How to strip a fence

Josh Richards • Nov 24, 2022

Stripping a fence before applying a new stain is essential when stripping an old failed stain or changing from water base to oil base, but the process requires meticulous attention to detail. It is one of the least desirable parts of any fence refurbishment project. A simple, systematic approach can make the job appear more effortless. With just a few essential tools, supplies, and a little determination, it is possible to create a smooth, stain-resistant surface.

When staining wood fences, whether you're not happy with the current product or the old color is peeling, cracking, or fading away, removing all previous products before you apply the new product provides better results. Many homeowners don't know where to start in this process, which can seem daunting.

But we've simplified the wood fence stripping steps for you here:

Supplied Needed

Step 1 - Clean the Fence & Wet the Wood

When stripping paint off of fences, it is essential to begin by taking care to clean the fence. Take a damp cloth to clean off any loose paint or rust. Make sure to wipe a few times thoroughly until all loose dirt has been removed. After you have walked over the fence using a damp cloth, you can apply any wire brush to access those areas that are more difficult to reach. Use the wire brush to clean the holes in the fence and the corners until you have the areas clean. If needed, repeat the cleaning process with a damp cloth to remove all dirt.

The first step to stripping fence is to moisten the wood using water. Make sure to rinse everything around it, including the shrubs and trees around your house.

Step 2- Prepare the Area

Place a plastic cloth on the ground on which you are mixing you are mixing your products in case you spill it so that there is little to no chance that it can cause harm to anything in the surrounding. This is because the stripper is a strong chemical, and it's recommended to cover any plant or area you don't want the stripper to contact. Also, the grass below the panels isn't damaged by strippers once it is cleaned away.

Step 3- Staying Safe

Follow the safety guidelines of the manufacturer guidelines and wear appropriate personal protective/ safety equipment. It is essential to wear a face mask or gloves, as well as safety goggles while using the chemical stripper. Also, ensure that children and bystanders are away from the area while working with the product.

Step 4- Using Stripper

A chemical, wood stripper, is used to remove the old stain. Make use of the stripper following the manufacturer's directions. Put your stripper in the pump-up sprayer. After that, shake it to mix it well. Be cautious not to spill any of it on your skin because it'll gobble up anything it comes in contacts with, such as your skin or clothes.

Step 5- Apply the Stripper

Apply the wood stripper mix onto the wood, and allow it to sit for a while. Be careful not to spill it onto the floor or any other surface except the wood. You will notice that the old strain will start peeling off. To confirm, scrub the fence surface through the sole of your boot or a scrapper. If the stain begins peeling off in several areas, you'll know it's time to wash it off.

Note: You shouldn't work in direct sunlight as the stripper could dry out. Ensure that the surface is always moist with the stripper. Otherwise, it would be best if you kept the surface wet during the application. Usually, the duration of stripper application is about 5-15 mins (depending on what stripper you use).

Step 6- Washing Away the Old Stain

When you pressure wash, it is best to employ soft tips. It's referred to as soft washing. It's performed with around 500 PSI to clean or rinse applications. The tip of the pressure washer is replaced by one that enlarges the spray, thus reducing the pressure point.

When washing, you should take the entire length of the fence boards. From one piece until the next, proceed with your work away from home. Be sure not to stop mid-board as it can cause spluttering and harm the wood fibers. Washing will remove dirt or graying, mold, and mildew; if there was an earlier stain coating, it begins to peel off.

Note: It is essential to be aware of the amount of pressure applied since this could cause damage to the wood. Softwoods are more fragile than hardwood. If you notice remnants of stain left over after you've finished using the pressure washer, let it air dry, then use more stripper.

Step 7- Neutralize the stripper.

The next step, neutralize the pH within the wood. The cleaner/stripper increases the wood's pH, and it is necessary to regulate it. This can be accomplished with the use of a wood brightener. Neutralizing the stripper is beneficial as it helps bring the PH back to normal and improves the wood's brightness. Furthermore, it allows the stain or sealer to absorb into the wood. Additionally, it helps to ensure that the stripper is not active in the wood cladding. This is vital before applying the finish.

Step 8- Mixing the Wood Brightener

On the plastic sheet, mix the right amount of brightener for wood as per the directions in another pump-up sprayer (or wash out the old chemical properly if using the same sprayer). Shake the wood brightener to mix it.

Step 9- Apply Wood Brightener

Apply the wood brightener onto the wood. When you begin applying the wood brightener, you'll be able to see it start working. It should be left on for 5 to 15 minutes.

Step 10- Pressure washing

The final step is to clean the fence with the same method you used to wash the stripper- Step 6. It is crucial to ensure your wood's pH is suitable and that the pores are open. The wood must be clean for it to be able to absorb the stain and stick onto the fence.

If you intend to use a pressure washer to clean your fence, you'll require a pressure washer with at least 1500to 1800 PSI. Using less pressure will not penetrate enough to get rid of dirt particles stuck with the wood. However, the higher pressure can cause the wood to splinter or break.

Check out our guide to learn the process in detail "How to pressure wash your fence" (Add link here).

Note: The wood should be dry for at least two days (48 hours) before applying the stain. We recommend using a moisture meter such as one from Tavool moisture meters available on Amazon to determine the amount of moisture in your wood since it has to be in the right moisture range of 12-18% for the stain to adhere properly.

Fence Staining in Orlando

We can assist if you are looking for fence staining services in Orlando. We will inspect your wood project before beginning the process to ensure that we are using the right products specifically for your project. All of our staining solutions are designed to last as long as possible. So that you can take a break from your exterior wood management and relax on your property, contact us today if you need professional fence staining!

FAQ
Can I clean a wood fence with a pressure washer?

Yes, but there are some guidelines to follow to ensure you don't harm your fence. For instance, the used in cleaning at home typically generates 1500-3000 PSI. If you're not trained, that amount of force could be dangerous. A misguided spray from the wand and you could end up with a damaged object. Although pressure washing can be the most efficient method of cleaning wood structures, powerful pressure from the water can splinter softwoods, such as cedar and pine, in a short time, causing major damage.

What Is the Best Pressure Washer for A Wood Fence?

The Sun Joe SPX3000 is an excellent pressure washer with reasonable expectations. It's been praised by customers as a superb machine and can simplify your work.