Wood Fence Treatments

Function

• Treating a bare-wood fence provides weather protection, insect protection and enhances the aesthetic quality of the fence. If left untreated, a fence will succumb to water damage, leading to rotting and pest damage.

Products

• Wood paint and sealer are the two primary products used to treat wood. Paint is a popular choice; however, it is not the best choice. Painted fences require scraping and painting year after year, and the paint promotes wood rot. Wood stain is a viable option, providing a waterproof seal over the wood. Although a fence will require restaining over time, this is not necessary every year. Stain colors are natural and enhance the beauty of the wood, making them an aesthetically pleasing alternative.

Application

• Wood treatments can be applied in many ways. A brush or roller can be used; however, this is a strenuous and time-consuming job, and it can be difficult to reach all of the cracks in the wood. A garden sprayer makes the job much faster and is kind on the back. You can touch up any missed spots with a brush.