How to Stain Fence With Pump Sprayer

Wood fence is quite easy to care for and staining a wood fence is quite easier than you may think. I mean, you’d be blown away to see how beautiful and long-lasting you can keep your fence with only a stain and a little bit of care here and there.

Meanwhile, rolling and brushing on the stain in a bid to protect a wood fence can be time-consuming, trust me and besides, the best way to sustain the beauty of your wood fence for a while is to stain it right using the right tools like a pump sprayer. Also, if you want to cut your time in half, then applying the stain fence with pump sprayer is the way to go.

Although it may be difficult choosing the right pump sprayer since we’ve got several ones available with different features. We’ve structured this article to provide you with a complete guide on how to stain a fence with a pump sprayer.

A good and attractive fence increases the value of a home and makes it appear more appealing. And for this purpose, if you intend to use only a paintbrush, I’m scared you may not be able to apply even coat across each panel because it’d require a very long period of time.

Staining a fence with a pump sprayer on the other hand is much easier and can save a great deal of time.

Spraying stain with pump sprayer- Step By Step

• Prepare the surface

Before proceeding with the staining procedure, firstly, you want to start by removing all objects near the work area that the paint pump sprayer might possibly cover while working. You want to clear the workspace, cover the surroundings and make sure that a newspaper or a clean cloth is used in order to ensure any paint that doesn’t hit the fence does not go anywhere it isn’t supposed to go.

Plants and other vegetation along the fence will need to be covered so as to keep the stain from getting to them.

Also, plants in pots, garden furniture and the like should also be removed.

While being outdoor denotes plenty of ventilation, you should wear a protective mask to avoid inhaling the fumes and odors generated from the wet stain. You should also put on your gloves and clothes when working to protect the skin. You may possibly consider specialized clothing, the one quite easy to wash or simply thrown away after work.

You really want to ensure safety precautions because although you may not be able to prevent all accidents or injuries, you can always minimize them to a considerable level when proper precautions are being taken.

 

• Inspect the fence

Now that the area has been well prepared, the next step is to check the fence itself for any infestation.

Perhaps you observe any termites, make sure you destroy them before staining.

You want to tighten or remove any loose screws or nails in the fence and also make repairs (like filling the cracks, nail holes,etc) before adding the stain.

Thereafter, ensure you clean the fence so you don’t have to cover dirt or any other debris. Cleaning a wood fence before staining requires you start by washing the fence while taking note of any flaking paint.

A good fence cleaner can be used to get rid of additional debris if left behind.

 

• Add a primer coat

Now that the fence has been properly cleaned for staining, the next step is to add the primer coating.

The work of the primer coating is to help the stain adhere well to the fence. However, you’ll need a clean paintbrush to apply the coat. This process would often take a longer period as compared to using a pump sprayer or a paint gun, it will ensure you cover all the fences.

While the primer is getting dried, you can use that time to prepare the pump for staining.

 

• Stain the fence

Get the type of anti-termite stain you’d love to use, pour into the pump sprayer and adjust the settings for maximum effect.

Ensure the lid is kept back on the can of stain before setting off to the fence.

Now, focus the pump sprayer at the area of the fence you want to do justice to first. While doing this, ensure you’re about six inches to a foot away from the fence and spray according to how the fence panels are positioned.

Note: For the horizontal panel, spray up and down while for the vertical panel, spray back and forth.

Try as much as possible to keep the even and not arc or curve when spraying so you’re able to touch every area that way.

Get a paintbrush handy in order to correct any areas where the stain may gather or puddle. The brush will help even such areas out.

 

How to stain a fence with a pump sprayer- Amount of coat needed?

Most times, only one coat should do, so there won’t be a need for a second coat. Meanwhile, if the coat applied was too thin, then you sure need a second coat for appropriate coverage.

• Allow the stain some time to dry.

Depending on the quantity of stain you use, generally, it’ll take 18-20 minutes thereabout before it dries up completely.

This is also dependent on the temperature as well as weather conditions.

For instance, a warm sunny day basically takes less time to dry while a cold cloudy day means it’d take a longer period of time.

However, ensure you check the manufacturer’s instructions on the can to see the required time.

• Do away with the covering

After you’ve completely stained your fence and you’re sure it is dried, now you want to remove all the coverage from your plants.

If your made use of any plant cane and ties, carefully get them off.

Getting the stain dried before removing the covering of the plant is quite crucial as the wet stain can get in contact with the plant, hence leading to their damage.

• Clean the tools

Finally when you’re done, remember to wash the painting materials you used (brushes, rollers, pump sprayer, trays, etc).

Cleaning your tools properly with white spirit or thinner is important before going ahead to store them as this would help you preserve them in good condition for future use.

What stain type can I use for my fence?

Know that there are several products available in the market for staining fences but not all of them are good enough, hence the need to carry out your research.

Ensure whatever product you decide to go for is water-resistant and can be used for exterior wood.

The stain for fences such as KILZ, Wood Defender, DEFY, and the like are designed to be highly durable and resistant to harsh weather regardless of where you live. They can easily be wiped clean with a lacquer thinner and a soft cloth.

Meanwhile, just by checking the product information, you can tell what exactly is the paint’s intended use.

Many of these oil-based wood paints for fence painting are most suited for your rough pine, spruce, cider, sawn timber as well as pressure-treated wood. Not only are they useful for protecting wood fences, they also serve as sheds, backyard wood storage, cabins or any other garden wood.

So whichever product or brand name you choose, ensure you buy the right quantity that is enough to cover all the fence area that you intend to coat.

And if you’re using a paint sprayer, also check that the stain you’re going for is good for spraying and can be easily spayed over.

 

Pump spray or roll a stain: Which is best?

While you may have worked with traditional paint rollers for coating walls, if you’ve got plywood cabinet, rough wood siding, window trim or other textured surfaces, then trust me, an airless pump or paint sprayer is sure the way to go.

With a good paint sprayer machine, the whole process would be successfully completed in no time.

The only disadvantage I feel there is to using a roller is that it is time-consuming if used for small sections and could possibly leave behind some drips.

However, a paint pump sprayer on the other hand will always require more preparation which includes paint thinning.

 

Final thought on How to Stain Fence With Pump Sprayer

Stain fence with pump sprayer is like the fastest means ever. It allows an even coat of the entire surface in no time and with little stress.

I hope that having applied these simple yet effective tips, you’re able to achieve that good-looking, termite-free fence quickly and with no hassle to boot!