You got a new fence, and you want to keep it looking great. Should you stain it right away? Does a new fence need treating? At that point, shouldn’t you just get your fence stained when it’s installed? Read on to learn the right time to treat a new fence.
Do Not Stain or Paint Your New Fence Right Away
Wood fencing needs time to dry before it can properly absorb stain. If you treat it too soon, you probably won’t like the way it looks. The stain won’t last as long either because it wasn’t able to fully soak into the wood. That’s why you should not treat a new fence right away.
This doesn’t mean you should leave your fence untreated though. Wait about two to four months, and then get your fence stained. You can do a quick test to see if your fence is ready for stain. Splash a few droplets of water on the fence pickets with your fingers. If the water soaks in right away, the fence is ready. If the water droplets flow right down, the fence needs to dry out a little more. You can still get a quote for fence staining in the meantime so you know what it will cost when the timing is right.
Should I Paint or Stain My Fence?
When it comes to protecting your fence, you have the option to seal it, paint it, or stain it. Sealing will preserve the natural appearance of your wood, but it won’t change the color. Most homeowners choose between fence stain and fence paint. We recommend fence stain in most cases because it is more forgiving and longer lasting. It also costs less than fence paint for most applications. Nevertheless, you can compare your options and decide what’s right for you.
How Often Will My Fence Need Treating?
After the initial treatment, you will need to stain your fence every 3-5 years. This will lengthen the lifespan of your fencing and keep your fence looking its best. Here are some signs you need to stain or seal your fence:
- The fence pickets look grey
- The stain has noticeably faded
- You aren’t happy with the color of your fence
- The fence pickets are starting to rot or weaken
- You can’t remember when your fence was last treated
After the initial waiting period, it’s never ‘too soon’ to stain a fence. You can re-apply fence stain every year if you want, depending on your budget and goals. The talented team here at All Around Fence is happy to assist you every step of the way.
Get a Fence Staining Quote from All Around Fence
If you have a new fence or slightly older fence that needs treating, All Around Fence is here to help. We provide fence staining, fence repair and fence replacement throughout the Baltimore Metro. Contact us at (443) 838-9374 to schedule a quote or to learn more about our fence company near you.
