Refreshing old fences

parkingadvice1212

The house we are moving into has garden fences that are tired looking. They don’t seem to be rotten, despite them looking completely neglected by the current owner. 

Can I just blast them with the pressure washer then cover them in Cuprinol?

koalakoala

You can, but if they’re slightly rotten the pressure washer can be too much! and you will have to clean them by hand

getmore4less

if the have the variable spray wand you can adjust to avoid too much damage.

You can get stuff to put on first to assist with the growths  I just give ours a good blast before the new coat of whatever was cheap end of previous season(s).

Jeepers_Creepers

If the fencing is reasonably structurally sound - ie, if stopping any further deterioration in its tracks should make it last a good number of extra years - then first get a large tub - 25L - of Everbuild Lumberjack timber treatment (non-solvent) and stick that in yer wand.

Eg:https://www.sealantsandtoolsdirect.co.uk/everbuild-ljun25-lumberjack-triple-action-wood-treatment-25-litre

Don't worry too much about the main 'flat' surface panels of the fence unless they are clearly starting to rot or have algae/mould on them - just give these a once-over spray. Concentrate on the 'structural' parts, the surrounding frames, 'hidden' parts where timber goes behind other timber - places you know rain lands and doesn't drain away - give these parts a good soaking, and allow to dry. Then coat with the garden fence finish of your choice. Fence paints only 'protect' - ie keep out most of the rain. They don't actually 'preserve', so any water that does get past will still cause rot.

Best to wait until you've had a few days of dryness before treatment.

TELLIT01

Jeepers_Creepers.   Do you know if it can be applied by sprayer? 

Slinky

Be very careful with whatever is on the other side of the fence as spraying invariably will have some paint go through the fence.

Jeepers_Creepers

TELLIT01 said:

Jeepers_Creepers.   Do you know if it can be applied by sprayer? 

Yes, and that's the easiest and most effective (it'll get into tight spots) way to apply it (hence my 'stick it in yer wand' :-(  )

Being solvent-free, it won't damage the sprayer, and is not at all unpleasant to use - no strong smells or anything, but obviously wear a suitable mask.