Scrub the fence with a wood cleaning detergent or a 20-percent solution of chlorine bleach that contains 1 part bleach and 4 parts water. Spray the fence with a garden hose and use a long-handled scrub brush to scrub the pickets from top to bottom, paying particular attention to the mold, mildew and algae.
One of the biggest reasons for your fence turning gray is the sun. The sun's UV rays erode the outer layer of the wood, which gives it its lovely color. Once the outer layer of the wood has started to decay, it makes it difficult for the wood to produce its natural oils, so it will begin to dry out and lose color.
The best way to restore your cedar siding or cedar fence to its original glory is with soft washing. Instead of the robust streams of high-pressure water used in pressure washing, soft washing uses a low-pressure technique with a special mixture of highly effective and biodegradable cleaning solutions.
We recommend using a pressure washer to begin the process. Spray the wood with a fan-tipped nozzle at the lowest setting. Be sure to spray no less than 12” away from the surface while working in a sweeping motion. You may need to make multiple passes with your pressure washer before removing the discoloration.
oxygen bleach and ¼ cup non-ammonia dish soap into a garden sprayer. Saturate the fence with the cleaning solution. Allow it to set on the fence for about 10 minutes. Scrub any tough stains from the fence with a scrub brush.
When fully weathered, cedar takes on a light silvery-gray appearance. If you like the weather-beaten look of a seaside cottage or an old barn, cedar can develop that look all on its own. But one aspect of cedar's weathering process that doesn't appeal to some homeowners is that it turns gray unevenly.
Cleaning. If your siding's fresh color lays buried under a gray, weathered surface and mold, buy a bleach-based cleaning solution or mix 3/4-cup of bleach with 1-gallon of water to restore or salvage the cedar's luster.
While there are many deck cleaners available on the market, we have found a solution of warm water, TSP (trisodium phosphate), and a small amount of bleach (or powdered oxygen bleach like Oxiclean) to work really well and be very cost-effective.
Radiation from the sun's ultraviolet rays breaks down the lignin in the cellulose causing photo chemical degradation, and it occurs in any wood exposed to sunlight. The result is a change in the wood's appearance from it's original color to a gradual silvery gray sheen.
If dirt becomes built up on the fence, the cedar can decrease in water resistance from lack of natural oils. Pressure washing your cedar fence and then applying a stain is the best way to keep your fence in its best condition, giving your yard the beauty it deserves.
But you can delay the greying process by using UV-resistant wood finishing products and keeping the finish of your exterior wood in good condition. These UV-resistant products are ideal for providing extra protection for wooden cladding, garden sheds, wooden decking and garden furniture against the elements.
Staining a gray fence can restore some of the natural color and help to protect the fence from further weather-related damage. Restore color to a gray fence with wood stain. Lay a drop cloth around the bottom of the fence to protect the lawn.
Yes, same as paint Cedar can be stained white. Not like the paint, to stain Cedar white, no need to use a primer or any other coatings before applying the stain. When you apply white stains on Cedar there will be no bleeding through problems happen because they do not cover the surface like paint.
When you have pressure treated wood the wood will stay intact longer and hold up to more decay-causing variables. Graying is a natural process of wood that occurs with age, but it's possible to hurry up the graying process with pressure treated wood. Grayed wood looks more worn due to lack of color.
First clean the wood
Before applying a finish it is important to clean the wood to remove any dirt and grease which would prevent finishes from adhering correctly. It will also help to remove the grey colour and restore the new look to your wood. You can do this quickly and simply with Net-Trol wood cleaner.
To prevent cedar from fading to gray, you need to seal cedar fence with a stain that blocks ultraviolet light and contains a mildewcide, according to Family Handyman.
Lots of manufacturers make gray stain without using a steel wool and vinegar stain. We used Benjamin Moore Arborcoat. It's made for exterior use and it is stinky until it dries, but it gives a beautiful silvery sheen to both cedar and pine.
Wood rot occurs when water once again hits these dead cells. The combination of water and UV exposure causes the cedar to lose it's scent and colour, turning it into a dull grey. The wood rot on the cedar creates an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew, which is both unattractive and detrimental.
Sometimes its as early as 2 months, and other times it takes a year for the grey to set in. This is why stain is so necessary for your cedar wood. It keeps out the water, so those cells can keep doing their thing. But remember: Once your fence is installed, it can't be treated right away.
All you need to do is mix half a cup of oxygen cleaner (they recommend Oxi-Clean powder) with two gallons of warm water in a bucket. Start by wetting your fence with a garden hose to open up the wood grain and to rinse away any clumps of dirt or debris. Then, use a scrub brush to apply the cleaner to the fence.
The best clear Cedar finish stain for outdoors is Linseed oil, hands down. Linseed oil is the primary ingredient in any oil finishes, which dries clear. You can find other clear water-based stains, but will not last nearly as long as a Linseed oil based stain will.
Boiled linseed oil, despite not providing much water-resistance to wood when applied in the usual way associated with furniture, will do much to slow the weathering to that natural grey/silver colour if applied heavily and re-applied periodically.