How to Paint Your Fence
For many people, having the perfect garden is just as important as making the interior look great. An easy way to welcome a new lease of life into your garden is to tidy up your fence with a touch of paint. It’s a fairly uncomplicated task, no matter your level of DIY training.
Refreshing your fence will not only make it look better but it will also protect it from natural weather conditions, such as harsh rain that causes the wood to crack. The summer season is the best time to paint your fence, when it’s less likely to rain. Make sure to wear some old clothes and gloves that you don’t mind staining and most importantly, remember to have fun!
Prepare the Area Around the Fence
If there are plants surrounding the fence, protect them from paint splashes by covering them with a dust sheet before you start. If necessary, mow the grass along the line of the fence and move any nearby garden furniture or other objects that might be in the way.
You will also want to ready the surface of the fence by detaching any old nails or screws and scraping off loose or peeling paint. Sand down the coarse areas so that you are left with a smooth, flat surface ready to be painted.
What Tools Do I Need?
Depending on the size of your fence, painting by hand could potentially take a very long time. It might be worth investing in a pump or power sprayer to help you get the job done a lot quicker, but make sure you double check all of the hard-to-reach gaps in case you’ve missed them.
If you’re only painting a small area, using a brush is substantial enough. Brushes are great for more detailed painting, such as around the windows. If necessary, you may want to add a second coating of paint, however, most good quality fence paint tends to only need one coating.
What Paint Should I Use?
Make sure to check that the paint you buy is suitable for exterior use as it will be specifically designed to be tough and durable so that it is not susceptible to weather damage. You will not be short for choice. If you are using a sprayer to paint your fence, make sure you choose a paint that is compatible with your sprayer so that you don’t damage it.
You could also apply an undercoating of wood preserver to further increase the lifespan of your wood, meaning you won’t have to decorate as often. However, this is an optional extra.
Once you’ve finished painting, clean your brushes thoroughly so that they can be re-used in the future. Wipe the tops of your paint tins before you return the lid so that it doesn’t stick. Make sure the tins are securely sealed and store them in a cool, dry place.
