Learn the techniques, systems, and business foundations that turn ambition into a real staining operation, or help existing fence and deck businesses expand their services with confidence.
Mansfield, Texas
Save The Date
Our Monthly Training Class. Two Ways To Build Your Business.
Choose our classic one-day Wood Defender® training or join us on select dates for an expanded two-day experience with Tony Thornton.
Every class includes our signature hands-on Certified Applicator Training. Two-day classes add Tony’s “7 Strategies for the Professional Fence Contractor” workshop—a $500 value included with your registration.
Day 1 | ONE-DAY CLASSIC CLASS
FRIDAY | 8 AM–3 PM
Our signature hands-on Wood Defender® class gives you the skills and confidence to start staining or grow your existing business. Learn about products, equipment, and application techniques, try spraying stain during our hands-on demo, and watch our team stain a fence at a live jobsite. We’ll also cover estimating, sales, and jobsite management. You’ll leave as a Certified Wood Defender Applicator.
Day 2 | TWO-DAY EXPANDED CLASS
THURSDAY | 2–8 PM + FRIDAY | 8 AM–3 PM
Get everything included in our classic Friday class, plus Thursday’s “7 Strategies for the Professional Fence Contractor” workshop with Tony Thornton of Thornton Fence Consulting Group. Explore profitability, estimating and sales, systems, operations, and leadership. Wrap up Thursday with a networking happy hour alongside Tony, the Wood Defender team, and fellow contractors.
Both formats require a $250 refundable registration deposit per company, refunded when you attend Friday’s Wood Defender training.
Two-Day Classes ft..
Tony Thornton
Founder, Thornton Fence Consulting Group
Tony Thornton is a 50+ year veteran of the fence industry—contractor, distributor, and manufacturer. From 2014 to 2022 he served as Executive Director of the American Fence Association, where he built the Accreditation and Certification Institute (ACI), the industry’s third-party certification body. He founded Thornton Fence Consulting Group in 2022 to help fence companies build the structure, culture, and financial clarity that make growth sustainable. He is the author of The 7 Strategies for the Professional Fence Contractor.
Hands-On Training for
Real-World Results.
Wood Defender stain is engineered to perform in real conditions, and our training program is built the same way. Taught by the experts who develop and test the product, this hands-on course teaches you the how and why behind professional application and building a staining business from the ground up.
Earn Certification.
Open Doors.
Graduates become Certified Wood Defender Applicators — a designation recognized across the industry. Certification doesn’t just validate skill; it signals professionalism and commitment.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or adding staining to your existing fence-building or contracting business, certification elevates your credibility and helps you win more work.
- Professional designation
- Higher customer trust and close rates
- Competitive edge for staining-focused businesses
- Added value for fence installers looking to expand
- Access to exclusive resources and updates
- Connect with an AFA preferred vendor
Training
LEVEL UP YOUR SKILLS.
IMPROVE YOUR EARNING POWER.
Our training teaches more than how to use the product. It prepares you to operate confidently as a business, whether staining is your primary service or the next evolution of what you already offer.
- Surface prep and inspection
- Brushing, spraying, and hybrid techniques
- Equipment setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting
- On-site spray demonstration and facility tour
- Environmental adjustments for heat, humidity, and weather
- Consistency and coverage control
- Safety, cleanup, and workflow efficiency
- How to analyze staining jobs for profitability
- Understanding cost of goods, labor, and margins
- Quoting and estimating
- How to schedule jobs efficiently
- Customer communication and expectation-setting
- How to market staining services in your area
- How to grow from side-gig to full-scale business
For Pros -
and Those Ready to Be.
The Wood Defender Training Class is built for people who want to take staining seriously. From aspiring business owners to established fence builders, deck installers, and exterior and home service providers, this training gives you the skill and structure to grow.
Ideal Participants:
- New entrepreneurs eager to launch a staining business
- Fence builders aiming to incorporate staining for extra income
- Contractors looking to broaden their service range
- Established staining teams requiring standardized training
- Self-starters who want to elevate their craft
- Individuals transitioning into trades and outdoor services
Wood Defender Network Support
Strength in the pail. Opportunity Behind It.
Wood Defender isn’t just premium stain — it’s a network designed to help professionals succeed. Training connects you to experts, resources, and a community of certified applicators who share real insights from the field.
Whether you’re learning a new trade or scaling your operation, you’re backed by a system built to support performance and business growth.
You Get Access To:
TECHNICAL EXPERTS FOR JOBSITE GUIDANCE.
BUSINESS AND PRICING STRATEGIES.
ONGOING TRAINING MATERIALS
THE WOOD DEFENDER PRO NETWORK.
