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How To Stain A Fence

Take the stress out of staining a fence with this easy guide


Staining a fence is a lot easier than you may think. If you follow the steps below, you will quickly and easily learn how to stain a wood fence and then enjoy the benefits it brings to your property. Not only will the fence look beautiful after the project is finished, but by following these stress-free fence staining tips you are likely to enjoy spending time outdoors working on it.

Step One: Closely Examine the Wood

This first step is very easy in the fence staining project. Closely examining the wood involves looking for things like broken fence pieces, screws, nails, or staples. These things need to be removed or fixed in order to end up with a smooth surface where you can apply the fence stain. When you are working on an old wooden fence, your project can be seriously slowed down if you have to remove nails along the way. Sand down areas that may appear too rough or you believe could cause issues with application. Take the time right at the beginning of the project to fully inspect the wood and deal with any broken pieces right away. This is likely only to take a couple of minutes. 

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Step Two: Get the Wood Cleaned up

Cleaning up the wood of your fence is very simple. Use a wood cleaner like Olympic® Premium Deck Cleaner on your fence prior to staining. It is important to apply the wood cleaner in an even and uniform way. Additionally, make sure that you follow all safety precautions in order to protect yourself when using the wood cleaner. After applying the cleaning agent, use a soft bristle brush or mop to scrub away all the debris and grime. You will need to allow the wood fence to dry before moving on to the next step. The following video is specifically about how to clean and prep a wooden deck, however it is also very relevant to how you can clean a fence for staining.



Step Three: Staining the Wood Fence

Finally! Now that the wood is prepped and dry, you can get to the most important part, learning how to stain a fence. This process is very simple. You are going to apply the stain using a brush, roller, or a hand-pumped fence stain sprayer like the Olympic® Premium Deck Care Sprayer. No matter the method you use, make sure to apply an even coat to the fence. Cover the entire surface. If you see areas that are blotchy or where the stain puddles, quickly use a brush or roller to smooth these areas out.

How To Stain A Fence

Step Four: Allow the Stained Wood Fence to Rest

This is an essential step in staining a fence. Allowing it to rest after applying the stain will work wonders for the projects. And you get to extend the time you spend in the beautiful outdoors. This resting period should usually last for at least 24 hours but may extend to 48 hours, depending on the humidity and weather in your area.

Step Five: Enjoy Your Stained Fence

Now has come the time to enjoy your beautifully stained fence. You can kick back and relax. However, this does not mean that the work is done. At least once a year, you need to clean the fence and provide any maintenance that is necessary. There are many wooden fence products that can be applied to keep it in the best condition possible.

How To Stain A Fence

As you can see, learning how to stain a fence is a lot easier than you probably thought. The prep work takes just a couple of minutes and then you simply apply the stain in a consistent way. All that is left is to allow it to dry. Staining a fence can do so much for your property. You will be able to enjoy the new look of your fence when spending time outside with your family and friends. It will also make the home more appealing to potential buyers if you decide to put your home on the market someday. Congratulations on finishing your fence staining project and enjoy your new curb appeal.

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