“Then apply the paint using the same method to complete your first coat. Depending on how well you did the job the first time, you might need to go over it a second time.”
How to correctly paint a fence ‘fast’ this spring to freshen it up – including spray paint
According to experts at Checkatrade, one of the most important parts of painting a fence is to use quality products so that it lasts for years, and looks great throughout its lifetime. Before starting to paint a shed, choose the colour and type of paint needed for your fence and protect the area with old towels, sheets or tarp. If you want to paint a fence “fast” it is best to use a roller to allow the paint to cover a large area in one go.
The experts said: “Put on some eye protection and old clothes. Then lay your plastic tarp on the ground to protect any landscaping or grass.
“To prep the fence, sand it down if it’s wood or use an orbital sander or sanding block if it’s metal.
“Once your fence is dry, use your roller to paint the surface of the fence. Use slow and steady movements so the area is thoroughly coated.
“Although using a roller is a quick way to go over your fence, there will inevitably be gaps you need to go over with a soft brush – especially for interlocking shapes or intricate designs.”
How to correctly paint a fence ‘fast’ this spring to freshen it up – including spray paint (Image: Getty)
Once the fence is coated, leave it to dry before going over it with a weatherproof sealant or topcoat.
Painting a wooden fence
The pros added: “Painting a wooden fence is easier than other materials, especially if you just want to change its colour or go over old or chipped paint.
“To start, clear the surrounding area and remove any loose screws and nails. Prepare the area surrounding the fence by mowing the grass, clearing any weeds, and laying a large tarp over the ground.”
Britons should use a small brush or roller and apply a pre-treatment or primer to wooden fences to help seal the surface of the wood and extend its lifespan.
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Make sure to repair any minor issues such as loose nails or screws, before sanding it down to remove any chipped paint.
Next, use a power washer or a spray and brush combo to clean the fence. This will help to make sure the wood is free from dirt and grime before it is painted.
The experts continued: “Leave it to dry out completely before moving on to the next step. Make sure your fence primer and chosen paints are safe for outdoor use and on wood.
“For example, oil-based paints are usually the most durable type of fence paint on the market. Apply the primer using a roller or paintbrush first and leave it to dry completely.
Painting a fence is best done in spring or summer (Image: Getty)
Gather Your Materials
First of all, you are going to need the right tools for the job. And when we say the right tools for the job, we do not mean the cheapest possible tools and products you can lay your hands on.
In terms of the paint and primer you are going to need, it’s important to take into account the quality of the products available to you. Not only should they be specifically designed for use outdoors, but you should look only to buy from brands with the strongest possible reputation for product quality. And the reason being that the more you cut corners now, the more you will regret it later when you find yourself having to perform on-going and constant touch-ups.
The same also goes for the paintbrushes themselves, as while they may all look the same on the surface, they really could not be more different. The cheaper and lower quality the paintbrushes you choose, the more difficult it is going to be to apply the paint to the surface of the fence. Not only this, but lower-grade brushes make it difficult or impossible to achieve a flawless finish. For the sake of spending a few extra dollars, it really is worth going for better brushes.
Paint the Fence Before You Put It Up
If it is a possibility, you might want to think about painting the various parts of your fence, before you actually erect it. Or if it is possible to take down your fence with ease (and put it back together again!), you might find doing so works in your favor. More often than not, it is considerably easier to paint fences and their component parts while they are lying on the floor, as opposed to actually being up in place.
Painting the panels in this way also makes it easier to apply the paint or stain you are using to all four sides of the panels. It is very important to ensure that you also stain or paint the ends of the boards, where the open-ended grain will otherwise be at a particularly high risk to rot if moisture is allowed to creep in.
However, if it is going to prove to be an unmitigated nightmare to take down and reassemble your fence, simply paint it where it stands.
Prep the Fence
Be sure to set plenty of time aside to give your fence a comprehensive clean, before even thinking about getting started painting or staining it. This means first giving it a good brush down to get rid of residual dirt and debris, before washing it thoroughly with warm water and a suitable cloth or soft brush. For obvious reasons, you also need to give it plenty of time to dry.
During this stage of the process, if you come across any obvious damage or imperfections, now is the time to address them. In addition, pay attention to any areas of the fence you think may have succumbed to rot, rather than simply ignoring or overlooking them. Remove chipped paint, splinters and peels along the way.
