Updating and maintaining your fence might not be something that comes to mind very often. But it’s definitely something to keep in mind because it catches a lot of people’s eyes and can be a great feature for curb appeal. Even if you recently redid your fence, fence painting is worth it to maintain since the wood is exposed to the elements. It’s likely to start to rot or even develop fungus or termites if it’s not maintained properly.
Luckily for you, we’ve put together a nice little guide completely dedicated to fence painting! We’ll let you in on all the details in regard to how often you should redo your fence paint. As well as what the best paint is for fence painting. Also, some options for fence staining as well. Let’s dig right into what the best paint is for fence painting!
Types of Paint for Fences
When it comes to fence painting, the two most commonly used paints are exterior latex paint and oil-based paint. You may also consider stains or wood preservatives for specific wooden fences.
Exterior latex paint
Exterior latex paint is a popular choice, particularly as paint for fence wood. Latex is water-resistant when dry and is fantastic at surviving the wear and tear posed by diverse weather conditions. This type of paint dries quickly, is resistant to UV rays, and comes in a variety of colour options.
Oil-based paint
Oil-based paints penetrate deeper into the wood, providing strong adhesion, which prevents chipping and peeling. They’re also very durable and have a high-quality finish. However, this type of paint takes a long time to dry, and you need to use harsh chemicals like mineral spirits for cleanup.
Stains and Wood Preservatives
These are specifically formulated for wooden surfaces, enhancing the natural beauty of wood grains, providing UV protection, and increasing the lifespan of wooden fences. These generally come in a more limited range of colours compared to paints.
Exterior latex paint
Before selecting fence paint, consider the following factors:
Material of the Fence
Deciding on the best paint largely depends on the material of the fence. While latex and oil-based paints can work on a variety of fence materials, specialty products like stains or wood preservatives are best suited for natural wood fences.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Fences are constantly exposed to the elements, so make sure to choose paint that is highly resistant to extreme weather conditions. Both oil-based paint and latex are suitable for outdoor use and provide different levels of weather resistance.
Drying Time
Consider the drying time, especially if you live in an area prone to unpredictable weather. Latex dries quickly, reducing the chance of weather-related damage, while oil-based paints require a lot more time to dry.
Maintenance
While both paints are easy to maintain with regular cleaning and touch-ups, oil-based paint tends to last longer between repaints than latex paint.
In terms of how often your fence needs to be repainted, it really depends on the wood’s condition and the climate where you live. If the weather is quite damp and rainy, your wood is likely to need fence painting more frequently. After all, when your fence is stained or painted, it acts as that nice barrier and protector from the elements. If the area that you live in is quite dry for most of the year, your fence might need less maintenance.
With that said, most experts recommend regular fence painting maintenance every two to three years. It’s good to give your fence a nice once-over every spring or summer. You want to check it out and see if there are any visible chips, cracks or just general wear and tear. Also, there’s a way to check and see if there’s any water damage as well. Simply spray your fence with a little bit of water and if it doesn’t bead down the sides, it’s definitely time to repaint!
It really depends on the type of look you’re going for with your exterior elements. Some people prefer working with wood stain over paint, but it’s really up to you. Both are great options for your exterior decking and fence!
For fence painting, paint works to give a more opaque finish. There is also a nice level of protection from UV rays, rain, snow, and ice. Also, if you go with fence painting, you can really play up your fence and make it a feature that works to make your backyard pop!
It really depends on the type of look you’re going for with your exterior elements. Some people prefer working with wood stain over paint, but it’s really up to you. Both are great options for your exterior decking and fence!
For fence painting, paint works to give a more opaque finish. There is also a nice level of protection from UV rays, rain, snow, and ice. Also, if you go with fence painting, you can really play up your fence and make it a feature that works to make your backyard pop!
What is the Best Paint to Use For Fence Painting?
The thing to remember about fence painting is that you have to select a decent exterior primer before you start painting. For wood fencing, you can either go for latex or oil-based primer and paint. Oil-based is a great choice if you’re starting from scratch. Behr’s Premium Plus Oil-Based Primer & Sealer is a nice, dependable pick. Otherwise, if your fence already has paint on it, a good latex primer and paint is likely the best choices. A latex primer that works well on wood is Sherwin Williams Exterior Latex Wood Primer.
Benjamin Moore’s Regal Select Latex paints are a solid choice in terms of exterior paint options. They’re super durable and resist cracking, fading, and peeling. They apply easily and work to resist mildew damage, even in humid temperatures. If you want to go with a nice off-white for your fence painting, White Diamond is a pretty choice. It’s also a popular choice for the 2020 season to go for a nice deep brown. It works to hide any imperfections and really makes for a sleek finish. Tucker Chocolate is an inspired choice for fence painting. Another popular colour this season is Thundercloud Gray.
The Benefits of Going With Fence Stain
If you have a fresh new fence installed and are looking to go the stain route, it’s certainly a good option. Fence staining helps to protect your investment as it acts as a sealant. It protects it from the environment and also offers protection from harsh UV rays. Fence staining also helps to protect the wood from mildew, rotting, fungus, and termites.
You also have the option with stains to showcase the natural grain of the wood when you choose a clear or transparent stain. When you get into the semi-transparent and solid stains, they provide more colour-changing options. Don’t forget to visit our Pinterest page for all sorts of fence and deck painting inspiration!
WRAPPING UP!
While paint choice is crucial, ensure that the fence is adequately prepped and primed before painting. Also, consider the existing colour and condition of the fence before you start. It might be worth spending a little more on good-quality, best fence paint or stain for a long-lasting, beautiful result.
Remember, no paint will last forever, and fence maintenance will always be an ongoing task. Choose the type of paint that fits your specific fence material, local weather conditions, and personal preference to get the best results. With the right paint and proper application, your fence can become a beautiful asset to your property.
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