A fence is more than a barrier to keep things and people in, or out, of your yard. It has visual impact. But if it’s old, worn and faded, it has the wrong kind of impact. Knowing how to paint a wood fence can breathe new life back into an old eyesore or add strong visual appeal to your property.
Why Paint a Fence?
A wood fence isn’t cheap. And raw, untreated wood doesn’t last long under the relentless assault of the sun, rain, snow, cold, and insects. It will rot, splinter, weaken, and eventually crumble.
So if you want to keep your investment looking good and functioning well for years to come, you MUST apply a paint or stain that shields your fence from the elements.
Many homeowners prefer stain because it provides protection without altering the natural look of wood that blends well with the environment. Paint also protects well, but the innumerable color options available allow you to create a unique look and feel that you won’t get with stain.
Know Your Wood Type
Each wood has unique traits that appeal to homeowners for different reasons. And each handles paints and stains differently. Knowing what kind of wood fence you have and what paints and stains work best is essential to ensuring a great finish.
Here are the main kinds of wood:
Pine
Pine is light colored, so one coat of paint is probably enough to cover it.
Redwood
If your redwood fence is brand new, let the weather season it a few weeks before you paint. The wood will absorb paint more deeply, providing longer, stronger protection.
Cedar
Painting cedar will preserve its color so it won’t turn gray and will last longer. Cedar may require several coats of paint to look its best.
Cypress
Cypress looks great with stain, which brings out its natural texture. If you prefer a cleaner, more vibrant look, paint it, but sand it first and apply a stain-blocking primer.
What You Need
This project involves more than just slathering paint on wood. You’ll need a number of items from the home improvement store. They are:
- Sandpaper
- Paint scraper (if repainting a fence)
- Pressure washer or fence cleaner
- Large paint brush, roller, or paint sprayer
- Small paint brush for tight spaces
- Paint tray (if you’re using a roller)
- Drop cloth
- Tape
- Primer
- Paint
- Scrap piece of wood or cardboard (if using a sprayer)
- Face mask and gloves (if using a sprayer)
- Power sander (optional)
- Step ladder
Brush, Roller or Sprayer?
Brushes, rollers, and sprayers all work well, but each has benefits and drawbacks you should consider.
Sprayer
A paint sprayer is excellent for a large fence because it covers quickly and evenly. You’ll still need a paint brush for tight spaces.
Pros:
- Provides coverage from every angle
- Cuts painting time considerably
- Covers evenly
Cons:
- Easy to overspray
- Can’t use it on windy days
- Technique takes some practice
Tip: Wear a face mask and gloves if you use a sprayer
Paint Roller
Paint rollers work well on a medium-sized project. Rollers cover quickly and uniformly and are ideal if it’s a medium-sized project or if a paint sprayer just isn’t a good option for you. But don’t forget to also keep a paint brush handy. You will need a paint brush for smaller areas you can’t get with a roller.
Pros:
- No overspray
- Covers evenly with proper technique
Cons:
- Hard to get in tough spots
- Takes longer
Paint Brush
You may want to use a brush if you are painting a small garden fence. Even if you use a roller or sprayer, you’ll probably need a brush anyway to get in tight spaces.
Pros:
- No overspray
- Enables you to paint tight spaces
- More controllable than a sprayer or roller
Cons:
- Takes much longer than other methods
- Most labor-intensive option
Steps to Painting a Wood Fence
Once you’ve decided on the paint color, type, finish, and application method, it’s time to begin the physical part of your project. Here are the steps:
1. Prep
Mow and remove excess shrubbery around your fence. You don’t want anything in your way or to brush up against the fence while it dries.
Tape off and/or lay down tarps to protect anywhere you don’t want paint splatters or overspray.
2. Clean the Fence
Next, wash the fence to remove debris and dirt buildup. You can use a pressure washer and fence cleaner or a simple bucket of soap and water and a rag or scrub brush.
