How to Stain Rough Boards on a Fence

Much exterior fencing is made from Western red cedar or pine, and often the boards are rough and rustic looking. Even rustic fences need to be stained or finished to protect them from rot, pest damage and ultra-violet rays. Unfortunately, while spraying stain on a fence is faster than brushing it, the Western Red Cedar Association warns that unless you "back brush" the stain right after spraying, the fence will look blotchy. Pick a warm day, roll up your sleeves, get a large stain brush and apply stain to rough fence boards so it penetrates and lasts.

Power washer or hose
Scrub brush
Siding detergent
Drop cloths
4- or 6-inch brush
Lambswool roller
5-gallon bucket
Roller grid
Stain brush

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the fence with a power washer or scrub brush and hose, unless it's new. If the fence is old, apply siding detergent containing mildewcide. Some deck and fence detergents also lighten old wood and even out old stain color; look for a product like this if your fence is old and discolored. Allow it to dry for at least a day.
- 2
  Protect the ground underneath the fence with cardboard, plastic sheeting or drop cloths. Stain is very runny and messy to use.
- 3
  Prime the fence with stain-blocking primer if using a solid-color stain. Check the label; not all solid stains require primer. Apply the primer with a 4- or 6-inch brush, or a roller with at least a 3/4-inch nap. Allow it to dry, then apply two coats of solid color stain in the same manner.
- 4
  Apply semi-transparent stain to unprimed wood with a roller followed immediately by brushing it into the rough boards, or with a brush alone. Work in sections, brushing each section out before the stain has had time to start drying and getting sticky.
- 5
  Read the product label -- some stains will benefit from a second coat for maximum durability, but others only require one coat and a second coat may cause peeling. There are many different stain formulas on the market.

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