When it comes to the question of whether or not you should stain your fence, there are several factors to consider.
You may be wondering…
- Is staining your fence is worth it?
- How do you choose a good fence stain?
- What is a sealant, and how does it help?
In this post.
We’re going to look at why some property owners choose to stain and seal their fence.
And also why some choose not to.
Let’s start with the basics.
What is Fence Stain?
Wood stain is a type of paint used to add color to wood. It differs from traditional paint in that stain soaks into the wood, while traditional paint sits on top of the wood.
Fence stains (while adding various shades of color) are typically semi-transparent to allow some wood grain to show through.
Here’s an example of a beautiful stained horizontal fence built in Broken Arrow.
Some fence stains are solid color.
In each case, stains come in either a water or oil-based formula that combines binders with pigments to create color.
What is Fence Sealer?
Most fence stains double as a sealer.
Wood sealer products are intended to extend the life of wood products by creating a moisture barrier around the wood.
By sealing the wood, you make it more resistant to mold and mildew.
Wood sealant penetrates wood pores and helps lock moisture out.
Sealants come in variety of formulas from water-based polyurethane to 100% paraffin oil base penetrating oil.
How a Good Fence Stain & Sealant Helps
- Adds Color – stain adds color to enhance look of beautiful wood grain and match style of property
- Resists UV Damage – pigmented stain and sealant helps wood resist sun damage due to UV rays
- Resists Mold & Mildew – great sealant formulations include mildewcide and biocides to resist growth of mold and mildew
- Helps Prevents Warping – sealed wood does not absorb as much moisture, thereby preventing the wet/dry cycles that warp wood
- Less Insect Damage – the best stain & sealant products include compounds that deters insects
- Reduced Wood Rot – sealant formulations include compounds that prevent wood rot
- Non-peeling Formula – over time wood stains wear off instead of peel off, making re-coating a much easier job
Staining Wood Before The Fence is Built
When building a new fence…
It used to be that the fence got stained after it was built.
While staining your fence any time can help extend the life of your fence.
The best way to stain a fence is to stain the wood in advance.
Today’s technology allows fence contractors to pre-stain pickets, posts and rails before the fence is built.
Empire Fence has invested in state-of-the art staining equipment to offer pre-stained fence options in a variety of colors.
Our fence staining system provides total coverage on each individual board prior to assembly.
Ask your Empire consultant for details ›
Staining an Old Wood Fence
If you have an existing wood fence, you can stain it at any time.
If your fence is relatively new, we would recommend a good oil-based, self-leveling fence stain & seal product.
Self-leveling fence stains are easier to apply.
The reason being that these types of stains help prevent streaks and runs.
Fence stain can be applied with a sprayer, roller or brush.
If you have a really old fence that needs to be stained, you might consider a solid color fence stain.
Some old fences have needed fence repairs and may have mix and match boards and pickets.
Likewise, the fence may have been stained in the past.
In that case, you may want a stain with a more opaque appearance to cover up wood color variations.
Let Empire Help
Staining your fence is a good DIY project.
If you don’t feel comfortable tackling a fence staining project, or you need help dealing with a larger fence stain project…
…contact us to discuss your options.
We’ll be glad to help!
Contact Empire Fence
As a regional leader in residential and commercial fencing, Empire Fence of Tulsa is here to help… by providing professional service at an affordable price. We’ll be glad to help you with repairs or installation of a new fence. Contact Empire to get a quote ›
