Fence and Desk Stain, revisited

[Ban Bot]

I have identified my search blunder: the Home and Garden forum is new so any old threads are in OT. Alas this issue has been discussed before but I didn't want to necro an old threat in OT. Some oldies here here and here.

We have some dilapidated fencing (cedar) that is grey and worn. It needs urgent rehab.

I was considering sanding the fence but after some advise I decided to try pressure washing first. I will be pressure washing and repairing broken boards over the next week.

So the question is: what kind of stain? The fence is older so I am thinking of a solid or semitransparent. Not sure what kinds are available in my area; I have been told oil is being phased out (Seattle). And it seems some of the more popular brands, like Behr, aren't very good.

I really don't want to put a ton of time into this for it to turn around and fail.

We have ~ 100ft of fence, 5ft tall. If you didn't know better you would assume the fence was designed to be a dark grey with wood fuzz. Surprisingly on a little rot here and there and the posts were preserved by caps (posts are in great shape). Down the line we may move the fence line (5 year window) or rebuild it where it stands so I want a solution that I won't have to fiddle with over the next 5 years. Longer would be better.

RE: application. Is it worth getting my own sprayer? I will be painting the inside of the house progressively and will be doing the outside next spring. Or is a roller for fence preferred?

Ps- a frugal idea I liked was Home Depot/Lowes oops paint. Get a number of cans, mix them to get an acceptable color, then paint.

 

[Vdubchaos]

Personally I don't like or use "sprayers".

As for best stain, if you are looking for long lasting (which is always preference when it comes to painting). I recommend Oil Based Stain (best one you can get).

I've had great luck with Behr Oil Based Premium stain, but I don't recommend them for paint products (as Ive used many, I go to BMoore now, SO much better).

Hit up your local paint specialty store and get oil based stain....it's most likely your best bet.

 

[Greenman]

Don't paint your fence, it will look like crap in two years. For exterior stain, I've had the best luck with Superdeck. It contains linseed oil, so you have be very careful with cleanup or you'll have a fire.

 

[edro]

Fence is a vertical surface, so it doesn't wear as much.
You will see 2 kinds of outdoor stains, deck and fence.
Deck stain has more pigment and is more durable to traffic, so it is more expensive.

If you want the best, use oil based deck stain for your fence.
I also recommend brushing it on. It works its way in better, but takes a lot more time.

 

[Vdubchaos]

Don't paint your fence, it will look like crap in two years.

Not true. I stained my fence with Behr Premium oil stain (white) and it looks like it did the day I stained it.....it's been almost 8 years!

 

[Greenman]

Not true. I stained my fence with Behr Premium oil stain (white) and it looks like it did the day I stained it.....it's been almost 8 years!

He was considering using mismixed paint, that means latex, you're talking about solid color stain with a solvent base. Two completely different materials.

 

[Vdubchaos]

He was considering using mismixed paint, that means latex, you're talking about solid color stain with a solvent base. Two completely different materials.

I see, well I would never recommend using latex on outdoor stain/paint........waste of money.

Oil base or NOTHING

 

[MadScientist]

I was a bit skeptical about using a water based stain on my deck but since the Behr Solid Color Wood Stain was rated #1 in durability by Consumer Reports I tried it. http://www.homedepot.com/p/BEHR-Premium-5-gal-Deep-Base-Solid-Color-Wood-Stain-Weatherproofing-501305/202263886
I read the reviews on this website too but I did not see where they had tested Behr's solid color stain, only the semi-transparent. http://www.deckstainhelp.com/category/deck-product-reviews/

Our house was only one year old when we purchased it and the deck was virgin, no coating on it. People try to take short cuts with these type of stains and use a sprayer or roller to apply them. Power wash your deck first with a good cleaner. Make sure it's completely dry, and no rain in the forecast for at least 24 hours before application. Use a good quality brush to work the stain into the wood. Wait at least 72 hours to fully cure and give it another coat. I applied it in the early morning when my deck was cool and still in the shade.

I coated my deck 4 years ago and it still looks good, no peeling or fading. Also used it on the concrete pavers in front of the last step. They have held up well too.

 

[Ban Bot]

We have a Sherwin Williams and Mallory Paint (Benjamin Moore) within 20 minutes. This report indicates they are close, Sherwin edging out outdoors, Benjamin indoors, but nothing on stain. Any preference / product preference from those stores? The deck stain review site lists the worst stains as

Worst Deck Stain Ratings
1. Behr Premium Wood Stain
2. Sherwin Williams Deckscapes
3. Benjamin Moore Arbor Coat

This isn't giving me much confidence! I never thought finding a simple, relatively affordable ($25-$40/gal) stain would be difficult.

Interestingly it isn't easy to find oil based deck/fence stains at HDX.

 

[Vdubchaos]

We have a Sherwin Williams and Mallory Paint (Benjamin Moore) within 20 minutes. This report indicates they are close, Sherwin edging out outdoors, Benjamin indoors, but nothing on stain. Any preference / product preference from those stores? The deck stain review site lists the worst stains as



This isn't giving me much confidence! I never thought finding a simple, relatively affordable ($25-$40/gal) stain would be difficult.

Interestingly it isn't easy to find oil based deck/fence stains at HDX.

That's because they don't want to sell you ANYTHING that will last. They want to keep you coming back.

Also, DO NOT trust any reviews. Most companies are paying to do reviews.....same goes for Consumer reports/JD Power crap.

Find whoever sells oil based stain and go with them. I would recommend Benjamin Moore.

And Home Depot did have oil stain at some point, as I'm 100% that's what I used on my fence.

 

[Vdubchaos]

I was a bit skeptical about using a water based stain on my deck but since the Behr Solid Color Wood Stain was rated #1 in durability by Consumer Reports I tried it. http://www.homedepot.com/p/BEHR-Pre...r-Wood-Stain-Weatherproofing-501305/202263886
I read the reviews on this website too but I did not see where they had tested Behr's solid color stain, only the semi-transparent. http://www.deckstainhelp.com/category/deck-product-reviews/

Our house was only one year old when we purchased it and the deck was virgin, no coating on it. People try to take short cuts with these type of stains and use a sprayer or roller to apply them. Power wash your deck first with a good cleaner. Make sure it's completely dry, and no rain in the forecast for at least 24 hours before application. Use a good quality brush to work the stain into the wood. Wait at least 72 hours to fully cure and give it another coat. I applied it in the early morning when my deck was cool and still in the shade.

I coated my deck 4 years ago and it still looks good, no peeling or fading. Also used it on the concrete pavers in front of the last step. They have held up well too.

I used none oil stain (Behr) on my deck as well and same results as above. But it is starting to show little age......it's been 6 years.

Which makes OIL base even better. Guessing it will last x2 longer (on my fence).