Paint can rejuvenate an old fence or give a new fence a beautiful look. In addition to making the fence look better, paint will also protect it from various things. However, painting the fence takes a long time. So you have to do it right so that the results can last as long as possible. Prepare the area and fence properly and use the right paint and tools to make the fence look good and reduce the chances of it needing to be replaced.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Preparing the Painting Area
Step 1. Cut or tie all the plants that touch the fence
Cut the grass along the perimeter of the fence. Prune any bushes that touch the fence. If you don't want to cut it, tie it away from the fence.
- Pulling the plants away from the fence will expand your workspace, protect the plants from paint, and reduce the risk of smearing the new paint on the plants.
- You can use a leaf blower to blow dirt and grass clippings off the fence.
Step 2. Cover the vegetation around the fence
It's a good idea to cover the vegetation along the fence before preparing the surface for painting. Spread a sheet of plastic or cloth over the plants where the paint is likely to be. Just make sure the plant can withstand the weight of the cover you're using.
You can tuck sheets of plywood between the fence and the bushes. This will protect the plant from the toxins in the paint. When the paint surface is dry, pull the plywood and the bush will return to its original shape
Tips:
Preparation is an important phase in painting the fence. This process takes some time, but the job will become easier in the long run.
Step 3. Spread the base cloth or plastic sheet under the fence
This will protect the soil from drips and paint spray. Leave the cloth on while you paint to collect residue from the prep process and protect the soil from spilling paint.
You can use a cloth or plastic base
Method 2 of 4: Repairing and Covering the Fence
Step 1. Fix the fence
If you have enough free time to paint the fence, it's a good idea to get it back in shape before you start working on it. Replace any damaged and unrepairable boards or trim. If there are small cracks in the wood planks, fix them with wood glue. Also, remove and replace any loose nails, screws, or bolts.
If you're painting metal fences, it's a good idea to re-weld or refabricate the damaged area before painting
Step 2. Use a pressure-wash or sandpaper the picket fence
New fences that have not been processed should be sanded or washed with a pressure wash. It's a good idea to sand the wood fence that has been previously painted to get rid of used and fallen paint. This step helps the new paint to adhere to the wood.
- You should wear a protective mask if you are sanding a fence that was previously painted.
- Allow the surface to dry completely after washing with a pressure wash or scrubbing before painting.
Tips:
Sometimes even pressure washing and sanding don't kill all the mildew that is on the picket fence. To get rid of them, use a brush and an equal (1:1) mixture of bleach and water to scrub the surface of the fence.
Step 3. Remove loose paint and rust from the metal fence
If you are painting an iron or metal fence, use steel wool to remove any lightly rusted areas and loose paint. If the area is very rusty, you can use a product such as Naval Jelly to dissolve the rust. Then, sand the entire surface using sandpaper with medium grit (roughness).
- After sanding, wipe the residue with a clean cloth.
- You must wear a protective mask while sanding the iron fence. Choose a mask that protects yourself from the dust generated.
Step 4. Cover the parts of the fence that you don't want to paint
Use masking tape to protect areas that won't be painted. Usually, this part is in the form of ornaments, fence locks, handles, or various other components.
There are masking tapes made especially for the outdoors. This tape adheres better to sections of the fence than tape designed for indoors
Method 3 of 4: Painting the Wooden Fence
Step 1. Choose the right paint for the wooden fence
When painting fences, you need outdoor paint. This paint is specially formulated to withstand the weather and is available in various types:
- Acrylic: Acrylic paint is so strong that it protects the fence, but you will need to apply a primer to the unprocessed surface before painting.
- Oil-based outdoor paint. Oil-based paints require multiple coats and don't protect as well as acrylics, but they will look prettier.
Tips:
Ask the paint seller to find out how much paint is needed according to the project you are working on. You will need to tell the size of the fence to be painted so have this information ready beforehand.
Step 2. Decide whether to use a brush, roller, sprayer, or a combination of the three
Your choice usually depends on how much fence you want to paint. However, you also need to consider the type of paint used and the complexity of the fence. For example, some paints are mixed for use using a brush or spray (usually this is stated on the label).
