Staining my new fence

So how do I keep my wood fence looking like new?

There are a few answers to this question, but we’ve asked our team of experts to come up with their top ones.

The answers may surprise you, though the simple solutions to keeping the wood fence looking like new, need not cost you a lot of money.

On the list of top tips for keeping the wood fence looking like new are:

  • Clean the fence regularly
  • Keep on top of the repairs
  • Stain, seal, and paint
  • Invest right from the start

At A Straight Up Fence Company in Denver, we understand that replacing an old fence is a big expense. Most homeowners just don’t have that kind of cash burning a hole in their pocket.

So, before we recommend a new fence, we’ll first see if we can refresh your old wood fence. This requires a thorough power washing, followed by re-staining and sealing the wood.

The steps that go into bringing an old fence back to life aren’t necessarily complicated, but time-consuming. If you want to go the DIY route, remember that just the power washing step needs to be approached carefully.

Let’s break down how to refresh your old wood fence before re-staining it.

What You Need to Refresh Your Old Wood Fence

If your fence no longer has that nice golden wood glow, a good pressure wash will remove the outer gray “skin” and aged surface to reveal the wood that is hiding below.

Be forewarned! Power washers can be very aggressive and unwieldy, especially in the hands of a new user. They are excellent at removing dirt and grime, as well as the top layer of wood, but it is fairly easy to take off too much wood and ruin your fence. It is important to use the right tools and correct technique.

The power washer you need should operate at 1,500 or 2,000 psi. The more powerful pressure washers are really too strong for this job.

You will also need to have both the 15-degree and 25-degree spray tips. If you are renting the machine, you can ask the rental people to provide you with a demonstration. This is a helpful way to get a feel for how to use the power washer before you are left to your own devices. These demonstrations can also provide you with some additional tips.

Because it’s pretty easy to ruin a fence, have A Straight Up Fence Company in Denver take care of everything for you. We have the experience and know-how to get the job done right.

Prepare the Area and Get Power Washing

You will first need to tie back or cover plants growing along your fence line. Clear any potted plants or items that can be relocated so that they are protected from the spray. You will need to wear clothing that you don’t mind getting wet. Next:

Begin spraying at least 18 inches from the wood surface using the 25-degree tip. You may need to move in closer as you move the fan spray across the boards.

As you see the wood’s surface color brighten, move on to the next section of your fence. Once the old layer is stripped away, do not spray the boards any further because you run the risk of damaging your fence.

Once you have the feel for things, you can try switching to the 15-degree tip. It is more aggressive and works faster. Adjust motion accordingly.

Choose the Experts for Proper Fence Staining

Now that your fence is brightened up, it is ready for repairs and staining to fully refresh your old wood fence. These final steps can really take some experience.

We strongly recommend using a professional such as A Straight Up Fence Company in Denver. We’ll even take care of the power washing for you! Then, we’ll go picket by picket, section by section to fix any loose nails or screws. Finally, our experts re-stain the fence, getting in all the nooks and crannies for a uniform new look and long-lasting finish.

Call or contact us today to schedule your appointment.

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