A clear fence treatment is a popular choice for users who wish to preserve the natural look of their wooden fence, while providing the necessary protection against outdoor conditions such as weather, UV, moisture, mould and algae.
Common wood types for fencing include cedar, oak, douglas fir and pressure-treated pine, amongst others – all of which offer different aesthetics and benefit highly from a high-quality clear fence treatment designed specifically for outdoor fencing, cladding and other garden wood.
Douglas Fir Wood
Batten Style Fence
Osmo UV-Protection Oil
Untreated (left) vs Treated (right)
What Is a Clear Fence Treatment?
A clear fence treatment is an oil-based or water-based wood finish, or a similar designed coating system, which is designed to protect and preserve the natural character and grain of wood.
Unlike transparent or opaque wood stains and paints that include coloured pigments, a clear treatment does not contain pigments and will maintain the original appearance of natural wood, once applied.
There are many options for clear fence stains and clear wood preservatives on the market, but not all are formulated the same.
What Is the Best Protection for a Wood Fence?
Using a high-quality, clear fence treatment and wood preserver such as Osmo UV-Protection Oil Extra offers superior benefits for a variety of untreated wood including:
- Protection against water, moisture, dirt and other weathering
- Protection against mould, algae and fungal attack
- UV-resistance to prevent natural fading and greying of wood (delays natural greying by 12 times in comparison to untreated wood)
- Enhances wood grain without hiding it
- Excellent coverage
- Microporous finish which does not crack, peel or flake
- Easy maintenance and reapplication
- No sanding necessary for spot repairs or recoating
- Available in both 420 Satin and 1420 Matt finishes
How to Apply Clear Fence Treatment Using Osmo Wood Finishes
The application process of an Osmo clear fence treatment for a wood fence is simple. Watch the video above or follow the quick step-by-step process below:
- If required, clean the fence surface thoroughly and allow it to dry (no other finishes should be present)
- Depending on the age of the fence, the wood may require a weathering period first before treatment
- Once the bare wood is clean, dry and ready, stir the Osmo clear fence treatment well before use
- Pour into a roller tray and use either a microfibre roller, or a soft tip flat brush to apply the product thinly in an even coat along the grain of the wood
- Allow for the recommended drying time before a second coat (product specific)
- For best protection, apply two thin coats to your wooden fence
- Clean your tools with Osmo Brush Cleaner and Thinner
Additional Clear Sealer Protection for Wood Fencing
For additional long-term protection, a clear base coat can be applied to your clean and dry fence, before using your favourite Osmo clear fence treatment.
Osmo WR Base Coat offers wood enhanced benefits with a one-time application underneath the two coats of Osmo clear fence treatment – especially for softwoods. These include:
- Extremely water repellent
- Resistant to blue stain, rot and insect attack
- Reduces wood swelling and shrinkage
- No future application necessary
- Brush or roller applied
Is It Worth Sealing an Old Fence?
Yes, even an old, undamaged fence can have its life extended by treating and sealing it with a clear fence treatment by Osmo. Full fence replacements can be costly, so if the fence is not damaged then a good renovation can save a lot of money, plus it will dramatically improve the appearance.
Unprotected or previously treated with a clear Osmo finish
For wood fencing that has previously been coated with Osmo, or has not been protected by any finish before, restoring the wood back to its former glory will be achievable with the following steps:
- Repair and replace any broken parts of the fence
- Thoroughly deep clean the fence with Decking Cleaner and a Deck Cleaning Brush, and allow to dry
- Restore the natural colour and character of the wood with Wood Reviver Power-Gel
- Apply a highly weather-resistant base coat to your fence using WR Base Coat
- Then, apply your preferred clear fence treatment by Osmo e.g. UV-Protection Oil Extra in a Satin or Matt finish
- Once dry and cured, you have a lovely, refurbished fence
Previously treated with a paint, oil, or water-based colour finish
For wood fencing that has previously been coated with an Osmo transparent or opaque colour finish, or another branded wood finish such as a paint, restoring the wood back to its former glory will be achievable with the additional following steps:
- Repair and replace any broken parts of the fence
- Thoroughly deep clean the fence with Decking Cleaner and a Deck Cleaning Brush, and allow to dry
- If any signs of the previous finish are still present, it may be advantageous to deep clean more than once or sand the surface until bare wood
- Note: If sanding large areas, a weathering period is recommended before restoring the wood and applying any oil-based finishes
- Once bare wood, follow the steps mentioned above to restore the wood with Wood Reviver Power-Gel, then apply WR Base Coat, and finally apply your preferred clear fence treatment
Osmo Clear Fence Treatment and Wood Care
Choosing the best clear fence treatment is essential to protect your garden fence or cladding investment.
Osmo wood oil finishes and base coats offer enhanced performance, making them the ideal wood preserver for all types of wooden fences, including pressure-treated wood.
For help and advice, visit the Osmo Help Centre today or contact the expert technical team to discuss your wood project.
Go one step further by using and downloading the Osmo Recommends app. Answer a few questions about your project and receive perfect product recommendations from the experts, right at your fingertips.
Then, find you nearest Osmo Supplier online today by searching your postcode or using the interactive map.