cleaning cedar fence before staining

I'm just going to spray some dirty spots with water and wait! All rights reserved. Or if its time for a new fence, give us a call for a free estimate! All materials copyright 2022 Sierra Fence, Inc. Austin Texas. If you power wash the fence, be sure to use a soft method that will limit or eliminate the chance of damaging the wood fiber. Use painters tape to protect areas of the fence you do not want to stain. Trying to remove the old stain can actually end up damaging the wood.

Enlist a brush, roller, or sprayer to stain the slats. We recommend keeping the water pressure around 1500 psi and keeping the wand a little further away from the fence. Also, remove any climbing weeds that may grow near the fence as they can damage wood when they become attached. Are you sure thats a good idea? I hope this helps. Dont rest on your laurels too long and risk the weather damage: Aim to stain your fence every two to three years to preserve its sheen and weather protective qualities. One of the best parts of power washing is that the natural grey color that untreated cedar forms over the years will be washed away and its naturally bright and fresh color will be exposed again. For best results, apply a single coat of clear, weatherproof sealant by brush, roller, or sprayer. To effectively power wash your fence, you need to use a soft method that will prevent any further wood damage. You can, however, repair or replace damaged or loose boards, as well as hammer in loose nails, as the fence is drying. PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK AND ALWAYS WEAR PROPER SAFETY GEAR LIKE GLOVES AND SAFETY GOGGLES. Extreme cold or moisture can prolong the drying time of wood stain, while the opposite extreme can dry out stain too quickly and leave behind unwanted lap marks on the fence. If you spot mold or mildew deposits on the fence, prepare a solution of bleach diluted with water in a bucket. Apply a waterproofing sealer to the cedar fence to protect the wood from splintering, cracking and warping due to the weather elements. The weather window for staining is closing fastrecommendations? Went to lowes, and looked at a limited number of available cleaners. Cedar is one of the most popular fencing materials for privacy fences and other outdoor structures here in Boise. Wood fences can improve the look of your yard for many years, depending on the type of wood you use and the climate you live in. Seal your cedar fence every three to five years. Many professional painters will use a similar formula to prep their paint areas. 11 Things to Know First, A natural-bristle brush is the best way to encourage oil-based. Should You Power Wash A Fence Before Staining It? Similarly, protect surrounding vegetation at the foot of the fence by covering it with drop cloths. Mix a solution of 4 oz. The best way to apply the cleaning solution is using a pressure operated sprayer. Due to volatility of tariffs please be aware our estimate is subject to change without notice.

Applying wood stain to the slats improvesits designand prolongs the lifespan of yourhard-working outdoor structurea win-win! Wait 2 days (no rain) to dry, then stain. 30 second cleaner is a simple formula of household bleach andtrisodium phosphate phosphate which you can mix together yourself. Check out one of our project using Cedar Post here. Take a close-up look at the fence and see if you can see any large spots that need individual cleaning (such as bird droppings) and then hose it off. Whether your wooden fence is years old or newly installed, it can benefit from a single inexpensive addition: stain. You will want to begin by using 500-800 psi with a 25-degree nozzle tip. Make sure to let the wood dry out completely before continuing. My parents recoated their deck with it last year with the newly branded product. This is what I do: In a bucket, mix together OMEGA Stucco Cleaner, Oxi Clean Powder form, and Simple Green with luke warm water. If your prefer cleaning with a pressure washer, it's best to do it under cooler, non-windy conditions, when the surface you're cleaning is not in direct sunlight. Powerwashing at high speeds can also wash away the soft fibers of the wood. Keep bushes and vines from growing up the fence. While you let it dry see if you can put a cover on it to prevent anything else from dirtying it. Pressure washing your cedar fence and then applying a stain is the best way to keep your fence in its best condition, giving your yard the beauty it deserves. Preventing rainwater from getting on the fence is impractical. Dont believe it? If left without care, the fence can turn a grayish color due to exposure of natural elements, warp, and/or rot. That being said, here are some frequently asked questions in regards to cleaning cedar fences. See pressure-washing in action here on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaCo6qtY26M(Credit to:Shane Brasseaux). Our pricing goes by approximate budget ranges. Simple Green Oxy Solve Deck and Fence Cleaner. With a medium soft bristle scrub brush, soak the stains and scrub with the solution. I feel like it might damage the wood or something. However, there are other options besides using a pressure washer to clean your fence or deck. Staining companies often recommend staining at least 1 shade darker for re-stains because of older stains. A single coat should be sufficient for a new wood fenceor one that you also plan to seal. Cut down weeds and vines that may begin to grow on the surface of the fence.

