How do I protect my DIY wood fence from the weather: straight paint or wood stains?
Asked by Iván Corrales 
2 months ago
Last Updated: October 30, 2024
We put up the wood fence on our own and now we’re thinking about how to protect it from the weather. Should we just use regular paint? Or do we need to use wood stains? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Wait for about 90 days unless you used kiln-dried pressure-treated wood.
Once the wood absorbs water without beading up, it’s ready to finish. I would personally recommend using a semi-solid or solid stain.
Please avoid using solid stain on wooden fences. It ends up looking like brown paint, and when it weathers, it looks terrible.
I see your point. That’s why I initially suggested semi-solid. But still, solid stain is a much better choice over paint.
Following
Like the guys before me mentioned, let it dry until the water absorbs easily before applying a solid stain with an airless or hvlp. Sherwin Williams is my favorite.
Is that a fence finished on both sides?
I like using an oil-based sealant that penetrates well. Make sure the moisture content is under 15% before applying. Remember, you get what you pay for when it comes to coatings. I work on a variety of outdoor projects and have tried different oil-based sealants, but my top recommendation is Owatrol Textrol.
This morning, I completed a cedar planter box with a Medium Oak tint.
I prefer to enhance wood grains rather than using paint or solid stain on new items. Solid stain can be a good option for older items or if that’s the aesthetic you’re aiming for, as it offers better protection from UV Ray damage.
It’s recommended to wait approximately 3 to 6 months before sealing the fence.
Jimmy ermain that’s a lot, especially for dimensional lumber that thin. 2-3 weeks without a rain interruption should be okay. Even sooner if using a high-quality water-based penetrating stain (there are a few, not many). I built a mini deck last year, treated this way and it’s in perfect condition.
The last time I checked. kiln-dried lumber, the wood should dry out for one to two months before applying wood treatment.
* For treated lumber, allow the wood to dry out for six months before applying any wood treatment.
* everyone has their own way of doing things. Do whatever you feel comfortable with.
Wait a year before trying to put something on it, then head to the paint department for advice on what to use since there are many options.
Did you want to put a ladder in your yard?
Maybe they are reversible it🤷♀️
I really hope so 😬
Otherwise, we’d be inviting all sorts of critters…
I always have concerns about those pesky two-legged creatures myself.
It’s more challenging to climb a fence from the side with the finish. It’s easier if the cross pieces face the public for access.
I believe that was subtly suggested 😉
Let it dry completely. Apply Thompsons Water Seal with a garden sprayer.
Thompson’s Water Seal is not the greatest. Ready Seal stain would provide much better protection
Do you think it can be applied with a garden sprayer?
What makes that so significant for you?
It’s a piece of cake
Try using Thompson’s Water Seal by spraying it on instead of painting it. We tried it and it worked really well!
That’s exactly what I did with my fences. Still holding up after 25 years
Oh yeah! It was absolutely the best choice I ever made
How about trying a nice solid color stain?
Have you tried Ready Seal? It’s excellent for protection and has a great appearance. Plus, it’s oil-based.
Let’s flip the fence panels so the nice side is facing out, then go ahead and stain and seal them. Some people used to use used motor oil for staining, but it’s a messy job.
Oh, is that a double-sided fence? Typically, when installing a fence, the nice side should be facing outward. If not, as someone mentioned earlier, it could make it easier for someone to climb over and enter your yard.
Well it’s in any case I’m sure they’re not going to pull it out
Ive it three months and then apply Penofin for the best results. Avoid using products from big box stores.
I’ve got cedar siding on my house, so I use semi-transparent stain instead of paint or solid stain to avoid having to scrape it every few years.
I tried this product on our deck and fence/gate.
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Just use Ready Seal
I was advised to let it sit for a year to cure before applying any stain or protective coating.
I think that’s the correct approach now. Many years ago you might have received fence pickets that had dried adequately in a lumber yard to be stable, now they come quite wet. When they are very fresh, they still have too much moisture and sap oozing out to accept stain or paint well. If you let it age for a year and then stain or paint towards the end of summer or whatever the dry season is for you, it will last longer and give you more years before needing to reapply.
A mixture of 50% used motor oil and diesel fuel