Just moved into a new house and the fence around our deck needs some love.
Not sure the best way to deal with the mould; sand back or mould spray? Also any suggestions on best brushes to use as the separate panels will be a bit time consuming.
Hello @Jack6
Thank you for sharing your question about your fencing. I propose treating it like a deck cleaning exercise. Your fence is currently covered in mould and dead timber cells. I suggest doing a pre-wash with a power washer and a scrub brush https://www.bunnings.com.au/oates-long-handle-deck-scrub-brush_p4460246 along with a https://www.bunnings.com.au/sabco-handled-scrub-brush_p4480050 for hard-to-reach places.
I suggest using https://www.bunnings.com.au/intergrain-1l-ultraprep-timber-cleaner-garden-safe-1l_p0528318 it is a high strength timber treatment that prepares timber prior to coating. This high performance, bio-degradable formula is specially designed to be garden safe, and will not damage surrounding surfaces such as exterior paint, metal or plastic. The cleaner will help to restore and prepare weathered, grey, rust or tannin stained, mould or mildew affected timber to a clean appearance. Please make sure to follow application instructions. For stubborn sections a second application may be necessary.
Once the surface is dry, I then recommend sanding the surface with an orbital sander or similar tool to remove the old sealer on it surface. I recommend getting an extra pair of hands to sand the sides of the fence panels to expedite the sanding process. Once you finish sanding, I propose giving the fence panels one more wash to remove the sanding dust and once its dry you can then begin oiling the fence
Please make sure to wear personal protection such as appropriate clothing, gloves and goggles.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Hi @Jack6,
I trust Eric's advice will be useful. I thought I'd add that you can use a deck and exterior oil to recoat the timber. If the timber is looking nice after the sanding and hasn't lost a lot of colour, I'd suggest going with something like https://www.bunnings.com.au/intergrain-4l-natural-ultradeck-timber-decking-oil_p1520074 . However, you do have the option of going for a pigmented oil, such as https://www.bunnings.com.au/intergrain-4l-merbau-ultradeck-timber-decking-oil_p1520136 which will restore the colouring. For applying the oil, I would suggest a https://www.bunnings.com.au/cabot-s-decking-oil-applicator_p1660060 . It will be great for the face of the timber and you should also be able to slot the end between the panels to coat the sides. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
