Preserve the beauty of a new wood fence—or freshen up an old fence—by sealing and protecting it with exterior stain.
Are you looking to safeguard a newly installed wood fence? Give an aging wood fence a fresh, renewed finish? Applying stain is an effective way to enhance the natural beauty of your wood while providing essential protection against harsh weather conditions, such as rain, sun, and snow, which can cause damage over time.
Our step-by-step guide simplifies the staining process, showing you exactly how to stain a fence, no matter what type of wood your fence is made of. With our instructions, you can achieve professional-looking results that will extend the life and beauty of your fence for years to come.
Staining a Wood Fence
Why Should I Stain My Fence Rather Than Paint It?
Staining a wood fence is a great alternative to painting because exterior stain preserves and enhances the natural appearance of wood. While a translucent stain allows the wood’s grain and texture to show through, a solid stain shows just the wood’s texture and masks imperfections. If you want results that fall somewhere in the middle, try a semi-transparent or semi-solid stain. The color and opacity you choose depends on your preference and the condition of the wood.
On the other hand, if you have a vinyl or metal fence, painting can dramatically transform its look. The process for painting a fence is very different from staining one. Read our step-by-step instructions on how to paint a vinyl or metal fence.
Choosing the Right Wood Fence Stain
Consider using a high-quality stain like Woodluxe® Exterior Stains for your fence. This breakthrough line of water- and oil-based exterior stains provides advanced all-weather protection while beautifying the wood. Woodluxe also provides a UV- and mildew-resistant coating for durability.
Water-based stains perform well on most types of wood, while oil-based stains are best for tannin-rich woods like cedar and redwood. Your locally owned Benjamin Moore® store can recommend the best products for your project.
Woodluxe is available in a range of colors and five opacities: Translucent, Semi-Transparent, Semi-Solid, Solid, and Ultra Flat Solid. The age and condition of your wood should be taken into account when choosing the best wood stain color and opacity.
To find your favorite combination of color and opacity, try a variety of Woodluxe 8 oz. Stain Samples. Be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area.
How to Stain a Fence
You’ve gathered your supplies, now it’s time to get to work. Follow these five steps to set your project up for success.
Step 1: Check the Weather Forecast Before Starting Your Fence Staining Project
The outdoor temperature affects the ease of doing the job and the outcome. For exterior staining projects, it’s best to wait for a low-humidity day with temperatures between 40°F and 90°F.
You’ll want to avoid staining during rainy conditions. If unexpected rainfall interrupts your work, stop immediately and wait for the rain to let up and the surface to dry.
Lastly, try to stain at a time of day when the fence will be in the shade. Applying stain in direct sunlight can result in the stain drying too fast, which can create lap marks.
Step 2: Clear and Prep the Area Around Your Fence
Preparation is key for any outdoor stain project. First, clear the area. Move outdoor furniture out of the way and cut the grass by your fence to make stain application easier.
Next, use a tarp to shield the sidewalk and any nearby shrubs or landscaping. If the fence touches the house or is close to any other structures, create a barrier with painter’s tape and plastic sheeting.
Step 3: Prep the Fence for Staining
Remove any hardware, loose nails, screws, or cracked boards. Fix spots in need of repair and allow it to cure completely.
Preparing wood boards for staining is similar to prepping a deck for stain. The fence should be thoroughly cleaned with a damp cloth, garden hose, or pressure washer, then sanded down with medium-grit (120- to 150-grit) sandpaper to remove any rough edges.
For optimal results, explore Woodluxe Prep Products. Each one is formulated for different applications depending upon the condition of the wood.
New/Untreated: Wood Brightener & Neutralizer breaks the shiny, tough-to-penetrate “mill glaze” for maximum adhesion.
Weathered: Wood Restorer is a gentle, bleach-free formula that restores weather-worn and grayed-out wood to its natural color.
Flaking or Peeling: Wood Stain Remover quickly removes peeling oil or latex stain, varnish, and clear wood finishes.
Mold or Mildew: All-in-One Wood Cleaner safely removes stains caused by mold, mildew, and water.
The experts at your locally owned Benjamin Moore® store can offer further guidance based on your unique project.
Step 4: Stain Your Fence
The preferred application method for staining a wood fence is by brush. Alternatively, a roller or pad applicator may be used.
While a roller can be used to apply stain to large areas, be sure to go back and work the stain in with a brush. Start at the top of the fence and work your way down. Horizontal boards should be coated with horizontal strokes, and vertical boards with vertical strokes.
Never stop staining in the middle of a board; continue until a natural break is reached. If the stain dries unevenly in some areas, follow the direction of the boards and recoat them fully, a few at a time.
Step 5: Let Your Fence Stain Dry
It’s important to allow ample time for the stain to cure completely before returning any hardware to the fence.
Cure time (or how long you should wait before returning the fence to everyday use) varies. Carefully read the instructions on the can or Technical Data Sheet to determine the dry time and return-to-service time for the product used.