Is your wooden fence in need of a little TLC? Add it to your summer to-do list along with patio furniture, a BBQ, and the usual pool cleaning. When it comes to weatherproofing, some people prefer to go the route of using exterior paint. Other people make the choice to stain it instead.
Both have their own advantages, but if you ask the experts, they will always recommend staining.
Sealing and Staining Wooden Fences
Aside from giving wooden fencing great aesthetics, sealing and staining helps with its duration. This is particularly true for those that were made with pine or some other softwood.
In order to keep it from rotting or infestation, pine is usually pressure-treated. However, if it gets too wet then dries out in the sun quickly, it can still end up warping. That can end up damaging the initial protective coat that was applied to it.
Preventing water from getting into wood isn’t the only purpose of sealants. They also help the surface to stay protected against the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun, minimizing fibre breakdowns and discolouration. However, pressure-treated wood will just get moistened by the chemicals. For a time, the sealants and stains won’t penetrate.
On the other hand, there’s no need to use pressure-treating methods on cedar and similar hardwoods. That’s because they already have natural oils that keep rot and bug infestation at bay. So sealing hardwood immediately is possible because there won’t be a difference in structure. However, there will be evident ageing in the wood’s visuals. It will turn into a rather dull colour that’s grayish at best.
Fences: When Should They Be Sealed and Stained?
A month or two (between four to eight weeks) post-installation is the ideal time for staining and sealing a fence. While it’s in the waiting period, the wood will dry out. If the wood is pressure-treated, it will take longer to dry, but you should be careful not to apply these products at the sun’s peak. So yes, summertime will do, as long as the process itself does not happen during particularly sunny days.
The top benefits of getting a wooden fence stained include:
1. Staining A Wooden Fence Costs Less In the Long Run
Most people believe that exterior paint is the cheaper choice for protecting fences. However, it will actually lead to spending more over time. While stain fades, it does not do so as quickly as paint chips away.
2. Staining A Wooden Fence Protects It From Rot
As previously mentioned, wooden fences can be prone to rotting over time if unprotected. Termites, mildew and mould are just some of the key issues that can come up. Staining gives the fence a protective coating.
3. Staining A Wooden Fence Improves Aesthetics
One reason many people choose to use wood for their fences is that it looks natural. The natural colours and grains of the wood make it a popular choice. Adding a stain to the fence can make it even more appealing. Contrary to popular belief, there are many options in terms of colour for stains.
Conclusion
Wooden fences are ideal for residential properties. In order to weatherproof them, many people look to exterior painting. The other option, staining, is what professionals recommend. It’s beneficial because it improves aesthetics, costs less in the long run and protects it from rot.
Need a staining and painting service in Surrey? Drop BC 3D Painting a line today! We do commercial and residential painting in Vancouver.