Painting Vs. Staining Your Fence
Your fence is an important part of your home. It provides security, privacy, and—with proper care—a great deal of curb appeal. Once you have invested in a fence, routine maintenance can keep it strong and looking good for years. By maintaining the finish, you will be preventing damage from rot and insects and helping to slow decomposition.
How Often to Paint Your Fence
Where fences are concerned, moisture is the enemy. Proper staining or painting creates a barrier that prevents moisture from doing damage to the wood. If you happen to live in an area that gets heavy rain or snow (like New Jersey), you may need to stain or repaint more frequently. Experts recommend every 2-3 years, but a better way to determine your need is to check for beading. On a stained and sealed fence, if water no longer beads up on the surface, but instead soaks in, it may be time for maintenance. Check painted surfaces for cracks, chips and wear. We also suggest washing your fence prior to staining or repainting.
Difference Between Painting and Staining
There is some debate on whether to paint or stain a fence. Either choice will provide protection from the elements, insects and normal wear to extend the life of your fence. While this is a personal choice, there are some things to consider:
-Paint can be less expensive, but can require more upkeep. If you decide to repaint, a bit more prep work is required to the surface to make it paint-ready.
-Staining might appear to be more expensive, as stain does typically cost less than a gallon of paint but does require more overall as the wood absorbs to complete the project. Stain will fade over time instead of chipping or peeling.
Spectrum Painting is happy to offer our services for both painting and staining, as well as soft washing your fence. Give us a call today to schedule an estimate at 973-580-6262!
