A wooden fence can do a lot for your home; it creates privacy, adds curb appeal, and helps define your outdoor space. But if your fence is starting to look worn out, gray, or patchy, it’s probably become more of an eyesore than an asset.
Maybe you've noticed the wood splintering or peeling paint. Maybe the color just looks tired. Either way, it’s hard to ignore, and now you're left wondering if it's time to paint, stain, or replace it altogether. And let’s be honest, figuring out the right steps to restore your fence can feel overwhelming, especially with all the conflicting advice online.
Here at Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been painting and staining fences in Omaha since 1996. We’ve seen just about every kind of fence situation you can think of, from old cedar pickets that haven’t been touched in 20 years to newer fences that need their first coat of stain. We believe in using high-quality products and taking the time to prep correctly, because that’s what makes the results last.
We don’t cut corners, and we’re not here to give you a fluffy sales pitch. We just want to help you understand how to protect and refresh your fence the right way, whether you hire a professional painter or tackle it yourself.
This guide will walk you through the complete process of painting or staining a wooden fence, from how to prep the wood to which tools to use to how to apply the product correctly. By the end, you’ll know exactly what goes into a quality job, and you’ll feel more confident in making a smart choice for your fence and for your home.
This is the first major decision, and it really depends on what you want your fence to look like and how much upkeep you're okay with.
Staining a Fence:
Painting a Fence:
In Omaha, because of our freeze-thaw cycles and humid summers, many homeowners lean toward stain, because it holds up better and is easier to maintain over time.
Before you do anything else, walk the length of your fence and check it over. Look for:
Take time to replace or secure anything that’s damaged. There’s no point in staining or painting wood that’s already falling apart; that’s like putting new carpet over a cracked floor.
This is one of the most important (and most overlooked) steps. Power washing removes:
The surface needs to be clean so your new paint or stain can bond properly. If not, it’ll just sit on top and eventually peel or wear off.
For older fences that haven’t been cleaned in years, we often use a cleaning solution formulated for wood, especially if there's a lot of mildew or staining. Just make sure to rinse thoroughly and allow the fence to dry fully — usually 24 to 48 hours — before moving to the next step.
If your fence is splintered, rough, or has peeling paint, sanding is a must. This step smooths out the surface and helps new paint or stain soak in evenly.
While it’s not always necessary for fences in good condition, we highly recommend it for:
A handheld orbital sander works well for flat panels. For pickets or rounded rails, we’ll often use sanding sponges to get into tight spots.
For stains, we recommend:
For paint, go with:
No matter what you choose, make sure it's a high-quality exterior product designed to withstand Nebraska weather. Don’t go with the cheapest option — you’ll pay for it later when it starts failing early.
Here’s where the real transformation happens. Professional painters typically use a sprayer for speed and coverage, but that’s only half the process.
Back brushing: that’s when you go over the sprayed area with a brush. It works the product into the wood, filling in small gaps and helping the finish soak in. It also evens out the appearance and prevents lap marks or runs.
Skipping this step is a shortcut we never take. If you’re hiring a painter, it’s a good question to ask: Do you back-brush after spraying? If the answer is no, that’s a red flag.
Once the paint or stain is applied, let it dry according to the label instructions. In Omaha’s summer humidity, this can vary, so keep an eye on the weather and avoid rainy days.
Once dry, walk your fence again and check for any missed spots, drips, or uneven areas. Touch up as needed. A second coat may be required, especially for solid stain or paint.
Done right, a painted fence should last about 3-5 years before needing a refresh. A solid stain can last 3–5 years, and semi-transparent stains usually need attention every 2–3 years.
Of course, maintenance, sun exposure, moisture, and how well it was prepped all affect how long the finish will hold up. A fence that was cleaned, repaired, sanded, and properly stained will always outlast one that was slapped together in a weekend.
A fence is more than a border around your yard — it’s one of the first things people see when they drive by. And here in Omaha, where our seasons throw everything from snow to blazing sun at our homes, giving your fence the care it needs really does matter.
Whether you choose paint or stain, the key is in the prep. Clean the surface. Make repairs. Sand if needed. And apply the product the right way — with care and intention.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been helping Omaha homeowners restore and protect their fences since 1996. If you’re thinking about giving your fence a fresh start, click the button below to get a quote.
If you’re not ready to get a quote, but are still looking to hire a reputable painter, click the button below to get your guide to hiring a painter. This guide will help you research painters, compare quotes, and choose the best one for your fence staining project.