Find Oil-Based Stains paint brushes at Lowe's today. Shop paint brushes and a variety of paint products online at Lowes.com. Price and other details may vary based on size and color Wooster Brush Available F5119-4 Bravo Stainer Bristle/Polyester Stain Brush, 4 Inch, 4-Inch. Get it as soon as Tue, Jan. Linzer 3550 Satin and Stain Block Brush-Poly/ Bristle Blend. Get it as soon as Tue, Jan 12 Linzer 3121 0400 Stain.
Give a drab or dingy wooden fence a fresh face with a lustrous and long-lasting stained finish.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Whether your wooden fence is years old or newly installed, it can benefit from a single inexpensive addition: stain. Applying wood stain to the slats improves its design and prolongs the lifespan of your hard-working outdoor structure—a win-win!
For long-lasting, professional-quality results, work with a semitransparent oil-based stain designed for the exterior. These stains elegantly accentuate the natural patina of the underlying wood with a subtle tint, and, as a bonus, boast formulas that slow the growth of mildew and rot as well as protect the wood from ultraviolet light exposure.
With basic cleaning supplies and this straightforward tutorial on how to stain a fence, you can refresh your wooden privacy wall in as little time as a weekend—and reap these benefits right away.
How to Stain a Fence
STEP 1: Choose the right day (or days) for your project.
Before staining a wood fence, scan the weekly weather forecast and select a day with temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees, low to moderate humidity, and no precipitation expected for the next 24 hours. If you’re discouraged by the prospects, remember that “good things come to those who wait”. Extreme cold or moisture can prolong the drying time of wood stain, while the opposite extreme can dry out stain too quickly and leave behind unwanted lap marks on the fence.
STEP 2: Prepare the wood for painting.
Depending on the current condition of your fence, you may need to strip or sand the surface.
Starting with a previously stained or finished fence?
Apply wood stain or finish stripper to the slats according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then scrub the slats with a stiff-bristle brush to loosen the old varnish and slough off upright wood fibers.
Learning how to stain a fence that is new?
Ensure the stain will penetrate the wood with the water test: Lightly spray a small section of the fence with a garden hose. If water beads form on the slats, lightly sand the slats in the direction of the wood grain. Water successfully penetrating the slats, though, indicates that your wooden fence can readily absorb the stain.
STEP 3: Clean the fence thoroughly and let dry.
Clean the fence with water from a high-pressure spray nozzle attached to a garden hose (or use a power washer). This will remove light to moderate dirt accumulations and complete the job of the wood stain stripper in blasting away any old varnish from the fence, if applicable. If using a power washer, opt for a low-powered unit operating at no more than 2,000 psi so as not to weather the wood slats. Make sure to let the wood dry out completely before continuing.
STEP 4: Spot-treat mold or mildew with diluted bleach.
If you spot mold or mildew deposits on the fence, prepare a solution of bleach diluted with water in a bucket. Donning rubber gloves, apply the bleach to the slats with a garden sprayer, allowing it to settle into the slats for a few minutes before rinsing the fence clean with a high-pressure spray nozzle or power washer. Again, make sure to let the wood dry out completely before continuing.
STEP 5: Use wood filler to patch imperfections in the fence slats.
Repair chips, gouges, or cracks in the fence with wood filler. If needed, replace damaged slats.
Photo: istockphoto.com
STEP 7: Protect nearby plants and parts of the fence not to be stained.
Use painter’s tape to protect areas of the fence you do not want to stain. Similarly, protect surrounding vegetation at the foot of the fence by covering it with drop cloths.
STEP 8: Proceed to applying stain to the fence slats.
Enlist a brush, roller, or sprayer to stain the slats.
- A natural-bristle brush is the best way to encourage oil-based
wood stain to permeate wooden fence slats. Dip the tip of the brush into a can of stain, then coat any horizontal slats of the fence from left to right. Afterwards, work your way from top to bottom down the entire length of each vertical slat, maintaining a wet tip at all times. Stain one to two slats at a time to prevent lap marks from forming. One you reach the bottom of a slat, stain the end grain. - If using a roller, opt for a medium nap roller cover, then fully saturate the nap with the stain. Apply the stain in two- to three-foot sections of the fence at a time, taking care to back-brush, or re-paint over uncovered areas left by the previous stroke, with a wide brush. This will allow the stain to enter hard-to- reach grooves and recesses, and ensure an even coat free of lap marks.
- If using a sprayer, follow the same approach as for how to stain a fence with a roller, but stand back a comfortable distance from the fence to apply color.
STEP 9: Let the stain dry, then apply additional coats as desired.
When the entire fence has been stained, let it dry according to the stain manufacturer’s instructions. Apply additional coats of stain as needed to achieve the desired depth of color. A single coat should be sufficient for a new wood fence or one that you also plan to seal.
