Beautify An Outdoor Fence While Preventing Wood Rot With One Promising Product

Choosing wood for an outdoor fence allows tremendous versatility in terms of both style and color. There are numerous types of wooden fences to consider, but they all have one thing in common: They need some kind of weather protection. Giving your fence a coat of preservative every two or three years is one of the key tips for keeping your wooden fence pristine. Flex Seal Liquid promises to beautify an outdoor fence and prevent wood rot while also being easy to apply.

Flex Seal Liquid isn't a stain or paint but rather a liquid rubber sealant. It provides a thick protective coating that keeps out any kind of moisture that might cause rot. In addition to being used as a general fence preservative, it could also be applied to fence posts before they are put in the ground to prolong their life.

Flex Seal Liquid is UV resistant. As you might expect from liquid rubber, it is flexible, so it won't crack or peel. Once dry, it can handle temperature extremes from minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, so wherever you live, neither snow and ice nor scorching sun should be a problem. Flex Seal is available in clear, white, gray, and black. If you want to stain your fence a different color, you can do that as a separate coat and then apply clear Flex Seal over the top.

Preparation is important. The fence should be free from dirt and grease. There are several effective ways to clean a wooden fence without a pressure washer if you don't have one. Brush off any loose material before starting. Although Flex Seal Liquid is thicker than most fence stains and sealers, it can be applied with a brush or a foam roller in the same way, being careful to avoid over-application that could cause runs. It's a good idea to wear disposable gloves to protect your skin. Allow 24 to 48 hours between coats.

Given the thickness of Flex Seal, it's tempting simply to dispose of brushes or rollers after use. However, as an oil-based product, it is considered hazardous waste and should not be put in the normal trash. Leftover liquid must not be poured down the drain. Either give it to a friend or neighbor who can use it, or find your nearest recycling service.

Flex Seal Liquid costs around $110 per gallon, which is enough to cover approximately 150 square feet. If you're looking for a more environmentally friendly alternative, Seal-Once Nano+Poly is a water-based, waterproof sealant that costs around $64 a gallon and offers similar coverage. It is suitable for high-traffic areas like decks but may not offer the same level of protection against wood rot as Flex Seal. That said, Flex Seal is not recommended for use underfoot.