Fence Staining · Since 1997
Fence Staining in Durham: Full Prep on Every Fence, New or Weathered
Cortes Painting stains and refinishes residential fences across the Triangle. Old fences are cleaned, sanded, and prepped before any stain goes on. New fences are stained after proper curing time. We apply penetrating wood stain built for North Carolina's humidity and UV exposure. Same crew, same prep-first process as our painting work. Serving Durham since 1997.
About this service
Wood fences in the Triangle take constant punishment from humidity, UV, and pollen season. Without proper staining, most fences show gray and wear within a few years. Cortes Painting handles fence staining as part of exterior work or as a standalone project.
Our process
How we approach every fence staining job
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Fence Inspection
We look at the condition of every section before quoting. Wood type, age, existing finish, and any damage all factor into the scope. If boards need replacing, that gets included in the estimate upfront.
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Cleaning and Prep
Old fences are cleaned to remove dirt, pollen, mildew, and any failing finish. The surface has to be clean and dry before stain can penetrate properly. New fences are checked for moisture content to make sure the wood has cured enough to accept stain.
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Repairs
Damaged or rotted boards are replaced before staining begins. Staining over damaged wood wastes product and leaves you with a fence that looks good for a few months and fails at the weak points.
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Stain Application
Stain is applied to clean, dry wood and worked into the grain for full penetration. The goal is an even finish across every board, post, and rail with no lap marks or missed spots.
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Final Walkthrough
We walk the completed fence with you before the job closes. If any section needs a touch-up or a second coat, it gets handled before we leave.
What sets us apart
Why homeowners hire Cortes for fence staining
Same Prep-First Process as Our Painting Work
We don't show up and spray stain over a dirty fence. The cleaning and prep process is the same standard we apply to exterior painting. Proper prep is why the finish holds up through a full North Carolina summer.
Cortes Crews, Not Subcontractors
Fence staining is handled by our own specialized crews. They're Cortes Painting employees, not a subcontracted labor crew sent out under a different name.
New and Weathered Fences Handled Correctly
A new fence and a ten-year-old fence require different prep. New wood needs curing time before it accepts stain. Old wood needs cleaning, sanding, and sometimes board replacement. We adjust the process to the fence, not the other way around.
Frequently asked
Fence Staining questions homeowners ask
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Do you stain new fences or just refinish old ones?
Both. New fences need to cure before staining, and the timing depends on the wood type and weather. Old fences need cleaning and prep to remove the old finish and open the grain. We handle both and adjust the process accordingly.
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Can you stain my fence while you're painting my house?
Yes. Most of our fence staining work happens alongside exterior painting projects. Bundling the work saves you a second crew visit and keeps the timeline simple.
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How long does fence stain last in North Carolina?
It depends on the product, the wood, and sun exposure. A properly prepped and stained fence in the Triangle typically holds up well for several years before needing a maintenance coat. The biggest factor in longevity is surface prep, not the stain itself.
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What warranty do you offer on fence staining?
We offer a two-year prorated labor warranty covering workmanship. The stain carries the manufacturer's own guarantee. If the finish shows an issue related to application, we come back and address it.
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Do I need to have my fence cleaned before you stain it?
No. Cleaning is part of our process. We clean the fence, let it dry, and then apply the stain. Staining over dirt, pollen, or mildew is the most common reason fence stain fails early.
Where we work
Fence Staining across the Triangle
Ready for a free fence staining estimate?
We walk the job with you, explain every line item, and the number on the estimate is the number on the final invoice.