Prepare a cedar fence for staining by pressure washing at 500 to 1,000 PSI to remove dirt, mold, mildew, and gray oxidized wood fibers, then allowing the fence to dry for at least 48 hours before applying stain. New cedar fences require a different approach: wait at least six months after installation before staining to allow the wood's natural oils and mill moisture to dissipate, which allows the stain to penetrate properly.
Why preparation matters for cedar
Cedar is naturally aromatic and contains oils and resins that are part of what makes it a good fencing material. These same oils, present in high concentration in new cedar, resist stain penetration when the wood is fresh-cut. Stain applied to new cedar sits on the surface rather than soaking in, resulting in uneven coverage, poor adhesion, and premature peeling. The six-month wait allows these oils to normalize and the surface to open enough for stain to penetrate.
For existing cedar fences being restained, the preparation challenge is different. Old stain residue, gray oxidized wood, mold, and mildew need to be removed to create a clean surface that accepts new stain uniformly.
Pressure washing cedar: the correct settings
Cedar is a relatively soft wood that requires care during washing.
- PSI: 500 to 1,000 PSI maximum. Higher pressure raises the grain and splinters the cedar surface fibers.
- Nozzle: 40-degree or wider. Never use a zero-degree nozzle on cedar.
- Direction: Spray parallel to the wood grain, moving with the board direction.
- Distance: Keep the wand 8 to 12 inches from the surface.
- Coverage: Work section by section to ensure even cleaning. Boards that are close together in a privacy fence may require working the nozzle into gaps to clean between boards.
Using a fence cleaner before washing
For cedar fences with heavy mold, mildew, or gray oxidation, applying a dedicated wood cleaner or a diluted sodium hypochlorite solution before pressure washing produces better results than pressure washing alone. The chemistry loosens and kills biological growth, allowing lower pressure to rinse it away cleanly. This approach is gentler on the wood than trying to blast off stubborn growth with higher pressure.
The 48-hour drying wait
After washing, the cedar must dry completely before staining. This means both the surface and the interior of the wood boards. At 48 hours in warm, moderate-humidity conditions, most cedar fence boards are dry enough for stain application. In cool or high-humidity weather, wait 72 hours or use a moisture meter to confirm the wood is at or below 15 percent moisture content.
Inspecting the fence after washing
Washing a cedar fence reveals the true condition of the wood. Look for:
- Boards that are splitting or cracking: These may need replacement before staining.
- Nail or screw heads that have rusted: Rust will bleed through and stain the fence. Counter-sinking and filling, or replacing with stainless fasteners, prevents this.
- Warped or cupped boards: Severe warping may not flatten under stain pressure. Note these for the property owner before proceeding.
- Areas of soft or punky wood: Wood that has begun to rot is not a staining candidate. It needs replacement.
Choosing the right stain after preparation
Once the fence is clean and dry, a semi-transparent penetrating oil-based stain like Armstrong Clark, Defy, or TWP is appropriate for cedar. Semi-transparent stains show the natural grain of cedar, which is part of its aesthetic appeal, while protecting the wood from UV and moisture. Semi-transparent penetrating formulas do not peel like film-forming solid stains.
CARE's cedar fence preparation and staining in Fort Worth
CARE handles fence washing and staining from start to finish. Call (945) 275-8031 or visit our fence staining page to schedule service.