One of the most common problems that people have with their fences is water getting inside the fence, causing rot and mildew. Sealing a fence is an important part of fence maintenance. The following article will show you how to seal a wood fence.
The process will take a little time to complete, but it is well worth it, especially if you want to protect wood fence from weather conditions.
Contents
Why is Wood Fence Sealing Important?
The answer is simple. Wood is a natural product that is subject to the wear and tear of the elements. As time goes on, it starts to discolor, splinter, dry out, crack, and even rot.
The best way to protect your investment and maintain the beauty of your new wood fence is to stain or seal the wood using a wood fence sealer. If your wood fence is not sealed, the wood will absorb oils and dirt that will cause it to deteriorate over time. Sealing will also protect the rail from water damage causing mold and mildew to develop.
Applying a seal to a wood fence is a good idea no matter how new the fence is because it will ensure that it stays in good shape for a long time to come.
When to Seal Your Wood Fence?
You should consider the weather when deciding when to seal your fence. If there’s been a lot of rain, you’ll want to wait until the wood dries out before you start. Otherwise, all the moisture in the wood will be absorbed by the seal, and it won’t hold as much of the color as it should.
Depending on the type of sealer used, and the type of wood, you should wait anywhere from three months to six months to seal your new fence. If you use a penetrating oil-based sealer, the fence should not be sealed for at least three months. If you use a water-based sealer, you can seal in a month.
If you live in an area with really cold temperatures, you should also wait until the weather warms up a little bit before you do the job. You don’t want to apply a seal that’s going to be rock-hard if the temperature drops below freezing.
The most common time to waterproof wood fence is in the spring when the weather has warmed up. This will allow the stain to soak into the wood and dry properly. However, you can stain your fence at any time of the year. Just make sure to check the weather forecast to see if there will be rain in the next few days.
Quick Advice
Take the necessary precautions before sealing your wood fence. If you are pregnant or have breathing problems, avoid the fumes and splatter. Wear a mask with an organic filter when you are staining your fence. Also, wear protective clothing and eyewear to protect your skin and eyes.
While you can seal the wood on your fence with polyurethane, you can’t just slap it on and expect it to work. You need to take time to prepare your wood fence for a sealer.
How to Seal a Wood Fence
Wood fences can be an attractive addition to any yard, but over time they tend to deteriorate. As a result, you may notice your fence has become loose and warped. And while this can be unsightly, it can also create an opening for your pets and kids to escape. So it’s important to take steps to fix your fence before it becomes a larger problem.
Step 1: Clean the fence
Clean the fence using a pressure washer. Sweep all dirt and debris from the rail. Using a broom, brush off any dirt or dust that remains on the fence. Make sure that you remove any loose paint or dirt from the rail.
This is the most important step in the process. If you don’t remove all the old sealer, then you will end up with a patchy fence when you apply the new.
Step 2: Neutralize the pH
To ensure the best possible adhesion of the new sealer, you must neutralize the pH of the rail. The easiest way to do this is to mix baking soda and water in a large bucket. Use a mop to apply the mixture to the rail. Make sure that you completely saturate the rail.
Step 3: Let it dry
Let the rail completely dry before you continue. This may take approximately from one to three days. Do not skip this step. It is essential to ensure the best adhesion of the new product.
Step 4: Seal the fence
Now that the rail is clean, neutralized, and dry, it is time to apply the new sealer. You will need a good-quality paint sprayer and a painter’s extension pole to apply the sealer. Make sure that the sealer is completely smooth. You can apply a second coat if necessary.
Step 5: Let it dry
Let the sealer dry completely. If you want to apply a topcoat, let the sealer dry for another day or two.
Step 6: Enjoy your fence
The final step is to enjoy your freshly sealed fence.
Maintaining Sealed Fence
After you have sealed your fence, you have to maintain it. At the beginning of the season, you should clean it using a soft brush to remove any dirt, leaves, insects, mold, or mildew that might have accumulated on the fence.
You should also check the rail for any damage or cracks. Repair the damage as soon as you can to prevent the fence from deteriorating.
FAQ
In this section, I will try to answer some of the most common questions I’m asked about wood fences.
How often should I stain the fence?
Depending on the type of wood, your fence may need to be stained every year or two to maintain its color and to protect it from the elements. Old wood fences that have not been stained in years may need to be pressure washed and re-stained several times to get them back to their original color.
Is fence sealing really that important?
Do you have to seal a wood fence? No, you don’t – but you should. A wood fence is exposed to the elements on both sides. The top will be exposed to UV rays, snow, rain, and wind. The bottom will be exposed to water, mold, mildew, and fungus. Wood cannot stand up to this kind of abuse and will deteriorate over time. You should always seal your wood fence.
What’s the best wood for a fence?
All wood will rot if left in contact with the ground. Cedar is the most weather-resistant wood. Pressure-treated wood is a good choice if you live in an area that has a lot of termites.
Also read:
- Wood Sandblasting Guide
- How to Seal Wood Without Changing Color
- How to Dry Wood Fast
- How to Waterproof Plywood
You Can Do It
Staining or sealing your wood fence will extend its life and keep it in good shape. A high-quality, water-repellent sealer will help keep your wood fence looking good and keep it from rotting.
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