Home Improvement Ideas Outdoor Structures Fences How to Stain a Fence Learn how to stain a fence the right way to protect new wood or enhance a faded fence. By Kamron Sanders Published on March 27, 2024 Close Photo: Getty Images / Saklakova Project Overview Working Time: 2 hours Total Time: 4 hours Skill Level: Beginner Estimated Cost: $50 to $200 Staining a wood fence is a great way to enhance its look while protecting it from the harsh elements. Whether you’re looking to improve the look of a faded fence or protect a newly built wood fence, stain is a great option. Unlike paint, which sits on the surface of the fence and chips off over time, stain penetrates and soaks into the wood fibers. Here are step-by-step instructions for staining a wood fence, including the necessary prep work and how to choose the best stain for the job. Before You Begin Before you pick out a fence stain and begin application, you must prep the area and the wood. Trim back any vegetation around the fence so you can easily access the wood, and remove any old paint or coatings that could hinder the stain penetration. Then, make sure the fence is free of dirt and debris. Pressure washing the fence is an effective method for cleaning and prepping for stain, but leave ample drying time; the fence must be dry before you apply stain. Also, refrain from pressure washing aggressively, as this can gouge the wood. How to Choose the Best Stain for a Fence When choosing a stain for your fence, it’s essential to get an accurate feel for the color before applying it to the entire fence. Just because it looks good on a swatch inside the store doesn’t mean it will translate in an outdoor setting. After you settle on a few color options, test them on a scrap piece of wood. Choose a combination stain and sealer to give your wood fence the highest level of protection from the elements. When choosing a stain, choose a color that complements your home. Choose a semitransparent stain in a neutral color to give your fence a natural look that complements the wood grain. For a pop of color, choose a saturated color that fully hides the wood grain. The 9 Best Deck Stains of 2024 to Protect and Revive Your Deck What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Sprayer or brush and roller Hose and brush or pressure washer Stiff brush (optional) Eye protection Safety mask rated for fumes Orbital sander Spray bottle with water Materials Fence stain and sealer Drop cloths (optional) Sanding discs Painters tape Bleach Patching compound (optional) Instructions How to Stain a Fence Check the Forecast Check to ensure no rain is in the forecast for the day of and the days surrounding the stain application. Additionally, the temperature and humidity should be moderate, and there should be minimal wind. Wind is especially problematic if you plan to apply the stain using a sprayer. Staining a fence outside the intended weather window compromises the finish by manipulating the drying time. For specific weather specifications, consult the stain manufacturer’s instructions. Prep the Surrounding Area Cut back any vegetation covering the fence and remove all debris. Mask plants that you intend to keep near the fence using plastic sheets or drop cloths. Tape around fence hardware that you don’t want to cover with stain. Prep the Wood Prep the wood for stain by stripping and sanding any existing coating, such as old paint or sealant, that could hinder the stain’s penetration. Treat Mold and Mildew Kill any existing mold and mildew by spraying it with a diluted bleach solution before washing it off the fence. Clean the Fence Clean the wood thoroughly using a pressure washer or a hose with a spray nozzle, scrubbing the wood with a stiff brush to loosen any dirt, if necessary. Repair or Replace Damaged Boards After the fence dries, repair minor board damage using a stainable, exterior-grade patching compound. On old fences with more damage, replace individual boards where necessary. Test the Wood When it comes time to stain, test the wood before applying the stain. To do this, spray the wood with water in several places to ensure the water soaks into the wood rather than beads on top of the surface. Apply Stain Mix your stain according to the manufacturer’s instructions and apply it using either a paint sprayer or a brush and roller. Sprayer Method: Many fence stains are designed to be applied with a simple pump-style sprayer, which allows you to stain a fence quickly. Others may require a paint sprayer, so choose the correct sprayer according to the stain specifications. If applying with a sprayer, load the sprayer with the stain and apply the stain in sections to encourage even coverage, as stain tends to dry quickly, especially in an outdoor setting. Brush and Roller Method: If you’re in an area where overspray isn't an option, apply the stain with a brush and roller, just as you would when painting. A natural-bristle stain brush and medium-nap roller intended for use with stain will yield the best coverage. For best results, check your stain’s specific application instructions before choosing an application method. Reapply Stain if Necessary If necessary, apply a second coat of stain to achieve a darker finish or promote more even coverage. When in doubt, check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific stain’s ideal coverage. How to Maintain a Stained Fence Regular maintenance is the key to adding life to your stained wood fence. Stained fences must be recoated every few years, and doing so before the stain and the wood deteriorate is critical to ensuring the fence lasts as long as possible. Additionally, staying on top of reapplying stain makes the reapplication process easier. For moderate regions, consult the manufacturer’s instructions for recoating frequency, but areas with excessive precipitation and extreme temperatures will likely need more frequent recoating. How to Stain a Deck for a Beautiful, Long-Lasting Finish