How to Preserve a Fence

Prepare Weathered Fences

• 1

  Rent a power washer with a 25-degree tip. One that operates at 1,500 or 2,000 psi is sufficient. Ask for a demonstration or instructions in operating the machine.

• 2

  Spread plastic sheets below the fence and cover nearby plants to protect them from the force of the spray. Put on water-repelling clothing and safety goggles.

• 3

  Attach a garden hose to the power washer and start the machine according to the instructions.

• 4

  Hold the tip of the power washer about 18 inches from the fence to start the cleaning process. Keep the wand moving up and down the boards. Move the wand closer if the old gray color remains. When you see the color changing from gray to a bright new-wood color, move on to a new section of the fence. Continue until the entire fence has been cleaned.

• 5

  Let the fence dry for 48 hours before applying any preservative.

Applying Preservative

• 6

  Test the wood to see if the time is right for a preservative or sealer. Splash some water onto the fence boards. If water beads up on the wood, it is not ready for a sealer. It the water soaks into the wood within five minutes, a sealer is recommended.

• 7

  Cover the grass and nearby plants with plastic. Pour the preservative into a garden pump sprayer. With the sprayer pumped up, move the wand of the sprayer up and down the fence boards, allowing the wood to soak up as much preservative as it can.

• 8

  Remove any excess preservative with a paintbrush. Brush it onto dryer areas or simply wipe it off with a rag. Areas that have too much preservative may appear to be oily.

• 9

  Pump the garden sprayer often and continue the process until the entire fence has been coated. Allow at least 48 hours for the fence to thoroughly dry.

• 10

  Clean up the pump sprayer and brushes with mineral spirits. Rinse the equipment with clean water.