Why painting your fence is important
Painting your garden fence is an important part of maintaining the look and feel of your outdoor space. It adds aesthetic value and helps protect the wood from weathering and damage caused by moisture, insects, and other environmental factors. A freshly painted fence can last for years with proper maintenance, making it a great investment in time and money. Furthermore, painting your garden fence allows you to personalize your outdoor area by choosing colours that match or complement the rest of your landscaping design.
Do I need to use primer and an undercoat on a new fence?
Primer and undercoat are important when painting a new fence. Primer should always be used when painting new or bare wood as bare wood is like a sponge and will absorb lots of whatever is applied to it, and primer creates a barrier between the wood and the paint, helping to prevent the paint from peeling and flaking.
An undercoat should also be used before the top colour to ensure a smooth, even finish. The undercoat helps to even out any imperfections in the wood and ensures that the top colour goes on evenly. Applying primer and undercoat will help to make sure that the paint job looks great and lasts longer.
How do I choose the best fence paint?
When choosing the best fence paint, it is important to consider the type of wood the fence is made of, the environment it is in, and the desired finish. For example, if the fence is in a damp or salty environment, it is best to use a wood preserver such as an oil-based paint or a water-based paint with a fungicide. If the wood is in a dry environment, then a water-based paint with a fungicide is recommended. For a longer lasting finish, an alkyd or oil-based paint is recommended. It is also important to choose a colour that complements the surrounding area.
You have probably chosen your preferred application method (such as brush, roller or paint sprayer) and you should make sure the paint is compatible with your chosen method.
How much paint you will require will come down to knowing the area of wooden fence that you intend to paint, whether it is bare wood or rough sawn timber will all have a direct impact on how much fence paint you will require.
Once you have chosen the type and colour of paint, you should always use a primer and an undercoat to ensure the best finish and longevity.
Review of the Top 5 Best Fence Paints
UK Paint – Shed and Fence Paint
UK Paint – Shed and Fence Paint is the perfect solution for transforming your outdoor space from shabby to chic without the hassle of multiple coats of paint. The results from this dark grey fence paint were amazing.
I found the paint to be of excellent quality and coverage. After stirring, I was able to apply the paint with a four-inch masonry roller and a brush to cover the awkward bits. I was pleasantly surprised that it covered the surfaces with only one coat. Unlike the watery stains available in DIY shops, this paint was of a much higher quality, and it was definitely worth paying a bit more for.
The paint also worked really well with an electric paint sprayer, and I was able to spray the wooden fence in just an hour and a half. After hosing it down, I was pleased to see the water beading off the panels. The coverage was truly impressive, and I was delighted with the results.
The shade of the paint was also a pleasant surprise – it was a little darker than expected, but I really liked the colour, and it really modernised the garden. The paint was easy to use, and I didn’t experience any clogging when using a spray gun.
The only issue I encountered was that the lid was quite difficult to open, but this was a minor issue compared to the excellent performance of the paint. Overall, I would highly recommend this product as the best fence paint.
What customers are saying…
Nourish & Protect – Clear Wood Protective Treatment
Nourish & Protect – Clear Wood Protective Treatment is one of the best wood preservatives out there. This water-based treatment is UV and fade-resistant, and it contains a biocidal film preserver that prevents surface mould and algae, making it a great choice for outdoor timber, structures and wooden garden furniture.
This product is easy to use, even though you may need to use more than anticipated on fence panels that can soak up quite a lot. It goes on like water, so it is easy to apply with a paint brush or paint sprayer. It penetrates deep into the wood and once dry, it retains the original shade while also highlighting the grain of the wood.
The tin is easy to store thanks to its large size, and it is highly efficient as it goes a long way and is easy to apply with minimal spillage, even though the can opening can be a bit tricky. Moreover, it doesn’t stain the path or any surrounding areas, and it is also very effective in repelling water.
It really does what it says on the tin – it nourishes and protects the wood, giving it a great finish. It is harmless to beneficial insects and plants when dry.
Overall, Nourish & Protect – Clear Wood Protective Treatment is an excellent product that is highly recommended for its deep penetrating oil, low odour formula and superb water repellent qualities. It is easy to use, offers great coverage, and leaves the wood looking nourished and protected.
