Skip to content

Should I Paint or Stain My Fence?

A wood fence adds a classic character to your yard – it’s an affordable and stylish way to add privacy and security to your property. A new wood fence looks fantastic, but the elements can leave it looking dingy and worn a few years in. A coat or two of a quality paint or stain can keep your fence looking great. There are some things to remember when making this decision, and we can walk you through them here.

Hand staining wooden fence

What Type Of Paint Is Best For Fences?

Latex paint gives you an almost endless number of options for those who love colorful things. You can also get stains in plenty of colors, but the colors are more muted than you’ll get with paint. A perk to going with a semi-transparent stain is that it will enhance the texture of the wood to highlight its natural beauty.

Paint vs. Stain For Fences

We suggest staining if you don’t want to repaint your fence in the next couple of years. Paint is very prone to peeling and chipping after weather exposure. While stain will fade over time, it is not as noticeable as peeling paint.

As far as maintaining your fence goes, it’s stain for the win. A painted fence requires regular care – you must scrape off existing paint and sand the surface before applying a fresh coat. Stain, however, can be applied on top of current coats. It also holds up better to pressure washing, but you should avoid using extremely high pressure as it can damage the wood.

Application Process

The ease of application may decide whether to paint or stain, especially if you have a large amount of fencing to handle. On this issue, stain and paint stand even. Paint dries faster so you can finish your project in less time; staining requires less initial prep work, which will also save you time, so it’s a matter of personal preference.

What Type Of Wood Works Best For Fencing?

Certain types of wood respond better to paint than stain and vice versa. If you decide to go with a cedar fence, staining it is essentially your only option. Paint does not adhere properly to the porous surface of cedar. Our professional team can help you choose the best wood for your fence based on your preferences and needs.

How Much Does a New Fence Cost?

Cost is a factor with most home projects. You don’t want to be halfway through painting or staining your fence and realize you’ve met the limit of your budget. The cost of both paint and stain depends on several factors, such as the quality, if it’s a paint and primer in one solution, the color, and more. The best route is to figure out how much fencing you need, then calculate and compare the costs of paint and stain.

Find a Fencing Company Near You

Come find out why we’ve been the area’s premier fencing company for over 20 years. We’re proud to be your local commercial, residential, and temporary fencing resource. Call us at (859) 887-3548 to get started on your fencing project.

You can also quickly request a quote online. We’re located in Nicholasville, KY, and are happy to serve the areas of Nicholasville, Lexington, Versailles, Georgetown, Louisville, and Richmond, KY.