How to Stain a Fence: Step by Step

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Wood fences are often painted or stained, but paint can require more upkeep. Though paint looks nice when it’s fresh, chipping and peeling over time can leave it unsightly. Staining is an easy and relatively inexpensive option to update your fence and get it looking like new, but it’s important to do it right.

Whether your wooden fence is a few years old or newly installed, a stain can improve its look and prolong its lifespan. Here’s a step-by-step guide to staining your fence like a pro.

“Wood stain is a semi-transparent coating that penetrates wood to add color and highlight the wood’s grain and unique features.”

Fence Staining Basics

Wood stain is a semi-transparent coating that penetrates wood to add color and highlight the wood’s grain and unique features. Stains come in different colors, including wood shades and non-wood shades, so you can personalize the look. Stains are formulated for weather-resistance and flexibility, so they perform better than some paints and varnishes. Because they are semi-transparent, they protect the wood without taking away from its natural beauty.

How to Clean a Fence Before Staining

It’s best to clean your fence prior to staining. Here are some supplies you’ll need:

• Stiff-bristle brush
• Power washer or garden hose
• Rubber gloves
• Bucket

If you’re re-staining an older fence, you will need to take any remnants of the old stain off. You may need:

• A sanding block
• Bleach
• Wood stain stripper
• Sandpaper

Clean the fence with water from a high-pressure spray nozzle on a garden hose or a power washer. This will remove some of the dirt and debris. If your fence has an existing stain, you may need to use a wood stain stripper to take off old varnish. Use a stiff bristle brush to loosen the old varnish. If you spot mold or mildew deposits on the fence, prepare a solution of bleach diluted with water in a bucket. Put on rubber gloves and apply the bleach to the slats, allowing it to settle in for a few minutes. Rinse with your garden hose or power washer. Make sure the wood dries out completely before moving on to stain, which can take a few hours.

How to Prep a Fence Before Staining

Gather your materials for staining, including:

• Wood stain
• Wood filler
• Painter’s tape
• Wood sealant
• Paint pan
• Paint roller
• Paint roller cover
• Paint sprayer
• Drop cloth

Spread canvas drop cloths on the ground beneath the fence and over nearby surfaces and objects to protect them from stain. if there are areas you don’t want to stain, use painter’s tape to protect them. If you notice any chips, gouges, or cracks in your fence, use wood filler to fill them in prior to staining. If they’re severe, consider replacing the damaged slats prior to staining.

Begin Staining Your Fence

1. Stain the Fence Slats

You can use a brush, roller, or sprayer to stain your fence.

• If you’re using a brush, dip the tip of the brush into a can of stain, then coat any horizontal slats from left to right. Work your way from the top to the bottom, keeping the brush wet the entire time. When you reach the bottom of a slat, stain the end grain.
• If you’re using a roller, use a roller cover and fully saturate the roller with the stain. Work in two- to three-foot sections of the fence at a time. Make sure to re-paint over uncovered areas left by the previous stroke (back-brush) to ensure the stain gets in the hard-to-reach areas.
• If you’re using a sprayer, the process is similar to using a roller. However, you must stand farther back.

2. Let the Stain Dry

Once you’ve stained the entire fence, let it dry according to the stain manufacturer’s instructions. Apply additional coats of stain as needed until you get the depth of color you want.

3. Finish with Sealant

A high-quality wood stain should be enough to protect against wear-and-tear, but you can get more longevity out of your stain by applying a durable sealant at the end. Apply a single coat of clear, weatherproof sealant using the same method you used to stain, then allow it to dry.

4. Clean Up the Area

Make sure you clean up the drop cloth and painter’s tape. Wash the stain off of the rollers, brushes, spray canister, and pan. Water-based stains are easy to clean up, but you’ll need a special cleaner for oil-based stain.

Fence Staining 101: Tips for Success

Fence staining is an easy process that can have beautiful results if you take your time. Here are some tips for success:

• Choose a premium-quality, weatherproof wood stain.
• Stain one or two slats at a time to prevent lap marks.
• Smooth out any blotches with a brush or roller.
• Stain your fence when the temperature is between 40–80°F.
• Stain needs about 24 hours to cure, so avoid staining if it’s expected to rain the next day.
• Take your time!

Restore Your Wood Fence

Staining your wood fence can spruce up its look and extend its lifespan, but it can’t last forever. If it’s time to upgrade your fence or you need repairs before staining, Northwest Fence & Iron is the best wood fencing company in Austin. Contact us today to discuss your wood fencing installation or repairs in Austin!