How to Remove Gray From a Fence

The outer layer of an unprotected fence begins to grey over time. This happens when ultraviolet light degrades the wood fibers on the surface and water absorption causes the fibers to expand and contract. If the fence remains unprotected, the wood can eventually warp and crack. Already graying fences need to have the fibers restored to their new wood look before applying a protective finish coat. This reconditioning process also helps remove foreign debris from interfering with the bond of the new coating.

Things You'll Need

• Wood brightener
• 5-gallon bucket
• Garden hose
• Weed sprayer
• Nylon-bristled scrub brush
• Spray nozzle

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Mix 1 gallon of wood brightener with 4 gallons of water in a 5-gallon bucket.

   • 2

     FIll a weed sprayer with the solution.

   • 3

     Wet the fence with the garden hose.

   • 4

     Pump the handle of the weed sprayer up and down to pressurize the tank. Spray the fence one slat at a time.

   • 5

     Allow the brightener to remain on the wood slats for 10 minutes, then scrub each slat with a nylon-bristle scrub brush.

   • 6

     Screw a nozzle on the end of the garden hose and thoroughly rinse the fence to remove the brightener.