How to Protect Old Wood Fences

Wooden fences range in kind from reduced picket garden fences to four-rail, post-and-plank paddock fencing, however all wood planks suffer from decay. The majority of the time, protecting your investment at a wood fence is merely a matter of making minor repairs, but occasionally it will become necessary to apply a fresh coat of sealant, staining wax or oil to the fence. Whatever you use to coat the surface of the wood, keeping that coat at acceptable condition is essential to protecting your fence in rot and the elements.

Inspect the fence to get physical flaws as needed, but figure on at least one time each year. Hammer fresh nails to fasten fallen or loose boards back to position. Replace broken rails, pickets or boards with fresh bits, also by nailing them into position.

Pressure-wash the wood fence in preparation for the program of any clear protective layer, such as water sealant or a aloe oil. Failure to clean the fence properly ensures the trapping of dirt underneath the brand new coat, marring the appearance of the fence. Permit the fence to dry fully.

Put a dropcloth to protect the grass and any shrubs or other plants which may be close to the base of the fence. For large scale jobs, such as a fence to a hobby farm or large rural property, this may not be practical, but it ought to function for most yards and gardens.

Implement a thick, protective coat of exterior paint, water sealant or staining oil to the wood fence, using either brushes and a paint sprayer.

Allow the first coat to dry for 24 hours, then apply a moment the next day. Pick up the drop fabrics.

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