As a professional decorator, I can tell you that painting fences is relatively easy. All you need to do is follow a few simple steps. Anyone can do it and it’s a great way of sprucing up your garden for summer. In this blog, I’m going to explain how to paint a fence. Providing you follow this process; you can’t go wrong.
How to paint a fence
What I think I’ll do is list all the tools and supplies you need to paint a fence. Then I’ll briefly outline each step you need to take. Followed by more detail on some of the things I think you should consider, along with my product recommendations.
Supplies
Fungicidal wash – Click here to see online prices.
Fence paint – See recommendations further down.
Tools
Dust sheets – Click here to see online prices.
Cardboard
Cheap synthetic paint brush – Click here to see online prices.
Cheap paint roller – Click here to see online prices.
Steps
Prep the Fence
With a dry paint brush, remove any cobwebs and loose dirt from the fence. If you have green algae growing on the timber, then you’ll need to treat it with fungicidal wash diluted with water. Allow to dry.
Get Set up
I tend to cover driveways and paths with dust sheets (you may need to double sheet next to the fence). I also put a sheet over plants, unless I can tie them back to give me space to work. If I’m using oil-based fence paint, then I’ll cover flowerbeds and grass to prevent contamination.
Choose the Right Fence Paint
There are a few things you should consider when choosing the best paint for a fence. Water-based is quicker and easier to apply, and better for the environment, but doesn’t tend to last as long as oil-based. If you do use oil-based, then you should take steps to stop if from contaminating soil. You might also consider a solid colour Vs a natural looking fence treatment. I’ll go into more detail further down.
Paint the Fence
Work on one section at a time and go from one end to the other. Keep a wet edge if you can, because it will prevent a patchy finish. You might consider applying both coats before moving your sheets, otherwise you’ll need to set up twice.
Getting Set-Up To Paint Your Fence
The first thing you need to do is setup your work area. Panel fences can be painted in situ. Simply lift each panel, then slide some cardboard underneath. If you have concreate posts which you do not want to paint, just cover them with masking tape. You can always paint concreate posts with masonry paint if you wish.
You can also cover shrubs and plants with dustsheets, or old bedding. Where you need to, you can tie greenery back with bungee cords or string. This gives you some room to paint your fence without damaging your plants.
Use dustsheets to cover any patio slabs, or ornamental floor that meets your fence. If using oil-based paints, I tend to use dust sheets to cover lawn or soil close to any area I’m painting. Water-based products are more environmentally friendly, so dust sheets are not needed on soil when using this type of paint.
Preparing Your Fence
Let’s face it, fences can get dirty!! They do not need to be completely dust-free before painting, but they should be somewhere close. Remove any cobwebs, insects and other pests, dead leaves and visible dirt with a dry sweeping, or dusting brush.
If you can see green algae on your timber, then you should treat this before painting, although fence paint does contain anti-fungal additives anyway. There are several types of antifungal wash type products available. Most of them you just dilute with water, apply to the affected area, then paint over the next day. Click here to see online prices.
Choosing the Best Fence Paint
I’ll touch on this briefly, but if you need any more information, you can click here to see a more detailed blog. There are a couple of different types of products you can use to paint a fence;
Oil-Based Fence Paint
Oil-based fence treatments last a lot longer, but they are not as environmentally friendly as the alternatives and are harder to clean off your skin. I think oil-based products will be phased out in the coming years, but we’ll need to wait and see.
Saddolin Classic is by far my favourite. It is expensive, but I know from experience that it lasts for years. Furthermore, if you go for this product, then one coat is generally fine. The stain soaks right into the timber to protect it from the elements.
Water-Based Treatments
Water-based fence treatments are a lot easier to use, can look better and are better for the environment. However, expect the need to paint your fence every couple of years to maintain its colour and protection. Johnstone’s do a great low-cost water-based fence treatment.
Johnstone’s Shed and Fence is my favourite low-cost option. It has good opacity, it flies on, and it looks great. It seems to last quite well for a water-based paint too.
Opaque Wood Paints
Opaque wood paints result in a solid colour, so if you want to make a bit of a feature out of your fence and you have a modern, less natural looking garden, then this is the way to go. Luckily there are loads of water-based options that will last for years on a fence.
