FloriFence recommends staining or painting any new wooden fence. Not only will this improve the overall aesthetic, but it will protect the wood from water and pest damage over time. Typically, an untreated wooden fence won’t last more than 10 years after installation. However, by staining or painting, you can add another five or more years to your fence’s service life with very little effort on your part.
At FloriFence, we are partial to wood stains because they show off your fence’s beautiful color and wood grain. They also look great in most natural Florida landscapes. Before you stain your fence, we recommend reviewing these tips to ensure a successful application:
Do choose a high-quality stain for your wooden fence.
Staining is typically more expensive than paint in the beginning, but it will eventually equalize because you don’t have to reapply stains as frequently as paint. For this reason, we recommend choosing a high-quality stain that will outlast paint and provide rich color. By choosing a cheap stain, you could be spending more over time and not providing your fence the protection it needs against the elements.
Don’t forget your prep work.
Staining your fence is simple, but it requires basic prep work that will determine how well your stain soaks in and protects the wood. Be sure to choose a day that is not too hot, and where there is no rain forecast. Your FloriFence contractors will install wood that has already been sanded and smoothed, but you should be sure that there are no patches of dirt or rough spots on your fence before staining. If you don’t you will effectively seal these so they cannot be removed later on.
Do apply in the direction of the wood grain.
Wood stains should fully saturate the wood, which means you need to apply a thick coat that can soak into the wood grain. By going with the wood grain, you’ll create a smoother application that will look uniform instead of rough and patchy.
Don’t thin the wood stain when reapplying.
As a rule of thumb, you should never thin wood stains. Adding water or a thinner can damage the wood. It is also not practical to thin the stain because it will not protect the wood itself as well if it has been altered. If you are worried about reapplying a layer that is too thick, it may not be time to reapply just yet.
Do check for beading to know when to restrain.
When water no longer forms “beads” and runs off your fence, you know it’s instead soaking through the stain and into the wood. This is a clear sign that the stain is wearing thin and that you should retouch it on your next available sunny day.
Talk to your FloriFence contractor about wood staining tips and general preventative maintenance for your fence. We are always here to help!
FloriFence LLC. 