To make your fence more beautiful and offer protection in the long run one could stain or paint your fence. A lot of people however skip a very important step of cleaning their fences thoroughly before committing it to stain or paint the fence: power washing. Power washing your fence is necessary if you want to get a good-looking professional finish that will last long.
By power washing, dirt, grime, mold, and mildew often found on the surface can be removed and be in a clean state before applying a new stain or applying a new coat of paint. It does not only lead to improved adhesion but also contributes to prolonging the service life of the finishing of your fence. Before stuffing or caulking, direct application to staining or painting results in uneven placement, bad aesthetics and comparable short durability of the coating. The key to a proper preparation is also power washing as a starting point of importance.
Why Power Washing is Essential
Removes Dirt, Mold, and Mildew
Your fence deals with the elements all year round and it is repeatedly being plagued by dirt, dust and grime. With time, the wood may as well develop mold and mildew due to the presence of moisture. These contaminants are professionally washed out by power washing, giving a clean fresh surface. This cleanliness ensures that the finish also looks better but that no defect that could be caused by fungus or dirt will adversely affect the adhesion of your stain or paint.
Improves Adhesion of Stain or Paint
A clean surface is the essence of having a perfect adhesion on both stains and paints. The solid wastes on your fence or debris may be a barrier that would not allow the stain or paint to seal with the wood. In the absence of good adhesion, peeling and flaking will most certainly take place. This risk is removed by power washing to remove all unwanted bits and leave the stain or paint to bond specifically with the wood to create a smooth and durable finish.
Extends the Life of the Fence
Maintenance such as power washing prior to staining or painting not only makes your fence look beautiful, it can also greatly increase the lifespan of your fence. Mold, mildew and grime that are not maintained can cause rot or decay with time. These damaging elements are eliminated by power washing and as a result, the wood is released to breathe and the stain or paint will provide a protective layer. The resulting durability will also save you cash in the long term as it will mean that you have to do less frequent touch ups or repairs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Power Washing
Safety Precautions
Before you start power washing then take precautionary measures. Make sure to wear protective clothes like safety goggles, gloves, and closed-toed shoes since they will minimize the possible injury. Also, read the operation manual of your power washing device and practice water pressuring on a small, invisible area of the fence to prevent an accidental breakage.
Equipment Needed
You will require a power washer that has the right PSI setting (preferably 1500 2000 PSI on fences). A fan nozzle kit will also be required so that you do not intimidate the wood and a garden hose, as well as cleaning solution in case the mold or mildew appear. Of all, don t forget to keep a constant supply of your water to keep up with the work.
Power Washing Techniques
Start by holding the power washer nozzle at a safe distance of say 12 inches off the fence so that no damage is caused. Begin to clean the top of the fence and work down the line with a smooth clean. Apply continuous strokes however make sure that the nozzle is distanced and angled safely so that it does not cut through the wood. To give great results on highly dirty spots, incorporate a wood friendly detergent or cleaner that is of additional efficiency. Let the wood dry up and then proceed with staining or painting.
Preparing for Staining or Painting
Drying Time
As a result of power washing, moisture will be left on the wood. When it comes to drying, it is important to make sure that certain time has been given, usually 24-48 hours, subject to weather conditions. Un-dried wood may result in poor stain or paint absorption that spoils the appearance and efficiency of the finishing.
Necessary Repairs
Examine your fence thoroughly after power washing and check whether it has any damage, like crack, splinter, or loose boards. Repair any damages that are present and proceed with staining or painting. Fixing these issues will eliminate them and make the finish even and permanent.
Staining or Painting Your Fence
Choosing the Right Product
Quality of stain or paint you use is relevant when it applies to stain or paint. Select a quality type of stain preferably paint made of wood in an outdoor environment. Consider a product that has an inbuilt UV protection and one which is water resistant to prevent sunlight and moisture on the piece of wood.
Application Tips
It will provide an excellent finishing touch so apply your selected product using a good brush, roller, or spray. Stain or paint on full even coats in the same direction as the wood grain. Do not load the wood too much to cause drips and streaks. To offer extra safety, you may use two coats and after the first one has dried out entirely, provide a sufficient drying time in between.
Conclusion
The backstage star of fence appearance is power washing which makes finishes gorgeous and durable. It makes your investment worth every penny since power washing will wash away the grime, spores and algae as well as enhance the stain or paint grip and ultimately increase the life of your fence. The end result in which you have a well-polished fence is a good payoff of taking the time to prepare your fence in the correct way.
When you have not tried the difference a well planned fence makes, you are in need to get your power washer and head to work. Bearing these tips in mind, you are ready to get the high quality finish your fence really deserves.
FAQs
How frequently should I wash my fence using a power washing machine?
The best you can do in order to maintain your fence optimally is to have it power washed once a year. This keeps off the dirt, moulds and mildew keeping the wood intact and ready to be stained or painted regularly.
Is it possible to stain or paint a fence without power washing?
It is usually not a good idea to stain or paint a fence without power washing. The stain or paint might not stick to the surface correctly and this will render a bumpy immediate finish. The failure to undertake this step may also retain dirt and moulds under the coating which may do serious damage.
Which kind of power washer does one recommend?
A power washer of 1500-2000 PSI is suitable to use with fences. This pressure is also powerful enough that it effectively removes dirt, grime and mildew without destroying the woodwork. It is also advisable to use a fan nozzle attachment to obtain uniform cover as well as prevent gouging of surfaces.