How to Paint a Wood Fence

A fence is more than a barrier to keep things and people in, or out, of your yard. It has visual impact. But if it’s old, worn and faded, it has the wrong kind of impact. 

Knowing how to paint a wood fence can breathe new life back into an old eyesore or create strong visual appeal to your property.

Start by cleaning it to ensure the paint adheres well. Then scrape off the old paint, sand, prime, and apply a new coat. That’s the Cliff’s Notes version. Let’s take a look at each step in more detail. 

What You Need

This project involves more than just slathering paint on wood. You’ll need a number of items, such as:

• Sandpaper
• Paint scraper (if repainting a fence)
• Pressure washer or fence cleaner
• Large paint brush, roller, or paint sprayer
• Small paint brush for tight spaces
• Paint tray (if you’re using a roller)
• Drop cloth
• Tape 
• Primer
• Paint
• Scrap wood or cardboard (if using a sprayer)
• Face mask and gloves (if using a sprayer)
• Power sander (optional)
• Step ladder

Brush, Roller, or Sprayer?

Brushes, rollers, and sprayers all work well, but each has benefits and drawbacks you should consider.

• Paint sprayer: Excellent for a large fence because it covers quickly and evenly, provided you use good technique to avoid overspray. You’ll still need a paint brush for tight spaces. 
• Paint roller: It works well for a medium-sized project or if you don’t have access to a sprayer. Don’t forget to also keep a paint brush handy for smaller areas you can’t reach with a roller.
• Paint brush: You may want to use a brush if you are painting a small garden fence. Even if you use a roller or sprayer, you’ll probably need a brush anyway to get in tight spaces.

Prep

Mow and remove excess shrubbery around your fence. You don’t want anything obstructing your work area or brushing against the paint while it dries.

Lay down tarps to protect anywhere you don’t want paint splatters or overspray.

Clean the Fence

Next, wash the fence to remove debris and dirt buildup. You can use a pressure washer and fence cleaner or a simple bucket of soap and water and a rag or scrub brush. 

If using a pressure washer:

Work in sections. Wet down your first section, then switch on your pressure washer’s detergent tank and apply the cleaner from the bottom up to avoid streaks. Let the cleaner sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You may need to use a scrub brush for ground in dirt.

Using low to medium pressure, spray the fence with water to rinse off all the cleaner. This time, start at the top and work your way down. Continue all the way down your fence line until the entire fence has been washed.

If washing by hand:

Use the same approach as above, except you are doing everything by hand.

Work in sections just as you would with a pressure washer. Use a garden hose to wet down the first section, then thoroughly scrub off all gunk and debris with a rag and cleaning solution.

Let the solution soak for five to 10 minutes, then hose off all of the cleaner, working from top to bottom. Continue the process for the rest of the fence. 

Scrape Off Old Paint

When the fence is dry, scrape off old peeling or flaking paint. Scrape with the grain, making sure not to gouge the wood. Then, go back and scrape against the grain of the wood, again without damaging the wood.

You don’t need to remove every bit of old paint, just paint that is flaking or loose.

Sand the Fence

Sanding helps achieve a smooth surface free of major imperfections. A smooth surface will make it easier to paint and result in an even finish. A power sander will make short work of this chore, but be careful not to apply too much pressure because you can sand down the grain or damage the fence.

My tip: Move with the wood grain, not against the grain, for best results.

Test the Paint

Paint often looks different dry than it does in the can. Paint an unobtrusive spot and let it dry overnight. Check the next day to make sure it didn’t peel or bubble, and make sure you love the color. 

Prime the Fence

Priming is an important step that prevents mold and mildew growth and ensures an even, professional look. It also acts as an adhesive for the paint, helping your paint last longer. You’ll need more primer than paint, as primer is thicker and typically covers only 200-300 square feet per gallon.

• Use an oil-based primer for oil-based paint and a water-based primer for water-based paint.
• Don’t apply primer too thick. It’s better to do several thin layers than end up with a gooey mess.
• Use horizontal strokes for the horizontal panels and vertical strokes for your vertical fence panels. 
• Be sure the primer is completely dry before you apply paint.

My tip: If you are making any drastic color changes, look for a primer that’s high-hiding.

Paint the Fence

Start at the top and work your way down. Wait until it’s completely dry to determine if a second coat is needed. However, good-quality paint should only need one coat. 

Painting the wood fence with a paint brush or roller:

• Using a large brush or roller, start at the top of each panel and work your way down, applying the paint evenly.
• Use a smaller brush for hard-to-reach areas and to clean up any drips.
• You may need to wait overnight before deciding if a second coat is needed. Check the paint can instructions for drying times. Cedar wood usually requires a second coat. 

Painting the wood fence with a paint sprayer:

• Sprayers come with different nozzles. Look at the product manual to learn how to use each nozzle properly. But, generally, use large nozzles for large areas and smaller nozzles for small nooks and crannies.
• Test the paint and nozzle on a piece of scrap wood or cardboard to perfect your technique, and adjust the settings as needed before you begin.
• Keeping the nozzle six to eight inches away from the fence, use a steady back and forth or up and down motion, letting go of the trigger each time you move to a new board. This will avoid overlapping and ensure an even coat.
• Allow the fence to dry completely before deciding whether to add a second coat.

My tip: Always keep a paint brush handy to clean up any drips as you go, even if you are using a roller or sprayer.

Frequently Asked Questions

DIY or Hire a Pro?

If you’re a DIY enthusiast with painting experience, tackling this project yourself can be rewarding. However, for many, painting a fence is a tiring and time-consuming task that’s best left to the pros. HomeGnome connects you with the best painters in your area who can help you with all your painting needs.

Main Photo Credit: VSPYCC / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0