Carpentry and Woodworking - New Built Fence has white discoloring

We had a privacy fence built from lumber by a professional builder. When the lumber was delivered we noticed that all the boards had white discoloring all over them. We asked what it was and the person building the fence said it was where it was treated and it should be gone in a few days. Well, it has been almost a month and none of it is gone. In fact looking at it closer appears that the white discoloring actual is where the lumber has been removed somehow. Does any one know what this is????

Also, the knotts in the lumber is seeping sap. Is it normal for sap to seep through the boards that are now my fence?

We would appreciate any one's help in these matters.

Ralph & Connie

Pine knots often leak sap. Whenever it stops you can clean it off with turpentine. If you wait until it hardens, you can scrape a lot of it off.

If the white is in surface fractures or other damage it may be salts from the pressure treating process. Maybe some soap and water to remove the white. Has it rained on the fence since it was installed?

Thanks Chris! Yes, it has rained and nothing has changed.

We tried washing it off with a water pressure hose and it didn't change. It appears to be ingrained.

We will try the soap and water today and get back with you.

Is it normal to have the treatment to react this way?

We are wanting to treat the fence with a sealant but are concerned if we treat it with this white showing that it will seal the white with the lumber. Any sugguestions?

Thank you,

Ralph and Connie

Given the rain and time, what is on the boards will probably be with you. You might call the installer back and see if he can make the "in a few days" happen for you.

If you seal or finish it, the white will likely be sealed in.

Is this pressure treated pine or a cedar fence?