Stop your cedar fence from rotting and turning gray. We provide professional wood cleaning, mildew removal, and premium penetrating oil applications across the Puget Sound.
A new cedar fence is a significant investment for your property, often costing thousands of dollars. However, in the damp, rain-heavy climate of Seattle and Tacoma, unprotected cedar will quickly succumb to the elements. Ground moisture wicks up the bottom of the pickets, algae thrives on north-facing sections, and harsh summer UV rays destroy the wood's natural lignin, turning it a dull, weathered gray within a single year.
At Coles Painting, we specialize in rescuing and preserving exterior wood. We do not just slap paint onto dirty pickets. We execute a comprehensive restoration process designed specifically to eradicate organic growth, open the wood grain, and apply commercial-grade penetrating oils that lock out moisture and restore your fence's rich color.
Applying stain to an unprepared fence guarantees failure. Here is how we ensure a finish that lasts.
We begin by evaluating your fence for rot and loose pickets. Before any cleaning or staining begins, we carefully move patio furniture and use heavy-duty tarps to protect your landscaping, concrete walkways, and neighbor's property from overspray.
High pressure destroys cedar by tearing the wood fibers. Instead, we apply a specialized wood cleaner and mildewcide to break down algae, dirt, and gray UV-damaged fibers. We then use a gentle "soft-wash" to rinse the contaminants away safely.
Wood cleaners are highly alkaline, which darkens the wood. We apply a commercial wood brightener to neutralize the pH level, open the pores of the cedar, and restore the wood to its original vibrant, fresh-cut color.
We allow the fence to dry thoroughly. Before any stain is opened, we utilize digital moisture meters to ensure the internal moisture content of the wood is below 15%. Staining wet wood traps moisture and causes the finish to fail rapidly.
We apply premium penetrating oils using a commercial airless sprayer to ensure full coverage in the difficult gaps between pickets. Immediately after spraying, our technicians "back-brush" the stain by hand, forcing the oil deep into the grain for maximum longevity and an even finish.
Many generic contractors will offer to "paint" your fence using standard exterior latex house paint or solid-color stains. While this looks acceptable on day one, it is a critical mistake for exterior fencing.
Fences have exposed end-grains at the top and bottom of every picket. In the rainy Pacific Northwest, water easily enters these exposed ends and wicks up the wood. If the fence is coated in a solid, film-forming paint, that moisture gets permanently trapped inside the wood. Within a year, the expanding moisture will cause the paint to bubble, crack, and peel off in large sheets.
We exclusively use high-grade Penetrating Oils and Semi-Transparent Stains. These products dive deep into the wood fibers, conditioning the wood and repelling water from the inside out, while remaining fully breathable. They never peel—they simply fade gradually over time, making future maintenance a breeze.
Treating exterior wood correctly requires specialized chemistry and technique. Here is why our process ensures your fence outlasts the competition.
| Process Feature | Coles Restoration | Generic Painters |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Method | Chemical Wash & Brightener | High-pressure wash (splinters wood) |
| Moisture Protocol | Digital Meter Testing Before Staining | Stains immediately (traps water) |
| Stain Material | Premium Penetrating Oils | Cheap Film-forming Solid Paint |
| Application Technique | Spray AND Back-Brush into Grain | Quick spray only (sits on surface) |
| Property Protection | Strict Masking & Tarps | Overspray on siding/plants/neighbors |
Yes. The gray color is simply dead wood fibers caused by UV damage, often mixed with dirt and mildew. We apply specialized wood cleaners and brighteners, followed by a gentle soft-wash to strip away the dead fibers. This restores the fence to its original, beautiful cedar color before we apply the new stain.
We utilize a professional 'spray and back-brush' technique. Spraying allows us to apply a generous amount of stain evenly and get into the intricate gaps between overlapping pickets. We immediately follow up with a wide brush to force the oil deep into the wood grain, ensuring maximum penetration and a perfectly even, run-free finish.
In the Pacific Northwest, a high-quality semi-transparent penetrating oil applied to vertical fencing typically lasts 3 to 5 years before it begins to fade. Unlike horizontal decks that hold standing water, fences shed water quickly, naturally extending the life of the stain. When it is time to re-coat, penetrating oils do not require expensive chemical stripping—just a simple wash and re-application.
Yes. During our initial inspection, we will identify any severely warped, rotted, or broken pickets. We offer minor carpentry repair services to replace these damaged boards before the cleaning and staining process begins, ensuring a uniform look for your entire property line.
Stop wood rot and extend the life of your cedar fence by years. Get a free quote today.
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We take immense pride in protecting the exterior boundaries of properties across the Pacific Northwest. Whether you are restoring a privacy fence in Seattle or resealing cedar pickets in Tacoma, Coles Painting brings advanced chemical cleaning, strict moisture control protocols, and premium penetrating oils to ensure your fence withstands the elements year after year.