The Ultimate Guide to Staining your Fence or Deck

Why stain?

Adding a coat of stain to your fence or deck doesn’t just make it look more beautiful. It protects the wood from things like UV rays, molds, and mildews. Stain also adds moisture and protection to your boards so your boards don’t dry out and warp when we hit those hot, dry days of summer. Stain your project with a product made for the Pacific Northwest. Look for UV inhibitors and mildewcides for the types of molds and mildews that grow in our wet climate. This basic step can add years to the life of your fence or deck!

How to stain a deck or fence

Staining anything can be a big undertaking. Set yourself up for success by planning out how you’re going to tackle the project, ensuring you have the right tools, and completely reading the instructions of the products you’re using. Read on for our in-depth suggestions.

Step 1: Gather supplies

First, decide what tool you’re going to use to apply the stain. A paint roller made of foam or polystyrene fibers is a great option because it applies stain smoothly. A paint sprayer works well too, especially for fences, although this tool can take some time to get used to. A paint pad applicator can be easier and more accurate than both a brush and a sprayer. No matter what you use, you’ll also want brushes in various sizes for corners or small areas.

Don’t forget extra rags for cleanup, painter’s tape, a paint tray, and plastic for protecting other surfaces. Determine how you’ll clean up brushes at the end of the project and have any required solvents on hand.

Lastly, consider any protective equipment you might need, depending on personal sensitivity. This can include gloves, safety goggles, and a respirator.

Step 2: Consult the weather forecast

Weather conditions are extremely important when staining. You don’t want it to be too hot or too cold and it shouldn’t be too sunny. You also want to make sure it won’t be too windy and there won’t be any rain. So what’s a good Pacific Northwesterner to do? Here are some quick tips.

• Stain your fence or deck when the temperature is between 40-80 degrees Fahrenheit. If it’s too hot, the stain will not soak into the boards evenly and it will peel off in the first month. If it’s too cold, the stain won’t cure properly and it may not penetrate the wood.
• Apply stain in the early morning or the late afternoon. This helps to avoid the sun beating down on your surfaces.
• Stains usually need 24 hours to cure and you don’t want rain during that period. Check the weather forecast often!

Step 3: Prepare the area

This is where homeowners are sometimes tempted to cut corners but we can’t say this enough: don’t skip this prep. It takes a lot of work but it’s the most important part of the process. Careful attention to detail will yield the best results!

• Remove everything that’s on the deck or around the fence.
• Sweep the deck and remove all dirt, leaves, pollen, and other debris.
• Inspect the boards for damage and fix broken boards or screws.
• If staining a new fence or deck, there is no need to power wash prior to staining. Just hose off any areas that might be dirty and let dry before applying stain.
• If your fence or deck is older, a power washing can help remove previous stain or build up and create a smoother surface for application. It does require a great amount of finesse to not damage the boards. Test out a small, less visible section first to find the right amount of pressure.
• When using a power washer, use a 45-degree tip at 1200-1400 psi. Always spray with the wood grain.
• Rinse the boards of any cleanser and let fully dry.
• On an older deck, using a sander can be a great way to smooth the boards before application. Consider using a belt sander that can follow the pattern of the decking rather than an orbital sander, which can leave a circular pattern on the surface of soft cedar decking.
• Cover plants, concrete, siding, and anything else you want to be protected with plastic and/or painter’s tape.

Step 4: Apply the stain

Now that you’re well prepared, it’s finally time to apply the stain to your fence or deck. No matter what tools you’re using, you always want to apply stain in long, even strokes.

• Stir the stain well and pour into a tray. You’ll also want to make sure you’re frequently stirring the stain since the pigments can settle.
• If you’re staining a deck, determine where you’re going to start and finish. You don’t want to stain yourself into a corner!
• Start by staining railings, posts, and handrails with a brush.
• Move on to the deck boards, using an applicator, roller, or brush.
• For fence staining, whether you’re using a brush or a sprayer, apply stain in sections of two to three feet.
• Use a brush to stain any cracks, corners, or problem spots.
• Clean the brushes and tray.
• Let dry for 24 to 48 hours.

Deck-specific instructions (based on manufacturer’s recommendations)

Coverage
• New smooth wood: 200-250 sq. ft. per gallon
• New rough wood: 100-200 sq. ft. per gallon

Use a paint pad or brush to apply stain in an even layer along the length of each board. Finish must be applied at a rate that the wood will absorb. Do not allow the stain to pool or puddle on the surface of the wood. Wipe off excess stain with a towel or rag.

Fence-specific instructions (based on manufacturer’s recommendations)

Coverage
• Will cover 15-20 LF of a 6’ tall cedar fence on both sides (or 30-40 LF single side)

Use a spray gun or backpack sprayer to apply stain in a thin layer. Finish must be applied at a rate that the wood will absorb. Do not allow stain to drip or run down the fence. Work continuously from top to bottom, keeping the leading edge wet to prevent lap marks.

For best results, after spray application, use a roller and/or paint brush to even out sprayed-on stain while it is still very damp.

Purchase Rick’s Pacific Northwest-made fence and deck stain! Visit your nearest Rick’s location.