Winter treatment of fencing

leckyone · Post by **leckyone** » Mon Aug 26, 2024 9:41 pm

My feathered edge fencing needs retreating for the winter.

Previously I've used solvent based 'No Nonsense' Decking oil approx 2 years ago.

Can I use a water based type of treatment, but do not want to use the type that leaves a skin that peels off with time.

Any suggestions please :dunno:

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Mon Aug 26, 2024 11:08 pm

Water-based is normally a waxy finish that sits on the surface rather than penetrate the wood. The fact that you have used oil before it would be best to continue with a solvent-based finish. I used Barrettine which is a bit pricey but very good see https://www.toolstation.com/search?q=ba ... +preserver

DWD

dynamod · Post by **dynamod** » Tue Aug 27, 2024 5:49 am

Oil and water are seldom a successful combo. The oil based fence products/oils are more deeply penetrating, though in direct sunlight, some can be photosensitive if they contact skin. Gloves and long sleeves are a good idea with some of these paints.

I've heard of old engine oil being 'recycled' as fence paint, but I'm pretty sure it's not the most environmentally friendly way to work.

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Tue Aug 27, 2024 7:06 am

The engine oil thing was a mix of creosote and engine oil, not that common in use in my experience back in the 60s and 70s. Of course, it polluted the ground with runoff and killed plants so it gradually faded especially after it became known as a carcinogenic mix as awareness of this thing grew.

If you want a coloured fence then the water-based finished after more of a range, the oil tends to be shades of brown. The purpose is to preserve the fence, use solvent based.

DWD

big-all · Post by **big-all** » Tue Aug 27, 2024 9:42 am

its worth mentioning iff you do nothing you fence will last as long or nearly as long [maybe 0-20% less but no actual tests done] as a treated fence
so no urgency to your efforts to make it look nice

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Tue Aug 27, 2024 11:05 am

Yes, that is true BA, I have never treated fence panels and most went 20 years before the replacement of some was needed.

DWD

dynamod · Post by **dynamod** » Wed Aug 28, 2024 6:27 am

big-all wrote: ↑Tue Aug 27, 2024 9:42 am its worth mentioning iff you do nothing you fence will last as long or nearly as long [maybe 0-20% less but no actual tests done] as a treated fence

I heard a few of the older guys saying that wooden fence work was largely cosmetic and little more than a way for councils to spend their budgets. I wonder if this was dipped/treated wood or properly bare timber?