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While power washing isn't a requirement before you stain a fence, it can make the job much easier and faster while reducing manual labor requirements. The stain will not work if the wood is full of dirt and dust, so power washing, sometimes called pressure washing, is a fast and effective way to prepare the wood for staining. Remember that you need to stain or repaint relatively soon after the wood has dried so that there isn’t time for dust and dirt to build up again. 

If your cedar fence is new, don’t delay. Unlike treated pine, you don’t need to wait months for the wood to dry out for it to accept stain. With cedar, the sooner, the better. Seal cedar within two weeks of installation to prevent the sun from fading its red color.

Yes, you can and should paint or stain pressure-treated wood to help prevent the boards from cracking. However, you must wait for the wood to dry out completely before applying any finish. Freshly treated wood can take weeks or even months to dry; a common recommendation is to wait three to six months. To check if the wood is ready, perform a simple water test: drip some water onto the surface. If the water beads up, the wood is still too wet and needs more time to dry. If the wood absorbs the water, it is dry enough to be painted or stained. You can proceed with building your deck or fence while the wood is still wet, but you will need to wait to apply the paint or stain.

Exterior paints contain more volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, making them dangerous when used indoors. Without the free ventilation of the great outdoors, it can take longer for the fumes to dissipate than interior paint. While you may notice the smell lessening more quickly, you should be wary of paint fumes inside for 48 to 72 hours after it dries.