Because fence stains have a thin consistency, using a garden sprayer is easier than applying stain by hand.
Things You Will Need
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Wash the fence at least 24 hours before staining with a 1,500- to 2,000-psi power washer. Spray the fence with the wand positioned 18 inches away from the boards and work evenly from top to bottom.
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Apply a wood preparation product to the fence when washing if stains from algae, mold, mildew or fungus are present. Follow the manufacturer's application directions. Rinse the fencing with clean water from the power washer after cleaning with the wood preparation product.
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Allow the fence to dry completely before applying stain. Only apply stain on days with little wind, when the temperature is above 40 degrees and when rain is not expected for at least 24 hours.
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Stir the stain with a paint stirrer before pouring it into the garden sprayer. Stir each time before adding more stain to the sprayer.
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Place a funnel on top of the garden sprayer's opening and pour the stain into the sprayer until it's full.
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Pump the handle of the sprayer several times to pressurize it.
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Hold the sprayer 6 inches from the fence and depress the trigger on the nozzle to release the stain.
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Spray the fence evenly in smooth strokes, working in areas of about 6 square feet at a time.
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Work the stain into the side of the fence boards by stopping after every section and brushing the fence sides with a stain application brush.
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Clean the garden sprayer and brush when your'e done. If using a latex-based stain, wash sprayer and brush with soap and water. For an oil-based stain, use paint thinner to clean the garden sprayer and brush.
The Drip Cap
- Liven up the appearance of your yard's fence or protect it from the outdoor elements by applying a coat of fence stain.
- Only apply stain on days with little wind, when the temperature is above 40 degrees and when rain is not expected for at least 24 hours.
- Stir each time before adding more stain to the sprayer.
- Place a funnel on top of the garden sprayer's opening and pour the stain into the sprayer until it's full.
- For an oil-based stain, use paint thinner to clean the garden sprayer and brush.