Care Guide
WPC fence maintenance made simple
Capped WPC is the low-maintenance fence: no painting, no staining, no sealing — ever. The whole care routine is an occasional hose-down. Here's how to keep composite looking new, how to shift mould and stains, and what to avoid.
The Short Version
Why capped WPC needs no painting, staining or sealing
The reason WPC is so easy to live with comes down to how it's built. Every Fencly board is co-extruded, ASA/PE capped WPC — a wood-plastic core wrapped in a bonded protective cap during manufacture. The colour and grain are engineered into that cap, not brushed on afterwards, so there's nothing to wear off, flake or fade. That's what lets us back it with a 15-year written warranty.
Because the surface is sealed at the factory, the board doesn't drink up water the way raw timber does. It won't rot, it won't split, and it won't need re-coating. Your entire maintenance job for the life of the fence is keeping the surface clean — no sanders, no tins of oil, no weekend refinishing.
The routine hose-down
For everyday care, a garden hose is all you need. A couple of times a year — say spring and autumn — rinse the fence to clear dust, pollen and cobwebs. For anything greasier, mix a little mild dish soap into warm water, work it in with a soft brush or cloth along the grain, then rinse off. That's genuinely it for most homes.
- Rinse with a hose to remove loose dust and pollen.
- Wash grubby areas with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush.
- Rinse again so no soap film dries on the surface.
Removing mould, mildew & stains
In shaded, damp corners — behind shrubs or on a south-facing boundary — you may see surface mould, mildew or algae. This sits on the fence rather than in it, so it lifts easily. Use a dedicated composite deck cleaner, or a diluted oxygen-based cleaner, scrub gently along the grain and rinse thoroughly. For food, drink or barbecue splashes, warm soapy water and a soft brush handle almost everything; treat stubborn marks promptly rather than letting them bake on.
What NOT to use
WPC is tough, but a few things are worth avoiding to protect the cap and keep the finish even:
- Harsh solvents — acetone, thinners and strong bleach can dull or discolour the cap. Stick to mild soap or a purpose-made composite cleaner.
- Wire brushes & abrasive pads — they scratch the surface. Use a soft-bristle brush.
- A pressure washer held too close — keep the nozzle back around 300mm or more, use a wide fan tip and moderate pressure, and sweep along the grain. A jet held close can mark the cap or drive water into board ends.
- Paints, stains and oils — the board is already finished; adding coatings is unnecessary and can peel.
A quick seasonal check
Once or twice a year, walk the fence line. Clear leaves and soil built up against the base so nothing traps moisture, check that gate hinges and latches still move freely, and make sure post caps are seated. It's a five-minute look, not a chore — but it keeps everything crisp and catches the odd loose fixing early.
Compared with timber upkeep
The contrast with a timber fence is stark. Hardwood palings need re-oiling or re-staining every one to two years, plus sanding, sealing and eventual repairs as boards rot, split or warp. That's real money and real weekends, year after year. Capped WPC skips all of it — which is exactly why it works out cheaper to own over 15–25 years despite the higher upfront price. See the numbers on our WPC fencing cost guide.
Planning a new boundary? Browse the range on the WPC fencing Sydney hub, explore colours, or read how to install a WPC fence if you're going DIY. Prefer it done for you? See our installation service.
Maintenance FAQ
WPC fence care questions.
Do I ever need to paint or seal it?
No. Capped WPC is finished during manufacture, so it never needs painting, staining, oiling or sealing. The colour is engineered into the board and protected by the cap — which is why Fencly backs it with a 15-year written warranty.
What's the best way to clean it?
Hose it down, then wipe stubborn spots with warm water, mild dish soap and a soft brush along the grain, and rinse. For mould in damp corners, use a composite deck cleaner. Twice a year is plenty for most homes.
Can I use a pressure washer?
Yes, but carefully — keep the nozzle back around 300mm or more, use a wide fan tip and moderate pressure, and sweep along the grain. A narrow jet held too close can mark the cap. A hose and soft brush handle almost everything without any risk.
Isn't this a lot easier than timber?
Much easier. Timber needs re-oiling every one to two years plus repairs for rot and warping. WPC needs none of that — just an occasional wash — which is why it's cheaper to own over the long run.
Thinking about a low-maintenance boundary? Book a free measure or call 0421 201 613.
Low-Maintenance Fencing
Fence once. Forget the upkeep.
Capped WPC that never needs painting, staining or sealing — backed by a 15-year written warranty. Get a fixed-price quote inclusive of GST.