Keep in mind that if you spend an excessive amount of time in one area of the fence and not the others you will be left with an uneven pattern. Somehow, the faded stains with start to fade outsome more than others. I asked about a suggested Flood product for this and the rep says Flood doesn't make it any more but any brightener will work. If you find its time to replace, Sierra Fence can help you find the perfect replacement. Properly cleaning the material ensures that the stain you apply will adhere properly and last longer. Can we look it up before you go, just to be on the safe side?. After some searching, here is what the couple finds: More often than not, it is not a good idea to power wash a fence before staining it. Copyright 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. When the entire fence has been stained, let it dry according to the stain manufacturers instructions. After youve cleaned your fence and allowed it to dry completely, we recommend protecting it from future damage with a fresh coating of stain. How to Make Your Painted or Stained House Feel at Home in the Landscape, How to Choose a Fence That Feels Right and Works Hard, A Deer Fence Can Be Decorative as Well as Protective. When it comes to staining cedar fences, oil based semi-transparent stains are the best. I would use a semi- transparent stain for a more natural look even though it will not last as long as an opaque stain. This type also shows the woods grain and texture, and it enhances the woods natural color. A cedar fence is a beautiful addition to a home; however, that beauty can fade over the years if the fence isnt properly cared for and cleaned. Allow it to set on the fence for about 10 minutes. Always choose an oil based stain. Using this method will wash away the grey and expose the lush natural color beneath. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY.

Houzz uses cookies and similar technologies to personalise my experience, serve me relevant content, and improve Houzz products and services. Cedar wood is naturally resistant to insects, rot, and warping, however despite its hearty reputation, cedar still requires proper maintenance to ensure its lovely appearance will last.

Fence Specialists | Website, SEO & Marketing by. It should fade more.

It is a concentrate formula that is designed to remove mildew, moss, mold and dirt from wood prior to painting. That being said, you dont want to spend your valuable time and money on a fence that may actually need replacing. The company has been bought and is now under a different name, but staff there should be able to help you find it. Apply additional coats of stain as needed to achieve the desired depth of color. Staining Your Cedar Fence The first coat requires a good portion of stain; apply and then dry before the second coat. Scrub any tough stains from the fence with a scrub brush. Guttering Works. Just look at the ingredients next time you are in the store. I was considering just using my pressure washer with water, but I have read many horror stories of improperly prepped stain project with us even results. Inspect your fence closely as sometimes the damage can be hidden. For best results let the cleaner work for about a minute and then run a brush over the area and then rinse it clean with a garden hose. Receive free, no-commitment estimates from pro painters near you. Most people think you need to remove the old stain first. Power Washing Too much pressure can cause the cedar to splinter. Use the directions below to deep clean your fence at least once a year. Do not linger long in any particular area as this will leave an uneven pattern. When it comes to combining TSP and bleach there are many different approaches in terms of measurements but for a great outline on how to do this visit this nice write-up on how to make your own outdoor cleaner. Allow the sealant to dry completely. For long-lasting, professional-quality results, work witha semitransparent oil-based stain designed for the exterior. Cedar fences are low-maintenance, although specific care is required to keep the fence in good condition.

Apply wood stain or finish stripper to the slats according to the manufacturers instructions, then scrub the slats with a stiff-bristle brush to loosen the old varnish and slough off upright wood fibers. Let the spray sit for 10 minutes and then use a brush to wash away dirt and mildew.

Household bleach, well you probably know where to find that. Its to remove the mold, mildew, and algae as well as knock off the dirt and debris.

Here are some tips that you can use to keep your cedar fence from looking grey from weathering over time. They are generally available at your local hardware store.

