Is it worth it to stain a fence?

• <div><p>If you have the time and the budget, we strongly recommend staining your fence, especially if it's looking a bit tired or hasn't been treated recently. While you may not see the same return on investment (ROI) as you would with a project like a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-a-kitchen-remodel-increase-home-value.htm">kitchen remodel</a>, staining a fence is one of the best ways to add a facelift to your property—a new fence stain adds serious curb appeal to your home. </p></div>

Get matched with top painters in Stanley, ND

Q: Can you paint or stain pressure-treated wood, and how long should you wait for it to dry?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Q: How many coats of stain are needed for a fence?

• <div><p>Typically, a fence requires one to two coats of stain. The exact number can vary depending on the porosity of the wood. For specific guidance, it's best to check the manufacturer's instructions. After applying the first coat and letting it dry completely, you can assess the finish. If it appears patchy, uneven, or you want a more saturated color, a second coat is recommended. An extra coat can also help cover lap marks.</p></div>

Q: Can you paint a metal fence?

• <div><p>You shouldn't paint a metal fence. Painting doesn't necessarily damage a corrugated metal fence, but these types of fences are meant to flex, and paint can easily chip and break off. Latex paints can address this issue, but those tend not to be very weather-resistant. Certain paints can trap moisture in the corrugation, which can rust the metal and lead to corrosion. And finally, if you paint a copper fence, it won't patina, which is one of the main reasons people buy copper. </p></div>

Q: Does wood stain go bad?

• <div><p>Wood stain does go bad, but it will last in the can for between three and six years, provided you use proper storage techniques. Storing wood stain in open containers or in extremely low or high temperatures will cause your wood stain to become unusable much more quickly. Water- and latex-based wood stains typically last for just two to four years, while oil-based wood stains can last for three to six years. </p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your painting project in Stanley, ND?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Painting pros in Stanley, ND

*The Angi rating for Painting companies in Stanley, ND is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Painting needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Painting companies in Stanley, ND is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Painting needs.

Last update on January 20, 2026

Reviewed in January 2026
Awesome 🤩 was/is James Nelson, Design Specialist with American Waterworks, out of the Fargo, ND office was absolutely wonderful to work with. (Really this Company has impressed us from the beginning!) always quick to respond and very patient…. There was zero pressure …. no pushy sales tactics...
American Waterworks
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2025
Laid down concrete very well, good finisher, driveway looked very well done when finished
Solid Finish Concrete LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2025
“Outstanding Service and Truly Professional!” I am extremely satisfied with the cleaning service. She arrived on time, fully prepared, and with a very friendly attitude. She paid attention to every detail, left everything perfectly organized, and my home looked spotless and smelled fresh. I...
A&A Sparkle and Shine Cleaning LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2024
Yikes, why can't I put 0 stars?!? I rue the day this guy and his crew ever stepped foot on my property in Stanley, ND. They didn't put paper or plastic down at all and got mud, texture and paint all over fixtures, doors, windows, and new flooring. Plus the fact that they installed the...
That Guy Construction
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2024
I got the pleasure of working with the owner of Dahly Services for over a year while I was managing a townhome complex in Stanley, ND. He was by far one of the best contractors Iâ ve worked with. His work ethics were extremely professional and he had the best work integrity. I never felt the...
Dahly Services LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2022
Cody is very easy to work with. Shows up when he says heâ s will and does a great job in a timely manner. Would recommend to anyone. He worked on multiple projects on my whole home remodel and his work is unmatched!
Little Deep Creek Services, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2021
Brad is friendly, very professional, and prompt. He will work with you to get the job dine quickly. His prices are very reasonable. I was very, very pleased with him and his services!!
JHW Services, LLC
Request a quote

Find Painters in Stanley

Robinson's Paint

New to Angi

Interior Painting or Staining: 1 - 2 RoomsPainting or Staining - Small ProjectsPainting or Staining - Small Projects - For Business

Serving Stanley, ND and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service that\nwe provide to meet your needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship\nand complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. \nIn order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers,\nwe take great care to work and communicate with every customer a professional manner.\nOur reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large\nor small the job.

Response time10 mins

Request Quote

Quickdrywall

New to Angi

Interior Painting or Staining: 1 - 2 RoomsPainting or Staining - Small Projects

Serving Stanley, ND and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

We have four years of experience in drywall

Interior Painting or Staining: 1 - 2 RoomsPainting or Staining - Small ProjectsPainting or Staining - Small Projects - For Business

Serving Stanley, ND and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"They did fabulous work, dependable, on time, cleaned up their mess. It was awesome all the way around, very good work!"

