If you follow the manufacturer's recommendations for applying stain or paint, you have to properly prepare the wood. This is especially important in getting maximum product penetration or adhesion. It's also a must should the product fail before it's warranty expires and you wish to make a claim.
A cleaner / brightener will remove impurities from the surface that may interfere with proper absorption or degrade the performance of the chemicals. It will also brighten discolored or grayed wood back to an almost new appearance so a stain will appear in the proper color range when applied. In the case of newly milled wood, it helps to remove the glaze that occurs from milling and to open up the pores for better absorption of the final coating.
Failure to clean the fence before staining, sealing, or painting it will result in a shorter life of the product, the product warranty being void, and higher associated costs of maintenance over the lifetime of the fence.
Which cleaner / brightener you should use depends on what type of wood you are treating. Using the wrong product on cedar can result in the wood turning dramatically dark due to the tanins coming to the surface. We are experts in cleaning wood and know which products are proper for your particular type of wood or combination of wood. The products we use are environmentally friendly as well.