On the stain can it says use Flood wood cleaner to prep. Do not place sprinklers where the water stream hits the fence, even after applying a sealer. oxygen bleach and 1 gallon of hot water into a bucket. I guess, yeah. The cleaner application should be done when the fence or deck is dry. Clean your cedar fence at least once every year. Once youre ready to power wash, stand about a foot and a half away from the fence and spray the entirety of the fence evenly. REMEMBER, MIXING CHEMICALS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS. Regular cleaning and maintenance with a stain or sealer can help both preserve the classic look and prolong the life of your fence. This causes the wood to deteriorate quicker. I used the cedar tint on mine, but there is colourless as well. These can usually be picked up at a hardware store for under $15 and are well worth the investment. Proper cleaning of the wood will also bring the fence back to life and make it look newer. Clean the fence with water from a high-pressure spray nozzle attached to a garden hose (or use a power washer). Our mission is to provide the most comprehensive pressure washing and cleaning service in the Pee Dee region. Brush on two thin coats of waterproofing sealer using a paint brush. Repair chips, gouges, or cracks in the fence with wood filler. It utilizes the power of peroxide to provide high-performance cleaning without abrasive chemicals.

Give some thought to stain it a gray close to the color it would naturally turn to. Find the amount of pressure you need by adjusting, but use no more than 1,500 psi. ! Jen comes running to the garage door. I had it for 5 years before selling the house this past year, but it was still looking great. Ensure the stain will penetrate the wood with the water test: Lightly spray a small section of the fence with a garden hose. Avoid letting excessive amounts of water hit the fence. Rinse the fence clean with plain water from a garden hose. Wood fencing tends to be aesthetically pleasing, unless you've put off cleaning it for too long. Over time, dirt, mold, moss, grease and other materials can adhere to the fence and it is never good to apply a new stain without removing these debris first. The TSP and Bleach combination shouldnt run you more than about $20 and ought to last you much longer than the large $30 bottle of 30 Second Cleaner concentrate.

You are now ready to re-stain your deck or fence! I am planning to stain it myself with the Flood CWF UV stain natural/clear but I am getting mixed messages on how to prep it. Transparent stains allow for the natural color and grains to show, but offers lower levels of protection than semi-transparent or colored stains. Another bonus is that this is the color that it wants to turn to so it will look better for a longer time than any other color. Clean Your Gutters Before They Clean Out Your Wallet.

If you want a quick solution, a hose-end cleaner can provide a light cleaning. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Dont they usually use those things on brick and siding?, Mike pauses. Cleaning and general maintenance is necessary to preserve cedar wood fences. The bummer is that the staining will continue to happen each time it rains or is damp out, but it will be less and less each time. Rain Gutter Cleaning from Leaves and Dirt. The wood does absorb water when applied to the surface, which is supposed to be a sign that it is ready for staining. To learn more about proper pressure washing equipment, technique and cleaning products, click here. This is exactly my situation! Simply fill out the contact form below, and a member of our staff will be in contact with you within 24 hours. For older cedar fences, use the power washing and cleaning tips above, and let the fence dry before applying stain. Cleaning a wooden fence with household bleach, as many people do, can cause damage and discoloration if done incorrectly. Instead, use a different cleaning method. Depending on the time you want to invest in cleaning the fence and how much buildup you have to remove, you can choose to use a pressure washer, or clean by hand. It also penetrates into the wood fibers to kill stuff deep within the wood as well. We pride ourselves as a fair and honest fencing company. If cared for properly, a cedar fence will remain attractive and structurally sound for many years to come. Home models that run off of gas range from $300-$1,000. If you find its time to replace. This will allow the stain to enter hard-to- reach grooves and recesses, and ensure an even coat free of lap marks. Allow it to soak in and then rinse with water. Power washing a stained fence can create divots on the surface of the wood. Youll want to power wash a fence before staining when: You use a power washer here because of the amount of water it produces, not the strength of the spray.

