You’re ready to stain your fence—stain picked out, weather looking good—but then the question pops up: Do I really need to pressure wash before staining? It might seem like an extra step, but skipping it could cost you in the long run. Richboro is a respected fence installation contractor near North Wales, PA that can assist you with all your fence needs.
Why Fence Prep Matters
At Richboro Fence, we treat fence prep the same way you’d prep a wall before painting. You wouldn’t paint over dusty, greasy drywall—and your wood fence is no different. Over time, it builds up dirt, pollen, algae, mildew, and even remnants of old stain. Applying a new stain over this layer won’t just look bad—it can cause the stain to peel, flake, or apply unevenly.
For this reason, careful preparation is essential to a finish that looks polished and lasts. Before applying any stain, we at Richboro Fence take the time to thoroughly clean every fence. Typically, power washing is used to remove old coatings, pollutants, and accumulated debris. In order to properly soak in the new stain and protect the wood from the inside out, power washing helps reveal the bare wood surface. If this important step is skipped, the stain might remain on the surface rather than penetrate the wood, which would cause it to fade more quickly and have less water resistance.
In addition to cleaning, we inspect for damage and fix any issues before staining. During preparation, any loose boards, popped nails, or cracked pickets should be fixed. In addition to looking sloppy, staining over damaged areas can cause more serious problems down the road. A thorough preparation procedure guarantees that the fence is structurally sound and prepared for an even finish. If the fence is weather-worn or older, we may even lightly sand some areas to help open the wood grain or smooth out rough spots.
When Pressure Washing Is a Must
In most cases, yes—you should pressure wash your fence before staining.
Here’s when it’s especially important:
- Visible grime or cobwebs
- Green or black growth (mold, algae, mildew)
- Old, peeling stain or weathered wood
- “Mill glaze” on new lumber that blocks stain absorption
If the wood isn’t clean, porous, and solid, the stain won’t stick or protect properly. Pressure washing gives you the clean slate you need.
Benefits of Pressure Washing
Taking the time to pressure wash pays off:
- Better stain absorption and longer-lasting color
- Even coverage with no blotchy spots
- Removes mold/mildew that can rot your fence
- Restores the wood’s natural appearance before staining
Think of it as an investment in the look and longevity of your fence.
No Pressure Washer? Other Options
Although proper fence preparation may require more time, the benefits outweigh the inconvenience. It makes your stain look better, last longer, and better shield your fence from the weather. A properly prepared and stained fence is far more resistant to aging, water damage, and sun damage than one that has been hurried through. It ought to be a top priority. It always is at Richboro Fence.
You can use a high-pressure garden nozzle, scrub brush, and wood cleaner—but be prepared for more manual effort and less thorough results. Sanding can help in small areas but isn’t practical for whole fences. Hire the best fence installers in Philadelphia, PA.
If you want your stain to look great and last, pressure washing is the prep step you don’t want to skip. If you’re unsure how to do it safely or effectively, feel free to ask our team—we’re always here to help your fence look its best. Contact us today to learn more!