how to prepare old cedar fence for staining

Because of cedar's large pores, it is necessary to prime the wood before painting it. Note: Make sure you use safety precautions, as the water stream can be hazardous. Stain costs around $24 per gallon, plus about $7 for paintbrushes. Staining the cedar fence could prove more expensive than sealing it. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. The stripper is a stronger chemical, so it's a good idea to have . Otherwise, I would apply the stain on with a roller because I felt it had better coverage than when I sprayed. As for choosing the best fence for your yard, consider variables like privacy, maintenance, and (of course) cost. This will remove the old stain and prepare the wood for the new stain. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Thank you for your business! Please refer to the Product Label, Technical Data Sheet (TDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for safety and detailed application instructions. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. So beneficial are these oils, they even have medicinal properties to treat inflammation and fungus. Fortunately, it is much easier than you think! Cut down weeds and vines that grow on the fences surface. Zinc nail that is hot dipped to coat the zinc. Melissa and Michael Gabso are the Owners of MC Construction & Decks based in Los Angeles, California. Need professional help with your project? Usually, it depends on where you live and what type of stain you use. You can also apply the stain with a brush and allow it to soak into the wood. Let dry for approximately day or 2-3 hours before applying any stain. Unfortunately, excessively rotted and worn cedar fences arent salvageable with a simple pressure-wash and stain. Stain Wood screws Sandpaper That old wooden fence in your yard may hold lots of memories, but upgrading it can breathe new life into your outdoor space. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. You can use this post as a visual reference when installing the remaining posts. All projects are attempted at the readers own risk. What Color Should I Choose For My Fence Stain? However, it is important to use a high-quality stain that is specifically designed for use on cedar and to follow the manufacturers instructions for application carefully to ensure the best results. This will give you the best view of the fences entire surface so you dont miss any spots. After I tried both techniques, here is what I discovered. It is a free call in the U.S.A.
, /advice/How-To-Stain-A-Cedar-Fence/Choose-the-right-fence-stain, /cms/cms/getmedia/a5060f57-4e5d-4404-8b5d-c1467b4b99b4/fence_18.jpg?width=500&height=500&ext=.jpg, /advice/How-To-Stain-A-Cedar-Fence/Inspecting-the-fence, /cms/cms/getmedia/9f5f499c-cf22-450f-a499-c2c47441439d/hammer_6.jpg?width=500&height=500&ext=.jpg, /advice/How-To-Stain-A-Cedar-Fence/Cleaning-the-fence, /cms/cms/getmedia/1e6b5b6e-86fb-4de3-b977-cc8f1db307c9/deck-hose_5.jpg?width=500&height=500&ext=.jpg, /advice/How-To-Stain-A-Cedar-Fence/Staining-the-fence, /cms/cms/getmedia/7e111260-b276-4362-a4ef-a121f39a05d0/fence_staining_27.jpg?width=500&height=500&ext=.jpg, Learn How to Choose the Right Stain Finish, Get Olympic Premium Deck Brightener & Wash, Exterior Semi-Transparent Wood Stain Colors, PPG Architectural Coatings Privacy Policy, CA Transparency in Supply Chain Disclosure, Product Cares Recycling Programs in Ontario. Taylor and Francis+NEJM, doi:10.1080/15287394.2014.955906, Yang, Chen Xi, et al. I hope my advice can help you to create your own backyard paradise. How long will a cedar fence last without stain? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. This detailed guide will walk you through all the necessary information you need to know about staining your new cedar fence. 2. Additionally, staining the fence can help to enhance its natural beauty and improve its overall appearance. Step One - Prep a Fence For Staining When it's time to update or refresh your cedar or pine fence. Heres how to clean old fence boards without pressure washing: 1. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. https://bit.ly/2GPiYbHPlus, download our app for streaming full episodes to your connected TV, phone or tablet:https://bit.ly/34RYEP5Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pages/streaming-appFollow This Old House and Ask This Old House:Facebook: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFBTwitter: http://bit.ly/AskTOHTwitterPinterest: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterestInstagram: http://bit.ly/AskTOHIGFor more on This Old House and Ask This Old House, visit us at: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseWebsiteHow to Stain a Wood Fence | This Old Househttps://www.youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse/ Also, by sealing your fence you can shield