For most of us our home is our single biggest investment, and taking care of that home just makes good sense. Taking care of your outdoor wood fence will add years to its life as well as keeping it looking great.
The first step in any fence-staining project is the surface preparation. Using a wood cleaner is a great way to clean the wood as well as bring the material back to life. Many of these products are concentrates, which means all you do is add water to make the mix. The best way to apply the cleaners is with a garden-type pump sprayer.
Apply the cleaner liberally on the fence with the sprayer; be sure to wet down any foliage or structures under or around the fence so you limit any damage to plants. Most of these cleaners are bleach-based, so keeping surrounding items wet or covered is a good idea. Let the cleaner sit for 10 to 15 minutes and then pressure wash the wood with a gas powered pressure-washer with a PSI rating of at least 2000.
After the cleaning, let the fence dry for at least 3 to 5 days. Be sure that it truly is dry, meaning no rain during those days. The moisture content of the wood needs to be no more than 15 percent at the time of the stain application. You can either buy or borrow a moisture meter from your paint store. Then you’re set to apply your stain.
I like oil-based products for outdoor staining. The oil absorbs deeply into the wood giving you even coverage and a long lasting finish. The best way to apply the stain is with a natural-bristled brush and good ol’ fashioned elbow grease. The key is to frequently stir the can during the finish application to ensure that all the colorant is consistent. Use the brush to work the stain into the wood brushing with the grain of the wood. Remember to never stain when rain is a possibility, in direct sunlight, or if the outside temperature is over 80 degrees.
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