Are you thinking of painting your fence? Doing so can give your property a fresh look and give you creative freedom in your landscaping. However, there are a few things to consider before you get started. Make a plan early on to make sure your fence paint job is perfect.

Choosing Between Paint and Stain

First thing’s first: are you planning on staining or painting your fence? Stain and paint each have perks, and each have drawbacks. Stain emphasizes wood’s natural beauty while paint can be applied to just about any kind of fencing. Paint is typically less expensive because you won’t need as much of it, but it usually requires more frequent maintenance depending on environmental conditions and the kind of paint used. Stain absorbs better into the wood and won’t chip or peel. 

Benefits of Painting Your Fence

The most obvious benefit of painting your fence is the beauty that doing so adds to a property. This is true of stain as well. Even better, paint protects a fence from the elements. The latex- or oil-based material acts as a barrier around the wood, blocking out moisture, mildew, mold, and UV radiation. 

What to Know When Painting Your Fence

If you plan to paint your own fence, be prepared before you start. Wear protective gear and make a plan, taking into account the right materials, ideal weather conditions, and proper painting practices. 

The Right Materials

First step when painting your fence is to choose the right paint. You will need to choose an exterior paint so it holds up well against all weather conditions, but it is also important to choose a kind of paint that is appropriate for the material your fence is made from. While it is most common to add paint to a wooden fence, you can also spruce up other varieties.

Ideal Weather Conditions

Weather matters before, during, and after you paint your fence. It is important to have dry conditions for several days before painting your fence so the wood is completely dry through. Pick a day to paint when temperatures will stay between 40 and 90°F even overnight and when humidity levels are low. Monitor that you will have no precipitation and minimal wind.

It is equally important to have good weather for several days after painting to allow the paint to cure without smearing. If you intend to stain instead of paint, work outside of the direct sunlight to prevent lap marks. 

Proper Painting Practices

Consider these painting practices carefully to ensure a polished paint job that will last.

Clear the Area

Before painting, remove all debris or obstructions that may interfere. Remove any nearby outdoor furniture or equipment and cover anything in the area that you do not want to get paint on with tarps. This may include furniture, exterior walls, and shrubbery. Prune all flora—including grass and overhanging trees—so they do not brush against and smudge your new paint job.

A Solid Surface

Any holes and cracks in your fence will need to be repaired before paint or stain is applied. Otherwise you risk pieces breaking off or cracks deepening, marring your new look.

Prepare a Clean Slate

Any paint that has been previously applied to your fence should be removed before new paint or stain is applied. This can be done by sanding or with a pressure washer. Even if there is no old paint to remove, it is still wise to sand your fence to accommodate better adhesion. Consider using a medium grit (120- to 150-grit) for best results.

Freshly Washed

As important as it is to remove old paint, it is equally important to remove anything else that might get between your layer of paint and your fence. Dirt, pollen, droppings, mildew, and mold will all interrupt a spotless paint job, so clean these away before you start painting your fence. We recommend using a pressure washer to do the trick, working with the grain of the wood to avoid gouging it. 

Primed and Ready

Applying primer before your paint has many benefits. Some woods have tannins that have a tendency to bleed through stains and paint, but a good primer will inhibit the process. It can also make paint’s adhesion stronger.

Wait Your Turn

Do not be in a rush to add a second coat of paint. Allow the first one to dry completely (over a period of at least 24 hours) before applying a second coat. This is also true of primer—make sure it is dry all the way through before painting.

A Job Done Right

If you want your paint job to be perfect, you can enlist the help of professional painters. Years of experience and the proper tools will give the job a smooth and even finish, and professional painters know precisely how long to let paint dry before adding new coats. Working with a contractor also gives you a broad range of colors and finishes to choose from.