Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Fence stain

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Expert: - 5/2/2007


Question
I recently had a new cedar fence installed. A painter offered to seal the fence, and I agreed, thinking he meant a clear sealant. He put a hideous orange stain on, which completely ruined the appearance of the fence. Is there any way to get the stain off? The painter tried power washing it and  I tried bleaching. Nothing worked. Do you have a suggestion to restore the beauty of the fence?

Answer
Hi Jo
Nice to hear from you.
Well you have found out what I have been contradicted on a few times...power washing will not remove paint or stain.
I am so sorry this has happened to your lovely fence Jo.
Cedar is very porous and nothing will take the stain out.
The only solution is time or restaining a color you like.
Personally I would restain but now you will have to go a darker color to cover the orange.
It may take some experimenting with colors.
Not much else I'm afraid.
Kindest Regards
Eileen

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Eileen Cronk

Expertise

Hi..I can answer most questions about the repairing,stripping and refinishing of all your old furniture and wood items(the things we call antiques)I can give advice about what to buy/avoid at auctions/flea markets. I do not give appraisals on antiques.

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I have been refinishing antiques for the past 30yrs. While I have taken several courses over the years,I have found that "hands on" learning is the best teacher. Perhaps I can help you avoid some of the mistakes I made while learning.

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