Whether you are painting a brand new fence or touching up an existing fence for fall and winter, it's important for curb appeal and longevity that the job is done correctly.
When it comes to our outdoor spaces, we often ignore the opportunity to add a touch of personality. Your fence punctuates your garden and frames the entire boundary area, so it's an excellent opportunity to add color.
Before you embark on your painting project, it is worth thinking about fence decorating ideas because whatever hue you choose will provide a vibrant backdrop for shrubs and plants.
As with any external area, it is also essential to consider using a suitable product for weathering, as untreated wood can quickly rot.
To set you off the right path, we've asked the experts for advice on how to paint a fence for easy-to-achieve, professional results every time.
How To Paint A Fence
Whether your garden fence ideas are contemporary or traditional, whether a painting is a follow-up to building a fence for your backyard or you're recoating an existing one, this is how to get the job done properly.
You will need the following:
Electric or hand sander and sandpaper
A broom
Cleaning solution; we like Mold Armor Deck and Fence Wash
Dust sheets
Exterior paint
Paintbrushes
Roller, pads, or paint sprayer
Waterproofing seals, such as Thompson's Water Seal
1. Prepare Your Fence For Painting
Start by removing items close to the fence, such as plant pots and garden furniture. Then use a broom to remove loose debris and old bits of foliage from the fence.
The fence is likely to be made of pressure-treated lumber, so it's worth giving it a quick sand down before painting.
Finish by giving the fence a clean with a for-purpose solution or a simple mixture of soap and water.
Once you've cleaned your fence thoroughly, leave plenty of time for the panels to dry.
Troublesome spots appear when dirt and moisture linger. That's why cleaning and waterproofing (afterward) are critical to making your fence look its best.
Before you start, it's also worth trimming any plants or foliage so you have clear access to the fence. If you already have plenty of foliage, use dust sheets to cover the plants. Alternatively, you can use a post or stake to tie plants backward, away from the fence.
2. Choose The Right Paint
Getting the right paint finishes is essential.
From matte and satin paint to self-cleaning and mildew-resistant, there are many different options and, of course, color choices available when choosing a product for your fence. However, it makes sense to choose something that matches the paint colors for the exterior of your house.
Many exterior paints are long-lasting and feature a mildew-resistant coating, such as Sherwin Williams Duration Premium Exterior Coating.
Regarding choosing the perfect color, Tobie Lewis, Senior Brand Manager at Valspar Paint, suggests several ways to approach it. 'Try color drenching to match the color of your masonry, or venturing away from the conventional neutral and dark shades and opting for a pastel tone to help bring more natural light into shaded areas of your garden,' he advises. 'Valspar's Mineral Water is a colorful pastel shade, perfect for complementing flora in your garden,' Tobie suggests. 'Or try Warm Breeze, another great color that maintains a rustic look.'
3. Begin Painting Your Fence By Hand
You are ready to apply the paint with a thick brush, roller, or sprayer. Using a brush, be sure not to overload it and work the paint into the wood covering all areas. In awkward areas, apply the paint in a stippling motion to get the product into the wood.
4. Spray Paint A Fence For Speed
Start by pouring your chosen paint into the sprayer. You may need to thin it down, but don't use more than 10% water.
When spraying large sections, hold the nozzle about 8 to 10in away from the fence. Twist your arm 45 degrees when changing direction. For edges and tricky bits, hold the nozzle about 6in away from the fence and start spraying. Make sure to overlap where you've sprayed, so you don't get any gaps.
4. Finish Up
You'll need around two coats of paint to achieve the optimum finish.
After the paint is completely dry, use a waterproofing product that's suitable over paint.
What Is The Best Way To Paint A Fence?
The best way to paint a fence is by spray painting it since it is quicker and easier. However, you can paint a fence by hand, too. In both cases, it is always best to paint a fence in the direction of the wood grain, achieving a more professional finish and allowing you to get into all the nooks of the timber.
Is It Better To Paint A Fence With A Brush Or Roller?
It is quicker to paint a fence with a roller if it is large and generally flat; however, you will always have to return to the fence with a brush to reach the areas, such as edges, that you cannot get to with a roller. Equally, intricate fences, such as carved picket fence tops, will need brushstrokes to cover them fully and neatly.
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