Do you know how vital pressure washing your fence is before staining?
In this article, we will explain why it’s so important, discuss what happens if you don’t, the benefits of doing so, and a few other frequently asked questions that surround this topic.
Let’s get started.
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Hey there, I’m Cody.
A decade of residential and commercial pressure washing led me to start JCS Refresh. Now I can share my knowledge with folks like you.
Reading from Washington State?
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Quick answer
The short answer is: Yes!
Most individuals may not understand the significance of pressure washing before staining, which is why we assure you.
A clean fence is like a blank slate; once pressure washed, stain will penetrate the fence, helping to avoid any premature peeling or blemishes.
Benefits of pressure washing before staining
If you are still not convinced why you should do it, check out the list of benefits below:
- Doing so removes any dirt, debris, and contaminants on the surface. The primary goal is to clean and smoothen the surface before putting anything on. Pressure washing will leave you with a clean slate and a healthy surface free from contaminants.
- This helps you determine any signs of damage; once washed, it’ll be easier to spot any chips or areas that need repair. Early determination of these issues will help you avoid spending in the future.
- It ensures the stain will be around longer and protects your fence’s lifespan.
What happens if I don’t pressure wash my fence before staining?
As experts, we strongly recommend pressure washing before staining, skipping this process will only cause several issues, such as:
- The stain will only sit on top of the old finish, which causes premature peeling.
- Any dirt or contaminants will create an uneven surface for staining.
- The appearance of your fence is ruined, thus, affecting your property’s curb appeal.
Can you pressure wash a wooden fence?
Absolutely! However, there are two types of wooden fence material: softwood and hardwood.
Softwood, from the word itself, is delicate and can only tolerate a PSI of 500 to 600, while hardwood can handle 1,300 PSI.
Note that it is essential to put the suitable PSI settings to avoid damage.
Conclusion
In summary, pressure washing before staining significantly helps the stain stick to the fence.
As a result, your fence and its stain will last longer, and you will get the best value out of your investment.
However, whether you pressure wash or not before staining is certainly up to you. If you’re unsure about the project, reach out to a local company and ask about their fence cleaning service.
That’s all for today; thank you for reading our article!
