Don't Skip This Step Before Staining Your Old Fence In A Refresh Attempt

Wooden fences come in a host of attractive styles and are a popular choice whether you're looking for added curb appeal or backyard privacy. However, while a well-maintained wooden fence could last 20 years, the same is not true of the finish. It's likely that the stain will need to be refreshed every two to three years if you want to keep it looking its best.

First of all, you'll want to determine the best kind of stain for your fence, as they certainly aren't all equal. Then, before you reach for your brush or your spray gun, there's another essential step that mustn't be skipped: giving your fence a thorough clean. There are a couple of reasons why doing this is worth it. Dirt and grime are bound to have built up over time, and if this isn't cleaned off, the results will likely be patchy. Also, if there are black or green streaks on your fence, then even if the new coat covers them, they will eventually bleed through. So, let's look at a proven technique demonstrated in a video by @emyludesigns for refreshing your fence the right way.

In the video, a fence and deck cleaner is applied using a pressure washer, and that's certainly the quickest way to do the job. Make sure the jet is not too strong, or it could damage the wood. The kind of hand-pumped sprayer used in the yard or garden for spraying fertilizer or insecticide should also work, or in a pinch you could use a bucket and a stiff brush.

You could try to restore your fence with a household cleaner, or you could buy a commercial product like RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover. This comes ready to use and claims to act fast without scrubbing. Whatever you choose, you'll need to let the fence dry thoroughly before applying the stain. Leaving it about half a day should do, although instructions may be provided with the cleaner and should always be followed.

Finally, apply your chosen finish. In the video, a Wagner spray gun is used. These are very efficient, but cost over a hundred bucks. A brush will take longer, but gets the job done for a whole lot less. Either way, by not missing the important step of cleaning the fence thoroughly, you have the ideal surface for your stain while ensuring the result is a fence that looks like new again.