Improving the appearance and functionality of your home is something on every homeowner’s mind. Whether that is getting new carpet installed, painting your fence, or putting new blinds up, or switching the color of the paint, regular home maintenance and improvements can keep the home feeling new for a long time.
Another home improvement that can instantly improve the appearance of your property is a fresh coat of paint on your fence. The fence is often an overlooked aspect of the home’s exterior that can be easily improved. It’s usually not until the fence is damaged or looking decayed.
There are many things to consider when you are painting your fence.
Paint vs. Stain Fence
The first thing to consider is if you want to paint or stain the fence. This ultimately comes down to your personal preference.
Stain is a great option if you want to bring out the natural beauty of wood. As time goes on, stain can simply be reapplied because the color fades away over time. Paint, on the other hand, chips and peels so it makes reapplication a little more complicated.
Staining can also be more expensive upfront than paint. The stain may cost less per gallon but you may also need more cans of stain. Paint may be less expensive initially but it may also require more paint for touch ups through the years.
Benefits of Painting Your Fence
One of the most obvious benefits of painting your fence is the visual appeal. A fresh coat of paint can instantly improve the appearance of your property. You can also choose the color of your fence that complements your home’s exterior and landscape to create a cohesive look.
Paint also prolongs the life of your fence because it acts as a protective barrier between the fence and natural elements. It’s important to use the correct type of paint for your fence to ensure the paint correctly adheres to the fence.
Painted fences are relatively easy to maintain and clean. Regular cleaning and touch-ups can keep your fence looking fresh for years. A clean and well-maintained fence can also increase the overall value of our property.
Paint Preparation
- Pick Your Paint Well: Choose a paint that is intended for exterior use. This paint will last much longer outdoors than interior paint. You’ll also have to consider the fence material because different fences require different paints. The climate is also a major factor to consider when choosing the type of paint you use for your fence. There are some types of paint that do better in humidity and wet climates than others.
- Check the Weather: Exterior paint has to remain dry for several hours before it can get wet, so make sure you paint on a clear and sunny day. Paint also applies best when there are mild temperatures.
- Clean the Area: To clean the area, remove any debris from around the fence including garbage, kids’ toys, and grass clippings. This will prevent items from getting on the wet paint and leaving an uneven finish. You can also mow the lawn before painting to get rid of any grass in the way of the bottom of the fence.
- Wash the Fence: Providing a clean surface for paint to be applied on is essential for an even coating. This will also help the paint stick better. You can use a wet rag and soap to get rid of any dirt and grime. To get an even cleaner finish, you can pressure wash the fence.
- Repair any Damaged Areas: If there are any imperfections in the fence, you can repair those areas to make the finish look great. Replace any panels that are broken or have holes in them. You can also sand any rough edges and areas to make the fence smooth for an easy application
- Prime: The final step to prepare your fence for paint is to prime it. Choose an exterior primer that is suitable for your fence material and stir it well with a stir stick before applying. You can use a paintbrush or paint roller to apply an even coat to the fence, making sure to get into all the crevices and corners. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly before applying the paint.
Time to Paint!
Once you have completed the necessary steps to prepare your fence, you are ready to paint! As with any paint job, you will need to apply an even coat to cover the entire surface. You may need to apply a second coat to achieve the results you want.
Painting your fence and other surfaces can be time consuming and difficult for homeowners who have many other responsibilities around the house. For those wanting to save time and effort on exterior painting, contact Wilson’s Paint and Floor Coverings.
