Here at BK Timber, we often get quizzed about treatments for our fencing products.
This is why we have put together this list of questions we receive on a regular basis and answers from our team of specialists.
Does it matter if my fence panels are rough sawn or smooth?
It does matter in terms of the amount of fence treatment required because rough sawn woods are very porous and absorb more treatment than smooth planed wood. This needs to be taken into consideration when treating a large area of garden fencing.
Because rough sawn fence panels will absorb more wood finishing product than smooth planed wood, any colour pigment in the product looks stronger or darker than it would on a smooth piece of timber. We would recommend testing on an area to be sure of the colour and final finish before starting any project. It is also worth noting wood finish colours can initially look stronger than expected when applied, then they will ‘tone-down’ after a number of weeks or months of weathering.
Should I Use a ‘Shed and Fence’ specific wood preservative?
Most wood preservatives are similar even though their specific formulations can be slightly different. Products that are labelled as ‘Shed and Fence Preserver’ are not any different from other exterior wood preservers.
What Sort of Wood Oil Can Be Used on my Fence?
Using a wood oil on garden fences will prolong the life of fence panels and posts. Decking oils are ideal for use on fence panels as they offer timber protection from cracking, splitting and warping plus they provide superb weather resistance and are available in both clear and coloured formulations.
When treating a new fence or a bare wood one that has not been treated in a number of years, BK Timber recommends treating fence panels with 2 coats of an exterior wood preservative before oiling. This helps to protect the timber from biological threats like mould, algae and wood-boring insects.
How Can I Clean Green Algae from Fence Panels?
Green algae can be cleaned from fencing panels using a stiff brush or broom to remove surface growth. Fence panels that have become heavily soiled with biological growth and could need a second treatment.
Once the panels are cleaned, treated and allowed to dry, they should be treated with a wood preservative which helps prevent future growth of mould and algae.
How do I prepare my fence to accept a new stain if it has been previously treated?
We would recommend a test area of around 30cm to ensure there are no adhesion or compatibility issues. If there is not a reaction which you should see directly after the product has applied, you can comfortably continue with your treatment.
If there is a lack of adhesion, we would recommend that all greyed, weathered timber is removed and can usually be done by sanding or scrubbing with a stiff bristle brush.
If you are looking to transform the look of your garden with new fencing, talk to BK Timber today. We can provide customers across Staffordshire and Cheshire with a no-obligation quote.
