Restaining a wood fence is an effective way to protect it from the elements and restore its beauty. The process typically involves cleaning, preparing the surface, applying the stain, and sealing.
Steps to Restain Your Wood Fence
Renewing your fence requires several key steps to ensure the stain adheres properly and provides lasting protection. Follow these stages for the best results:
1. Prepare the Work Area
Before you begin, gather your supplies and prepare the area around the fence. This includes:
- Gathering Supplies: Ensure you have the necessary stain, sealant, cleaning tools (pressure washer, cleaner), sanding tools (sander, sandpaper), application tools (roller, brush, sprayer), and safety gear (gloves, eye protection).
- Protecting Surroundings: Cover plants, patio furniture, and other items near the fence with tarps or plastic sheeting to protect them from cleaning solutions, stain, or sealant.
2. Clean the Fence Thoroughly
Cleaning is a critical first step to remove dirt, mildew, old stain, and loose paint.
- Pressure Wash the Fence: Use a pressure washer that runs at 1,500 to 2,000 psi. This range provides enough power to clean effectively without damaging the wood fibers. Move the wand consistently to avoid etching the wood. You can also use a fence cleaner solution specifically designed for wood fences in conjunction with pressure washing for better results.
3. Allow Adequate Drying Time
Proper drying is essential after cleaning before you proceed to the next steps.
- Wait for at least 24 hours to allow the fence to dry thoroughly. The wood should feel dry to the touch before you move on. Humid conditions may require a longer drying period.
4. Prepare the Surface (Sanding)
Sanding helps create a smooth surface for the new stain to adhere to and removes any remaining imperfections or fuzz left by cleaning.
- Sand the Fence: Lightly sand the entire fence surface. A power sander can make this process faster, especially for large fences. Use appropriate grit sandpaper (e.g., 60-80 grit) to smooth the wood without removing too much material. Pay attention to areas with peeling stain or roughness. Afterwards, brush or blow away all sanding dust.
5. Apply the Stain
Applying the stain correctly ensures even coverage and penetration.
- Apply Stain: Use a medium-nap roller to apply a thick coat of stain to the fence. Rollers are efficient for covering large, flat surfaces quickly. You can also use brushes for edges, corners, and tight spots, or a paint sprayer for very large areas.
- Practical Insight: Work in sections, staining a few boards at a time from top to bottom to maintain a wet edge and avoid lap marks.
- Choosing Stain: Select a stain type (transparent, semi-transparent, semi-solid, or solid) based on the desired look and level of opacity.
6. Allow Stain to Dry and Reapply if Necessary
Most stains require drying time before a second coat or sealing.
- Check the stain manufacturer's instructions for drying times between coats and before sealing. If a second coat is recommended for desired color or opacity, apply it after the first coat is dry to the touch.
7. Seal the Fence
Sealing adds an extra layer of protection against moisture, UV rays, and mildew, extending the life of the stain and the fence itself.
- Seal the Fence: Once the stain has dried according to the manufacturer's recommendations, apply a high-quality exterior sealant designed for wood. You can apply the sealant using a brush, roller, or sprayer, following the product instructions for application and drying time.
By following these steps, incorporating the specific techniques like pressure washing at 1,500-2,000 psi, drying for at least 24 hours, sanding, and applying a thick coat of stain with a medium-nap roller before sealing, you can effectively restain and protect your wood fence.