STEP 10: Finish the job with a coat of sealer.
While a good quality stain alone is sufficient to protect your fence from everyday wear-and-tear, applying a durable sealant over the stain can prolong the finish—and the life of your fence. For best results, apply a single coat of clear, weatherproof sealant by brush, roller, or sprayer. Quickly back-brush unsealed grooves and recesses with a wide brush to achieve a uniform appearance. Allow the sealant to dry completely.
STEP 11: Clean up!
Dispose of soiled drop cloths, remove the painter’s tape from the slats, and reveal your like-new fence!
Go ahead and take the next couple of summers off—you earned it. Only note that while semitransparent stains can last anywhere between two to five years, extreme temperatures and precipitation can prematurely age the finish. Don’t rest on your laurels too long and risk the weather damage: Aim to stain your fence every two to three years to preserve its sheen and weather protective qualities.
Hey friends! Do you have a new painting job you want to carry out but no clue on the kind of brush to use? There are different types of these brushes, so you might be confused about which one to buy. Therefore, I’m going to give you a detailed list of the best brushes for polyurethane.
Remember that getting a polyurethane finishing requires a good polyurethane brush so, not only will I show you the best brush for polyurethane, but I will also do reviews featuring the pros and cons of them. Now, tag along while we dive right into the best deals of the year!
Table of Contents
- Top 7 Best Brushes for Polyurethane Reviews
Our Top Picks Here:
Top 7 Best Brushes for Polyurethane Reviews
- Best Overall: Purdy Paint Brush
- Best Versatile: Hiltex Paint Brush Set
- Best High End: Wooster Brush Foam King
- Best Oil Based:Wooster Brush 4-inch
- Best Water Based: Wooster Brush Silver-Tip
- Best for Professional: Presa Premium Paint Brush Set
- Best Commercial: Pro Grade Paintbrush Set
1. Purdy Paint Brush – All Paints and Stains
One of the most famous brushes in the Purdy brand is all the paints and stains brush. It performs a great job when it is used for your painting projects.
Therefore, it is recommended for your various painting projects and with any finish, not just polyurethane.
The quality of the brush is top-notch, and it is manufactured in a way that it will return to its original composure after painting.
Plus, the manufacturers added a keeper that keeps the bristles of the brush together, thus, maintaining their shape and increasing its shelf life.
Did you know the keepers prevent water from entering the brush? Yes, they also increase airflow so that paintbrush won’t stick together and hard when dry.
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The primary function of the brush is to apply polyurethane and other coatings like primers, oil-based paints, stains, and latex to walls. Originally, the brush is a little rigid, so it will be a great idea to use it outdoor where the temperature will be conducive.
The bristles of the brush are a mixture of Orel Polyester and Chinex nylon, which provides the utmost performance and versatility.
It disallows the polyurethane brush from dragging on the surface, ensuring smooth application.
Pros:
- Perfect brush with high-quality for experts
- Long-lasting bristles
- Leaves a very smooth finish
- The polyurethane brush absorbs a lot of paint at once
- It does not produce drag during painting
- One of the best brush to apply polyurethane
Cons:
- The brushes are not ideal for staining
- The bristles may remove easily
2. Hiltex Paint Brush Set – Various sizes
The best brushes for polyurethane are the Hiltex brush set. With the five different sizes available, it can be used to achieve different techniques and shades in your project.
Also, the polyester bristles have feathery ends that hold extra paint for higher efficiency during projects.
Also, the durable wooden handles are perfect for painting, staining, and varnishing.
They’re unique brushes and suitable for water-based paints and polyurethanes, and they’re just right for people who do not have a complex project to complete.
With their great finishing feature, these polyurethane brushes leave your work looking spectacular.
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Another great aspect of this brand is that it is easy to clean the polyurethane brush with water. Without adding a solvent, all you need is swirl the bristles in water, and you are to go!
Pros:
- Various brushes for achieving great results in projects
- Sturdy wooden handle
- The prices are not exorbitant
- It is easy to clean
Cons:
- It does not have a high shelf-life
- The bristles may come off at any time
3. Wooster Brush Foam King Paintbrush
The multipurpose Wooster brush can be used for stain and varnishes too. It is a top-notch brush that is 2 inches wide, although the size varies depending on the quantity ordered.
Nevertheless, the two-inch brush still provides the best coverage you can imagine.
As the perfect foam brush for polyurethane, it doesn’t fail to leave a sleek finish with no brush marks.
To achieve a regular flex and a tidy result, it comes with a white plastic handle with an in-built hardener.
This increases the value of the brush among its other competitors in the business industry.
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The amazing about the foam brush is the ability it has to curve softly with little pressure to give you an even coating of paint. Unlike other foams, this brush comes with that feature.
