Can I Stain or Paint My Composite Fence?

Yes, you can paint or stain your composite fence if it is faded or badly scratched. However, we do not recommend this. We suggest that you purchase some new panels, which can be slid into position to be easily replaced. Replacement isn’t often necessary as long as your panels are regularly cleaned.  

Composite fencing is resistant to UV rays and moisture. This provides improved stability of colour and lowers the maintenance required over the years. Therefore, it does not need to be painted or sealed.  However, some customers do opt to stain or paint their fences. If you wish to do so, it is important to complete this process correctly.

Why Should You Paint Your Composite Fence? 

Composite fencing panels, like other durable structural materials, can wear out after a long time.  

This implies that a composite fence can lose its original colour, lighting over time and wearing down gradually. When the panel loses its colour, then you might want to paint it. 

You may also need to paint your composite fence panels due to scratching or marks that have altered the appearance over the years, distorting its appearance and finish.  

So, what should you do if you’re going to paint or stain your composite fence? To paint or stain your composite fence, you need to get all the materials required first.  

What is the difference between painting and staining a Fence?  

Painting a fence involves using high-quality latex or water-based paint to coat the surface of your composite fencing boards. Also, the colour will hide any marks or scratches that are on the surface of your fencing panel.  The pigment will sit on the surface of your composite fence. Whereas staining does not just sit on top of plastic wood boards; the boards absorb it. Staining will protect and preserve your fence, whereas painting will cover and hide marks and scratches. 

Although the coat of stain given to your fence is thin, it will still make it look aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, you can choose to stain or paint your WPC Fencing, but we recommend purchasing new fence panels if your existing fence is damaged.  

What Type of Stain or Paint Should I Use? 

To paint or stain your composite fence, you should use high-quality water-based paint or stain. Several paint manufacturers sell different brands of colour in the market, which all perform differently. Latex-based stains are widely used for wood. They tend to preserve the wood longer, are easy to apply and have a thicker consistency.  

When we tested the best paint to use on composite material, we used both water and oil-based paints. We also used a primer applied first on some. We found that all self-purchased decking paint and stains can be used on composite materials, and they do take to them very well. 

However, we found that after time they tend to flake and break. The best to date is V33 decking paint which has lasted and kept its appearance and colour. 

Clean Your Composite Fence 

Cleaning your composite fence is one thing you must do in preparation to apply paint or stain to your composite fence panels. You should ensure you remove any dirt that is on the surface. Mud, leaves and debris can distort the appearance of a composite fence. 

If you have a smooth or grooved surface finish, you could sand the surface in preparation if you wish to do so. This will help to remove scratches and marks from what has not been cleared with a wash or a mix of vinegar and baking soda. 

You should remove dirt from the surface of your fence by rinsing it with water. For a quicker alternative, many customers use a power washer. Note that you should use a power washer with care so that it will not destroy the surface of your composite fence.  

Additionally, if mould or mildew is on the surface of your composite fence, you can use a soft brush and mix with a high concentration of vinegar and baking soda in warm water to gently scrub the surface. When you have cleaned your fence, then the next step is to paint or stain the fence. 

Painting Your Composite Fence 

Step One – Remove Items Close to the Fence 

You must remove all items that are close to your fence. If you can’t remove them, then you should make sure you cover them. You should take away tables and chairs and cover flowers that are close to your fence. If your plastic wood fencing is attached to your home, make sure you don’t spill the paint on the wall. 

Step Two – Clean the Composite Fence 

The way you clean the fence when you want to paint it is the same as when you want to stain it. Ensure you remove mud by sweeping with a soft broom, using hot soapy water and your soft brush, clean the fence thoroughly and then use a power washer to carefully wash the surface clean. You can remove mould and mildew, oil and grease stains by using a mix of vinegar and baking soda, increasing concentration if required. 

Step Three – Paint Your Composite Fence 

Use high-quality paint to colour the fence. You should complete the task panel by panel along the grain until you have painted every board. The best tool for the task is a roller with a long stick or rod attached to it. You could also purchase a paint sprayer for speed and ease. When you have finished painting, leave the fence to dry.  

Once dry, follow and repeat this process, as you will need to coat the surface texture at least twice. If the paint needs more coats, please apply again to be provided with the best finish. 

It’s worth noting that you should not paint plastic material and that paint should only be applied to the wood-based surface texture. 

Step Four – Tidy Your Surrounding 

Be sure to tidy around your fence area once your project is complete to maintain the appearance of your exterior space. 

How to Stain My Composite Fencing? 

As mentioned above, using a high-quality stain which is either water-based or oil-based, is important. We have found this material is ideal to soak and take to the composite wood base surface texture.   

Staining Your Composite Fence  

Step One – Remove Items Close to Your Fence 

Before you start staining your composite fence, you must remove items around it, such as any tables or chairs that you have placed near your composite fence panels. If your plastic wood fencing is close to your flowers or if you hang plants on it, you should remove the flowers. Also, if there are plants that you can’t take away, it is best if you use a tarpaulin to cover and protect them. Ensure that there are no other structural materials left uncovered near your fence. 

Step Two – Clean Your Fence 

The method you employ to clean your fence depends on the stain that is on it. If you want to remove mud, then you can simply use a soft brush to sweep the surface and rinse it with water. To make the cleaning task faster, use a power washer carefully. You should be cautious and not bring the power washer close to the surface of your fence and keep it on a low setting to ensure you do not damage the surface. 

If you want to remove grease stains, then you can use soapy water and a soft brush. You should gently scrub with a soft brush so that you don’t scratch the surface of your fence. After cleaning, you can wash off the body of your plastic wood fencing with water. However, for tough marks or stains, try vinegar and baking soda. 

Step Three – Stain Your Fence 

You should wait for some time so that the surface of your fence is thoroughly dry. Once dry and all dirt, debris and marks removed, you can then open the stain and pour the content into a large container. Make sure you are wearing gloves so that the content will not stick to your hands. Also, you might wear a nose mask so that you will not smell the stain. Use a roller or fence spray to improve the ease and speed of your project. 

For your comfort, you can attach a long stick to the roller or purchase a long roller to help support the task. Then, you can start applying the stain on the fence. Make sure you apply it panel by panel along the grain. Also, distribute the colour evenly on the surface so that it will not stay on one side. Stain the fence until you colour every fencing panel. 

Apply more coats to ensure the surface is evenly spread and the surface has best taken to the stain. After this, follow the above steps to clear the area. 

Conclusion 

You can paint and stain your composite fence panels if you wish to do so, but regular cleaning throughout the year will ensure this isn’t necessary. The best stain and paint to use are oil or water-based ones, as research and testing have proven them to be the best performing in relation to results that don’t peel or flake. Alternatively, as the composite fence panels are easily replaceable by sliding in and out, you can simply replace the panels if they have any damage to them.