Staining a Cedar Fence

When Can I Apply Stain or Sealant to My New Wood Fence?

Good things are worth the wait. From a college diploma to a special birthday present to an engagement ring, there are some things in life that are more meaningful when you wait for the beautiful end result. The same is true for the new wood fence you just put up. Before you can cross your new wood fence off your to-do list, you must stain or seal it.

Why Should You Seal or Stain Your New Wood Fence?

Wood fences are traditionally beautiful, and they can be a substantial financial investment in the value of your home and property. They do, however, need staining or sealing to enhance their beauty and ensure their longevity. Because wood swells when wet and contracts when dry, the constant swelling and contracting action can cause cracks and damage to your lovely new wood fence. If the wood is not properly treated, the sun’s damaging UV rays can cause fading and warping. Furthermore, mold, rot, and decay can attack the wood.

When Should You Seal or Stain Your New Wood Fence?

The amount of time you should wait before staining or sealing your new wood fence depends on the type of wood, the time of year, and the climate in your area. If you installed a pressure-treated pine fence, wait until it is completely dry before staining or sealing it. If the wood is not completely dry before staining or sealing it, the treatment will not adhere properly to the wood. If you installed a cedar fence, you should be able to stain or seal it right away. In fact, if you wait too long, it may weather too quickly, requiring you to sand it or wash it with a special cleaner before staining or sealing it.

When deciding how long to wait before treating your new wood fence, there are some general guidelines to follow. Consider the type of wood you’re using, and then wait the appropriate amount of time (usually between 1 and 6 months) before staining or sealing your fence. This will give it enough time to weather and dry or cure. You may not have to wait as long if you live in an area that receives less rain than most, or if your area is experiencing a dry spell.

How Should You Care for Your New Wood Fence?

Simply place a small amount of water on the surface boards of your new wood fence to test its dryness. If the water condenses, you’ll have to wait and check it again later. If water seeps into the wood, it is sufficiently dry and ready to be stained or sealed. Another option is to use a moisture meter to check it. To properly prepare your fence for final treatment, you may want to power-wash or sand it first. Then, once it’s clean and dry, apply a weatherproof stain or sealant with a manufacturer’s warranty to ensure you’re protected in the event of a problem.

Which Fence Company Can Give You the Best Advice on Sealing and Staining?
Hire a trusted local professional installer from Buy a Fence to assist you with these nuances. We have dozens of 5-star reviews from customers and a 94 percent approval rating from sites such as Angie’s List, Home Advisor, and the BBB (Better Business Bureau). With over 20 years of experience installing fences, we purchase over 10 million pounds of fence and install over 2 million feet of fence in 16 locations throughout the Chicagoland area each year. We offer “No Contact” quotes and installation during the Coronavirus pandemic because you have enough to worry about. Call Buy a Fence today and let us assist you with all aspects of your wood fence installation, from concept to completion.

HOW DO YOU CARE FOR A CEDAR FENCE?

A cedar fence is an eye-catching addition to any property. A cedar fence must be cared for and protected from the elements in order to retain its beauty. In many cases, all that is required is the application of a good wood stain. If you can paint, you are more than qualified to stain a cedar fence; however, it is best to first understand how to prep and stain for your wood staining project.

If you choose to stain the fence yourself, where do you start?

FIRST STEP

1.Select the Appropriate Stain

You must select the appropriate wood stain color and finish for your project.

Wood stain finishes range from transparent to solid opaque and come in a wide range of colors. Choose a wood stain that complements the appearance of your home or adds a splash of color to your property.

Olympic offers a wide range of exterior wood stain colors in a variety of transparencies.

SECOND STEP

2.Examine the Fence

Look for protruding screws, staples, or nails, as well as broken fence pieces.

If you run into any of these issues, you’ll need to fix them. This creates a smooth surface for staining.

The fence will need to be cleaned after any necessary repairs are completed.

3rd STEP

3.Maintain the Fence

A clean wood surface is ideal for staining. If there is any existing paint or stain on the fence, it must be removed.

An application of a wood brightener, such as Olympic Premium Deck Brightener & Wash, to both old and new cedar may be beneficial. This is a mild cleaner made specifically for exterior wood surfaces. It also gets rid of some mill marks and glaze on new wood.

Allow the brightener to soak into the wood for a few minutes.

It may be necessary to scrub stubborn stains gently.

Rinse the cleaner away with water to easily remove dirt, mold, and mildew from older wood.

Allow at least 24 hours for the wood to dry after cleaning the fence.

4th STEP

4.Make a fence stain

Apply the wood stain evenly, following the directions on the can, using one or more of the following:

a brush with a straight edge roller
a stain sprayer that is pumped by hand

Apply a thin, even coat of wood stain to the fence. Make sure to cover the entire surface. You may need to use an angled brush to stain any gaps between the planks.

As with interior painting, if there are any blotchy areas or places where the stain puddles or bubbles, quickly smooth these areas out with a brush.

Allow the stain to dry for 24-48 hours. The drying time is determined by the weather.

Buy a Fence is your one-stop shop for all things exterior home improvement. Are you looking for a professional to finish your project? Contact us today!

Visit our fence staining services page to learn more.