Cedar Fence Staining Tips
Staining is a great way to protect your fence and bring out the natural beauty of cedar. It’s a fairly simple and inexpensive project that will keep your fence looking new for years to come. However, it’s important to follow some basic guidelines to ensure your staining job goes well.
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First, make sure you choose the right product for your needs. There are many different types of stains out there, so it’s crucial to consider your location, the amount of sunlight that passes through your fence and other factors before making a decision.
Before staining, clean the fence thoroughly and allow it to dry for a few days. This will help the stain penetrate the wood more effectively and provide better results.
You should also consider whether you want a semi-transparent or solid stain, as both types have their pros and cons. A solid stain is thicker and can cover up blemishes while a semi-transparent stain will highlight the natural beauty of your fence’s grain.
The key to successful staining is having the proper tools and supplies on hand. These include a paint roller made of foam or polystyrene fibers, a brush in various sizes for corners and small areas and a sprayer. You’ll also need rags, a paint tray and plastic for protecting other surfaces.
If you plan to use a sprayer, check the manufacturer’s directions carefully. You’ll need to set the nozzle to a low pressure that won’t damage your fence and is comfortable for you to handle.
Another consideration is whether or not you’re going to wear gloves. Having the proper gear can make a huge difference in how long it takes to apply your stain. You can buy chemically-resistant gloves at most home improvement stores and online.
When you’re ready to stain, it’s a good idea to cover the area under and around your fence with plastic drop cloths to protect the plants and other materials nearby. Overspray and splatter can create a big mess, so it’s important to protect the surrounding area as much as possible.
Next, decide how you’re going to apply your fence stain. Some people prefer a brush, while others like to use a sprayer. Either option will work, but a sprayer can be easier to use and is less likely to drip than a brush.
Before you begin staining, read the label on your can of fence stain for recommended drying times. This will help you determine how much of the stain you’ll need to apply.
You should also use a brush to apply the stain to your fence. This will help you get an even color and prevent lap marks from forming.
Start with a good-quality brush and follow the grain of your fence as you apply the stain to each slat. Be sure to hold the brush close to the slat so you can stain each one evenly.
Once you’ve applied all of the slats on your fence, you can move on to the top and bottom. For this step, you’ll need a wide brush for slats that are high up and a smaller brush for slats that are low to the ground.