it from the harmful UV rays of the sun. But after three years, the fence was starting to look a bit dull. Now that you know why youre staining your cedar fence, you should also know what to expect during the process. Old and new cedar may benefit from an application of a wood brightener like Olympic Premium Deck Brightener & Wash. You can do this by sanding the fence with coarse sandpaper and using a stain stripper. You will need to stain your cedar fence when it is dry. Water-resistant sealing is also a good option to protect the fence from rain and moisture. Attribution Statement | Therefore, it is important to know what type of cedar is used for your fence, so you know how to stain it. If you stain your cedar fence at the right time, then it will serve you for years to come. Take into consideration any gate posts, bracing posts for gates, and corner posts as well. Check the placement of the pickets, then nail or screw them to the horizontal rails one at a time. Also, oil-based paint might last longer. You can easily check the moisture by using a moisture meter. Solid color stain is as close as you can get to applying acrylic-latex paint to the fence, without actually using paint. Jessica Wrubel has an accomplished background as a writer and copy editor, working for various publications, newspapers and in public libraries assisting with reference, research and special projects. Each fence post will hold up two rail posts, one on each side. krisaverbeck2023-05-16T11:32:05-05:00May 16th, 2023|Comments Off on Board on Board Fence, What's a Board on Board Fence? Application Tips When dealing with rough-sawn cedar or pine, it's important to prepare the wood prior to staining. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Weed Around the Fence Before you get to washing, don your gardening gloves and remove any stray plants that might be creeping up your cedar fence. I'm Asif Ahmad. To check the time frame, you can check the products label. How to apply the stain fast and properly back brush it so it look even and covered perfectly. Many have had lots of scarring from the weather, sun and sprinkler damage. Legal Notices & Privacy Policies | Do you use an oil based stain or a latex based stain? Use a moisture meter to determine how dry your fence is before applying any stain. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 44,802 times. SIDE NOTE: Gloves are essential for protecting your hands from getting stained. Does your fence need to be restained? Thus, solid color stains let some of the cedar's grain show through, but none of the color. This will provide a smooth surface for staining. STEP 3: Test the moisture level of the wood. If the stain has absorbed into the wood or any moldy spots are showing, then you may want to lightly sand before applying a second coat. The following procedures should prove helpful: New Wood Whether or not a company should stain top cap of a fence depends on various factors such as the type of wood, the [], krisaverbeck2023-04-11T14:22:17-05:00March 28th, 2023|Comments Off on DIY vs. Professional Fence Repairs Pros & Cons, Pros & Cons DIY vs Professional Fence Repairs DIY and professional fence repairs both have their own advantages and disadvantages. The small foam roller was even worse because the foam was breaking apart everywhere. However, these cedar fences are susceptible to discoloration and fading. Cedar fences are the new trend in home design and are beautiful and elegant additions to any yard. If youre unsure what to do next, try following the steps in the order written. Enjoy! Old and new cedar may benefit from an application of a wood brightener like Olympic Premium Deck Brightener & Wash. The first coat will require quite a bit of stain as much of it will be absorbed by the bare wood. Pour the stain into a painting tray and dip your paintbrush into the stain. To conclude cedarwood is one of the best options for fencing your yard. Cover any surrounding vegetation at the foot of the fence to protect it from drips from the stain. Store leftover cans of stain in a cool, dark place in your garage, basement or garden shed. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Clean both the inside of the fence and gates as well as the outside too. The few solid particles in this mix will not significantly obscure cedar's wood grain. Follow the instructions from the stains can on how to apply the stain. The first is a bead test, which is . But remember to keep an eye out for when you need to retain your fence in the next three to five years. Red cedar is one of the most popular wood species for exterior use because of its natural rich, red color and its natural resistance to decay. Robert Barnes Gonzalez explains why this happens and what to do about it. With that kind of longevity, it's no wonder that cedar works well as a long-lasting, durable building material, too. Here is the process of using a roller instead of a sprayer to restain a fence. If you love the natural beauty of a wood fence, you should also know that it takes a little extra care to keep it looking fresh and prevent any decay. The exact height of the pickets is largely a matter of preference. When the cedar becomes too porous and splintery, it's more difficult to treat effectively. Cedar fences are a great exterior design choice because they add beauty and elegance to your property. 