Fences enhance the aesthetics of a property’s surrounding area or landscape while acting as a barrier against external intrusion. Ensuring that fences are both mechanically strong and resilient is key for them to survive winds and sunlight.

While traditional wood fences often last 10-15 years, WPC fences can endure for 25 to 50 years or even more. WPC fence material offers a long-lasting appearance that enhances the value of the surrounding area. WPC fences are made from recycled plastics and wood fiber. They are weather-resistant and insect-proof, providing maintenance-free beauty for decades.

Unknowingly, homeowners treat WPC fences the same way they treat wooden fences. They try to protect them in the same way by applying paints and sealants. These fences are already moisture-resistant and color-stable. Applying such treatments can backfire and reduce the life of these fences.

This article will help guide you on the dos and don’ts when caring for WPC fences. By taking simple steps and actions, these fences can remain in good condition for years to come. It will discuss the truth about staining WPC fences, provide verified care tips for WPC fences, and help avoid actions that could unintentionally harm your investment.

1. Do WPC Fences Require Staining or Sealing?

Understanding the Surface of WPC

Fences made of wood are porous and absorb moisture. After research and innovation, WPC fences are made with sustainability in mind, made from recycled wood fibers and plastic. This material is strong, non-porous, and durable, unlike traditional fences. During manufacturing, these fences are colored in the factory using pigments that are mixed into the substance, which means that they are not painted or coated.

Users who apply paints or coats to it reduce its life and damage its original appearance. The factory-colored WPC fences, even in harsh sunlight and during the rainy season, retain their originality with minimal fading. WPC boasts high UV resistance, with some experiencing less than 3-5% color fade over their lifetime

Sealing is not required and is discouraged by the manufacturer. Sealants can react with plastic, causing unwanted reactions. Additionally, it can cause surface accumulation and alter the finish look, ultimately resulting in the warranty provided by the manufacturer being voided.

What Happens If You Stain or Seal WPC?

Multiple problems can occur when staining or sealing fences made of wood-plastic composite. The surface of these materials is not porous, creating issues like:

1. Improper Absorption: Wood is capable of absorbing stains that change the color from the inside, but WPC does not. Using stains can cause some areas to appear darker while others remain unchanged, resulting in an overall look that seems smudged and amateurish.
2. Peeling and Flaking: During the summer season or when temperatures fluctuate, the applied sealant or stain on the WPC fence begins to peel or flake. This happens because the sealant or stain does not bond with the WPC in the same way it does with wood, degrading its physical appearance.
3. Discoloration: Unwanted chemical reactions can occur with plastic components in WPC, potentially causing discoloration or permanent staining.
4. Warranty Issue: UV protection and moisture resistance are inherent features in most WPC fences, as they are pre-treated during the manufacturing process. Perform any additional treatment as per the manufacturing guidelines and warranty details; however, note that performing extra treatment may nullify the warranty.

Manufacturer Recommendations (e.g., KR WPC)

KR ECO Composite, a reliable manufacturer of WPC fence boards, designs its products to be durable, low-maintenance, and ready to use. As per the recommendation of manufacturers like KR and others:

• WPC fences are already colored, do not color any fence made with WPC.
• Avoid applying any sealant or stains.
• Clean and wash gently with water to remove dust and normal stains; it becomes as good as new.
• Use a vinegar solution (if recommended by the manufacturer) on tougher spots such as oil or grease.

2. Proper Ways to Prolong WPC Fence Lifespan

Routine Cleaning

To prevent the buildup of dirt and dust, routine cleaning is essential to maintain the fresh look of the WPC fences. For regular maintenance, warm water with mild soap is used. Do not use stiff brushes; use soft brushes. Instead, use a cloth-type clear sponge to avoid scratches or color removal. When using soap, rinse with fresh water.

Chemical Use and Seasonal Care

Avoid using any chemicals other than mild dish soap or a gentle cleaner to remove dust. Additionally, seasonal care is necessary, including removing yellowish pollen buildup that can affect the color and texture of the fence. Also, check for any signs of algae formation between the narrow spaces in the fences and clean them with normal water; if necessary, use a diluted vinegar solution, as recommended by the manufacturer.

• Use only a soft and mild soap solution.
• Avoid using any other chemicals that can remove the protective layer from the WPC fence surface, as this layer provides a shield against the weather.

Preventing Physical Damage

It is crucial to handle WPC fences with care despite their intended strength and long-lasting capabilities. The surface of the fence can be damaged without the necessary care.

