Best Practices for Painting a Wooden Fence
Painting your wood fence is easy with the right knowledge and equipment. Follow the steps below for a professional finish.
1. Choose the Right Paint
Before painting your fence, you first need to know what type of paint to use on your wood fence. Fence paint comes in a variety of types, colors, and finishes. Be sure to choose a paint that’s suitable for wood fences and designed to withstand the elements.
2. Prepare the Area Around Your Fence
Prepare the area around your fence by removing any plants or furniture to a safe location. Trim back any overhanging foliage and pin back any climbing plants that you can’t cover or don’t want to cut back, using plant canes and ties. You should also cover any concrete posts and put dust sheets over nearby surfaces to protect against paint splatter.
3. Clean Off Dirt
Clean your fence using a wire brush and a multi-purpose outdoor detergent. Treat any areas of mold or algae with a fungicidal wash.
4. Repair Any Damage
Inspect your fence and repair or replace any damaged sections of wood. For minor repairs, apply exterior wood filler and allow sufficient drying time before sanding it flush with your fence.
5. Sand Away Flaky Areas
If your fence has previously been painted, use medium-grade sandpaper to sand down any flaky areas for better paint adhesion. For larger areas, consider using an electric power sander. After sanding, remove any residue with a clean rag.
6. Prime Before Painting
Seal and prime your fence with an exterior wood primer that’s appropriate for the paint you’re planning to use. If your fence has previously been painted, pay particular attention to priming areas where the paint has peeled or worn thin.
7. Paint Your Fence
Paint your fence on a warm, dry day with no rain or wind in the forecast. Make sure your fence is completely dry before painting.
If using a brush or roller, the best way to paint your wood fence is to apply a thick, even coat of paint along the grain. Be sure to brush out any drips or runs before they begin to dry.
If using a paint sprayer, hold the nozzle about 15 cm from the fence and move along the full width of the fence using long, sweeping motions. Drop down and repeat the process, overlapping each pass by 50 percent, until you’ve covered the whole fence. Allow the paint to dry as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Then apply a second coat, if required.
By following these steps, you can paint your fence like a professional and keep your fence looking good for longer. To get the most out of your fence, contact Rancher’s Fencing today.
