- Should You Power Wash Before Fence Staining?
- More often than not, it is not a good idea to power wash a fence before staining it.
- Power washers can force the mold and mildew (the greying color of the fence) deeper into the wood pickets.
- This causes the wood to deteriorate quicker.
Subsequently, How long does stain last on a fence? Stain can last anywhere from 1 to 8 years, depending on how opaque the stain is. Transparent stain lasts a short time, while an opaque stain lasts longer. Paint lasts up to 10 years if it is properly applied and the right type of paint is used. It’s important to apply high-quality exterior-grade paint.
Should you stain both sides of fence? In actuality, you should be staining both sides of your fence. Not only will it be more aesthetically pleasing to all parties involved, it will help your wooden fence last longer. As the days continue to get longer and the sun beats down a little harder, sun protection should be on your mind.
Yet, What is the fastest way to stain a fence? 
Can you stain over an already stained fence? You can use solid stain over existing solid or semi-transparent stain, but semi-transparent stain over solid stain will look strange and won’t last. It’s designed to penetrate wood and won’t adhere well to a solid coating.
Is it OK to stain only one side of a fence?
If you only stain “your side” of the fence, you’re leaving the other side susceptible to damage. In fact, this may actually do more harm than good because you’re preventing rain water from evaporating on both sides. If you stain the fence all the way around, you create an envelope that keeps rain out of the wood.
Do you need to seal a fence after staining?
While a good quality stain alone is sufficient to protect your fence from everyday wear-and-tear, applying a durable sealant over the stain can prolong the finish—and the life of your fence. For best results, apply a single coat of clear, weatherproof sealant by brush, roller, or sprayer.
How many coats of stain do I need for a fence?
Two coats are best, and it’s best to avoid applying the stain in direct sunlight. Woodscapes can be second coated within two hours, depending on the humidity and air temperature. Most products can be re-coated the same day. You should stain your fence every three to four years when the coating starts to fade and wear.
Do you stain both sides of a fence?
In actuality, you should be staining both sides of your fence. Not only will it be more aesthetically pleasing to all parties involved, it will help your wooden fence last longer. As the days continue to get longer and the sun beats down a little harder, sun protection should be on your mind.
Is it better to stain or seal a fence?
Stains offer the same benefits as sealers but with some extra advantages. Sun damage can cause a fence to fade and become grey in as little as a few months. A quality stain can protect a fence against the UV rays at the heart of the process. The more opaque the stain, the more UV protection it provides.
Do I need to power wash fence before staining?
If you don’t have to wash your fence before staining, it’s more than possible that the fresh stain doesn’t reach the wood as it just sits on top of the old finish (es). Your new stain will peel off the wood, and it might look much less desirable than it did before.
What is the best color to stain a fence?
If you’re considering stain colors for a privacy fence, you may want to stick with commonly used colors like a warm cedar, rich redwood or dark brown. If you’re staining a ranch rail fence, it may be fitting to choose a darker color like a black fence stain or dark brown fence stain.
Do I need to sand before staining a fence?
If the fence is brand new sanding is generally not required before staining. It doesn’t hurt though to do some spot sanding if you see some eased edges or other areas where the stain may have difficulty taking.
Is it OK to stain one side of a fence?
Most contractors will not agree to stain just one side of a fence. This is because it would take a considerable amount of labor to try to protect one side from unwanted stain, and for most fence types the stain could easily leak through to the other side of the fence.