Should you sand your fence before staining?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

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Q: Is it less expensive to paint or stain a fence?

• <div><p>Staining a fence is less expensive than painting a fence due to the cost of materials and the longevity of the finish. Stain not only lasts longer than paint without chipping or peeling, but you also won&rsquo;t have to put in the extra time and cost to prime the surface first. </p></div>

Q: Should you stain pressure-treated wood?

• <div><p>Staining pressure-treated wood is a recommended practice. While inherently resilient, it's not impervious to moisture and UV exposure. Staining treated wood is feasible and recommended for enhanced protection and longevity. Applying stain and sealant safeguards against degradation, prolonging its life span. These measures shield the wood from environmental threats while augmenting its aesthetic appeal, ensuring your investment endures the test of time.</p></div>

Q: What preparation is necessary before painting or staining a fence?

• <div><p>Preparation includes cleaning the fence, sanding any rough areas, applying a primer if necessary, and ensuring dry weather for application.</p></div>

Q: What color exterior paint fades the fastest?

• <div><p>Choosing the best color for your home exterior should factor in longevity as well as your personal taste. To keep your house looking newly painted as long as possible, stay away from red paint. Although red homes pop and are quintessential for country-style barns, red paint tends to fade fastest in the sun. Go with earth tones if you want paint that best resists fading.</p></div>

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Painting questions, answered by experts

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.

Staining a fence is less expensive than painting a fence due to the cost of materials and the longevity of the finish. Stain not only lasts longer than paint without chipping or peeling, but you also won’t have to put in the extra time and cost to prime the surface first.

Staining pressure-treated wood is a recommended practice. While inherently resilient, it's not impervious to moisture and UV exposure. Staining treated wood is feasible and recommended for enhanced protection and longevity. Applying stain and sealant safeguards against degradation, prolonging its life span. These measures shield the wood from environmental threats while augmenting its aesthetic appeal, ensuring your investment endures the test of time.

Preparation includes cleaning the fence, sanding any rough areas, applying a primer if necessary, and ensuring dry weather for application.

Choosing the best color for your home exterior should factor in longevity as well as your personal taste. To keep your house looking newly painted as long as possible, stay away from red paint. Although red homes pop and are quintessential for country-style barns, red paint tends to fade fastest in the sun. Go with earth tones if you want paint that best resists fading.

The Socorro, NM homeowners’ guide to painting services

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