Fence Painting

Check the weather before planning to paint your fences. We recommend looking at the forecast a day ahead. Regardless of your fence material, pick a warm, dry day with low humidity (around 20°C) for the best results.

Because you can prevent too much moisture at lower humidity levels, the early to mid-summer and spring seasons are ideal for painting fences. Additionally, your paint will dry uniformly and rapidly. However, avoid beginning the fence painting project at 30°C or above because intense UV and extreme heat can cause paint to flake because it dries too quickly.

Tip 2: Make sure your surface is ready.

Now that you’ve picked the right day, it’s time to get ready. Make sure the surface is well-prepared and primed before you open your paint can.

First, clean the area around the fence. Trim the grass and weeds at the base, remove dirt and cobwebs, and take out any old nails or screws from the panels. Depending on the material, wash the fence well. Common fence types like aluminum, PVC, wrought iron, composite, and split rail usually need a strong power wash with water and a bleach solution to get rid of mold and mildew.

Make sure the wood is still in good shape and free of termite infestation and water damage before repainting a wooden fence. To guarantee an equal surface, sand down any cracked or peeling areas after brushing away any dirt.

Tip 3: Make use of the required equipment and tools
To do the process, you’ll need different tools and applicators depending on the type of fencing material you’re dealing with. To guarantee an even coating, sprayers and power painters are advised for fencing materials like wrought iron or aluminum. Professional painters favor these power painters because of their effective use in large-scale painting projects. They come in cordless models.

Employ the proper protection equipment, such as a mask, gloves, and adequate protective drop sheets, if you choose to employ power painters or sprayers.

Use a roller and paintbrushes to finish any wood or vinyl fencing panels. We advise using a large 4-inch paintbrush for coverage and a small 2-inch brush for corner and edge trimming if you’re just using paint brushes. Remember to use drop sheets to cover the surrounding areas and wear gloves.

Tip #4: Select the appropriate paint or stain.

Painting or staining are the two methods for coloring vinyl or wood fencing panels. The traditional, less costly method is painting the fence, but it does take extra work to maintain its beauty. Because of its endurance, we advise using oil-based paint for painting timber fences. We advise using automotive epoxy or enamel paints for metal fences.

Although staining your fences is more expensive than painting, the effects will last longer and stick to the surface better. Additionally, unlike painting, staining doesn’t require any extra preparation.

If you’re not sure which application is best for your fence, be sure to speak with a Dulux contractor or professional painting service to better understand your needs and make the right decision.

Tip 5: Put a priming coat on.
All year long, your fencing must be able to endure changes in the weather and the surrounding environment. One of the main causes of fences’ increased vulnerability to mold and deterioration is these severe circumstances. This is also the reason why we always advise using a layer of high-performance primer to protect the fencing surface, as a single coat of paint is never sufficient.

The fencing panels will form a thick, protective shell that will improve paint application if you prime them with either plastic or metal. Even old stains can be covered up by paint primers, resulting in a smooth surface.

To guarantee protection, you might need to apply several coats of primer to older fences. Make sure the primer you buy is a high-performance undercoat that improves the durability and adhesion of the topcoat.

Tip 6: Use the proper methods while painting your fence.

Whether you’re looking to DIY or contact a professional residential painter, it’s essential to understand how your fencing material will affect your paint job to ensure everyone is informed upfront and understands the job at hand.

We discussed utilizing a brush or a roller to do your own wooden fencing panels. To avoid drips and excess paint around the edges, make sure you move the tool in the direction of the wood grain when applying paint.

For best coverage, we advise using a sprayer on metal fencing panels. For small fences or fencing with details, a bristle brush may come in handy. If you decide to use a brush for painting, make sure to go in one direction to avoid dripping. If using a sprayer, do the same, spraying in the downwind direction.

Final verdict
With these simple steps, you’ll be ready to overhaul your fence and give your exterior a brand new look. Our team of Dulux accredited residential painters and contractors in Sydney are prepared to assist with the entire fence panel painting process. If you reside in Sydney or nearby suburbs, reach out today for residential painting-related queries and services. You can also subscribe to our newsletter for our tips and tricks every month.