- Use a sprayer for long fences or those with many crevices or grooves that make it difficult for the brush to reach. If your fence is long enough, it's best to use a sprayer to speed up uptime. This tool is also great for painting deep recesses so use it if the fence has a complex design.
- If your painting project isn't too big, for example on a short section of fence, the job can be done using a roller on a flat surface, and a brush for the details.
Step 3. Choose a suitable day for painting
Certain weather conditions are more ideal for painting fences. Choose a day that is not predicted to rain. Also, choose a cloudy and windless day.
- A gust of wind can blow away dust and debris so that it sticks to the wet paint.
- Direct sunlight makes the paint dry too quickly and erodes the paint's protective properties.
Step 4. Apply the paint according to the groove of the wood
If you're using a roller, rub it along the grooves of the wood instead of against it. You'll also need to scrub along the grooves of the wood if you're using a brush to cover the entire recess. Even with a spray gun, you have to follow the direction of the groove to paint all areas of the wood.
- Following the direction of the grooves also helps prevent paint from dripping as excess paint won't collect too much on the edges of the wood.
- While it's difficult to reach all the niches in one swipe, it's best to cover them as much as possible.
Step 5. Have a brush nearby to clean the drips
Even if you use a sprayer or roller, it's a good idea to have a brush handy at all times. That way, you can always fix the parts you need as soon as possible.
Method 4 of 4: Painting Metal Fences
Step 1. Select the type of paint that will adhere to the metal
There are certain paints that are designed to stick to metal and you should also choose one that is made for the outdoors. Paints suitable for metal fences include:
- Enamel: An ideal enamel paint for fences and gates. Usually, you will need to treat the surface with a rust-preventing primer.
- Car epoxy paint. The advantages of epoxy paint are its simple process and very strong properties. However, you will need to mix this paint with a hardener so the job should be completed in 6 hours or less.
Step 2. Decide whether you will use a brush or an atomizer
Because they usually have a complex design, small metal fences can be painted manually, but large areas need to be sprayed so that they can be painted as large as possible. A coat of heavy enamel paint or car epoxy is usually sufficient to protect the fence.
- If you want to spray paint, choose between a machine sprayer or canned paint. Spray paint cans are usually suitable for small fences.
- If you use a brush, make sure it matches the type of paint. For example, if you use enamel paint, look for a brush that can be used to apply the corresponding paint.
- In general, it is difficult to paint metal fences with rollers because they do not have many flat and wide surfaces. However, you can use it for chain link fences because the rollers can be rubbed across the surface of the fence for a quick and thorough painting.
Step 3. Choose a dry, cloudy day to paint
You should check the weather forecast before painting because even a little rain and scorching heat can be bad for the paint. It's a good idea to choose a day that isn't rainy but cloudy as it allows the paint to dry at the right speed.
Tips:
In a 4 season country, it is best not to paint metal fences in the middle of summer or mid-winter. Choose a time when the temperature is most moderate.
Step 4. Use a primer
Most paints for metal work best when applied over a rust-resistant primer. Choose a primer in a spray can, which can be sprayed with a sprayer, or applied with a brush and roller, whichever suits you best. When applying primer, make sure you cover the entire surface of the fence.
Allow the primer to dry completely before applying the paint. Check the primer packaging for how long the paint will dry. Usually, it's about 24 hours
Tips:
Choose a primary color that is close to, but not exactly the same as the paint color used. This step will help you distinguish where you've just applied primer and where you've applied paint.
Step 5. Apply paint to the metal fence
Start at one end of the fence and work your way down. Make sure you paint the entire surface and remove any drips as soon as possible.
- If using a sprayer or spray can, use it in the direction of the wind and don't forget to wear a respirator.
- Have a brush nearby to clean drips. Even if you use a sprayer or roller, you should always have a brush nearby. That way, you can immediately repair the parts you need as soon as possible
Tips
- Fences require a protective coat of paint every 2-3 years. Fences are usually built away from other structures and trees so they are vulnerable to a variety of things.
- If you want to color the picket fence instead of painting it, be sure to use a heavy dye for the outdoors. Usually the acrylic type is best.
