Is your garden fence looking tired? It’s easy to refresh it with our impressive range of Garden Shades or Cuprinol Ducksback paints. Explore our guide to painting a garden fence to learn everything you need to know before you begin.
Materials needed for painting a fence
Pick a sunny day, then gather the following tools and materials to make fence painting a breeze:
Optional extras include a step ladder and gloves.
How to prepare a fence for painting
1. Prep the area
We recommend pulling out any old nails or screws sticking out of the fence panels, as these can be hazardous. Remove any hanging baskets, plant pots, furniture, or objects obstructing the fence, or cover them with sheets or tarpaulin to avoid paint splashes. If your fence borders a patio or decking area, you may want to protect this too.
2. Wash and repair the fence
Brush away any loose debris or dirt using a stiff brush. Then, wash the fence using a pressure washer to remove stubborn grime. If you don’t have a pressure washer, use a bucket of warm water, dish soap, and a sponge to wash the fence panels. Rinse the fence with clean water and let it dry thoroughly. After that, use a wood filler to repair any small holes or cracks.
3. Sand and prime the fence
Sand down rough areas to remove splinters, ensuring the panels are smooth enough for even paint coverage. Apply a priming product to protect the fence, like the Cuprinol Clear Wood Preserver, which is ideal for use under paints and varnishes.
Let the first coat of wood preserver dry partially – allow between two and six hours before applying a second coat. Then, leave at least 16 hours for the fence to dry completely. After that, you’re ready to start painting!"
The best way to paint a fence
We recommend choosing a dry, warm day to paint your fence so each coat will dry quickly. When it comes to technique and application, you can paint your fence however you’d prefer, whether using brushes, rollers or a combination. For example, you can use a brush to cover the small, tricky areas first, then a roller for the larger sections, or vice versa. Discover our top tips below to learn more.
How to paint a fence with a brush
Paint brushes are ideal for detail work or narrow and hard-to-reach areas of the fence that a roller won’t cover.
Use a 2"" paintbrush or a smaller 1"" brush to cover any edges, corners or hard-to-reach areas near walls, plants or furniture.
Apply a single, even coat, then leave it to dry before applying a second coat.
Once you’ve finished painting, clean your paintbrushes in warm, soapy water to remove excess paint. You may also need to soak them in white spirit after washing, as exterior wood paints are oil-based.
How to paint a fence with a roller
Invest in a paint roller if you’re looking for quick ways to paint a fence. Unlike brushes, rollers can cover large areas in less time. Follow these steps for the best results:
Use a medium pile standard roller to paint larger areas. These rollers have excellent paint pick-up and provide even coverage.
Work your way from top to bottom, using horizontal strokes for horizontal planks of wood and vertical strokes for vertical planks. Following the direction of the timber ensures a smoother finish and speedier application.
Once your first coat is dry, apply a second coat, repeating the steps above. This will give your paint colour depth, provide a long-lasting finish and increase wood protection.
When you’ve finished painting, clean your paint roller in warm, soapy water or white spirit to remove excess paint.
Fence painting FAQs
What are the best brushes for painting a fence?
When it comes to fence painting, there is no right or wrong brush. We recommend choosing an exterior paintbrush with durable bristles for longevity and a comfortable handle grip to make painting more enjoyable. With various sizes available, you can find large brushes to cover a greater surface area or small brushes for detail work and hard-to-reach spots.
How many coats do you need to paint a fence?
When using quality paints like Cuprinol Garden Shades, two coats should be sufficient. Depending on the shade you choose and the natural wood colour, you may need to apply up to three coats of paint to get a streak-free, opaque finish.
Can I paint both sides of my fence?
If both sides of the fence are on your property, you can paint them. However, if one side is in your neighbour’s garden, you can only paint your side of the fence.
