Refinishing is a vital part of wood fence maintenance, but not all finishes are the same. Read on to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of the different finish options available for your wood fence.
Wood fences are a beautiful addition to any property, but Virginia’s climate can do a number on unfinished wood. Whether your fence is new or old, you should inspect, clean, and refinish it regularly. Finishes come in an endless array of materials, textures, and colors. Paint, stain, and varnish all have their benefits and drawbacks, but the finish you choose is entirely up to you. Refinishing is a vital part of wood fence maintenance, but not all finishes are the same. Read on to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of the different finish options available for your wood fence.
Wood Fence Maintenance Before Refinishing
Wood can require substantial upkeep, but many people find that their beauty is well worth the trouble. Before refinishing, you should clean your fence and sand or strip away the old finish. Make sure that you apply your new paint, stain, or varnish to a clean and dry surface for best results.
Paint
When people think of a white picket fence, they likely think of painted wood. Paint is thicker than stains or varnishes, so it provides more of a protective layer than other finishes when properly applied and maintained. However, paint lies on the surface of the wood rather than being absorbed into it. Because of this, paint must be applied more frequently than varnish or stain. Painted fences can also benefit from a coat of varnish on top.
Stain
Wood stain is a popular material in wood fence maintenance, and it is a beautiful option for homeowners who want to add dimension and vibrancy to their fence without covering up the natural wood grain. Unlike paint, stain will take a few coats to cover your surface completely, and each layer has to be dry before you apply the next. Stain soaks into the wood’s surface, augmenting the natural color and providing surface protection. The more layers of stain you add, the more your fence is protected from the elements.
Varnish
Although varnish is typically used as a top coat for painted and stained fences, you can actually use it on its own to finish your fence. Be sure to select a varnish that is intended for outdoor use on decks or in marine applications. Otherwise, your newly-applied finish will quickly fail.
Hercules Fence is Here to Help
No matter what type of fence you have decided on, Hercules Fences has the expertise and equipment to construct your dream fence. Our experienced team can help meet your fencing needs, whether they are residential or commercial, for the right price. We proudly serve Albemarle County, Amelia, Ashland, Augusta, Buckingham, Caroline, Charles City, Charlottesville, Chester County, Chesterfield County, Colonial Heights, Cumberland County Dinwiddle County, Fluvanna County, and Fort Lee, Virginia, VA. Give us a call at 804-752-7992 or visit us online. To see examples of our work and keep in touch, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Flickr, and Pinterest.
