Choosing a Fence Sealer for Your Wooden Fence
It seems like natural wood is still the favorite building material for a fence, in spite of the technological advances that have provided other choices that will last longer with less maintenance. But if a wooden fence is your preference, be prepared to give it the ongoing care and maintenance that it needs to last for many years to come.
The kind of wood you choose is your first consideration. Generally, pressure treated lumber is the most protected and durable wood product. Beyond that, a good fence sealer is important.
Fence sealer protects the wood from invasion by insects and fungus, and also helps to prevent splitting, cracking and warping of the wood. Some products go beyond that function and are able to hide flaws in the wood. A good choice in a fence sealer is any product that includes a preservative that repels water, because moisture is a big contributor to the deterioration of wood.
There are three general kinds of fence sealer: alkyd, shellac and latex. Alkyd infuses the wood and erects a barrier against fungus and moisture. Shellac creates a tough outer shell that will last through many years of harsh weather conditions. Latex is better able to cover up stains, and makes a good foundation for subsequent treatments. Some fence sealers also incorporate a fungicide.
If the wood you are treating is older, a fence sealer will give you limited protection. But you might want to consider using a product known as oxalic acid, also called wood cleaner, wood bleach or wood brightener. Because wood inevitably turns gray as it ages, and that includes the typical choices in a fence like cedar, oak and pine, oxalic acid is no miracle cure. But the results frequently astonish people who have given up on their fence. It penetrates through the top layers, making them appear fuller. It destroys fungus and mold, and can transform the look of a fence.
You can extend the life of your fence for a few years with a simple application of this treatment, either painted or sprayed on. After it’s dry, you should apply additional protective treatments to maintain its good looks. Staining and painting are the preferred options here.
A fence sealer won’t be as helpful on an old fence as it would be with fresh wood. This is because older wooden fences that have been washed with oxalic acid simply aren’t as absorbent as new wood.
So your choices for protecting an older residential fence are mainly paint or stain. Paint, either oil or latex, will not only add color but will also protect the wood. Stain, however, won’t actually protect the wood; it just gives it some color. However, some stain products have been formulated to provide more protection.
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