How to Seal a Fence with a Sprayer (5 Step By Step)

Last Updated on June 28, 2022

A newly installed wooden sprayer looks eye-pleasing and attractive. But weather and external elements can soon start playing their role to expose the bare wood and damage it. Also, as the wood dries out, it won’t look as amazing as the new one.

So, what’s the solution? Well, sealing the fence with sprayer paint can be your go-to option for it. If you don’t know how to seal a fence with a sprayer, we are here to help you.

Spray paint works 10X faster than the conventional roller brush and also yields a smoother finish. The DIY sealing and painting project of the fence with the sprayer will be an excellent experience for everyone, even if you have zero knowledge of spray painting.

How to Seal a Fence with a Sprayer

When we install any fence around our home, we expect it to last for years. It is also essential since installing a new fence almost every year is not financially profitable for homeowners.

So, you need to protect the fence from rain, snow, and heat so that it doesn’t wear out soon. The best way to protect the fence from weather and external elements is to seal it with spray paint.

Thankfully, the process is pretty easy and quick. First off, you will need the following things:

  • A good-quality sprayer: You may use Flexio 3000 Sprayer for this purpose. It has a compact size and so is easy to carry.
  • Wood cleaner: You will require the wood cleaner to remove any debris and deposits from the wooden fence before you apply sealer on it.
  • Wood sealer: You will have to seal the wooden fence with the spray seal and stain. Preferably a white finish looks better.
  • Paintbrush: You will also need a synthetic paintbrush to finish off the sealing job perfectly. You don’t need to get the animal hair brush for this purpose. Also, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to apply the wood cleaner.

Once you are ready with all the items, you can proceed to the main spray sealing application.

Step 1: Preparing and washing the fence

Although the newly installed wooden fence may look almost fresh, you will see many blemishes on it at a close look. Thus, applying a sealer or protective coat will help it look amazing even after years of use.

And just like any sealing and painting work, you must prepare the fence beforehand. It is also essential so that the sealer and paint on the fence stick for an extended period. If the fence is rusted or has debris, the sealer won’t stick to it and starts chipping away soon.

So, start by cleaning the fence first. For this, apply water to the fence using a moderate hose pipe and water sprayer at a moderate flow. It will soften the debris and grime to make your cleaning job easy and fast.

Now, apply the wood cleaner to the entire fence using the soft-bristled toothbrush. You should wear gloves before applying the wood cleaner on the surface as it contains acid.

So, your hand might feel little sensation if you touch it. After wetting the fence adequately with the cleaner:

  1. Wait for a few minutes.
  2. Rinse it off using the toothbrush.
  3. Spray water on the fence using the garden hose to remove any remaining debris properly.

Then, allow the entire fence to dry off properly. It is essential as a wet fence won’t allow the spray sealer to stick to it.

fence painting

Step 2: Apply the 1st coat of sealer

Now that your fence is dry, it is ready to apply the first coat of sealant and stain. You may use clear coat finishes for the purpose. It should be weather and water-resistant to safeguard the wooden fence.

Also, you may choose any colored sealer. Usually, people prefer applying white sealer and stain on the fence for its aesthetically pleasing look.

Firstly, fill the container of the sprayer with the sealer. Now, set the sprayer at a vertical position to apply sealer on the vertical fences. After that, change the sprayer into a horizontal position and start spraying the horizontal fences.

You should start from one point and reach the other point at a constant speed. The horizontal and vertical fences will overlap at some points. Make sure you cover them without over-spraying the overlapping sections.

Step 3: Back brush with a synthetic paintbrush

After finishing off the spray sealer on one panel, you should back brush it with the paintbrush. When you apply the sealer with the sprayer, it can’t penetrate the wood. Thus, you need to use the brush properly.

While you back brush, make sure you reach every point. It will help you get a better finish as the back brush also reduces any overlapping issues. Furthermore, when you back brush the sealer and stain it, it won’t drop off from the fence.

Make sure you complete the process faster, as spray paint dries off pretty quickly.

Step 4: Applying the 2nd coat

When the panel dries off, inspect it. Now, prepare your sprayer for the second coating and follow the process we described in Step 2. The second coating will ensure improved protection of the fence from weather and external elements.

You should wait for 2 to 3 hours before applying the 2nd coat. It allows the fence to dry off the 1st coat. Also, back brush the 2nd coat quickly before it starts drying. Make sure the finish is smooth.

Step 5: Finish off the job

The fence will need around 24 hours to dry off entirely. So, make sure birds or animals don’t sit on it until it dries. You may use a simple scarecrow to scare off the wild animals and birds during this process.

Also, clean your sprayer, and its container, and seal the remaining wood cleaner and sealant. Then, store them safely for future use.

It is profitable since the sealant and wood cleaner will remain usable at normal shelf temperatures for several years.

Final Words

The step-by-step guideline on how to seal a fence with a sprayer should come in handy for you. The process is easier than you imagine. The key is to work with patience and at a constant speed.

Also, make sure the sprayer is clean before you start using it. If it gets clogged, use the provided needle to unclog the nozzle. Some sprayers, however, allow reversible nozzles for convenience.