How to Stain a Gray Fence

Lay a drop cloth around the bottom of the fence to protect the lawn.

Scrub the surface of the fence with soap and water or wash the wood with a power washer. Concentrate on discolored, stained or moldy areas, being careful not to damage the wood. Stain will accentuate damaged areas instead of covering them. Use bleach diluted with water on stubborn stains. Allow the fence to dry after washing it.

Sand the wooden surface with power sander until it is smooth.

Apply the stain with a roller to a three-foot section of the fence. Go over the section with a paintbrush to work the stain deeply into the wood. Continue with the next three-foot section.

Allow the stain to dry and apply a second coat of stain to darken the color if desired.