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>

How do you make a wooden fence look nice?

• <div><p>There are several ways to make a wooden fence more visually appealing and keep it that way for years to come.</p><ul><li><p>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.</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-restore-faded-wood-fence.htm">Restore the fence</a> if it’s old, corroding, or fading. That includes cleaning it and making small repairs where needed.</p></li><li><p>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.</p></li><li><p>Decorate the fence with planters, string lights, birdhouses, mirrors, shutters, and more. </p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Q: How long should wood stain sit before wiping off?

• <div><p>If you want to achieve a deeper, darker stain color, wait 5 to 10 minutes before wiping it off. However, wipe it off faster for a lighter tone. When wiping off the stain during this part of the process, be sure to work in the direction of the wood&rsquo;s grain for best results.</p></div>

Q: Can I leave a cedar fence untreated?

• <div><p>A cedar fence will actually last quite a long time even if you don&rsquo;t treat it with stain. In fact, you can expect to get between 15 and 30 years out of an untreated cedar fence. However, if you want to preserve its color and extend its life, treat it with a combination stain and sealer every three to five years.</p></div>

Q: Should I paint both sides of my fence?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

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Fence Painting questions, answered by experts

If you want to achieve a deeper, darker stain color, wait 5 to 10 minutes before wiping it off. However, wipe it off faster for a lighter tone. When wiping off the stain during this part of the process, be sure to work in the direction of the wood’s grain for best results.

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.

A cedar fence will actually last quite a long time even if you don’t treat it with stain. In fact, you can expect to get between 15 and 30 years out of an untreated cedar fence. However, if you want to preserve its color and extend its life, treat it with a combination stain and sealer every three to five years.

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.

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.

The Tatum, NM homeowners’ guide to fence painting services

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

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