How to Paint a Garden Fence Cleanly
Difficulty
2/10
Time
Day project
Tools
brush roller scraper and sheets
Project Overview
Painting a fence is simple, but good results come from dry weather, clean timber and protecting nearby plants, paving and soil before opening the tin.
Safety Note
Use outdoor products as directed and keep paint away from ponds, drains, pets and planting. Do not spray in wind, and wear eye protection and gloves when scraping or cleaning old coatings.
Before You Paint
- Check the forecast and avoid damp timber or direct hot sun.
- Brush off dirt, cobwebs and loose coating.
- Repair damaged boards before painting.
- Protect paving, soil and planting with sheets.
Method
- Stir the coating thoroughly.
- Work from top to bottom and along the grain.
- Use a brush for edges and gaps, then a roller or wide brush for panels.
- Apply thin coats rather than flooding the timber.
- Allow the recommended drying time before a second coat.
Common Mistakes
Painting wet timber, skipping cleaning, using interior paint, and letting coating run into planting areas create most problems.
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