DEALER SUPPORT & PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE
RESOURCE LIBRARY WITH HOW-TO CONTENT, VIDEOS & ARTICLES.
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TECHNICAL EXPERTS FOR JOBSITE GUIDANCE.
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BUSINESS AND PRICING STRATEGIES.
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ONGOING TRAINING MATERIALS
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THE WOOD DEFENDER PRO NETWORK.
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DEALER SUPPORT & PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE
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RESOURCE LIBRARY WITH HOW-TO CONTENT, VIDEOS & ARTICLES.
Train With Us.
Build Your Future.
Choose a one-day classic class or an expanded two-day experience with Tony Thornton on select dates. Both include our signature hands-on Wood Defender training.
Sessions are held at our dedicated Wood Defender Training Facility at Standard Paints, Inc. in Mansfield, TX. Seats fill quickly—reserve early to secure your spot.
PROUDLY MADEIN TEXAS
Upcoming Training Dates
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Register
October 29th, 2026 - October 30th, 2026
Two-Day Expanded Class - Tony Thornton + Wood Defender
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Register
November 19th, 2026 - November 20th, 2026
Two-Day Expanded Class - Tony Thornton + Wood Defender
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Register
January 28th, 2027 - January 29th, 2027
Two-Day Expanded Class - Tony Thornton + Wood Defender
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Register
February 26th, 2027
One-Day Classic Class - Wood Defender
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Register
March 18th, 2027 - March 19th, 2027
Two-Day Expanded Class - Tony Thornton + Wood Defender
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Register
April 30th, 2027
One-Day Classic Class - Wood Defender
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Register
May 20th, 2027 - May 21st, 2027
Two-Day Expanded Class - Tony Thornton + Wood Defender
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Register
June 25th, 2027
One-Day Classic Class - Wood Defender
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Register
July 29th, 2027 - July 30th, 2027
Two-Day Expanded Class - Tony Thornton + Wood Defender
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Register
August 27th, 2027
One-Day Classic Class - Wood Defender
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Register
September 24th, 2027
One-Day Classic Class - Wood Defender
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Register
October 28th, 2027 - October 29th, 2027
Two-Day Expanded Class - Tony Thornton + Wood Defender
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Register
November 19th, 2027
One-Day Classic Class - Wood Defender
WHAT GRADUATES ARE SAYING
Hear from certified applicators who turned training into stronger results, better customer trust, and new business opportunities.
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After attending the Wood Defender class in June, I knew I had to bring my dad back. We attended July’s class and really enjoyed it! Everything was great from the people, to the classroom instruction and the job site experience. The Wood Defender course is an amazing way to break into the industry and make tons of connections at the same time!
Graduate
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It was such a productive and insightful day of training at Wood Defender for our team at Steep Roofing! We learned so much about such a great product and a family-owned company...with a superior brand, solid core values, great guidance, and a prestigious product offering.
Our other classmates were a joy to learn with [and our] instructors were top tier!
We’ve already loaded up the pipeline with jobs and expect the customers to be thoroughly pleased with the look and durability of their fence staining.Graduate
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Attending the training class two years ago was a game-changer for me. The comprehensive guidance on best practices for staining fences has significantly improved our efficiency and quality of work, and we’ve seen a noticeable increase in customer satisfaction. Bringing my staff along this time ensured that everyone was on the same page. This class is a must for anyone in the fence building industry looking to enhance their skills and deliver top-notch results.
Graduate
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The most valuable part of the training was being able to get any answer I asked [for]. The dynamic at Standard Paints is amazing—every single person there seems to be happy to be a part of the company.
Graduate
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No expense is spared, and the contractor and the customer gets the best product. The lab was crazy. Very impressed!
Graduate
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The Wood Defender team did an excellent job explaining and teaching every aspect of starting a wood staining business and outlining the steps to success. This was my second time taking the class, and I learned something new each time.
As a General Contractor and Roofer, I will certainly include this in my portfolio. I want to thank Wood Defender for their professionalism and kindness throughout the training. I will definitely return and recommend this to everyone I know. Semper Fi!Graduate
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Everything about the training was valuable! I came in so green, having never stained a fence before. Now I’m quoting like crazy and booking jobs! Tony Thornton was also incredible. He has really leveled up my business-owner mentality.
Graduate
After attending the Wood Defender class in June, I knew I had to bring my dad back. We attended July’s class and really enjoyed it! Everything was great from the people, to the classroom instruction and the job site experience. The Wood Defender course is an amazing way to break into the industry and make tons of connections at the same time! Sign up
Ready to Build
Something Bigger?
Join the network of professionals applying Wood Defender stain and building real businesses with it.
