Know what a treatment actually does
Timber fencing is often pressure treated when it is made, but that does not mean it can be ignored. Surface products add a layer against water and sun, and they slow down the greying and splitting that open air causes. Some products are clear, some add colour. A coloured stain also hides the patchy look that appears as an older fence weathers unevenly. Wear gloves and eye protection, and read the safety notes on the tin before you start.
Check the tin for whether it suits the fence you have and whether it needs one coat or two. Some are made to be sprayed, others brushed. Brushing is slower, but it works the product into the grain and the joints. Whichever you choose, treat a small hidden section first so you are happy with the colour. Dull, even coats work better than thick ones, which can peel or stay sticky.
Pick your moment
Timing matters more than most people expect. Choose a spell of dry weather when the boards have had time to dry out, and avoid starting late in the afternoon when dew or a shower might arrive before the finish has set. Cold and damp conditions slow drying and can leave a tacky surface that collects dirt. Keep a rag to hand to wipe off drips before they dry on the wood.
For a long run of fence across the front and back, work in sections rather than trying to finish everything at once. Start at one end, treat both faces where you can reach them, and move along. Cover paths, plants and the base of any brick walls with sheeting first, because stain marks on paving are difficult to shift. Check the weather the evening before as well as on the morning, since conditions can change.
Prepare the surface and finish the details
Preparation takes longer than painting. Brush off moss, cobwebs and loose flakes with a stiff brush, and wash off any green growth. Let the fence dry again before you start. Hammer in any protruding nails and replace rusty fixings, as these stain the wood below them and give the board a poor hold. A fence that has been neglected for a long time may need two coats to look even.
Finish with the details that are easy to miss: the tops of the posts, the top edge of the boards, the bottom edge of each panel and any cut or drilled ends. These soak up water fastest. If the product has to go on twice, leave it long enough between coats to dry according to the tin. Make a note of the product and colour you use, so that future touch-ups match the rest of the fence.
Quick tips
- Test any stain on a spare offcut or a hidden board before committing to the whole fence.
- Protect lawns, borders and paving with sheets before you open the tin, because drips land everywhere.
- Keep soil and heaped leaves away from the lowest boards, or the treatment will be fighting damp from below.
- Do not treat in frost, damp or direct midday heat. A dry, mild, overcast day is ideal.
If your fence in Aldridge has gone beyond a coat of stain, we are happy to take a look. Call us, or send a photo and the fence location. We cover the WS9 area and also work in Streetly and Brownhills. We will say honestly what is worth saving.
Frequently asked questions
What does a stain or preservative actually do for a fence?
It adds a layer against water and sun and slows the greying and splitting that open air causes. Some products are clear and some add colour. Even in Aldridge, where fences are often pressure treated when made, surface treatment is still worth doing.
When is the right moment to treat a fence?
Choose a dry spell when the boards have had time to dry out, and avoid starting late in the afternoon when dew or a shower might arrive. Cold and damp conditions leave a tacky surface, so check the weather the evening before as well as that morning.
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