Response time3 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Express Painting, LLC

New to Angi

Interior Painting or Staining: 1 - 2 RoomsPainting or Staining - Small Projects

Serving Stanley, ND and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Here at Express Painting, LLC, we specialize in all painting needs for all residential properties and homeowners. We are known to provide the best in quality of work at great prices. Our integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail set us apart from the rest. Give us a call today, we are happy to provide a free estimate and look forward to speaking with you!\n\n \n

Response time1 day

Interior Home or Surfaces - Paint or StainInterior Painting or Staining: 1 - 2 RoomsInterior Painting or Staining: 3 - 4 Rooms+5 more

Serving Stanley, ND and surrounding areas

Credit card accepted

"She was responsible. She was always on time. The quality was good."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Welcome Home Moving Services

5.0(

)

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeInterior Home or Surfaces - Paint or Stain+7 more

Serving Stanley, ND and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Amazing, Tanya was great to work with."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Cutting Edge Coatings

New to Angi

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Large

Serving Stanley, ND and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Cutting Edge Coatings is the premier professional contracting company offering a wide variety of residential and commercial painting services to our clients in Mandan area. We are known to pay exquisite attention to detail while making your satisfaction our number one priority.\n\nPlease call us today to schedule your appointment with North Dakota's true painting professionals at work for you!\n

Request Quote

American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

Interior Home or Surfaces - Paint or StainInterior Painting or Staining: 1 - 2 RoomsInterior Painting or Staining: 3 - 4 Rooms+5 more

Serving Stanley, ND and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"He was very nice to talk with and repaired our washing machine. He even helped sweep the water out."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

Request Quote

Tea and our custom painting

New to Angi

Interior Painting or Staining: 1 - 2 RoomsPainting or Staining - Small Projects

Serving Stanley, ND and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

We're a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity, and stands behind our work. We specialize in both interior and exterior residential painting projects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building long-term relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!

Interior Painting or Staining: 1 - 2 RoomsPainting or Staining - Small Projects

Serving Stanley, ND and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"He gave me a fair price and got it done in good time. Work was clean and I will be using him for future projects."

Request Quote

Showing 1-10 of 49

Painting questions, answered by experts

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.

Typically, a fence requires one to two coats of stain. The exact number can vary depending on the porosity of the wood. For specific guidance, it's best to check the manufacturer's instructions. After applying the first coat and letting it dry completely, you can assess the finish. If it appears patchy, uneven, or you want a more saturated color, a second coat is recommended. An extra coat can also help cover lap marks.

You shouldn't paint a metal fence. Painting doesn't necessarily damage a corrugated metal fence, but these types of fences are meant to flex, and paint can easily chip and break off. Latex paints can address this issue, but those tend not to be very weather-resistant. Certain paints can trap moisture in the corrugation, which can rust the metal and lead to corrosion. And finally, if you paint a copper fence, it won't patina, which is one of the main reasons people buy copper.

If you have the time and the budget, we strongly recommend staining your fence, especially if it's looking a bit tired or hasn't been treated recently. While you may not see the same return on investment (ROI) as you would with a project like a kitchen remodel, staining a fence is one of the best ways to add a facelift to your property—a new fence stain adds serious curb appeal to your home.

Wood stain does go bad, but it will last in the can for between three and six years, provided you use proper storage techniques. Storing wood stain in open containers or in extremely low or high temperatures will cause your wood stain to become unusable much more quickly. Water- and latex-based wood stains typically last for just two to four years, while oil-based wood stains can last for three to six years.

The Stanley, ND homeowners’ guide to painting services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Rachel Hoffman
•
Aug 3, 2026Aug 3, 2026
How Much Does a Gallon of Paint Cost? [2026 Data]
How much is a gallon of paint? Whether latex or oil-based, spray paint, primer, shellac, or lacquer, we’ll tell you what price to expect.
Dan Simms
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Paint the Interior of a House? [2026 Data]
The cost to paint the interior of a house depends on size, layout, type of surface, and more. Learn what factors can influence your total in this guide.
Melissa Graham
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Paint Shutters? [2026 Data]
The average cost to paint shutters is $350, depending on the size, number of shutters, and labor. Read this guide to learn more about shutter costs.
Rachel Hoffman
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Types of Paint: Which Is Best for Your Project?
Knowing what type of paint is ideal for your project will give you the best results. Learn about different types of paint and what to use them for.
Kelly Reilly
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
Ceiling Paint vs. Wall Paint: What’s the Difference?
Not sure whether to use ceiling or wall paint for your upcoming paint job? Compare ceiling paint vs. wall paint with this informative guide.
Audrey Bruno
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How to Texture Walls in Your Home
If your room is falling flat, learning how to texture walls will help bring dimension to your space. Get to know all the different options and how to do them yourself.