Posted by: Neal on May 09, 2004 at 09:29:15

In Reply to: Water Sealing Backyard Fence Posted by: Jose on April 19, 2004 at 10:24:11

I am a new homeowner with very little knowledge on home maintenance. Our house is also new -- only one year old. However, the backyard fence is already dark and appears old. During the one year end walk-through, the builder suggested to water seal the fence. I purchased a electric water pressure, (1600 psi), last weekend and started to clean the fence. Here are some of my questions:

1) After the cleaning, the fence look "fluffy". I now realize that may due to the high pressure. My question is: Do I need to sand the wood boards before applying the water sealer? I will use the Thomason product.

2) I still have half, the outside, of the fence uncleaned. What should I do to avoid the "fluffy", and at the same time to restore the original wood color?

3) I've heard that the water-sealer won't prevent the loss of the nature color. Is that true? What should I do in order to keep the original nature color? I don't really want to stain the wood though.

4) How often should I apply the water-sealer? When I apply it next time, do I have to pressure-washer out any residual from the previous application? Assuming that I will use the same product.

Thank you for any information and advice.

Answer:
(1) Yes, the pressure washer removes part of the surface of the wood as it removes dirt particles. The closer you get with the pressure the more wood you remove. This is what gets you that "new" wood look....it is new. You do not need to sand the wood. The wood will probably soak up the sealer now that you've opened up the surface of the wood but that is a good thing.
(2) Not much you can do to avoid the fluffy appearance and pressure wash it too. I don't think it will stay fluffy looking forever. I think the elements will reduce that look along with the sealer.
(3) You heard right. The sealer will not maintain the color of the wood. It will however make the fence last a lot longer. One trip to the lumber yard and price the new fence will keep you sealing the old fence. Sorry to say the only way to have the "wood" look is to stain it and no guarantees with that either.
(4) Depending upon the harshness you have in your area weather wise is the key. Read the label on the can it should tell you about how long it lasts. I'd say no more then once per year and probably once every two years on average. No more pressure washing is needed to apply additional coats. You actually need the base coat on there to keep the wood from soaking up so much sealer.
Good luck.