To Paint Or Not To Paint, Answering The Question “Can You Paint Pressure Treated Wood Right Away When Having A New Fence Installed”

You decided on a pressure treated wood fence to keep maintenance at a minimum, but you’re still wondering if you can paint pressure treated wood or pressure treated lumber right away after having a new fence installed?

Good question – and Superior Fence & Rail (SFR) has the right answer.

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Yes, You Can Paint Your New Pressure Treated Wood Fence Right Away After It Is Newly Installed

Unlike our Trex composite and PVC vinyl fences, your new Superior wood fence will require maintenance to ensure your fence continues to look beautiful for years to come, right from the get-go.

Weather permitting, your pressure treated wood fence should ideally be sealed, painted, or stained within 30 days to 6 weeks after installation. Allowing 4 to 6 weeks will permit the wood to expand and contract with the amount of sunlight and temperature variations of your local climate.

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For those who love the natural beauty of wood, wood sealers are available in transparent or semi-transparent options allowing the natural textures and hues of your wood to shine through.

We recommend that you apply a wood sealer that also contains UV stabilizers to lessen the impact of sun exposure. You should reseal your wood annually for continuous protection.

Sealing Your New Pressure Treated Wood Fence Adds An Extra Layer Of Protection

In order to stain your wood fence, the wood must be completely dry. To determine if your wood is ready to be stained, sprinkle water onto the surface. If the water beads up, your wood is not ready to properly accept staining. Wait a few days, and retest until the water no longer beads from the surface of your wood. Select a stain with the longest manufacturer’s warranty and be sure that your stain also has a UV stabilizer and a water repellent.

Should you opt to paint your fence, use an alkyd oil-based primer first. You must prime every surface of your pressure treated wood fence, including cut ends. Finish with two coats of top-quality acrylic latex paint.

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As with staining, you must be certain that your wood is completely dry before priming and painting. Perform the sprinkle test by applying a few drops of water onto the surface of your wood. If any beading occurs, wait, and test again in a few days. Paint must be reapplied as needed to maintain a beautiful finish. This could be annually, or otherwise, depending on your environmental conditions and the location of your wood fence.

How To Keep Your Pressure Treated Lumber Fence Looking Like New

A low-pressure cleaning with a pressure washer will help keep the surface of your wood free of dirt and mold. Use a mild soap that is formulated specifically for cleaning pressure-treated wood. Do not use high-pressure cleaning methods, and do not keep your pressure washing wand concentrated on one area.

After your fence has been cleaned, allow it to completely dry, and reapply your weather-repelling sealant or stain.

What Is So Special About A Pressure Treated Wood Fence From Superior?

Long-term protection against the forces of Mother Nature is what makes a Superior pressure treated fence such a terrific investment. Our Superior wood fences are handcrafted with pressure treated pine so that your fence line will remain beautiful and strong for many years to come.

The intensive wood pressure treatment acts as an inhibitor against wood rot, fungal decay, and termite damage. Your Superior wood fence warranty includes a minimum of 15 years for pickets, and lifetime protection for your posts and horizontal wood fence supports against those potential wood maladies.

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As Protective Finishes Go, What Is The Benefit Of Each?

For a thick layer of protection that shields your new fence from sun, rain and insects, use paint for maximum UV protection. Be sure to use high-quality exterior latex paint over a primer designed for pressure-treated wood.
To enhance the natural look of the wood while providing protection, use stain, as it allows the natural grain and texture to show through. Stain comes in clear, semi-transparent, and solid options:

Clear: least protection, most natural
Semi-transparent: balances protection and appearance
Solid: most UV protection, almost like paint

For a minimalist approach that keeps the wood’s appearance most natural, use a clear sealant that is water repellent. It is easy to apply and protects against moisture and mildew. However, a clear sealant requires more frequent reapplication – typically every 1 to 2 years.

And with its limited UV protection, the wood may gray over time. Be sure to look for a penetrating oil-based sealant or clear water repellent labeled for exterior wood.

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