If using a pressure washer:
Work in sections. Wet down your first section, then switch your pressure washer’s detergent tank on and apply the cleaner from the bottom up to avoid streaks. Let the cleaner sit for 5-10 minutes, continually adding water to areas that start to dry. You may need to use a scrub brush for really dirty areas.
Using low to medium pressure, spray the fence with water to rinse off all the cleaner. This time, start at the top and work your way down. Continue all the way down your fence line until the entire fence has been washed.
If washing by hand:
Use the same approach as above, except you are doing everything by hand.
Work in sections just as you would with a pressure washer. Use a garden hose to wet down the first section, then thoroughly scrub off all gunk and debris with rag and cleaning solution.
Let the solution soak for 5-10 minutes, then hose off all of the cleaner, working from top to bottom. Continue the process for the rest of the fence.
3. Scrape Off Old Paint
When the fence is dry, scrape off old peeling or flaking paint. Scrape with the grain, making sure not to gouge the wood. Then go back and scrape against the grain of the wood, again without damaging the wood.
4. Sand the Fence
Sanding is essential for achieving a smooth surface free of major imperfections. A smooth surface will make it easier to paint. You can use a power sander to make this process go faster but be careful not to apply too much pressure because you can sand down the grain or damage the fence.
Tip: Move with the wood grain, not against the grain, for best results. For additional tips and tricks, check out our guide on how to sand wood.
5. Test the Paint
Paint often looks different dry than it does in the can. Paint an unobtrusive spot and let it dry overnight. Check the next day to make sure it didn’t peel or bubble, and make sure you love the color.
6. Prime the Wood Fence
Priming is an important step in order to prevent mold and mildew growth and to achieve a professional look. It also acts as an adhesive for the paint, helping your paint last longer. You’ll need to plan to buy more primer than paint, as primer typically only covers 200-300 square feet per gallon.
- Use an oil-based primer for oil-based paint and a water-based primer for water-based paint.
- Don’t apply primer too thick. It’s better to do several thin layers than end up with a gooey mess.
- Use horizontal strokes for the horizontal panels and vertical strokes for your vertical fence panels.
- Be sure the primer is completely dry before you apply paint.
Tip: If you are making any drastic color changes, look for a primer that’s high-hiding.
7. Paint the Fence
Start at the top and work your way down. Wait until it’s completely dry to determine if a second coat is needed. However, good-quality paint should only need one coat.
Painting the Wood Fence with a Paint Brush or Roller:
- Using a large brush or roller, start at the top of each panel and work your way down, evenly distributing the paint.
- Use a smaller brush for hard-to-reach areas and to clean up any drips.
- You may need to wait overnight before deciding if a second coat is needed. Check the paint can instructions for drying times.
Painting the Wood Fence with a Paint Sprayer:
- Sprayers come with different nozzles. Look to the instruction manual to learn the proper use of each nozzle. But, generally, use large nozzles for large areas and smaller nozzles for small nooks and crannies.
- Test the paint and nozzle on a scrap piece of wood or cardboard to perfect your technique and adjust the settings as needed before you begin.
- Keeping the nozzle 6-8 inches away from the fence, use a steady back and forth or up and down motion, letting go of the trigger each time you move to a new board. This will avoid overlapping and ensure an even coat.
- Allow the fence to dry completely before deciding whether to add a second coat.
Tip: Always keep a paint brush handy to clean up any drips as you go even if you are using a roller or sprayer.
Choosing Your Paint
Your paint job is going to be only as good as your paint. So before you start, carefully consider your color, paint type and finish.
Selecting a Color
When considering a paint color, there are endless options. But since this is one of the first things people see of your home, you want to be sure you carefully weigh your choices.
Ask yourself: Do you want your fence to stand alone as a separate visual element or do you want it to blend with your home and yard?
If you want it to stand out, perhaps you should be in the market for something bright and bold. But if you want it to blend with your home and other features, you should choose a more muted or traditional color that matches or complements your house.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Color
- Exterior Siding Color: If you’re not confident in your ability to choose colors, you can always match your fence color to your home’s siding. That’s a safe and attractive approach.