• Dents and scratches can appear on the panels if any unattended heavy object is placed nearby.
• Gardening tools, trash bins, bicycles, or any other object—if you lean on the panels, it will damage their outer surface.
• Do not drag any item, such as a ladder or furniture, placed along the fence; always lift and carry the items.
• Also, avoid leaning ladders against fences to perform any maintenance; the panel can be cracked or entirely damaged if the ladder is unbalanced, which can also cause injury to the person.

Importance of Ground Clearance

Imagine placing the fence directly on the ground without any clearance. What are its consequences? Have you imagined that? Fences placed directly on the ground are in contact with stagnant or standing water or trapped humidity, which can lead to structural degradation despite being WPC fences that are moisture-resistant. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain ground clearance and develop a system for proper drainage.

Installation and Maintenance for Prevention

It is recommended to install fences 2 to 4 inches above the ground to prevent direct contact with wet surfaces, which can lead to the formation of algae and water stains. Also, it provides ventilation through proper circulation of air. An appropriate system of drainage needs to be installed across fences or where there is a slope to prevent any signs of water that could lead to fence damage. Regularly trim nearby plants that trap moisture and are responsible for scratches and discoloration at the bottom of fences.

3. Comparing WPC Maintenance to Wood Fences

What Cedar and Other Woods Require

Wood fences give a natural and beautiful look, but they come with a long list of maintenance and costs associated with preserving their integrity. Sealing and staining are required annually, depending on environmental conditions, to protect against moisture and UV rays. Painted fences often start to peel after their lifespan is complete; subsequently, repainting is required. Other problems, such as pest control, replacement, or realignment due to wood shrinkage and swelling, as well as many other issues, must be addressed to maintain its attractive appearance.

Regular staining and sealing every 2–3 years, along with sanding, repainting, and other necessary maintenance tasks.

What You Save with WPC

Yes!! That is a big question: What do you save when you use WPC fences? You saved time by not doing any repainting, staining, or sealing work; you also saved time by avoiding frequent inspections and checks to monitor its healthiness. You saved your money by not doing these works and hiring costly labor. Although the initial cost of WPC fences is higher than that of conventional wood fences, it gives an advantage in the long run.

Why KR WPC Fencing is a Smarter Long-Term Investment

When planning for fence selection, as an innovative and intelligent individual, consider not only the present but also the years ahead. This is the reason for selecting KR WPC fencing, as it’s a long-term investment with low-cost maintenance, easy installation, and a long lifespan of 15 to 25 years. Additionally, it remains strong under extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, humidity, and scorching sun without becoming dull or faded. Therefore, it has become the first choice of every customer.

4. Conclusion: Let Your WPC Fence Work for You

When it comes to transformation, wood-plastic composite (WPC) fences are the change-makers, providing the same look with long-term durability and low maintenance. Say goodbye to staining, sealing, and wasting time on repair work. With regular cleaning and gentle care, your fence will regain its original appearance, just as it was when you first purchased it. Forget about treating it like wood; it’s an engineered solution with built-in UV protection, weather shielding, strength, and color that lasts without fading, maintaining its originality.

Consider KR WPC fences! They are an eco-friendly and innovative WPC solution provider that supports sustainability by minimizing waste generation. KR WPC fencing is the ideal choice due to its commitment to long-term performance with no compromise. Fence Once. Clean occasionally. Enjoy its flawless appearance for several decades!

FAQs

1. Can I stain my WPC fence to change its color?

It is not recommended to stain WPC fences to change their color, as they have no pores, unlike wood, and therefore do not absorb stains. This can lead to uneven results on the surface, increase the chance of peeling, and damage the fence.

• Does WPC fencing require sealing like wood?

If you want to void your warranty, then apply sealant to WPC fences. Sealing is done on wood fences to protect them from moisture, UV radiation, and insect damage. WPC fences are designed with these features and, therefore, require no sealing.

• What’s the best way to clean a WPC fence?

Cleaning is effortless when using WPC fences; simply clean and rinse them with warm water using a sponge or cloth to remove dust and dirt. You can also use a mild soap if required. Do not use harsh chemicals, water pressures, and other tools unless recommended by the manufacturer.

• Can I paint over a WPC fence if it starts to fade?

No, not. To extend the life of your fences, apply paint to them. WPC fences are color-stable and fade-resistant; however, fading can occur over time. As the surfaces are not porous, paint is not recommended, as it may not adhere well to them.

• Is it OK to pressure wash a WPC fence?

Pressure washing can damage surfaces, strip finishes, or penetrate moisture into fences, potentially creating future problems. If recommended by the manufacturer, follow the complete guide for its use as provided by them. With regular cleaning and rinsing, fences can be easily cleaned, maintaining their original appearance.