A wood fence can frame the front lawn or add more privacy to the backyard. It’s a classic choice that suits any exterior decorating style, especially since it’s easy to customize. However, if you’re thinking about painting or staining it again, there’s a bit of preparatory work involved. Here are some tips to ensure long-lasting results.

What to Do Before Painting or Staining a Wood Fence

1. Repair or Replace

A new coat of paint or stain can’t hide structural issues. If any planks are broken or bowed, they must be replaced. Don’t forget about loose screws, either.

As you tend to these problems, take note of their causes. Although the sun, rain, and snow can weaken the planks over time, there could be other reasons for the damage, such as pests.

2. Clean It Up

Once your wood fence is structurally sound, you’ll need to clean it. Doing so will help the paint or stain fully adhere to the surface.

If the dust and grime are minimal, a stiff brush and wood-safe cleaning solution will suffice. However, pressure-washing may be necessary for dirtier surfaces.

3. Prime or Treat the Material

If you’ll be painting, you’ll need to scrape off any old paint, sand the surface, then apply primer. If you’ll be staining your wood fence, you’ll only need to sand the surface finish. Make sure to only sand away the top layer so that the stain can penetrate the wood itself, not the remaining finish.

 

When your wood fence needs to be repaired or replaced, contact All American Fence in Spencerport, NY. They also work with other materials, including chain-link, aluminum, and vinyl. They can install fences for several purposes, whether you want more privacy or need one for your pool. Call (585) 352-8370 to discuss your needs or schedule an appointment.