- Trim: When in doubt, match your trim. If you’re worried about choosing clashing colors, then you can’t go wrong with this option.
- Style: Did you buy your farmhouse or maybe a colonial-style home because you loved its charm? No matter the type, embrace the character of your home.
- Landscape: If you really want your landscaping to stand out, you may want a fence that will provide a nice backdrop for these plants rather than one that detracts from them.
- HOA Guidelines: If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowner’s association, check for any restrictions. Some HOAs have rules about the color palettes in their community.
- Neighbors: Be a good neighbor and discuss plans with them before beginning any project, especially if you are building or painting a boundary fence.
Selecting a Paint Type
Don’t skimp here. Choose a high-quality exterior paint that will last. Be sure to check the label to verify the paint is intended for outdoor, exterior wood.
There are two basic types – water-based and oil-based paints.
Water-based/Acrylic/Latex Paint
Water-based paint is a good option for homeowners who live in climates where the temperature fluctuates greatly between very warm and very cold because it expands and contracts. It’s also less expensive than oil-based paint, dries quickly, and is less likely to crack.
While oil-based paint tends to be the most durable, there are more expensive hybrid water-based versions on the market. A hybrid paint provides the durability of oil-based, but the benefit of water-based paint is that it’s easy to work with and wash off when you make a mistake during application.
Oil-based/Alkyd Paint
Oil-based is the most durable type of paint and can handle harsh weather conditions. However, it’s not eco-friendly and can take a few days to dry completely.
Selecting a Paint Finish
Some finishes are better for high-traffic areas such as near a sidewalk, while others are better suited for lower-profile areas.
Flat/Matte
Flat paint has a solid, non-reflective finish that hides imperfections and is ideal for older fences. It’s the most porous and least durable type of finish.
Satin
Satin is the happy medium – not too dull, not too shiny – and it’s good on any surface. However, you should mix it well or the finish can be uneven.
Semi-Gloss/Glossy
This is the most durable finish and is easy to clean and resists scuff marks. Choose semi-gloss over glossy for its extra durability and longevity. Avoid high gloss on an older fence with lots of imperfections, as high gloss attracts the eye.
Signs That Your Fence Needs Paint
Are you wondering if you should repaint your fence or if you should wait a little bit longer? Luckily, there are signs your fence will show you when it’s ready to be repainted so you don’t have to keep guessing.
Chipping or Peeling Paint
This is a sure sign that your fence is ready for a fresh coat of paint, which will help bring new life to your worn fence.
Rotting Wood
Wood should feel firm and hard when you poke into it, not soft. Test your fence by taking a tool, like a screwdriver, and poking it into the wood. If it sinks into the wood or the wood crumbles, then it’s rotten. It may be that a board or small section needs to be replaced and repainted, or you may need to replace the entire fence.
Splintering Wood
Take a close look at the pickets and posts near the ground. Are they splintering, splitting, or jagged? If so this is another sign of wood rot that will need to be evaluated for possible replacement or repair before being repainted.
Bare Spots
When you can see obvious bare spots where the harsh elements have taken their toll and caused the paint to rub off, then it’s time to repaint.
Climate
If you live somewhere with high humidity or extreme winter conditions, your wood fence will age faster than in drier, milder climates. In warmer climates your wood fence is more prone to mold, mildew, and pests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you paint your fence?
Repaint your fence every two to three years. If you live in a harsh climate, you may need to paint more frequently.
What is the best time of year to paint a fence?
Spring and summer tend to be the best times of the year to paint a fence. But ultimately, the best time is during your region’s dry season and when the temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything colder will stop the paint from drying.
How long should you wait to paint a new fence?
Generally, you should wait one to two months before painting a new fence. This will give it time to weather some, but not too much.
DIY or Hire a Pro
Painting a fence can be a rewarding experience, or it can be time-consuming and taxing, especially if you have a large fence and a sizable yard. If you prefer to leave the job to someone else, Paint Gnome can pair you with a local pro who will do it right.
Main Photo Credit: halfpoint / Canva Pro / License