What customers are saying…
Johnstone’s Garden Colours – White Orchid
Johnstone’s Garden Colours – White Orchid is an easy-to-use, fade-resisting paint that is perfect for sprucing up your garden furniture. The colour is smooth and rich and gives a beautiful layer of long-lasting colour without losing the natural grain of the exterior wood. It’s also harmless to plants and animals when it dries, so you can be sure that your garden is safe for use. The White Orchid shade is a unique, eye-catching colour that is sure to give your garden a stand-out look with real impact.
The paint is easy to apply and dries quickly, but you may need to apply a few coats to get the desired coverage. The majority of customers were happy with the colour and the coverage, with customers noting that they were able to achieve great coverage with a paint sprayer. However, some customers found that the colour was slightly different than the advertised shade, with one customer noting that their White Orchid was more of a crimson than a magenta.
In terms of longevity, customers found that the paint holds up well, with one customer reporting that after a month their shed still looked great. However, one customer noted that the paint seemed to be thinner than expected and after three coats, they lost interest in finishing the job.
Overall, Johnstone’s Garden Colours – White Orchid is a good quality paint that is easy to apply and offers great coverage and could be the best fence paint for you. The unique colour is sure to make your garden stand out, but you may need to apply a few coats to get the desired effect.
What customers are saying…
Ronseal One Coat Fence Life
When it comes to sprucing up your outdoor space, Ronseal One Coat Fence Life could well be the best fence paint for you. This all-weather protection paint allows you to easily brush or spray apply and is 100% shower proof in just one hour. Not only that, but it guarantees UV protection for longer-lasting colour and top-up coats are not needed, saving you both time and money.
Customers who have used this product have been full of praise. Many have found great coverage and ease of use, with one coat providing a lovely colour. Some have even gone as far as to paint their dog kennels with it! It has been described as a good product that does exactly what it says on the tin, with easy application and spillage easily cleared.
This paint has been known to stand the test of time when used in coastal locations. One customer noted that they had to apply a new coat each year due to their location, but this product was reliable and went on really well. It is also known for its consistent colour and good coverage, with one customer claiming it even brightened up their wooden fences.
All in all, this product is a great choice for anyone looking to spruce up their outdoor space. It offers good coverage and great value for money, with an easy application and a nice finish. Plus, it’s available in larger tubs, which make it even more cost-effective. What more could you want?
What customers are saying…
Everbuild Wood Preserver
The Everbuild Wood Preserver is an excellent, low solvent, low odour solution specifically designed to deeply penetrate all wood and joinery to give long-lasting protection from damage caused by wet rot, dry rot, decay and fungi. It is easy to apply with a garden sprayer, fast drying and non-flammable, and can even be applied to wet timbers without any loss of performance. This wood preserver is easy to use, with a consistency of water and comes with the bonus of no nasty odours or sting burns to your face or hands. It will provide an even fade-resistant finish that will last for years.
The reviews for Everbuild Wood Preserver are overwhelmingly positive, with customers citing its ease of use, excellent coverage, and no-nonsense approach. It is a great value-for-money product as it is a lot cheaper than the more known-named brands, and its ability to treat damp or wet wood reduces downtime when a job needs to be completed on time. It is also very easy to apply, absorbs quickly, and dries pretty quickly, meaning you can get painting quickly. And the clear preserver won’t run off your wood panels with constant heavy rain like some of its darker-coloured family.
Overall, the Everbuild Wood Preserver is an excellent product that is easy to use, provides great coverage and value for money, and will protect your wood from rot and decay. Whether it does what it says on the tin only time will tell, but the reviews are overwhelmingly positive and we would definitely recommend it as the best fence paint for you.
What customers are saying…
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fence Paint
Type of Wood or Material Used in Your Fence
The type of wood or material used in your fence is an important factor to consider when choosing the best fence paint. Different types of wood and materials require different types of paint to provide protection and longevity, so it’s important to know what type of wood or material your fence is made of before you choose to paint your garden fence panels. For example, cedar and redwood will require a specific type of paint to ensure proper protection, while vinyl and aluminum garden fences might require a different type of paint.
Weather Conditions in Your Area
Weather conditions in your area are another factor to consider when choosing a fence paint. Different paints are designed for different types of weather, so you want to make sure that you choose a paint that is designed to withstand the weather conditions in your area. For example, if you live in an area with a lot of humidity, you will want to choose a paint that is designed to resist moisture and mildew.
