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Cleaning fencing before painting

Hi All,

i have around 30 fence panels to paint/stain, around half of them are covered in grime/green. 

i have power washed panels before painting, but with 30, is there a product i can spray on and then paint? or would they need hand scrubbing (not ideally what i want to be doing) first? 

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  • maybe algon or similar might clear it but you will have to wait for it to work and dry not the best time of year to be treating fences. maybe a long handled brass brush might clear it the type you can get for cleaning decking  

  • We have a run of fencing to do, similar to yours. Have cancelled twice due to weather, and have agreed to do it in spring now.

    Going to give it a spray over with MMC Pro, then lightly jetwash it and leave to dry. Then repaint. 

  • Sodium Hypochlorite aka Bleach but not Domestos or similar. I buy the 10/11 percent stuff in a 25 litre drum for 12 pounds including vat. Diluted 50/50 with water if quite bad otherwise 2/3 water 1/3 product. To get the idea watch some Youtube video's on softwashing. I have used Sodium Hypochlorite for about 7 years now. As long as you take all sensible precautions and suitable PPE it is no different to spraying weeds.
  • As Scott says, spray with MMC Pro, I'd then wait a week and see what it looks like.  If needed, I'd probably use a broom and water to scrub dirt off if necessary, before applying preservative.

  • Hi Daniel. I use mossaway from Ashland chemicals and it works well but takes longer in cooler weather than in the summer. I did a test for a customer who was a bit unsure but phoned me to say complete spraying the rest of the panels as all the moss had disappeared within days

  • PRO
    Progreen supply AlgoClear, a very good product I have used on fencing and garden furniture.
  • PRO Supplier

    Hi Daniel

    Our recommendation at Fencign Essentials ( www.fencingessentials.co.uk ) would be to use a still brush to remove as much of the green algae, lychen or moss that has attached itself to the fencing first.  Then treat the panels with a proprietry product that will kill off any remaining spores and particles that remain and they will even if they are not visible.  This should be left for a period of time in accordance with the manufacturers instructions, and there may be a need for a follow up treatment at this stage, this will depend upon the extent of the problem.  As others have said here a longer time needs to be allowed than if completing the process in the summer months.  I think that then you may wish to consider a gentle power wash then allow the timber to dry completely.  This is easier said than done at this time of the year and we would see this project as a job for the summer.  Once the timber is completely dry then the colouring/treatment can be completed.  

    Hope this helps. 

  • I would keep away from bleach, damages clothing, plants and if your client walks it into the house, your pocket!
    Try Benzalkonium Chloride, fancy name but the active ingredient in lots of patio cleaners, usually comes as a 50% solution whereas patio clear and the like are around 7%. Works out a lot cheaper and at10% dilution shifts algae, moss, liverworts and lichen but not plants with true roots. If there is a lot of residue a quick scrub over with a stiff yard brush will shift it.
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