Zinsser AllCoat is a good option, as is Bedec Barn Paint. I think my favourite is probably Sadolin Superdec. Opacity in white is a bit of a nightmare, but in a tinted colour, this paint is fantastic on a fence. (it’s also good on exterior windows, doors and other trim).
You’ll find it easy to use, it looks great, and it’ll last for quite a few years before you need to repaint.
Choosing the Right Colour
I’m not a designer, I’m a Decorator, so I’ll keep this section short and sweet. For me, there are only two things you need to consider when choosing the best colour to paint a fence.
First, decide whether you want the fence to stand out, or just act as a backdrop. An “approaching feature” can look great in modern gardens. Choose a strong block colour like blue, a strong green, or even black. You can pick out your fence posts in a different colour if you’re feeling adventurous.
If you have a natural looking garden, and you want your fence to blend into the background (which can make your garden feel bigger), then pastel greens and browns are the way to go.
Painting Your Fence
I find it easier to paint a fence with a stiff paintbrush and a mini roller!! You need to work the fence paint right into the timber, just be mindful not to let the paint run onto your neighbour’s side!! You can buy floppy panel brushes that are specifically for fences. These are cheap (which is good because a fence will destroy a paintbrush), but they’re terrible to use!!
I simply roll as much timber as I can with a mini roller, then get any misses with my stiff paintbrush. Providing you work on one section at a time, this is the easiest way to paint a fence.
Do not forget to paint the top edge of your fence. This will prevent water from entering the timber and causing rot.
The only other tips I can share is to apply more than one coat. Apply the product as generously as possible. Oh, and only work in dry conditions! You need the timber to absorb some of your fence paint for it to repel water through the colder months.
Best Tools to Use to Paint a Fence
You don’t need expensive tools to paint a fence, but some tools are better than others. Stay away from those big floppy “shed and fence” brushes they sell at DIY centres. Paint just seems to splatter everywhere when you’re trying to use them.
I’d recommend a packet of microfibre rollers (you will use a few every time you paint a fence), and a nice stiff brush.
ProDec PBPT039 is the perfect paintbrush. It holds plenty of material, will stand up to the rough timber on a fence, and won’t break the bank. Click here to see online prices.
As for the roller, you won’t do better than Hamilton For The Trade. Don’t bother with the tray, just dip the roller in your paint bucket when you need to refill it. These are brilliant for working paint into every indentation. Click here to see online prices.
Fungicidal wash – Click here to see online prices.
Dust sheets – Click here to see online prices.
Cheap synthetic paint brush – Click here to see online prices.
Cheap paint roller – Click here to see online prices.
How to Spray a Fence
Spraying can be a great way of painting a fence. You don’t need expensive machines like you’d use to spray masonry paint or similar. Fence paint is normally thin anyway, and it’s not like your work area isn’t well ventilated. You can use a very basic setup like the Tiswall HVLP, or a Wagner. Even if you only use the sprayer two or three times, you might cut your labour down by half, so it’s well worth it. Especially if you have a large fence to paint.
There are a few tips I can give you. The first is to dilute your paint so it goes through the machine more easily. The second it to take extra care when sheeting up around the fence (that includes any cars that are close by). The last tip is to back-roll on one of your coats. That means applying the paint with a sprayer, then working it into the fence with a mini roller. This will ensure that the material penetrates your timber, and you get the protective qualities.
FAQs
What’s the easiest way to paint a fence?
The easiest way to paint a fence is to buy a cheap paint sprayer and go from there. It means more sheeting up before you start, but the paint will go on much quicker.
Do I need to sand a fence before painting?
Fences are generally made from rough sawn timber, so trying to sand them smooth would be a pointless exercise.
Is it better to paint a fence with a roller or brush?
It’s much easier to apply fence paint with a roller than it is with a brush. But ultimately, you will need both to cover every part of the fence.
How do you clean a fence before painting?
If your fence has ground-in dirt, then you might consider pressure washing before you apply the paint. Just be aware that you will need to wait until it’s properly dry afterwards, and that could take a couple of days. Fungicidal wash will remove any algae.
Should I pressure wash fence before painting?
Sometimes you need to pressure wash a fence before painting, but it isn’t often needed. Pressure washing can damage the fence and force water into the wood. So, you should only pressure wash if the fence is filthy.
Should you wet a fence before painting?
No, wetting timber before you paint is a myth. The dryer the fence, the better it will take the paint.
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