Ultimate Sandpaper Guide for Prepping Outdoor Wooden Fences Before Sealing

Wooden fences endure harsh weather—sun, rain, snow, and humidity all take a toll. Over time, finishes peel, fibers rise, and the wood becomes rough. Sanding is the key to restoring fences before sealing, ensuring maximum protection and a clean, polished look.

Why Sand Wooden Fences?

Outdoor fences develop splinters, cracks, and worn finishes. Sanding smooths rough surfaces, removes peeling coatings, and opens wood pores so sealers penetrate evenly. Without sanding, sealers may fail quickly, leaving wood exposed to damage.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital or belt sander for wide planks
• Sanding sponges for edges and posts
• Detail sander for corners and tight spots
• Vacuum or outdoor blower
• Silicon carbide sandpaper sheets

Best Grit Sequence for Fences

• 60 grit: Heavy removal of peeling paint, stain, or weathered fibers.
• 100 grit: General smoothing after coarse sanding.
• 150 grit: Refining the surface before sealing.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Outdoor Fences

1. Start with 60 grit. Use 60 grit (25-pack) to strip away rough fibers and old coatings.
2. Smooth with 100 grit. Switch to 100 grit (25-pack) for consistent leveling across boards.
3. Finish with 150 grit. Use 150 grit (50-pack) to refine the surface and prep for sealing.
4. Clean thoroughly. Blow off or vacuum dust before applying a high-quality wood sealer.

Special Cases

For pressure-treated fences, let the wood dry completely before sanding and sealing. For cedar fences, avoid over-sanding—stop at 100 grit to keep pores open for deeper sealant penetration.

Pro Tips

• Sand along the grain to prevent scratches.
• Work in sections for large fences—seal immediately after sanding.
• Replace sandpaper sheets often—outdoor wood clogs grits quickly.

Aftercare

• Reapply sealer every 2–3 years for maximum protection.
• Inspect fences seasonally for damage or wear.
• Keep leftover sandpaper flat and dry for future maintenance.

FAQs

• Can I skip sanding if I pressure wash? No—washing raises fibers. Sanding smooths them for sealing.
• Do I need fine grits above 150? Not for outdoor fences—rougher surfaces help sealers penetrate better.

Watch & Learn

Sanding fences properly ensures long-lasting protection and a smooth finish. Browse our outdoor wood sanding collection to get the right grits for your project.