#1 Fence Painting/Staining Company in El Cajon, CA

In-Depth Site Inspection

The first step in our fence painting process is a detailed inspection of your fence. We examine the current state of the wood, previous finishes, problem areas, and special considerations like landscaping that needs protected. This allows us to determine the best products and techniques for your particular project.

Our team pays attention to details like:

• Type of wood (cedar, pressure-treated, etc.)
• Condition of pickets, rails, and posts
• Amount of deterioration or damage
• Type of current finish (paint, solid stain, semi-transparent stain, etc)
• Areas of fading, peeling, cracking, or alligatoring
• Obstacles like landscaping, sheds, or electrical lines

Thorough inspections ensure we can prepare an accurate quote, set proper client expectations, and ensure your complete satisfaction.

Surface Preparation

Proper prep work is crucial for long-lasting, professional paint and stain results. Our fence painting crews take the time to prepare your fence using industry best practices.

For previously finished fences, we scrape and sand away all loose, peeling finish. Rotted boards or pickets in poor condition are replaced. We repair and replace nails/fasteners as needed. Any cracks or holes are filled to create a smooth surface.

For new wood fences, we clean the boards to remove dirt, oils, and other contaminants. New pressure-treated wood must weather for several months before finishing, so we only paint once the wood pH is neutralized.

Lastly, the entire surface is lightly sanded to remove debris and smooth rough areas. This prepares the wood for maximum paint/stain adhesion.

Protecting Landscaping and Property

Painting and staining is messy work, but we take meticulous steps to protect your property. Here is how we keep overspray and drips away from your landscaping and home:

• All plants and vegetation are covered with tarps and plastic sheeting
• Home siding is masked off
• Drip trays are placed under the fence to catch stray drips
• Paint shields keep spray aimed at the fence and not surroundings
• Drip line sprinklers are temporarily shut off

At the end of the job, we carefully remove all protective coverings and clean up any minor spills or drips. Your property will be pristine yet again.

Applying High-Quality Finishes

Choosing the right fence paint or stain is critical for durability and appearance. At Fencing El Cajon, we use top brands designed for professional use. For paint, we recommend Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore alkyd/oil-based paints. For stain, Penofin or TWP provide excellent penetration and UV protection.

Painting is best for older, weathered wood, while stain is ideal for new pressure-treated lumber. We help clients select the optimal finish based on the fence wood, existing finish, sun exposure, and personal preference. Solid stains hide wood grain but provide more fade protection, while semi-transparent stains accentuate grain while allowing some UV penetration.

We apply finishes using top-quality brushes, rollers, and airless spray equipment. Sprayers allow us to work 3x faster than brushing with smoother, more consistent coverage. For ornamental or wrought iron fences, spray painting is a must for durability and efficiency.

Professional Multi-Step Process

Here is a summary of our start-to-finish fence painting/staining process:

1. Inspect and diagnose current fence conditions
2. Clean fence thoroughly and prepare surface
3. Repair/replace any damaged boards or pickets
4. Mask off home, plants, etc. to prevent overspray
5. Apply high-quality primer if needed
6. Apply two finish coats of premium paint or stain
7. Allow proper drying time between coats
8. Remove masks and tarps and clean up property
9. Perform final inspection to ensure client satisfaction

With this proven multi-step process, we can refresh even severely weathered and deteriorated fences. Contact us to see how a professional paint or stain job can restore your fence’s function and beauty.

Follow-Up Maintenance

With proper application and high-quality finishes, your freshly painted or stained fence should last 3-7 years before needing a refresh. To maximize durability:

• Allow finishes to fully cure for 24-48 hours before contact with surfaces
• Be gentle around freshly painted areas to avoid nicks, scratches or transfer
• Clean finished surfaces with mild soap and water only
• Avoid abrasive cleaners, pressure washing, or harsh chemicals
• Check for cracking, peeling or bleeding annually and touch up as needed
• Plan for full refinishing every 5-7 years on average

The longevity ultimately depends on the type of finish, amount of sun exposure, and the quality of surface prep and application. Rest assured our painting crews take every measure to ensure your fence stays looking freshly painted for seasons to come.