Is it time to stain your fence? Here are the steps to do it right.
Spring and fall are two of the best times to stain a fence. The weather is cool and relatively dry, but still pleasant enough to enjoy the outdoors. It is especially true in Maryland. How do you know if it is time to stain your wood fence, though? You can test it out by wetting a spot on the fence. If the water beads up and drips off, then you do not need to stain your fence. If the fence soaks up the water and becomes dark, then it is high time. It’s an easy job; here is how to stain a fence in three easy steps.
Clean the Fence
The first step is to clean your fence. Constant time outdoors will leave it covered in dirt and possibly some mold or mildew. You can use a white vinegar and water solution or use a commercial fence cleaner as directed. Another option is to use a pressure washer. Whichever method you go with, allow the fence to dry completely before moving on to the next step. A clean, dry fence will give you the perfect canvas on which to apply your stain effectively.
Apply the Stain
You can use various tools to apply your wood fence stain, such as a brush, a roller, or an exterior paint pad. You can use one or more of these tools; a brush will let you get into crevices more easily.
Apply your fence stain evenly from top to bottom, working on one or several boards at a time. You can go over it again with a brush to press the stain into the wood. Overlap your layers of stain to avoid lap lines; in other words, do not let one stroke dry before blending it in with the next.
Don’t forget to clean your tools properly after you are done!
Let It Dry
Finally, let your fence dry completely. Plan to complete your home improvement project on a day without rain in the forecast. You can also have a great result when staining your fence in indirect sunlight, such as at a certain time of day or on a cloudy day.
Upgrade Your Home and Reach Out to Freedom Fence Today
Whether you want a brand new patio in the spring or want to install a beautiful new wood fence, Freedom Fence and Home has the expertise, competitive prices, and professional service you need. Freedom Fence and Home has over 50 years of fencing experience in the Baltimore County area, Harford County, Essex, White Marsh, and Bel Air area, and we pride ourselves on giving our customers the best customer service experience possible. To see examples of our work and pick the right fence for your home, visit us online. To get started on planning your project, give us a call at (443) 271-6841, or visit us online. For more information, tips, and updates about Freedom Fence and Home, follow us on Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook.