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Yes, you can and should paint or stain pressure-treated wood, as this helps prevent the surface from cracking. However, it is crucial to wait for the wood to dry out completely from the chemical treatment process before applying a finish. If the wood is still wet, the paint will not adhere properly. The drying time can range from weeks to six months. To test if the wood is ready, drip some water onto a board. If the water is absorbed, the wood is dry enough for painting or staining. If the water beads up on the surface, it needs more time to dry. You can build with the wood while it's still wet, but you must wait for it to dry before painting.

The process of painting or staining a fence typically takes between one and five days. The total duration depends on factors like the size of the fence, weather conditions, and necessary drying times. A significant portion of this time is for drying, as stain won't properly absorb into wet wood. You should wait 24 hours to stain a fence after washing it and allow 12 to 24 hours of drying time between each coat. The active work time is generally about one hour for every 10 to 20 linear feet of fencing.

A dry lawn is easier to edge than a wet one. When your ground is wet, your blades will likely clump together, making a seemingly even cut while wet, but an uneven disaster when dried. Also, a wet lawn can impact your blade's performance and cause mud to kick up, resulting in a messy finish.

If possible, it is beneficial to paint both sides of your fence to protect the fence more completely from the elements. Painting both sides of your fence will create a more consistent appearance as well. However, the time and cost involved in painting both sides of the fence may cause people to paint only the side they see.