How To Paint A Fence

How To Paint A Fence
Even though it’s the inside that matters, it’s the outside that catches the eye first. The same can be said about your home. If the exterior of your home looks unkempt, learning how to paint a fence may be just the fix you need. This blog will show you how to do just that. Starting from all the preparations you need to make beforehand, to the common doubts you may have, we’ll cover it all.
Step 1 : Preparing Yourself
Before you start, don’t forget to dress for the occasion. Protective gear is an absolute must when you’re dealing with paint. All those toxic fumes can seriously damage your body! So, buy yourself some good quality gloves and a protective mask. Also, don’t forget to bring this list of painting and tool items along to Earles Paint Place if you don’t have them.
Things You’ll Need
- Plastic sheets
- Cleaner/Power Washer (optional)
- Sandpaper
- Primer
- Paint Sprayer/Nook and cranny roller
- Protective gear (gloves, mask, etc.)
- Brushes
Step 2: Preparing The Area
First and foremost, you must prepare the area around the fence. When working with paint, you may get it on lawn furniture or plants nearby. Here’s what you need to do to avoid such mishaps.
Cover Nearby Plants In Plastic
Paints contain toxins that may be harmful to your precious plants. So protect them by using sheets of plastic wrap. You’ll want to do this for nearby plants, even if they’re not directly touching the fence. Why? If you’re using a paint sprayer, paint particles can land on your plants. Better safe than sorry.
Cover Areas You Don’t Want To Paint
Do you have pillars separating your fence? Then you’ll have to cover these areas when you’re painting the fence. This will help you get a clean look and avoid accidents requiring you to remove the paint.
Now let’s take a look at how to should prep the fence.
Step 3: Preparing The Fence Surface
Heads up. This is the most time-consuming step! Although you may want to skimp on the details, make sure you prep the surface well, so the paint goes on like a dream.
Clean The Fence
Your fence collects a lot of grime and dust over time. Painting over the grime and dirt is a surefire step to failure. Instead, you’ll want to scrub the top layer of dirt off, so the paint adheres well. A regular cleaner would do fine.
If you have a power washer, the job got a lot easier. If your fence is quite big, we recommend you invest in a power washer to save you time and sanity. After all, it’s a super handy home appliance. Take your time and make sure you reach every nook and cranny. You may be surprised to find out the real colour of your fence once you’re done.
Another pointer! If you find mould growing on your fence, a power washer won’t cut it. In that case, you’ll need to get hands-on with a scrub, detergent and mould-killer solution.
Repair The Fence
Because you’re investing quite some time and money into painting your fence, now’s the time to also squeeze in some quick fixes and repairs.
Repairing A Wooden Fence
If you have a wooden fence, look for damaged or decaying boards. Moreover, look out for loose nails and broken wood. Go over the whole fence and remove any shards or nails, so you don’t injure yourself. Then, replace any damaged board, sand the surface and apply primer (if needed). Sanding the wood will buff away the dull top layer and reveal fresh wood underneath for you to paint.
Repairing A Metal Fence
If you have a metal fence, then you’ll have to deal with rust. First, take a wire brush and scrub away all of the loose rust. If you still find rust hard to remove, use some rust converter to do the trick. Simply apply by following the directions and let the rust dissolve. Next, take sandpaper and buff away all of the loosened rust.

Step 3: Painting The Fence
We are coming to the main part and the most pretty part. There are a handful of decisions you must take before we delve into how to paint a fence.
Paint Vs Stain: Which One Should You Use?
Now, if you’ve been reading up on fence painting, you may have hit this crossroad. Though it’s a common doubt, it’s actually quite simple. If you’re on a tight budget, go for paint. You’ll also have way more colour options. If you have a more flexible budget, we’d recommend a clear finish for you. So even though the initial investment is more, you’re actually ending up with a timber finish. The only downside is you won’t have as many colour options as with paint.
Some Tips To Remember
- If you’re planning to paint a large area, it’s best you go for a spray painter. Otherwise, a nook and cranny roller will do quite well.
- Whether you choose a spray painter or nook and cranny roller, always paint one (1) board at a time. Keep a brush in hand to paint any hard to reach corners.
- Paint as evenly as possible, and don’t miss any spots. Apply a second coat of paint in case any spots looks patchy.
- Don’t forget to clean your equipment after you’re done. Don’t wait for the paint to dry, as this will make your job harder.
- Start your paint job early morning. That way, you can avoid the direct midday sun and call it a day after sunset.
That’s all from us. By following these simple tricks and trips, you won’t have to hire painters to achieve professional results. We hope this post gave you a good idea of how to paint a fence.
Is there anything we missed? Have you tried painting a fence on your own? Tell us about your experience. Until then, thanks for reading. Remember to share this blog with your friends.
For more information, call us direct at Earle Paints on 07 4121 5202 or visit us at Earle Paint Place, Maryborough.
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