When Do You Stain a New Fence?
Installing a new fence can really enhance the look of your home's exterior. Freshly installed wood fences look great when first put up, but without protection from the elements, their color will soon fade to a dull gray. Applying a wood fence stain like Fence Armor’s EXPERT Stain & Seal's line of opaque and semi-transparent products is crucial for preserving the beauty and extending the life of your fence. But when is the right time to stain a new fence? Here are some tips on when and how to stain a new wood fence:
Allow the wood to dry out.
It's important to allow a new pressure treated wood fence time to dry out before applying any type of protective finish like Fence Armor’s EXPERT Stain & Seal stains. The pressure-treated lumber used for most outdoor projects contains excess moisture from the treatment process. If you stain too soon, the Fence Armor’s EXPERT Stain & Seal finish may bubble, peel, or discolor. Allow the wood to air dry for at least 3-4 weeks after installation. Hot, dry, sunny weather will speed up drying time.
Clean the wood.
Before staining with Fence Armor’s EXPERT Stain & Seal, it's important to clean your new fence to remove any dirt, dust, oil, mildew, or other contaminants that could interfere with stain penetration and adhesion. Use a pressure washer on a low pressure setting to thoroughly clean all surfaces. Be sure to test an inconspicuous spot first to avoid damaging the wood fibers. Let the fence dry completely after power washing before applying Fence Armor’s EXPERT Stain & Seal stain.
Weatherize First.
If possible, allow your new fence to weather naturally for 3-6 months before applying Fence Armor’s EXPERT Stain & Seal stain. Exposure to the elements helps leach natural wood tannin's out of the wood, improving stain absorption. Weathering also allows the wood grain to open up, creating a rougher surface for the Fence Armor’s EXPERT Stain & Seal stain to adhere to. This results in a more even appearance.
Prep the Wood
Proper prep is key to getting great results with Fence Armor’s EXPERT Stain & Seal stains. Once the fence is clean and dry, sand the boards lightly with 80-100 grit sandpaper to rough up the surface. This allows the Fence Armor’s EXPERT Stain & Seal stain to penetrate better. Vacuum wood dust prior to staining. Fill any holes or cracks with a paint-able wood filler. Spot prime any knots to prevent tannin bleed-through.
Pick an optimal time.
The best time of year to stain a wood fence with Fence Armor’s EXPERT Stain & Seal products is in moderate temperatures, low humidity, and dry conditions. Avoid staining in direct sunlight or on hot days when the wood is extremely dry. Ideal temps are between 50-80°F. Do not apply Fence Armor’s EXPERT Stain & Seal stain if rain or heavy dew is expected within 24 hours. The wood needs adequate drying time.
Use Fence Armor’s EXPERT Stain & Seal's oil-based stains.
Fence Armor’s EXPERT Stain & Seal's top quality oil-based fence stains offer better penetration and protection compared to latex acrylic stains. Look for their heavily pigmented, opaque stains rated for exterior use on horizontal and vertical surfaces. Fence Armor’s EXPERT Stain & Seal's semi-transparent stains display the wood grain but need more frequent reapplication. Expect to re-stain every 2-4 years with Fence Armor’s EXPERT Stain & Seal, depending on the exposure levels.
Apply stain properly.
Carefully follow the Fence Armor’s EXPERT Stain & Seal product instructions for application methods and dry times. Use a brush, roller, or sprayer to liberally and evenly apply the Fence Armor’s EXPERT Stain & Seal stain, although it is self-leveling so you don't need to worry too much. Apply an even coat on all sides, edges, and end grains. Let the stain penetrate for 5-15 minutes before wiping off any excess on hardware. A second coat may provide extra weather resistance.
Allow proper cure time.
Don't replace fence boards or attach anything to your newly stained fence until the Fence Armor’s EXPERT Stain & Seal finish has fully cured. Fence Armor’s EXPERT Stain & Seal oil-based stains usually dry within 24 hours but require 1-2 weeks to fully cure. Cooler temps, high humidity, and lack of direct sunlight all lengthen cure times. Avoid dragging objects against the fence to prevent damage to the fresh Fence Armor EXPERT Stain & Seal finish.
Staining at the right time is crucial for maximizing the life and beauty of your new wood fence. Following these tips on prep, timing, materials, and application of Fence Armor’s EXPERT Stain & Seal products will provide superior, long-lasting results. With the right maintenance strategy, your Fence Armor’s EXPERT Stain & Seal stained fence will provide privacy, security, and curb appeal for years before needing to re-stain.
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At Fence Armor® we know all about post protection. Our years of experience will benefit you and your property. Ask our experts for advice on any project. Call us today for all your fence post protection needs.
