- 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 do I bid a stain job? 
What happens if you stain a dirty fence? You never want to apply stain to a dirty fence. Wood fence stain will only trap any dirt and particulates existing on the fencing, and that grime may even cause the stain to not stick. Here’s a step-by-step guide for cleaning a wood fence, whether you want to use a power washer or do it by hand.
Yet, 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.
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.
How much do you charge for staining?
On average, staining solution for a wooden deck ranges between $20 and $120 per gallon, depending on its quality. Look for stains that penetrate the wood deeply, which likely costs at least $30 to $40 per gallon.
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Stain Prices.
| Type of Deck Stain | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Clear Deck Stain | $20 – $50 | Natural-wood look |
How much does it cost to get wood stained?
The national average materials cost to stain a wood floor is $0.33 per square foot, with a range between $0.31 to $0.35. The total price for labor and materials per square foot is $1.21, coming in between $1.10 to $1.31. A typical 300 square foot project costs $362.43, with a range of $331.04 to $393.81.
How much does it cost to have a deck cleaned and stained?
The average cost to power wash and stain a deck is $2.15 to $4.25 per square foot. Deck painting cost is slightly lower. Total cost is $415 to $925 for decks of average size when a contractor is hired to do the work.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What lasts longer on a fence stain or paint?
Does paint or stain last longer on a fence? Stain tends to last longer than paint – but it can be more difficult to apply. Keep in mind that stain will fade over time and may need to be reapplied, even if it does outlast normal paint.
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.
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.
How often should you Restain a fence?
Routine wood fence maintenance is important to maintain the aesthetic of the fence and the life of the wood. A fence should be stained every two to three years to preserve the look and function of the fence.
Is it worth staining an old fence?
Whether your wooden fence is years old or newly installed, it can benefit from a single inexpensive addition: stain. Applying wood stain to the slats improves its design and prolongs the lifespan of your hard-working outdoor structure—a win-win!
How much should I charge to stain wood?
According to HomeAdvisor, stain prices can range from $20 to $120 per gallon. For a deep-penetrating stain, the average cost is at least $30 to $40 per gallon.
How much does it cost to powerwash and stain a deck?
The average cost to power wash and stain a deck is $2.15 to $4.25 per square foot. Deck painting cost is slightly lower. Total cost is $415 to $925 for decks of average size when a contractor is hired to do the work.