applied and has begun to dry.
What kind of roller do you use to stain a fence?
Use a 9-inch roller to cover large areas, and
a smaller 4-inch roller
to stain the nooks and crannies. Consider the nap of the roller as you’re trying to purchase the right rollers right for this project. Rougher fences will need rollers with deeper naps, in order to get the best coverage.
How warm does it have to be to stain wood?
The ideal temperature range for application is
between 50 and 80 degrees
. And, it is important to choose a day when no rain is expected for 24 hours.
How many gallons of stain do I need for a fence?
For a small fence, up to 175 square feet, you will only need one gallon of stain, in any transparency. If your fence is larger, up to 550 square feet, you will need to buy 2 gallons of stain. For very large fences, up to 700 square feet, you will need
3 to 4 gallons
of stain to complete the project.
Can I stain an old fence?
Whether your wooden fence is years old or newly installed, it can benefit from a single inexpensive addition:
stain
. Applying wood stain to the slats improves its design and prolongs the lifespan of your hard-working outdoor structure—a win-win!
Does painting a fence make it last longer?
Painting or staining a
wood fence can help your fence last longer and look better
. Either one will extend the lifespan of your fence by giving it some protection against rot, insects, wear, and tear. … Paint doesn’t allow the cedar to breathe, which means you’ll actually reduce the lifespan of the fence.
