Getting my first fence installed, quick question

[Stringer]

Hi I am getting some field fence installed, which consists of treated pine posts, and some kind of woven wire. Are there some real benifits to perhaps staining the treated pine posts? I would like them to maintain a nice unfaded natural wood color (not greying, etc). Is this a good idea? They are in full florida sun. Thanks.

 

[smstonypoint]

Hi I am getting some field fence installed, which consists of treated pine posts, and some kind of woven wire. Are there some real benifits to perhaps staining the treated pine posts? I would like them to maintain a nice unfaded natural wood color (not greying, etc). Is this a good idea? They are in full florida sun. Thanks.

How many posts?

An oil-based stain or waterproofer will provide protection, but will have to be reapplied at frequent intervals, especially in full sun. I'm partial to Cabot's Clear Solutions, but it isn't cheap.

Steve

 

[whistlepig]

Hi I am getting some field fence installed, which consists of treated pine posts, and some kind of woven wire. Are there some real benifits to perhaps staining the treated pine posts? I would like them to maintain a nice unfaded natural wood color (not greying, etc). Is this a good idea? They are in full florida sun. Thanks.

I put in treated pine posts three years ago. They are starting to discolor a bit now. Not that it matters to me. When I seal my deck with Thompson's Water Seal it brings back the color in the treated wood. I think this would also work on fence posts. I'm sure it would add some life of the fence post. If I were going to do this I would put the sealer in the sprayer on my ATV and cruise around to spray the posts.

 

[Stringer]

thanks guys. it's about 50 posts. it was just installed today. wouldn't the wire present a problem while trying to coat the posts, whether it be sprayed or brushed? What is done in this case? I almost think it may be best if i just bought a high quality (cabot?) clear waterproofer and just seal the cut tops on the posts. And if this is the case, should i get water or oil based?

 

[smstonypoint]

thanks guys. it's about 50 posts. it was just installed today. wouldn't the wire present a problem while trying to coat the posts, whether it be sprayed or brushed? What is done in this case? I almost think it may be best if i just bought a high quality (cabot?) clear waterproofer and just seal the cut tops on the posts. And if this is the case, should i get water or oil based?

I don't think the wire will present a problem, especially if you decide to spray. If you don't have a 12v sprayer, you could use a small hand-sprayer (1-2 gallons).

To my knowledge, the latex stains are solid stains. I think all of the clear or translucent stains are oil-based. Also, because these are just fence posts, I would go for a less expensive product like Thompsons.

Steve

 

[sweettractors]

I usually wait for the solution they pressure treat with to evaporate a little or soak in a little before I seal or stain. The dryer wood seems to hold it better that way. Ken Sweet

 

[Stringer]

thanks again. what kind of sprayer should i be looking for? also curious approx how many gallons i may need for 50 posts, maybe 6 inches across, 4.5' tall.

i want something that wont ever peel etc. and recoats would be a breeze. and of course want it to last long. have no idea what to go with.

 

[sweettractors]

The "Dollar" type stores and "Freds" local retail chains have the 1 gallon pump up sprayers for $7.99. They work great for this type application. Ken Sweet

 

[maybar]

thanks guys. it's about 50 posts. it was just installed today. wouldn't the wire present a problem while trying to coat the posts, whether it be sprayed or brushed? What is done in this case? I almost think it may be best if i just bought a high quality (cabot?) clear waterproofer and just seal the cut tops on the posts. And if this is the case, should i get water or oil based?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
To preserve the tops posts are often cut at an angle and one of the cheapest and best ways to preserve them is to apply Gulf Wax paraffin (canning wax). The FL sun may be hot enough but I sometimes use a small propane torch. If using a torch be aware of the fumes from the treated posts.

 

[smstonypoint]

thanks again. what kind of sprayer should i be looking for? also curious approx how many gallons i may need for 50 posts, maybe 6 inches across, 4.5' tall.

i want something that wont ever peel etc. and recoats would be a breeze. and of course want it to last long. have no idea what to go with.

Per Ken's comments, some waterproofers, stains, etc. recommend that you wait 90 days before applying to PT lumber.

If you don't have a 12v sprayer, I would use a small (1 to 2 gallon) garden sprayer (hand pumped to obtain pressure) that you can pick up at Wal-Mart, Lowes, etc.

I think most sealers, stains, etc. say that they cover 400 square feet. By my calculations, a gallon won't quite do it. Since you are spraying posts rather than a flat surface, I think you would need 2 gallons.

Good luck in finding something that doesn't require frequent recoating when exposed to full sun, and be sure to let us know if you find it.

Steve

PS I redid my calculations using a spreadsheet instead of in my head -- you could just squeak by with 1 gallon if you can get 400 square feet of coverage.