A cedar fence is a wonderful addition to a home.If you want to know how to extend the life of a fence you already have, or if you have recently installed a new fence, you can do it with some supplies found at a hardware store.
Step 1: Measure the surface of your fence.
Measure the length and height of your fence with a tape measure, then add the numbers together to get the surface of the fence.Measure the length of your fence and the height to get the surface area.If you're treating both sides of the fence, divide the surface area by 2.
Step 2: For a basic treatment, buy an oil based wood stain.
Oil-based stains penetrate the cell walls of wood and are more stable than water based ones.A semi transparent stain won't hide the wood's natural beauty, but it will protect it from UV rays.You can find semitransparent oil stains at your local hardware store.The amount of surface area is listed in the can or container.
Step 3: If you prefer a paint like finish, choose a solid stain.
There are three main types of stains.Like paint, they hide the wood grain.A film can peel, crack, and chip like paint after several coats of solid finishes.
Step 4: If you want to show off all the fine details of wood grain, use clear Sealer.
You can use clear sealer on your fence.All the natural grain of wood is shown.The fence may turn gray if you use a clear sealer.A clear sealed cedar fence needs to be treated more frequently.
Step 5: If you have a pump sprayer, apply the stain to a small area of the fence.
There are some wood stains that come in a pump sprayer container.Hold the nozzle of the pump sprayer close to the fence surface and spray an even coating on an area of about 2 square feet.Follow the instructions on the pump sprayer container.You can brush the stain on if you don't have a pump sprayer.
Step 6: If you pump sprayed it, brush or roll it.
Roll your brush with the grain.You should use a brush or roller to get the stain into the corners, gaps, and crevices.Immediately after you spray the stain, you should do this step.For the best results, use a brush or roller that is between 2 and 4 inches.
Step 7: If you don't have a pump sprayer, brush on your stain.
If you don't have access to a pump sprayer or a brush, you can use a roller to apply your stain.After dipping your brush in the can, shake off any drips, then apply your stain using brush strokes with the grain.The back-brushing helps get the stain into the crevices.You need a paint tray to pour the stain into so you can soak the roller in it.Before applying stain to your fence, shake the roller to remove any drips.
Step 8: Continue staining your fence.
Continue the stain application steps for your entire fence in the 2 square feet sections.Semi transparent oil stains last a long time.You should recoat your fence about 3 years from now.
Step 9: Allow 24 hours for your stain to dry.
If there is no rain in the forecast, try to stain your fence.If you have a wet fence, don't allow anything to touch it for at least 24 hours.
Step 10: It's a good idea to buy a sealer for your posts.
The cut end grains of your fence posts can cause the posts to rot.Extra water protection is what you will want for your ends, even though most oil stains contain a protective sealant.If you want to seal your posts, look for a product such as Anchorseal at your local hardware store.
Step 11: You can apply your sealer with a brush.
If you want to see the end grain design, apply a light coat of sealer to the top of your fence posts.
Step 12: Allow it to dry for a while.
When there is no rain in the forecast, it's best to apply sealer on a clear day.To make sure that the fence posts are completely dry, don't touch them.
Step 13: If the fence is ready for retreatment, test it.
A stained fence needs to be retreated every few years.The "sprinkle test" can be used to determine if your fence is ready to be restained.If the water beads up and runs down the sides of the fence, or if it soaks into the wood, you should sprinkle some water on it.You're safe to wait if the water beads up and runs down the sides.If the fence is exposed to a lot of precipitation, you should test it again in a couple of months.If the water gets into your fence, it's time to get rid of it.
Step 14: You can power wash your fence.
Pull the high-pressure hose tip until the water comes out, then connect your garden hose to the power washer.Hold the tip of the power washer wand 18 inches away from your fence as you start up the engine.It's a good idea to move it along the length of the boards to avoid damaging the wood of your fence.To get into inside corners, spray your fence with different angles.After power washing your fence, allow it to dry for 24 hours.
Step 15: Attach damaged pieces and tighten the loose boards on your fence.
If you find broken pieces on your fence, replace them with wood glue and tape them in place until they are completely dry.Allow wood glue to dry for 24 hours before staining your fence.Use weather-resistant screws to tighten or replace your fence boards.The screw head should be recessed 4 inch (0.64 cm) into the wood and filled with a light colored caulk.
Step 16: You should apply wood Preservative to your posts.
The areas that rot first in a fence are the posts near the ground.Cuprinol can be brushed along the wood of your base posts near where they enter the ground.Cuprinol was most likely used on the wood below the ground when the fence was installed.Extra protection above ground is what you're reinforcing.