2224, 2014, pp. It is a way for this site to earn advertising commissions by advertising or linking to certain products and/or services, click here to read my full disclosure policy. As a general rule of thumb, you should restain a wooden fence about every 3 to 5 years. The cost of this project will depend on the size of the fence you are staining and the time will also depend on this also. This article was co-authored by Melissa & Michael Gabso. Applying bleaching oil is a two-step process. TwoFeetFirst, LLC participates in various affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. In many cases, restoring an old wood fence is actually a better option than replacing it. If enjoying the peace and quiet in your backyard leaves you feeling exposed, a privacy fence may be just what you need. Now that all the repairs or replacement fence pickets have been done. Keep in mind that one gallon of stain will cover about 160 square feet of fence. Signup for TwoFeetFirst's newsletter to recieve emails packed full of DIY home ideas and inspiration. Preparing to Finish Preparation Preparing Cedar Outdoor Applications The surface condition of the wood to which the finish is to be applied can substantially affect the performance and hence the life expectancy of the finish. The number is 811. Therefore, it is essential to know what type of cedar is used for your fence, so you know how to stain it. By using our site, you agree to our. If protecting a deck, then painting is your best option for treating cedar. Certain types of cedar are also more susceptible to discoloration than others. . But one aspect of cedar's weathering process that doesn't appeal to some homeowners is that it turns gray unevenly and looks blotchy. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Then rinse the wood with water. Spray the fence down with your hose and allow it to dry. Inhibitory Effects of Cedrol, -Cedrene, and Thujopsene on Cytochrome P450 Enzyme Activities in Human Liver Microsomes. Manual brushing is often the best option since spraying can result in blotching. Stir the emulsion in a smooth figure eight motion until any, and all settlement is evenly dispersed. On. Contact us today at (512) 990-2530 to receive your service quote. If there's any confusion about how your property lines are drawn, call a surveyor out to have a look. A general rule is that you should wait for 5 to 8 weeks before staining your new cedar fence. The string will create a tripping hazard, so move carefully around your work site to avoid tripping. Get a friend to help you paint the fence. Redcedar dust can cause breathing problems or exacerbate the conditionin people who already suffer from asthma. Clean your cedar fence at least once a year. Make sure you use a stain that is compatible with a spraying machine. Next you will roll any areas you couldn't . By using our site, you agree to our. Once the second coat is dry, stand back, grab your beverage of choice, and enjoy your beautifully restored cedar fence. Alternatively, you can install two pickets on either end, run a string between them and line up the remaining pickets with the string. When you're ready to proceed, there are a few effective ways for testing the level of moisture in the wood. With the type of stain we used, we just unscrewed the cap and poured it from the spout on top. The process of restaining a cedar fence with a roller to restore the wood and protect it from the elements. As you did with the rails, it may be helpful to devise a way to hold the pickets steady while you secure them. Using a pressure washer is the easiest (and most satisfying) way to remove years of grime from your wood fence. Allow then your fence to dry for a month or two and then stain it properly. First, test the pressure washer in an area less visible to get comfortable with the equipment. References. If you stained your fence without giving it some time, it will not stain properly because of the moisture in the wood. If you are staining a new fence, it is critical that the fence has time to completely dry. First, the old stain will need to be stripped and a wood stain stripper is used for this. MC Construction & Decks also provides plans and permitting services and is known for backyard beautification projects. If you see any nails sticking out, hammer them back in place. Rinse the fence off with a garden hose again. Cedar fencing will remain inviting, attractive, and structurally sound for many years if adequately cared for properly. Lay down cardboard boxes or old sheets to protect areas from stain. Use an old toothbrush to clean your spray machine nozzle and any other attachments. There are also commercial cleaners out there that can help destroy mold, dirt, and mildew stains. Cedar wood rejuvenation is easy using 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner, a . Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Thedrying period is dependent upon the weather. You can repeat this process once every 2-3 years. If the is fence made up of some pressure-treated materials, then you should wait for approximately 4 months to dry. To get started building your own fence, you'll first need to identify your property boundaries and dig holes for the support posts. Always round up your calculations its better to buy too much, than not enough! There are three different types of nails for outdoor use to minimize them rusting and bleeding on the fence. Fence Stain Guide: Step 1 Closely Examine the Wood This first step is very easy in the fence staining project. There are 23 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. If you're working alone, you may need to clamp or tie the rails in place until you can fasten them. While this process is not apparent over small areas, it is noticeable when you are looking at wide expanses, such as siding. In The Spring Time the Fence may look Old, Gray and Worn Out! After cleaning the fence, allow at least 24 hours for the wood to dry. )SUBSCRIBE to This Old Hou. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Maintaining your cedar's color is about choices, timing, and above all, the right type of treatment. This will be a good area to invest in the pros, as inexperience with a pressure washer can result in injury and damage to your cedarwood. I said $900. Are there areas that may need attending to with any kind of repairs? However, it is vulnerable to moisture, pests, and salt from the elements. The purpose of staining a cedar fence is the first thing you need to know. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 2023 TwoFeetFirst - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. However, if the water standing still on the woods surface, then your fence is not ready to get stained. After taking the time to build a wooden fence around your property, youll want to protect it from the elements and make sure it lasts. To clean a cedar fence, you can use a solution of mild dish soap and water. Clean the fence by attaching a high-pressure spray nozzle attached to a nose, or a power washer, to clean the fence. Clean or sand down any cedar that is dirty, stained or contaminated with mildew. A cedar fence can provide beauty, stability, and privacy to any home or vicinity. Before starting the staining process, plan your project for when you have ideal weather. Cedar is a hard, dense wood. A Product of PPG Architectural Finishes, Inc. 2023 PPG Industries. You can clean and restore your cedar fence with a good pressure wash, followed by a new layer of stain. Check the condition of the wood. Cedarwood is famous for its durability and is, therefore, one of the best woods for fencing. Double check your measurements often and before your concrete sets. When fully weathered, cedar takes on a light silvery-gray appearance. A Complete Guide Last Updated: 6 May 2023 by Asif Ahmad Knowing when to stain a new cedar fence is important. Visually look at all the areas of the fence from the bottom kick board to the top of the fence. of fence! Before committing to a stain, and to be sure its the finish and colour you want, spot test a small amount by letting it dry. Evenly apply the wood stain following the instructions on the can, using one or more of these: Be sure to apply an even coat of wood stain to the fence. Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links or referral links for your convenience. % of people told us that this article helped them. Make sure to follow each step in the order it is written. Wear rubber gloves and goggles, so you dont inhale the cleaner. Beginner 150-500 What You'll Need Applying cedar fence stain is an easy and rewarding DIY task you can tackle with the proper knowledge and tools. Make sure to follow each step in the order it is written. See All Fence Stains When I first started rolling the stain on my fence, I used the rollers I had on hand. Use brightly-colored string or yarn that's easy to see so you can survey the prospective fence line from every part of your property. Obtain a Pressure Washer With over ten years of experience, they specialize in exterior and interior remodeling and redesign, including kitchen, bathroom, and deck construction. How long do you have to wait to stain a new cedar fence? 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