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Pete the Painter · North Shore since 1969

Fence Refinishing

Refinished wood fence with flower beds, North Shore

Cedar and wood fences cleaned, repaired, stained both sides, and back-brushed so the finish lasts two to three years.

On time, clean, organized and helpful. I will certainly use Pete the Painter again. Marcy Swerdlow

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  • Refinished black iron fence
  • Refinished fence beside a glass house
  • Refinished fence, side view

Fence Staining and Refinishing

A cedar fence turns gray in a couple of seasons, and once water gets into bare wood the boards start to cup, split, and rot at the bottom. A good stain every two to three years is the cheapest thing you can do for a fence. It is also the difference between a yard that looks cared for and one that does not.

What We Do

  1. Repairs first. Loose pickets, split rails, leaning posts, and gates that drag are fixed before any finish goes on.
  2. Cleaning. Power washing with a wood cleaner to remove gray fibers, mildew, and failed finish. Stripper where the old stain is peeling.
  3. Drying and prep. The fence dries fully. Rough spots get sanded.
  4. Stain or paint. Sprayed and back-brushed, both sides if you own both sides, so the stain soaks in instead of sitting on top.

Finish Options

  • Semi-transparent stain on cedar shows the grain and lasts two to three years. The most common choice.
  • Solid stain hides older, weathered boards and lasts longer. Looks like paint, wears like stain.
  • Paint for picket fences, pergolas, and arbors that were painted to begin with.
  • Vinyl fencing does not get stained, but a good cleaning every year keeps it from chalking and yellowing.

Fence and Deck in One Visit

If the deck needs it too, we do both in the same trip and you save on the setup. See deck refinishing and the maintenance schedule by wood type.

Cedar fence cleaned, stained, and back-brushed. The flower beds stayed clean.
Cedar fence cleaned, stained, and back-brushed. The flower beds stayed clean.

Call (847) 564-4880 or request a free estimate. Pete walks every job himself and puts the price in writing. Want to try colors first? Use the paint color visualizer on a photo of your own home.

Your Vision, Our Expertise

Experience the Difference of a Professional Paint Job

Our professional painting services elevate your living space, handling every aspect with precision and care for a smooth, stress-free experience and a stunning transformation.

  • Repairs included

    Loose pickets, split rails, and dragging gates fixed first.

  • Refinished fence posts and pickets

  • Both sides, back-brushed

    Stain soaks into the wood instead of sitting on top.

  • Two to three years between coats

    With the right product and prep, you are not doing this every summer.

  • Deck and fence together

    One visit, one setup, one price.

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Here to help

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about our residential painting services? We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you understand our process, materials, and what to expect when you choose us for your painting needs. Browse the questions below to find the answers you're looking for.

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  • How often should a cedar fence be stained?

    Every two to three years for semi-transparent stain, longer for solid stain. If water no longer beads on the wood, it is time.

  • Do you stain both sides?

    If you own both sides, yes. If a neighbor owns the other side, we stain your side and talk to you about the rest.

  • Can you fix a leaning post or a sagging gate?

    Yes. Repairs are part of the job and get done before the finish goes on.

  • Spray or brush?

    We spray for even coverage and back-brush so the stain works into the grain. Plants, siding, and cars are covered first.

  • Does vinyl fencing need anything?

    A yearly cleaning to prevent chalking, mildew, and color fade. It does not get stained or painted.

  • How much does fence staining cost?

    It depends on length, height, condition, and whether both sides are done. Pete measures it and gives you a free written price.