Your fence plays a key role in your home, providing security, privacy, and contributing to its overall appearance. To maintain its strength and visual appeal over the years, it's important to perform routine maintenance. By regularly updating the finish, you can guard against issues like rot and insect damage, and help slow the natural aging process of the wood. This ongoing care ensures that your fence remains a valuable and attractive part of your property.
Moisture is the biggest threat to a wood fence, as it can lead to damage and deterioration over time. Proper staining or painting creates a protective barrier that helps shield the wood from moisture. How often you need to repaint or restain your fence depends largely on the climate where you live. In areas with frequent rain, you might need to refinish your fence more often, while in drier climates, maintenance may be needed less frequently.
Many experts suggest repainting or restaining every two to three years. However, a more effective way to determine when your fence needs attention is to check how water interacts with it. If water no longer beads up on the surface and starts to soak in, it’s a sign that it’s time for a fresh coat. Similarly, if your painted fence shows signs of cracks, chips, or general wear, it’s a good idea to apply a new layer of paint.
The cost of professional fence staining varies widely, typically ranging from $750 to $4,250, with smaller jobs starting around $300. To achieve the best results, start by preparing the area—remove old paint, make repairs, and use drop cloths. For raw wood, staining is often more durable than painting, but if the fence is painted, strip off the old paint first. Apply the stain using a sprayer or brush, keeping the sprayer 6–8 inches from the fence and moving parallel to avoid overspray. For even coverage and to prevent streaks, back brush with a stain brush. If applying a second coat, wait a few weeks. Ensure safety by wearing a NIOSH-approved respirator and gloves when scraping or sanding, to protect against lead dust and fumes.
Here are some tips for spray painting or staining a fence professionally:
Prepare the Fence: Brush off dirt and cobwebs, sweep up leaves, and mask off areas you don’t want painted. Remove or cover nearby plants.
Use a Sprayer: Sprayers offer better coverage and speed compared to rollers. Use a lower pressure setting for a finer finish and better control.
Spray with the Grain: Apply the paint or stain lengthwise along each board, following the wood grain for an even application.
Keep Your Distance: Hold the spray gun about 12 inches from the surface to minimize overspray and achieve a smooth finish.
Overlap Passes: Overlap each pass by about 50% to ensure even coverage.
Move Consistently: For thin stains, keep a steady arm movement to avoid drips and runs.
Let It Dry: Allow the paint or stain to dry completely before removing coverings or returning items to their original places.
To professionally paint an old wood fence, follow these key steps:
These steps will ensure a durable and attractive finish for your wood fence.
A metal fence is more than just a boundary; it’s a statement of style and security. However, exposure to the elements can lead to wear and tear, making regular maintenance crucial. Keeping your metal fence in top shape not only boosts its appearance but also extends its lifespan, saving you money over time.
One key maintenance step is repainting. But what are the steps involved? What type of paint should you use?
The professionals at Sunnyvale House Painting pros have the experience, tools and knowledge to produce a high-quality interior and exterior painting project. Our Team can also help you avoid common paint problems caused by improper techniques, preparation, or product selection.
Homeowners often underestimate how long painting can take, even for small projects. Sunnyvale House Painting Pros can help you save time so you can focus on other tasks.
You can have peace of mind knowing that the job is being done right, and you won't have to worry about drips, smudges, or uneven coats. You also won't have to spend hours cleaning up after the project.
Painting can be an hazardous job that could cause injuries due to the risks of falling and exposure to hazardous chemicals. Our team at Sunnyvale House Painting Pros knows how to create a safe work environment for your project.
LET'S CONNECT!
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
QUICK LINKS
COMPANY INFO
Sunnyvale House Painting Pros
(669) 600-0718
Call for Appointment
150 W Iowa Ave, ste 220
Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (not open to the public)