When answering the question, “How to stain a fence”, start with the right product. Standard Paints Inc. recommends two oil based products designed for fences in the Wood Defender® product line: Semi-Transparent Fence Stain and Transparent Fence Stain. Each of these products are formulated specifically for fence staining applications and incorporates the latest technology and finest raw materials available to give them unparalleled performance.

Recommended Use

Wood Defender® fence stain is designed to be used on exterior wood fences. Both the Wood Defender Semi-Transparent and Transparent Fence Stains work extremely well on:

  • Pine
  • Cedar
  • Spruce
  • Redwood
  • Pressure-treated
  • Weathered and previously stained wood fence

The recommend spread rate for unsealed wood is 150-250 sq ft per gallon. When applied at this rate, the Wood Defender line of Fence Stains will provide you with a uniform application every time! Wood Defender also sells fence staining equipment specifically developed for this use.

Preparing The Fence

As with any staining project it is important that your substrate (wood fence) is properly prepared. The surface of your fence must be clean, dry and free of dust, dirt, mildew, oil, water and other contaminants. Weathered wood must be bleached prior to staining to kill any mildew spores present.

How To Stain A Fence

“Wood Defender recommends the following steps when staining a fence:
  • Wood Defender Stains can be applied by spraying, brushing or rolling so long as total saturation of wood surface is achieved
  • Test color choice in an inconspicuous area before proceeding with the project
  • Stir stain thoroughly
  • Apply without thinning
  • Apply stain above 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius)
  • Allow 90 Days for total cure on Wood Defender Fence Stains
  • We recommend the use of a respirator while spraying
  • Do not apply product if rain is expected within 24 hours

By saturating the surface of the lumber, the Wood Defender® product penetrates deep into the wood leaving the fence with an even, uniform finish. Once you have completed the application process, we are ready for the clean up.

The Clean Up

Wood Defender Fence Stains wipe off most metal, glass and non-porous surfaces; therefore, clean up is less time consuming. Metal gate hardware and fences built with metal poles can be wiped off with a dry rag to remove stain. Wood Defender EZ Clean is the recommended product for removing the stain off surfaces you didn’t intended it being on. Wood Defender EZ Clean will remove overspray off of windows, air conditioners, gutters, brick, cars, garage doors, pool equipment and actually leave the jobsite cleaner then it was when you started!

Dispose of stain soaked rags in a metal container filled with water. This will alleviate the possibility of spontaneous combustion.

For a streak free professional finish on your next job, choose Wood Defender Fence Stains!