When it comes to protecting your fence there is a huge sea of information and options. To start the conversation, there are two questions we ask; what look do you like and do you understand your options in regards to longevity and required maintenance.
When we discuss a color the first thing to figure out is opacity and how much grain you would like to see coming through your stain. Certain products are wood penetrating and soak in while others sit on the surface. The look of the fence is largely due to the “pigment” within the product whose job is to act like a sunscreen. The higher the pigment content the higher the opacity. The more pigment or sunscreen the longer the color will hold up in the sun and withstand the elements.
The pigment protects the surface of the wood. This is where the difference between an exterior acrylic (Behr Premium Solid Stain) and a penetrating oil (Stain & Seal Experts) take different paths. The Solid Stain will have significantly more pigments than an oil stain which help maintain the appearance but it will not preserve the wood through to the center. A penetrating oil stain helps protects the entirety of the wood by soaking through the board but will fade in color and require more maintenance. A well maintained oil stained fence will significantly outlast an acrylic solid stained.
Overview:
Acrylic Solid Stain; will hold its appearance for a long time (15-25 years) but will not protect the inside of the wood from rot, warping or cracking, termites, fungus or organic growth. It is recommended for soft wood fences as it can flex unlike latex paint which will harden and therefore crack or peel as the wood expands and contracts with heat and moisture. You can view colors here.
Penetrating Oil; has less pigment which will require regular maintenance to retain its appearance. As an oil it will penetrate deep into the wood helping reduce warping and cracking by 98%, prevent against termites, fungus and other organic growth. Even when the exterior pigment has been burned off by the sun the oil inside the wood will keep the wood healthy. A new coat of oil can simply be applied over the existing one to refresh the color. This allows the fence to last for decades. You can view colors here.
Oil Stain
Available for pre-staining
Solid Stain
Not available for pre-staining
Pre-Staining
If an oil stain is the choice you have made, then pre-staining is the best way to protect your new fence as all 6 sides of the wood are coated. When a fence is installed there are sections of the wood that simply cannot be stained once it is built. With pre-staining the wood is fully submerged into a dip tank which allows for maximum coverage and protection.
The three most popular color options:
Transparent
Light Honey
Semi-Transparent
Pecan
Semi-Solid
Sable
Other color options are available for pre-staining for an additional $____.
The US Forest Service and Department of Agriculture has done studies on the benefits of a penetrating oil and the enhanced benefits
and longevity of pre-staining.
*Pre-staining is not available for an acrylic solid stain
Raw Wood vs. Penetrating Oil
Oil Stain Protects From
