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.
There are several ways to make a wooden fence more visually appealing and keep it that way for years to come.
Treat the fence with a wood sealant to protect it against the elements. It’s recommended to reseal a fence every two to three years, but if you live in a harsh climate, you may want to do it more frequently than that.
Restore the fence if it’s old, corroding, or fading. That includes cleaning it and making small repairs where needed.
Paint the fence in a color that you like, whether that’s a simple white or more vibrant option. Fences usually need to be repainted every one to three years.
Decorate the fence with planters, string lights, birdhouses, mirrors, shutters, and more.
Yes, you can paint galvanized chain link, but the process is a bit more difficult as it requires additional prep work. Before applying the primer and paint, you must remove the original coating from the metal, which can be time-consuming. If the original coating is not removed, the primer and paint will not bond properly and cause peeling over time.
On most untreated wood fences, there is no need to sand before treating. You typically only need to sand if there’s an old coat of paint or stain on your fence. If you do need to sand off a previous paint or protective coating (like an old stain or sealant), use medium-grit sandpaper.
Stains penetrate wood best when it's cool and dry, so you want to avoid moisture. If the wood is wet upon application, or if it rains before the stain dries, the water will soak into the wood and displace the staining solution. This leads to a flaky and blotchy look, which is the opposite of a sumptuous even coat. Once the stain has fully cured, after about 3 days, rain shouldn’t cause you any problems.
The Loving, NM homeowners’ guide to fence painting services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Deciding on the best fence paint color is difficult. This guide will help you choose a shade that creates the right vibe alongside your house color and landscaping.
Increase your curb appeal by taking your chain link fence from dull to bold with fresh paint. Here’s how to paint a chain link fence to keep it looking great.