Pros:
- Quality foam brush
- Sleek application on the surface it is used on
- Simple to clean after use
- It is sturdy
Cons:
- The foam may detach from the handle of the brush
- It has a feeble plastic handle
4. Wooster Brush 4-inch Polyester Paintbrush- Top Brush for Oil-Based Polyurethane
Since the ninth century, Wooster has been in the business of making painting brushes.
This brush is the best brush for oil polyurethane with the top-quality nylon and gold polyester, thereby making it excellent for applying the latex, oil-based paints, and various types of finishes, not excluding polyurethane.
Do you remember we mentioned its brush is made of gold polyester? Well, that filament withstands high temperatures making it resistant to abrasion.
The brush is simplified for use due to its cushy handle, and bendy bristles qualify it for many types of projects. More so, the handle contains a little hole near the tip for stowing it away.
Notwithstanding the pros of this brush, it can be quite challenging for our petite friends. If you have small hands, holding this brush might be strenuous.
Also, you may need to acquire the skill of painting before you can be able to handle this brush.
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Generally, it is yet another best brush for polyurethane for giving your projects that finishing touch.
Pros:
- Top-notch brush
- An excellent choice for your do-it-yourself tasks
- Efficient bristles
- Very affordable
Cons:
- Challenging to hold for people with small hands
- You can’t use it outdoors
5. Wooster Brush Silver-Tip Angle Sash- Perfect for Both Oil & Water-Based Polyurethanes
Rather than buying a low-quality brush, all in the name of saving money, buy a higher quality brush like the angle sash brush.
It will be 100% better with a sleek finish and worth for your money.
The Wooster Brush Organization is famous for its original and creative quality brushes. Its top products had successfully made their way to the markets since its incorporation in the 19th century.
The most remarkable feature of the paintbrush is its thin filament, bendy, and soft silver tip.
It is designed to give a perfect finish without leaving any mark whatsoever.
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As well, its high-quality synthetic bristle brush has extraordinary leveling properties with polyurethane. However, when you’re using it, you’ll observe that it works well when you apply polyurethane or varnish on wood.
Its stainless steel ferrule ensures that the brush doesn’t rust, which increases its shelf-life. The brush is made of a hardwood handle that is long enough to keep you comfortable while you’re finishing your project with polyurethane.
Pros:
- It has superb bristles
- The brush is long-lasting with aluminum ferrule
- There is the provision of a wooden handle for ease during painting
Cons:
- It holds extra paint
6. Presa Premium Paint Brush Set – Various sizes
These premium brushes increase your efficiency with carefully designed paintbrushes for professionals. The SRT filaments increase the pain holding capacity of the brush.
These filaments give a smooth and even release, resulting in accuracy and precision.
Also, the paintbrush can withstand rough surfaces for heavy-duty jobs, walls, doors, furniture, vases, and much more.
Its SRT filaments are easy to clean thereby, making the brushes reusable for a long time.
They’re equally responsible for the non-flimsy bristles.
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The Presa premium brush is a multipurpose polyurethane brush that can be used indoors, outdoors, oil, and water-based paint.
Pros:
- It is best brush for water based polyurethane
- It can be used anywhere
- The brush is reusable
- SRT filaments that flimsy bristles
Cons:
- The bristles may clump together after a painting job
- The paint may drop and mess up your project
- Not ideal for major painting projects
7. Pro Grade Paintbrush Set
Get these under $20 paintbrushes with high-quality! You might be wondering if you can apply polyurethane with these small brushes. Well, the answer is yes!
The brushes can be used for all paints, varnishes, and as a wall paintbrush, exterior, and interior paintbrush, or trim paintbrush. You could even use it for that fence of yours that looks old and mucky.
Like most good paintbrushes, it comes with an aluminum ferrule for durable and multiple washes.
You do not need to be a pro before you can use these brushes.
Plus, they come in fives, so you have a variety of sizes to choose from for your project. Great, isn’t it?
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Pros:
- Multi-purpose uses
- It comes with an aluminum ferrule
- It is simple for professionals and beginners to use.
- It can be re-washed.
- The price is not alarming
Cons:
- There are no enough bristles
- It is not stressful to remove the paint.
Conclusion
Yippee!! You’ve made it to the end. Let us take a recap on what we have said all day. First of all, we were able to list the top 10 best brushes for polyurethane, their features, pros, and cons.
After all this, we have come to the end of our journey. How are you going to pick the one paintbrush you would not regret? Had a tough time? Well, let me help you out.
From what we have discussed today, the best choice is going to…THE Pro Grade Paintbrush Set!!! With its pros overruling its cons and the highest number of positive reviews, almost five stars, it will be best to go for it.
However, if you do not agree with this answer, you can always choose the one that caught your eye the most. See you!
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