Treating a garden fence?

[billy-bob]

I finally got my garden just the way I want it, but notice now that the wooden fence going all the way around is looking shabby by comparison. It's never been treated or even painted. Can I just slap on some Cuprinol directly onto it or has 5 years of harsh winters and harsh summers caused some damage that I need to repair before covering over with treatment? What should I be looking for? It's still solid enough, but does look washed out and faded.

Also, any tips on brand and application method? It's a 6 foot high fence encompassing about 30x30 foot garden, but there are gaps between the slats, so I don't think a sprayer or similar would work very well - the neighbours wouldn't be happy about their garden being zebrified.

 

[Sansan]

My father in law always swore blind about cresol, it's some sort of tar by product, you can get it in most hardware stores in a 5lt bottle, I have to admit it goes on very easy, bloody stinks but drys quickly and gives a lovely finish, and have to say it stands any weather that it has faced

 

[billy-bob]

Tks for the response, Sansan. Google has failed me on a product called Cresol. Is it something you can pick up in B&Q or Woodies?

 

[Caveat]

Depends on the condition - is there any green algae type stuff or is it blackened in any way? It may need to be scrubbed with bleach before you do anything.

5 years is way too long to leave it IMO - you should be painting at least every 3, preferably every 2.

Loads of fence paint/protector on the market and it's reasonably cheap in comparison with house paint. It tends to be thin too so goes a long way. If it's never been painted it will need at least 3 solid coats IMO. But it won't take as long as you might think.

Ronseal probably as good if not better than many - but maybe I'm just a victim to advertising.

Just watch the first coat almost soak in and disappear before your very eyes though.

 

[rascal14]

Best product is Creosote.
The original was way better but it was banned so this wont be as strong as what previous generations will remember but its still the best. Its really easy to paint on and doesnt drip too much. Just be careful because it will burn grass if spilled. It smells really bad but you get used to it fairly quickly! Also small amount of people can get a slight red rash if it makes contact with skin, it burns(so wear gloves!). As i said its pretty strong! But thats what makes it so good.
Literally all you will need is a big paint brush and maybe a sheet to put on the ground to protect plants/grass if you have any. This stuff last for years. You can paint it straight on, no prep work (unless you really have to!). It gives the timber a dark golden brown colour which will get rid of the washed out faded look. The amount of coats will depend on how weather beatin the timber is (generally 2 coats needed). This stuff is so runny (i dont know if thats a real word but you know what i mean!) that it'll have no problem getiing into gaps. But at least when its done you wont have to worry for a good few years.
Hope this helps

 

[billy-bob]

Depends on the condition - is there any green algae type stuff or is it blackened in any way? It may need to be scrubbed with bleach before you do anything.

There doesn't appear to be any weird stuff or discolouration, it's just washed out and pale.

Best product is Creosote.

I've always thought that Cresote is just a general name, like paracetemol, etc. Is there an actual product called Creosote?

This stuff is so runny (i dont know if thats a real word but you know what i mean!) that it'll have no problem getiing into gaps.

I'm not sure what you mean by this, I don't want it getting into gaps, as that will ruin next door's fence and grass if it drips down.

 

[Caveat]

Cresote

I'm not entirely sure that this is available anymore. I thought it had health or environmental complications?

...I don't want it getting into gaps, as that will ruin next door's fence and grass if it drips down.

Might be difficult to avoid but could be easier with a sprayer though.