How To: Stain Your Wooden Fence

If your outside space seems a little uninspiring after the winter months, or your brand-new fence is just lacking some flair, read our top tips on how staining your fence can give your garden a simple boost this summer.

Step 1: Plan

It is important to check the weather forecast before you start staining your fence. If it has rained, wait for the wood to dry and make sure it doesn't for a few days afterwards. Also, if it is too cold the stain will not dry so pick a warm day. Staining can be a messy job. Move any garden furniture out of the way and cover any plants nearby to protect them from splashes.

Traditional stains range from clear to ebony, but why not experiment and go for a bolder shade? Rubio Monocoat Hybrid Wood Protector comes in 20 different colours, such as piglet, poppy and sunset perfect for making an eye-catching statement and brightening up your garden.

Step 2: Prep

Always make sure the wood is clean and dry a couple of days before you stain. Take the time to thoroughly prep the surface of your fence by cleaning it with warm water. To ensure it is as smooth as possible, you may also need to sand the rough areas of the fence.

Step 3: Prime

For the stain to absorb into the wood properly, use a water-based primer first. This will protect the fence from rotting and bind the colour to the fibres, keeping the colour for a longer period of time.

Allow the primer to dry. Rubio Monocoat Sunprimer limits the effects of UV light and guarantees a deep penetration of colour and pigments thanks to nanotechnology.

Step 4: Stain

The final step is the staining itself. Begin by testing the colour of the stain on a discreet space of the fence to make sure you are happy with the final colour.

Once happy, apply an even coat of product onto a roller, starting from the top of the fence to the bottom to avoid excessive dripping. Use a smaller brush for hard-to-reach areas and take your time during this process to ensure all areas are covered. You may need to apply multiple coats to ensure the stain binds properly. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying the second coat.

Repeat this at least once every few years for fresh colour and all year round and protection for your fence.