Put Some Life Into Your Fence!
How-To Care For Your Wood Fence

If the paint in your living room is looking old and dingy, you can give your room a makeover by adding a fresh coat of paint. But what about your graying backyard fence? Short of replacing it, how do we protect it from the elements and make it look like new again? Like your deck, it'll need a good waterproofer. That's where Thompson's® WaterSeal® products come in. With the complete line of Thompson's® WaterSeal® cleaning and waterproofing products, giving your fence a makeover is easy and inexpensive.

Although a fence is vertical and doesn't get the same wear as a deck does from foot traffic, a fence is just as prone to damage from water, UV light, mold, mildew and algae. So, it's important to protect it.

1. First step in protecting your fence is to determine if it's time to re-treat your surface. You can do this by splashing water on a small area of the fence and if the water is absorbed rapidly, darkening the wood, it is time to re-apply a waterproofer. If the water beads up or otherwise beads on top of the fence, then it does not need protection at this time.

2. In addition to protecting the wood, the type of waterproofer or stain you use can make an aesthetic difference in your landscaping. Therefore, when choosing a finish for your fence, you need to consider the characteristics of each type of finish and the ultimate look you want to achieve.

   • A clear or "natural" wood protector maintains the natural color of the wood. A tinted wood protector adds wood color without obscuring the wood. Both the oil based, Thompson's® WaterSeal® Wood Protectors, and the water-based Thompson's® WaterSeal® Advanced Wood Protectors protect against water damage while the coating resists mildew and UV damage.

   • The Thompson's® WaterSeal® Advanced Wood Protector formulas are based on special, patented technology that seals out 99% of the water right from the start. This product also allows you to clean and waterproof your fence in ONE DAY, since it can be applied to damp, freshly cleaned wood.

   • Both Thompson's® WaterSeal® Wood Protectors and Thompson's® WaterSeal® stains offer color choices, effective waterproofing protection, UV and mildew resistance, all in one coat. Semi-transparent and solid stains come in a wide range of colors and provide progressively more coverage of the wood grain.

3. A new fence should be protected, as soon as possible, after it's installed. Don't wait to protect your investment in wood - damage can begin to occur in the first couple of months. Another option would be to apply a waterproofer to the boards before you install them. That way you can thoroughly cover every side and end.

   • New wood fences should be treated without delay. It does not take long for exposed wood to be damaged.

   • New pressure-treated lumber should be treated immediately with "Thompson's® WaterSeal® Advanced Waterproofers, or 30 days after installation with other Thompson's® WaterSeal® Waterproofers.

TIP: Whatever product you choose, read the label carefully, follow the manufacturer's instructions, and apply using the specified brush, roller, paint pad or sprayer.

Click here to decide which Thompson's® WaterSeal® waterproofer is right for your fence.

Watch Jeff Wilson review Thompson's® WaterSeal® waterproofers and stains.

Next Step: Preparation is Critical