DIY Fence Stain for Rails

Materials

• Purchase an exterior grade fence stain to stain your rails. The stains come in various colors and are mixed with a base of oil or water. The oil-based stains smell stronger, dry quicker and must be cleaned up using mineral spirits. The oil-based stains may provide a slightly greater amount of protection than do water-based stains, but not enough to make a great difference. The water-based stains don't smell as strong as oil-based, and they clean up easily with soap and water. Determine the amount of stain you need by dividing the surface area to be covered by the amount of coverage possible in one can of stain.

Tools

• You will need the following tools to complete your project successfully. If you don't have them, purchase them from your local hardware store: a spray applicator for applying the stain. Use a pump garden sprayer to apply the stain, or use an electric paint sprayer to do the same job; you will need an extension cord to operate the electric sprayer. You will also need a wire brush, stiff-bristled brush and a wash bucket for cleaning the rails before staining.

Application

• Clean the rails first using trisodium phosphate and a wire brush/stiff-bristled brush. Make sure the rails are free of dirt and debris before you apply the stain. Add the stain to the spray containers after you have mixed the stain; shake the spray containers to make sure the stain is mixed. Cover any areas that should not receive over-spray. Apply several coats with the sprayer but do so lightly for each coat. If the stain runs, use a brush or cotton rag to wipe away the excess stain.