Tools and Materials
Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.
Choosing Paint or Stain
The elements take a toll on your fence, causing it to look dull and weathered over time, but you can beautify and protect your fence by staining or painting it regularly.
Wood fence stain and fence paint both protect against moisture and ultraviolet (UV) rays but there are some differences:
- Stain penetrates wood and enhances the beauty of the grain.
- Stain in a brown or gray offers a natural tone, while blue and green add color.
- You can restain with a darker color to change the look of the fence.
- You need to restain a fence every two or three years.
- Paint provides better protection from moisture and UV rays than stain.
- Paint adds color but hides wood grain.
- Painting and repainting offer a wide variety of colors.
- Paint requires a separate primer or a paint-and-primer-in-one product.
- You need to repaint a fence every three to five years.
The Cost to Stain or Paint a Fence
There are several factors that determine how much it costs to stain a fence or add a fresh coat of paint. Every fence and every project is different, but think about:
- Are you doing the work yourself? You save labor costs and doing the work yourself might give you satisfaction that makes the time and effort worth it.
- How much stain or paint do you need? Use our Paint Calculator to get a general estimate of the amount of stain, paint or primer you need based on the size of the fence. Add some extra to account for waste and future touchups. Keep in mind, new fences require more paint or stain.
- Are you using a paint sprayer or a brush and roller? Unless you have a paint sprayer on hand, the tool adds expense. If you have other projects in mind, it might be worth the investment. If not, see if you can rent one from Lowe’s Tool Rental or consider a brush and roller to reduce your project budget.
Applying Stain or Paint Using a Sprayer or a Brush and Roller
When staining or painting a wooden fence (Cabot Semi-Solid Bark Mulch stain and sealer pictured to the right), you can use a sprayer or a brush and roller:
Sprayer Pros and Cons
- A sprayer provides better coverage from every angle.
- A sprayer is quicker than a roller and brush and you’re able to cover a larger area more efficiently.
- Overspray from a sprayer can land on plants, structures, etc.
- You can’t use a sprayer on windy days.
- Using a sprayer effectively takes practice.
Roller and Brush Pros and Cons
- Overspray isn’t a concern with a brush and roller and drips are easier to control.
- A roller and brush are easy to use.
- A roller and brush might be easier to use and clean.
- A roller and brush are comparatively inexpensive and you might have them on hand.
- Staining and painting take longer with a roller and brush and the work is labor intensive.
Wear safety goggles, cleaning gloves and a respirator when using a paint sprayer. Gloves are also a good idea with a roller and brush.
Before Staining or Painting a Wooden Fence
There are a few steps to take before starting on any outdoor stain or paint project.
Preparation for Staining or Painting the Fence
How to Stain a Fence
Now that your preparation is done, you can begin staining the wood fence using either a sprayer or a roller and paint brush. Here are some tips on the best way to stain a fence.
Steps for Staining a Wood Fence
How to Paint a Fence
Painting a wood fence is similar to staining a fence, but you typically need a primer.
Steps for Painting a Fence
Painting a Vinyl Fence
Unlike wood fences, vinyl fences are nonporous. Many types of paint won’t stick to them. Vinyl fences require paint that’s specifically designed for use on vinyl products. Be sure to choose a primer that helps block mold and mildew, as well as an exterior epoxy paint to avoid the paint peeling off over time.
Staining and Painting Tips
Here are a few things to consider when staining or painting a fence.
- For smoother results, paint vertically, not horizontally, unless you’re painting or staining a bottom board or horizontal rails.
- To prevent drips, don’t overload the brush or roller.
- If you’re painting a fence with a gate, mask off the hardware or remove it to prevent paint splatter.
- To avoid drips when using a sprayer, keep it moving at a consistent speed.
- Exterior acrylic paint resists cracking and blistering by expanding and contracting with temperature changes.
Staining or Painting a Wood Fence With Help From Lowe’s
Staining a wood fence or adding a fresh coat of paint makes a dramatic impact in your landscape and protects your fence from moisture and UV rays. Whether you stain or paint a fence depends on the look you want. Browse the stain and sealer products and paint on Lowes.com to find the shade that fits your home and landscape. Or visit your local Lowe’s and talk to a Red Vest associate. They can show you the stain and paint options and make sure you get the materials and tools you need to do the work right.