If you are near the sea, it is important to choose a paint that is designed to withstand the salt air and is also resistant to fading caused by the sun’s UV rays. A marine-grade paint is a good option, as it is designed to withstand harsh marine environments and is highly durable. Additionally, it is important to choose a paint with a high-quality finish that will protect your fence from the damaging effects of the sun and salt air.
For dry or arid conditions, it is important to choose a paint that is designed to resist cracking and fading caused by the sun’s UV rays. High-quality acrylic paint is a good option, as it is designed to resist fading and cracking caused by the sun and is resistant to mildew and mould. Additionally, it is important to choose a paint with a high-gloss finish that will reflect the sun’s rays and protect your fence from the damaging effects of the sun.
Style and Colour of Your Fence
The style and colour of your fence should also be taken into consideration when you choose fence paint. Different colours and styles of paint can have a big impact on the overall look of your fence, so you want to make sure that you choose a paint that will compliment
Preparation Steps Before Painting Your Fence
Cleaning and Sanding Your Fence
Before you begin painting your fence, it is important to make sure that the surface is properly cleaned and sanded. This will ensure that the paint adheres to the fence and that the finish is even and consistent. To do this, you should use a pressure washer to remove any dirt or debris, and then sand the surface with a medium-grade sandpaper to create a smooth and even surface.
Priming the Fence
Once your fence is cleaned and sanded, it is important to prime the fence before you apply the paint. Priming will provide a protective barrier between the wood and the paint, helping to ensure that the paint adheres properly and provides a long-lasting finish. It is important to use a primer that is designed specifically for the type of wood or material that your fence is made of.
Applying the Paint
Once your fence is properly primed, you can apply the paint. For the deepest colour, you would use the recommended undercoat colour, followed by the final colour. When applying the paint, it is important to use a paint brush, roller or sprayer that is specifically designed for the type of paint that you are using. It is also important to use even strokes and to apply multiple coats of paint in order to create a long-lasting and even finish.
How to Properly Apply Fence Paint
Techniques for Brushing, Rolling, or Spraying
When applying fence paint, it is important to use the correct technique in order to ensure that the paint is evenly applied and that the finish is smooth and consistent. When using a brush, it is important to use even strokes and to make sure that the paint is applied in thin coats. When using a roller, it is important to roll in a “W” pattern and to avoid over-brushing. When using a sprayer, it is important to use even strokes and to make sure that the paint is applied in thin coats.
Tips for Avoiding Drips or Overlapping Strokes
It is important to avoid drips and overlapping strokes when applying fence paint. To do this, it is important to start and end each stroke in the same spot and to use even strokes when brushing, rolling, or spraying. Additionally, it is important to use a damp cloth to wipe away any excess paint and to make sure that the paint is applied in thin coats.
Applying Multiple Coats
It is important to apply multiple coats of paint to create a long-lasting and even finish. When applying multiple coats, it is important to allow the first coat to dry completely before applying the second coat. Additionally, it is important to use the same technique for each coat in order to ensure that the finish is even and consistent.
Cleaning Up After Applying Fence Paint
Once the fence paint is applied, it is important to clean up any excess paint that may have been spilt or splattered. This can be done by wiping down the area with a damp cloth or by using a paint scraper to remove any dried paint. Additionally, it is important to properly dispose of any leftover paint in order to avoid environmental contamination.
Maintenance Tips – How to Keep Your Newly-Painted Fence Looking Great
Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning is an important part of maintaining your newly-painted fence. To clean your fence, you should use a soft-bristled brush and a mild detergent solution. Make sure to remove any dirt, debris, or mildew that may have built up on the fence, and then rinse the fence with clean water.
Protecting the Paint
It is important to protect the paint on your fence in order to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. To do this, you should reapply a coat of paint every few years and make sure to use a quality sealant to protect the paint from fading or cracking. Additionally, it is important to avoid scrubbing or scraping the paint, as this can cause damage to the finish.
Regular Inspections
Regular inspections of your fence are also important in order to ensure that it remains in good condition. Inspections should be done at least once per year and should include checking for any signs of damage, such as cracks, warping, or rot. Additionally, it is important to check for damage caused by pests or weather and to make any necessary repairs.
Conclusion
With the right preparation, application techniques and maintenance tips, you can create a beautiful fence that will last for years to come. By following these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy your newly-painted fence without having to worry about fading or cracking over time. Remember: regular cleaning and inspections are key in order to keep your fence looking great! With these simple tips, you’ll have no problem creating a stunning painted fence that you can take pride in showing off.
