How to Darken Fence Boards With Baking Soda

Outdoor fencing adds character to a home or property. Wooden fencing can be stained to enrich the look of the wood and help protect it from the elements. Store-bought stains tend to have many toxins, but you can make a stain out of natural ingredients that will darken redwood and some types of cedar, two common woods used for outdoor fencing. This natural stain gives a naturally aged look to fence boards, decks, or wooden siding and also deters the growth of moss.

Garden sprayer
Baking soda
Wood sealer for outdoors
Safety Mask
Goggles

Instructions

- 1
  Mix baking soda and water into a garden sprayer. The mixture should be 1 cup of baking soda for each gallon of water.
- 2
  Pump the garden sprayer to build up pressure. Stand back approximately 10 to 12 inches and use the sprayer nozzle to begin covering the fence.
- 3
  Continue spraying the entire fence thoroughly until the entire fence has been covered. You may need to stop several times and refill the sprayer with the baking soda and water mixture, depending on the size of the fence.
- 4
  Spray the opposite side of the fence once the first side has been finished. Be sure to spray the coat of baking soda solution evenly over the fence for a uniform look.
- 5
  Allow the fence to dry for at least an hour. Coat again with the baking soda mixture if desired.
- 6
  Cover the fence with at least two coats of outdoor wood sealant. This will help to protect the wood against weathering for a long-lasting finish. The wood sealant can be sprayed on with the garden sprayer or painted on with a brush.

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