Get matched with top fence painters in Forest Hill, LA

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. 

Using a paint sprayer takes a little more practice than a roller, but both are equally effective. If you’re in a hurry and have the experience, a paint sprayer can save you some time on your project. If you’ve never used a sprayer and don’t have the time to learn, using a roller or brush will get you closer to your dream results.

A five-gallon bucket of deck stain will cover roughly 875 square feet in a single coat. Actual coverage will vary based on the type of wood you’re staining and the number of coats. If you plan on doing multiple coats, multiply the square footage by the number of coats to calculate how many buckets of stain you’ll need.

Regular cleaning, touch-ups for small defects, and resealing or repainting every 2-3 years help to maintain a vibrant appearance and protection.