Painting your fence? Here are 10 things you should know

Spring is here, which means it’s time to tackle those outdoor painting projects, including your wood fence. 

Wood fences are a great way to create a backyard oasis, add a bit of privacy, and keep kids and pets safe while they play outside. 

Some homeowners choose to upgrade their wood fence with a new paint color, while others opt for wood stains for a more natural look. Regardless of what you choose, you’ll want to make sure your fence is well maintained so it looks its best and doesn’t wear out.

In this post, Spectra Painting Contractors will talk about the best painting techniques for wood fences and what you should know about fence maintenance. 

1. Moisture and sunlight will take the most toll on your wood fence:

Moisture and sunlight cause the most wear and tear on outdoor fences. Over time, moisture weakens wood by causing it to repeatedly expand and contract. Sunlight also breaks down wood and fades the natural color. Paint is an effective and affordable way to protect your wooden fence from the outdoor elements by blocking UV light and adding a moisture barrier to protect the wood underneath. 

2. Plan to paint your fence every other spring 

A good coat of paint will last about two or three years, depending on the type of paint you use and the climate you live in. It’s safe to assume you’ll need to repaint your fence every other spring, but sometimes you might get lucky, and you can put off painting it for another year. Don’t let your wood fence go too long without a fresh coat of paint because repainting a damaged or flaky fence will be more work in the long run. 

3. Get any fence repairs done before you start painting: 

Every so often, check your fence for any serious maintenance issues, like broken boards, rot, or loose pieces. You’ll want to take care of any big maintenance jobs before you start painting, so you don’t damage your new paint. 

4. Only paint when the weather is agreeable: 

Spring is one of the best times of the year to paint your fence and other outdoor woodwork because it’s usually when the best weather conditions are. 

Paint shouldn’t get applied to a damp or hot surface because it can cause problems like paint cracking and bubbling. 

Try to find a few days when temperatures will be in the 60s to 80s and there won’t be any rain. You’ll want to give your fence enough time to dry out, get painted, and allow for at least one day for the fresh coat of paint to dry. 

5. It’s OK to paint a fence that has already gotten stained:

Many people wonder if they can paint a fence that has already gotten treated with a wood stain. In short, yes, it should be fine to paint a wood fence that has previously gotten treated with a wood stain.

6. You can’t stain a fence that has already gotten painted:

On the other hand, if your wood fence has already gotten painted, you can’t put a wood stain on top of it. The wood stain should get applied to bare wood surfaces, not painted wood surfaces. Most wood stains are also transparent to some degree, so you’ll still see the old paint through the wood stain. 

7. Don’t paint over chipped or flaking paint:

Before getting your fence painted, go around and scrape off any old paint spots that are peeling or flaking off. Removing the old and damaged paint will help the new wood paint go on smooth and last longer. 

8. Yes, you should use a primer before you paint:

Don’t forget to apply a paint primer before painting your wood fence. The paint primer helps the paint adhere to the wood surface and last longer. Primer is crucial for outdoor painting projects since the surface will be exposed to the weather elements every day. 

9. Tackle the painting project in sections

If you have a big fence to paint, break the job into smaller sections that are easier to manage. Sectioning up the fence line allows you to keep all of your materials close by, and you can move along the project much faster than trying to tackle the whole thing at once. 

10. Keep plants and moisture away from your fence: 

Keep grass trimmed short so it isn’t touching the bottom of the fence. Also, trim plants and trees to keep moisture and pests away from the wood fence as much as possible.

Should you paint your fence? 

Painting your fence comes down to how you want your wood fence to look and whether it has gotten stained or painted in the past. 

You may need to paint if your fence has already gotten painted or if you want a specific color that isn’t available as a stain. 

Wood stain usually lasts longer than paint, but there is required maintenance for fences treated with wood stain.

Spectra Painting Contractors is based in the greater Boston area. You can learn more about paint and home improvement on our blog.