Fence Painting Tips
There is an old saying “Good fences make good neighbours” So we can reasonably assume a Great Fence would make Great Neighbours!
Painted fences can be seen throughout history, from ancient Romans to the Modern Day Romans. They are typically used for borders or boundaries that separate two areas. This can be as a border between two properties or as a boundary between your property and the street. The use of painted fences has expanded over time, with the advent of new materials such as aluminum, vinyl, and plastic being used more often than wood in order to maintain their aesthetic appeal.
In recent years, painted fences have been used in gardens to create an attractive view for visitors who might want to come over and see your garden. They also offer privacy and visibility depending on what is desired by the owner. To keep these stunning additions to one’s landscape and property, keeping them maintained and well-kept is a must. And what is the best way to do this? Painting your fences on a regular basis.
Why Should I Paint My Fence?
Fences are usually made of wood or metal. They are used for keeping pets inside the premises of your property and to keep strangers away from entering or peaking at your property. Fences are well-built with strong materials so that it can withstand the elements. There are many different types of fences that you can use for your property. Depending on the type of fence, they will have different maintenance needs.
Painting a fence is one of the most basic ways to keep and maintain your fences in good condition. Regardless of the material your fences are made of, there are different types of paints that can be used for your fences.
Generous and quality coating of paints on your fences gives it an extra layer of protection from the rain and the harsh elements for many years. Similar to your roofs, they should be repainted on a regular basis to maximize their life span. Wood fences tend to rot when left exposed to rain. Metal fences can be eaten away by rust if left exposed to rain and heat. The same is true with concrete fences. Paint helps seal these materials, extending their years of service and protecting your investment.
When Should I Paint my Fence?
Painting fences can be a family affair. You can do it on a weekend or when the whole family feels like doing so. However, a professional painter is still the best option to choose especially when dealing with high and huge fence areas.
A good rule of thumb to follow is to wait for a month or two after you install your fence. This gives the fence material enough time to weather, but not too much. Wooden fences that have been treated with chemicals should at least wait for a good three to four months for them to dry enough.
Repainting your fences once every year or two years, depending on the weather conditions in your area is ideal.
What is the Best Paint for a Wooden Fence?
How to paint a wooden fence is quite different from fences made up of other materials. Choosing the best paint for a wood fence is the first task you should take care of.
There are different types of paints that can be used to paint your wooden fences.
You can go for oil-based paints that are known for their durability against the elements. They can take time to dry so be sure to paint early and only during a sunny day. An extra coat of paint thinner is also ideal to seal and complete the painting process using this type of paint.
Among the three, acrylic latex paint is the most recommended type of paint for wooden fences. They offer a good moisture barrier offering better protection against the rain, garden sprinklers and other sources of moisture.
Water-based or acrylic paints are good for wood too. They help resist cracking and blistering which is quite very obvious with wooden fences. They are also less toxic for the environment.
Remember to paint your wooden fence with a primer. This serves as the undercoat that creates a bonding layer on the surface of wood to the paint. Primers create surfaces that are textured enough to the paint to adhere better. It can be used when spray painting your fence or in most circumstances when applying paint using the traditional paint brush.
What Equipment Do I Need to Paint My Fence?
Painting a fence is not limited to a paint brush alone. If you want to efficiently paint your fences, you will have to use several other tools and accessories to achieve a good-looking finish. Exterior painting services are usually equipped with such equipment to complete a painting job faster and more efficiently. However, if you wish to paint your fences on your own, here are some of the basic tools that you will need.
- A good exterior paint that is well-suited for the type of material your fence is made of
- Small rollers to take care of the bottom areas and hard to reach spots
- Primer for better adhesion
- Sandpaper to even the surfaces of the areas to be painted
- Paint tray to minimize the clutter after painting
- Extension rods for your roller where height can be challenging
- Good quality brushes
There are a lot of different options when it comes to painting a fence. You can use a brush and roller, or you can use a sprayer. However, most households do not have paint sprayers readily available at home. Pressurized spray guns can be quite expensive for most households to have in their tool box.
What Technique Should I Use When Painting My Fence?
There are many techniques that you can use when painting your fence. One way is to use a paint roller with a low-tack, high-gloss finish. Painting outdoor fences with a paint roller is a quick and easy way to get the job done. It can be used to create an even coat of paint in a short amount of time.
Paint rollers are a great tool to use when painting outdoor fences, retaining walls, and other outdoor surfaces. They are easy to use and will quickly cover large areas with a thin coat of paint. They can be used on other surfaces such as wood, metal, concrete, and brick walls.
The paint roller helps save time because it is quick and easy to use and doesn’t require expensive equipment or tools like a ladder or scaffolding.
Another technique is using an angled brush with a light coat of paint on the top and bottom surfaces of the fence. These are usually equipped during finishing touches or to cover areas that your paint rollers might have missed.
When painting your fence, you should consider the type of paint that you want to use and how far away you will be able to reach while painting. You might have to use longer ladders or extenders if you are planning to do the painting job efficiently.
Maintaining Your Fences with a Fresh Coat of Paint
If your fences are starting to look work and their colors start to fade, a fresh coat of paint can create a lot of difference. Doing so once every few years helps your fences look great and maintain the visual dynamics of your home or property.
Looking for a professional to paint your residential or commercial fences for you. Portos Painting & Maintenance is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment, get a quote or to book a site visit. Invest in the look of your home’s exterior with painting services from Portos!