QA

Quick Answer: How To Apply Stain To A Fence

Coating a Fence Apply BEHR stains and wood finishes with a quality brush, roller or sprayer, following all label instructions. Always back brush to ensure even application. Apply finish following the grain of the wood, working from top to bottom. Continue the application process until your project is complete.

How do you stain a fence?

Apply the stain in two- to three-foot sections of the fence at a time, taking care to back-brush, or re-paint over uncovered areas left by the previous stroke, with a wide brush. This will allow the stain to enter hard-to- reach grooves and recesses, and ensure an even coat free of lap marks.

Is it better to brush or roll stain on a fence?

For the best results with a brush, pick a staining brush that’s 4 or 5 inches wide. If you opt for a pad, the best type for fence staining is a pad with a fluffy nap, such as the pads that are sometimes labeled for use on decks. Finally, if you’re using a roller, any paint roller will do.

What is the best way to apply stain?

Stain can be applied with a bristle brush, a foam brush, or a cloth. On woods with large, open pores, such as oak, mahogany and ash, increase your pressure to work the stain into the pores. Rubbing or brushing against the direction of the grain will help fill deep pores with stain.

Do you stain both sides 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?

Should You Power Wash Before Fence Staining? More often than not, it is not a good idea to power wash a fence before staining it. Power washers can force the mold and mildew (the greying color of the fence) deeper into the wood pickets. This causes the wood to deteriorate quicker.

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.

Do I need to sand my fence before staining?

You should not stain over a painted fence, sand it first to prepare the surface. If you want to add color choose a stain which will bring out the best from the grain of the wood. Often a clear stain looks best, showing off the quality of the grain in the new fence on the property.

When should I stain my fence?

A fence should be stained every two to three years to preserve the look and function of the fence.

Is it better to stain or paint a wood fence?

Paint creates a thicker barrier initially, but it also chips and peels, obvious defects that make the fence appear worn, thus requiring immediate attention. Stain, on the other hand, simply fades over time and doesn’t have to be replaced as often, meaning you will likely have to buy less of it over the years.

How many hours does it take to stain a fence?

If the humidity is below 30%, each application of stain will require roughly 12 hours to dry. If the humidity is 60% or higher, it could take 24-36 hours for each coat to dry. There are four basic types of stain for wooden fences: Solid colour.

How long does stain last on a fence?

Stain can last anywhere from 1 to 8 years, depending on how opaque the stain is. Transparent stain lasts a short time, while an opaque stain lasts longer. Paint lasts up to 10 years if it is properly applied and the right type of paint is used.

Should I stain my fence before or after assembly?

Most installers will tell you to wait a period of time after installation to apply stain or paint. This is true, especially if you install with pressure treated pine fence posts. Just like a deck, it needs to dry before applying a finish.

What happens if you don’t wipe off stain?

Wood stain is designed to penetrate into the grain of the wood, not to remain on the surface. If you happen to spread it too thickly, or you forget to wipe off excess, the material that remains on the surface will become sticky.

Do you have to put a clear coat over stain?

Do You Have to Put a Clear Coat Over Stain? Coating over stain is not obligatory, but it’s necessary for the protection of the stained wood. While staining wood creates richness and depth of color, it provides no long-term protection.

Can you apply stain with paper towel?

Applying stain Don’t brush on a coat of stain like you would paint and just wait for it to dry. But my go-to method for applying stain is to use a rag. Old t-shirts are great for this, but even paper towels work for smaller projects.

What brush should I use to stain a fence?

10 best paint brushes for staining a fence Wooster Bravo Stainer. Linzer Stain Waterproofing Brush. Graco Magnum X5 Electric TrueAirless Sprayer. Wooster Lambswool/100 Roller Cover. KingOrigin Heavy Duty Professional Stain Brush 3-Pack. Purdy White Dove Jumbo Mini Roller Covers. Wooster Shortcut Angle Sash Paint Brush.

What is the best roller for staining a fence?

A 4-inch roller is light enough for this repetitive movement while also providing good coverage on fence boards. When staining fences, it’s best to pair your roller with a 3/8-inch nap cover that holds a good amount of stain. For corners and gaps, use a 2 ½-inch brush for easier detailing.