Fence Treatment

[cameliaheartfelt]

I am wanting our fence treating but not with a coloured paint. My husband doesn't want it painted as says once you start you have then got to keep on top of it. It looks so dried out and old. I can't seem to find a clear paint so wondered about oil and if we can use decking oil instead as we have some already in clear. Your thoughts please.

[woofgang]

not sure it will change how the fence looks but
http://www.screwfix.com/p/sika-wood-preserver-clear-5ltr/47030

[Old_Geezer]

If you don't put preservative of some sort on it annually it will gradually deteriorate and sooner or later the wind blows it down. It's a reasonable option but a pain when replacement is necessary.

Plenty of brands of preservative to buy in the DIY sheds. Take your pick.

[Bertrum]

I always use a solvent based preserver such as Wickes High Performance Wood Preserver
http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-High-Performance-Wood-Preserver-5L-Golden-Oak/p/170776

[RATTER15]

The fence wont last long without some kind of wood preserver on it, that's for sure.

[Clanad]

You don't say what kind of wood was used. Some woods, such as redwood (here in the U.S.), cypress and the old standby, cedar are nearly self-preserving due to the various natural oils they contain.

But even those types of wood weather to a shade of gray over time. I'd suggest that you pressure wash the fence to remove dirt and grime and after assessing the structural condition (is it sagging or leaning; are the fence posts rotting in the area where they go into the ground?) and you decide it's worth salvaging, I'd use a product like this:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Wolman-5-gal-F-P-Cedar-Exterior-Wood-Stain-Finish-and-Preservative-14415/204642357

It's (and others like it) are excellent preservers of wood but with a light cedar-shade tint which will also help the fence retain a pleasant wood grain color for the next several years. If possible, it would be best to apply the stain with an airless sprayer like this: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Graco-X5-Airless-Paint-Sprayer-262800/100634354 ... not only will it make a snap of the job, the stain will penetrate much better than being brushed or rolled on. You can rent these industrial strength sprayers very reasonably here in the U.S. and, I would expect in the U.K.

[Old_Geezer]

In the UK. Chances are it's cheap soft wood pressure treated with preservative prior to purchase. I like the idea of self preserving oily wood. Bet it costs a small fortune.

[cameliaheartfelt]

The wood has gone grey. Would say it is probably self preserving, still good and solid from new build after 9 years. Wanting something clear so don't have to keep painting it, so that's why I thought of something oil based. Can I not use clear decking oil then as in my original question as we have some left?

[1ozzy]

No reason why you cant use a decking oil.
Better option than paint as re-application at a later date is very easy, minimal preparation needed.

[1ozzy]

ps: Unless you do some sanding first it will retain the grey colour.
The oil will stop further drying and shrinkage of the wood.

[cameliaheartfelt]

Tried 2 coats of decking oil on one piece of fence, can't really tell any difference now soaked in as so dry. Hubby gone with a Ronseal coloured 5 year wood protector so hopefully will do the trick and look good. Many thanks for all your advice.,