If the paint on your wood fence is starting to peel, fade, or look outdated, a fresh coat can have it looking good as new. How the paint job turns out depends entirely on your preparation and technique, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into. The guide below will help you paint your fence properly.

How to Paint a Fence Correctly

1. Prep the Area

Before you get started, make sure the space around the fence doesn’t get in the way while you work. Mowing the lawn and laying down tarps provides a flat surface to prevent you from missing spots and damaging your grass with paint. Clean up any toys, gardening tools, and lawn equipment, and trim back nearby shrubs and trees.

2. Take Care of Repairs

Painting over damage simply hides it as it worsens over time. Additionally, the fresh paint won’t be nearly as attractive on an old and visibly worn wood fence. To get your fence ready, thoroughly inspect it for cracked boards, loose nails and screws, and splinters. Handle all repairs before you start painting to give yourself a smooth canvas. Scrape away chipped or cracking paint, replace damaged boards and nails, and sand down rough spots.

3. Clean the Fence

Once the fence is smooth and in good shape, it's time for a clean. Dirt, moss, and other grime left behind can leave your paint looking gritty and produce an uneven coat. Use a cleaner specifically formulated for wood fences and follow the instructions carefully. Any remaining dirty patches can be washed away with a hose.

4. Test Your Primer and Paint

When you select your wood paint and primer, it’s a good idea to test them. You don't want the color to dry differently than you expected. Choose a secluded area of the fence to test a small patch of the primer and paint. Allow it to dry for 24 hours, then check to make sure you like how it looks.

5. Use the Proper Technique

Whether you’re using a paintbrush or roller, wood fences should be primed and painted to match the direction of the panels. For example, horizontal boards require horizontal strokes, while vertical panels must be painted vertically. The primer should dry completely before you begin painting. Start at the top of the fence, and once you make your way to the bottom, fill in any missing spots. If the color doesn’t look bright or deep enough, let the paint dry and give it a second coat.

If you need a new fence installation, contact All American Fence in Spencerport, NY. This reliable fence contractor offers professional installations of vinyl, chain-link, pool, picket, and privacy fences at affordable rates. They use top-quality materials and offer a variety of colors and styles to suit your needs. For more information about services, visit their website. Call (585) 352-8370 today to request a free estimate.