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Re: preserving redwood fence

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Landscaping
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 23 Oct 2000
Time: 06:39 PM

Comments

The sun (ultraviolet) is the natural enemy of many materials, including you new redwood fence. Over time, the sun reacts with the wood, changing its color to a driftwood gray. Other than periodic applications of a sealer, such as Thomson's or equivalent, I am not aware of any material that truly stands the test of time.

There are some alternatives, however, that you might consider.

1) A transparent stain can help to protect the wood while providing a richer color that permeates the wood fibers. Over time, this too will fade.

2) Consider a high solids stain, such as Olympic or Behr, and apply it with a brush or sprayer. While this acts more like a paint, it will provide a consistent look to your fence and should last for many years between coats. Since high solids stains are still thinner than paint, they don't tend to peel. Rather, they are absorbed into the wood, creating a protective finish. Some of the newer formulas are based on a hybrid oil/water-based mixture.

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