Its important to give time for your fence to dry out before applying an oil-based stain because water and oil reject each other. That being said, you dont want to spend your valuable time and money on a fence that may actually need replacing. I agree with the last comment--if you just had it put in, then there's probably not much to clean. And the Lowe's guy even told me to "clean my fence first" and handed that to me (even though he knew I had cedar). Pursuant to Governor Inslees Proclamation 20-25, our business is required to establish, implement, and enforce social distancing policies, consistent with best practices and guidelines from the CDC. Trisodium phosphate Phosphate, or TSP, is a chemical many painters use to prep their work areas and can usually be found in the painting area of a hardware store. Dispose of soiled drop cloths, remove the painters tape from the slats, and reveal your like-new fence! If using a power washer, opt for a low-powered unit operating at no more than 2,000 psi so as not to weather the wood slats. I can reject non-essential cookies by clicking Manage Preferences. Remember to wash first wood stains prefer to cling onto a clean surface, acting as a seal that prolongs the lifespan of the fence and its beauty. Do you not? Jen shakes her head. Remove mold and mildew stains promptly. While a good quality stain alone is sufficient to protect your fence from everyday wear-and-tear, applying a durable sealant over the stain can prolong the finishand the life of your fence.

A cedar fence provides beauty and privacy to the exterior of any home. If you want a deeper clean, or you want to avoid the chemicals we listed in the section above, consider power washing your fence. Give our fencing experts a call today.

It helps protect the wood from drying out and other damages. If using a sprayer, follow the same approach as for how to stain a fence with a roller, but stand back a comfortable distance from the fence to apply color. 2021 Castle Building & Remodeling, Inc. | Privacy Policy, using pressure washer to clean your fence, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaCo6qtY26M. After youve cleaned your fence and allowed it to dry completely. I don't see any special products for new wood. Simple Green Oxy Solve Deck and Fence Cleaner is ideal for both manual and pressure washing to lift and remove dirt and grime from fencing. Depending on the current condition of your fence, you may need to strip or sand the surface. Actually, its usually better to leave the old stain. This ensures the cleaner does not dry on your surface before rinsing, and the spray doesn't blow back in your face. Building a custom home and went unique with color! I used a product called Natural Deck Oil (Rona) on mine years ago.

What to Know When Prepping Your Home for Sale. And I bought one of those cleaners from Lowe's and JUST saw the thing about not using on new cedar. Do you like the fence you had put in? Or call us at 208-888-6131. This is where the softwood along the edges wash away. No matter which option you choose, be cautious when cleaning. If you havent cleaned your fence for years and are looking for a quick fix, you might want to consider using a pressure washer. Before staining a wood fence, scan the weekly weather forecast and select a day with temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees, low to moderate humidity, and no precipitation expected for the next 24 hours. If you have a pressure washer you can easily clean your fence or deck by putting it on a lighter setting so as not to damage the wood. If you have a huge fence you may not want to pay for that much pre-mixed product. Hello! If you frequent stores like Home Depot or Lowes you may be familiar with a product called 30 second cleaner. All Rights Reserved. By Manasa Reddigari and Bob Vila | Updated Oct 30, 2020 2:36 PM. After the soft wash, rinse the fence with fresh water.

Youll want to do what we call a soft wash. A soft wash is a mixture of water and algaecides that kill the mold and mildew on the surface. The leftover, harder wood fibers wont accept the stain as uniformly. This might end up doing more harm than good. oxygen bleach and cup non-ammonia dish soap into a garden sprayer. Only note that while semitransparent stains can last anywhere between two to five years, extreme temperatures and precipitation can prematurely age the finish. Welcome to Dixon Pressure Washing, the premier pressure washing in Florence, SC.

GSA Terms and ConditionsClick Here and Click Here Capabilities StatementClick Here GSA Contract Numbers: GS-07F-0109V & GS-07F-0598W Cage Code: 529T0 Duns: 807811133 NAICS Codes: 238990, 321999, 332323, 332618LIC# FENCES1960DQ. What cleaning do I need to do? *Castlehas decade-long experience in using Cedar product (Cedar post, fence & decks). Planting landscaping around the perimeter of the fence is fine. Alternatively, if you need a quick and easy cleanup, 30 second cleaner may be just perfect for you. Simply attach it to your hose and spray down the fence. While keeping the nozzle in a horizontal position, begin at the top of the fence and move your way down in long sweeping motions, following the grain of the wood. For those of you with larger projects, there is a cost effective way to reap the benefits of 30 second cleaner without having to pay the high price for the premixed concentrate.