How to paint a fence & prepare it for painting

Sometimes DIY can be daunting. But we’re here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be this way! Whether you’re switching things up colour-wise or simply refreshing with a new coat, painting a fence is an easy task. With our no-nonsense guide, you’ll learn how to paint a fence fast and with a skilled touch worthy of a professional. Let’s dive in.

first things first

Before you grab your paint brush, there are several things you’ll want to consider beforehand.

planning around the weather

No one wants to get caught in the rain and this is especially true if you’re planning to give your fence a new lick of paint. Prior to starting the job, you should check the weather forecast.

The optimal conditions for painting a fence are dry and warm, so you may want to schedule the project in advance to avoid rainy spells and other damp conditions.

Helpful hint: if time is of the essence, you may want to opt for a one-coat or quick dry product that will help you get the job done speedily and efficiently.

materials you’ll need

• Garden ties or canes (if necessary).
• Exterior wood paint or wood preserver treatment.
• Clean spirit or water (to clean up).
• Protective sheeting (try to avoid single use plastic here!)

tools for the job

• Paint rollers and brushes.
• Safety equipment, including goggles, gloves and dust mask.
• Work overalls or clothes you don’t mind getting mucky.
• A stepladder (for tall fencing).
• Pressure washer and scrubbing brush.

picking out a fence paint

Adding colour to your fence not only gives it a lease of life but protects it from the wrath of the elements. When selecting your fence paint colours, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve chosen the right exterior fence paint or wood preserver treatment. By choosing an eco-friendly water-based paint, durable enough to last years to come, you can’t go wrong!

how to prepare a fence for painting

Now you have your materials and tools sorted, it’s time to begin with the key preparation.

safety first!

Because this DIY project involves both hand tools and commercial paint, we recommend you take great care. When painting and sanding always wear goggles, – and this might sound obvious – make sure to wash off any fence paint immediately if it comes into contact with your skin.

getting your surroundings prepped

To prepare a fence for painting you need to prep your surroundings, starting with removing and protecting anything within close proximity. This could mean, laying dust sheeting over a patio or decking or trimming, and tying back plants that may get in the way.

Using garden ties or canes, you can hold them out of harm’s way, and they should gently snap back in place. Just make sure that they can handle the strain of the ties or weight of your sheeting. The next phase of your fence painting project is preparing the fence itself, ensuring the surface is ready for painting.

cleaning and repairs

If your fence needs a colour refresh, it’s more than likely that repairs or a clean are in order. Closely inspect the fence panels for any sign of damage, such as cracks and wobbly panels.

When your fence is in good order you should give it a clean down, using a pressure washer when necessary and scrubbing away spots of mould or debris with a brush if you spot any.

sanding your fence

This step is absolutely crucial if you’re working with a fence that is already painted, and even more so for paint that is flaking. Sanding it down will help achieve a smooth surface finish and remove any pesky wood splints that may affect the end result.

painting the fence

The main event: painting the fence! The best thing about fence paint is that it works happily with a trio of different tools: you can apply it with either a brush, roller, or sprayer – or a mix of the three!

Thoroughly mix the paint and apply the paint carefully, using horizontal strokes for horizontal planks of wood and vertical strokes for vertical planks and panels. Following the grain of the wood will ensure a silk smooth and professional appearance. This is easier if you work from top to bottom.

Brush

If your chosen tool is the trusty paint brush, you will want a large one. But don’t forget to keep a smaller paint brush at hand for little touch ups.

Roller

A roller is a good idea if you’re working with an especially large or tall fence. The tool will extend your reach with its porous surface holding and distributing far more paint than your average paint brush.

Sprayer

The quickest and easiest way to paint a fence is the spray gun method. Exponentially faster than a paint brush, you can apply the paint evenly in no time.

Simply, ensure that your nozzle is on the correct setting and that your placement allows for a constant and steady supply of paint to reach the fence. If you’re looking for how to paint a fence fast as possible, this option may be for you!

finishing touches

Determine if another coat is required. The coverage should be even and rich, with no light patches. If you use a generous amount of paint, you may not need another as the colour will really work in and penetrate the wood.

A good rule of thumb is checking for imperfections when the paint is completely dry – this could take between an hour and 12, so check the tin before diving in!

that’s a wrap!

It’s time to stand back and admire your work, all completed in a single day! We hope this guide has shown how easy it is how to paint a fence with a roller, brushes or spray gun. If you plan correctly and make room to carefully prepare the fence for painting, you’ll be rewarded with a neat and professional finish.

 If you want to unleash your creativity with other painting and decorating projects, check out the rest of our DIY paint blog.