How to Stain a Cedar Fence

A recently installed fence with the attractiveness of pure cedar provides value to your house. But over time and without proper maintenance, this pure glow will likely take on an unattractive, weathered gray look. Staining a brand new fence can help maintain its look, and after an older fence was cleaned, stain may help bring back its natural beauty. When selecting a stain for cedar, then choose one that is oil-based and semitransparent. This type of stain has better penetrating qualities, and the little amount of pigment in the stain helps prevent the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays.

Prep Work

Jump to the next section for those who have a recently installed fence. Otherwise, attach one end of a garden hose to a water supply line and another end to your power washer. Use a washer with a pressure of 1,500 to 2,000 pounds per square inch. Attach a 25-degree angle tip to the end of the power washer’s wand. Turn on the water and start the power washer.

Strip away the surface dirt and debris from the wood. Hold the end of the wand 18 inches from the fence and move it gradually, vertically, going with the grain of this wood. Work in 2-foot sections and prevent holding the wand in one spot for too long.

Notice the way the wood gets lighter as you spray. Stop spraying the area when there is no more color shift. Move on to a different fence section and repeat. Continue for the length of the fence and allow it to dry completely.

Inspect the fence before rinsing. Replace any damaged planks, and hammer in nails which may be protruding above the surface.

Staining

Spread tarps at the base of the fence to protect the grass. Pour a portion of the wood stain to a paint tray.

Dip a long-handled, 3/8-inch nap roller to the stain. Start at one end of this fence and also apply a generous amount of stain to the wood. Work vertically in little, 3-foot sections. Use a paintbrush to “back brush” the stained region, grabbing any runs or drips and making sure the stain gets into all crevices and surface details. Permit the wood to get up as much as it can before you move on to the next section.

Apply the stain to hard-to-get-to areas with a paintbrush. Continue the process for the length of the fence, and then allow the fence to dry for 24 hours. Use the identical technique to apply another coat. Depending on the item brand, it might take up to 72 hours to get the stain to fully dry.

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