Elevating Your Property's Curb Appeal
At Thrive Fencing, we understand that a well-maintained fence can significantly boost your property's appeal and value. Whether you're considering painting your fence or exploring fence staining options, we're here to guide you through the process and help you achieve stunning results.
When Installing a
New Fence,
Consider Purchasing
Pre-Stained Boards
We Also Sell Pre-Stained Boards!
At Thrive Fencing, we will frequently install pre-stained fence boards. If you choose to install non-stained or non-painted fencing, you need to contend with some factors including:
- If you stain after fence installation, not all sides of the boards are stained (i.e. you can’t get stain where the boards are touching, under the pickets by the ground)
- You need to wait for the perfect timing…a non-windy day, at the right temperature, and when it’s been without rain for days so the boards are at the correct moisture content.
- You need to mitigate the risk of staining things you don’t want stained (your house, your landscaping, your neighbor's cat).
Pre-Stained Fencing
Flawless Finish from Day One, Without the Mess or Hassle
Pre-stained fencing, from day one pre-staining soaks all sides of the boards after confirming the correct moisture content of each board with a moisture meter. Plus there’s no risk of mess or overspray. From day one your fence looks great with no hassle.
The Great Debate: Paint vs. Stain
When it comes to protecting and beautifying your fence, both paint and stain have their merits. Deciding to paint or stain your fence has some considerations. Here's what you need to know:
Painting Your Fence
- Offers a limitless range of color options
- A great way to provide a solid, uniform look
- Can hide imperfections in older fences so your fence looks newer
- Typically requires more prep work
Staining Your Fence:
- Enhances the natural wood grain
- Penetrates the wood for better protection
- Often easier to apply and maintain
- Ideal for newer fences or those in good condition
The Staining and
Painting Process
Whether you choose to DIY or hire professionals, here's a general overview of the process:
- Prep: Clean the fence thoroughly using a pressure washer or scrub brush with soapy water. Repair any damaged areas and allow the fence to dry completely.
- Prime (for painting): Apply a coat of primer for better paint adhesion.
- Apply: Use a brush, roller, or sprayer to apply the paint or stain evenly. For best results, work in horizontal strokes.
- Second Coat: Most projects benefit from a second coat for fuller coverage and longer-lasting protection.
Frequently Asked Questions About
Fence Staining & Painting
Cedar has oils that make it naturally resistant to bugs and decay and thus does not need to be chemically treated or stained. For that reason, unless there are other specific project requirements, Thrive Fencing only installs cedar boards for fences. Other materials (such as pine) should have a chemical treatment and thus are commonly called “green-treated” wood.
Cedar and treated pine will naturally be gray if not stained. Some people prefer that look, as it may blend into surroundings including trees and landscaping.
While checking (cracking) in wood is natural and shouldn’t impact the structural integrity of your fencing unless extreme, it may be unsightly. Checking can be greatly reduced by periodic staining.
Typically, a well-applied coat of paint or stain can last 3-5 years, depending on weather conditions and wear and tear.
Good options include Wood Defender stain, Sherwin Williams Superdeck Log Home & Deck Stain, and Expert Stain and Seal.
What moisture content should the wood be? Ideally the moisture content would be less than 15%. You can buy a moisture meter off google for under $20. ,
We recommend high-quality exterior latex paints for their durability and ease of cleanup. Brands like Sherwin-Williams offer excellent options for fence painting.
Stain is often preferred over paint because the fence staining will soak into the boards and hold much better than fence painting, which tends to peel off after time.
Yes, but it requires proper preparation, including cleaning and potentially applying a primer designed for use over the stain.
View Our Gallery of Fence Staining and Painting
