DIY Guide: How to Paint a Wooden Fence

As the weather starts warming up, I start making my honey do list and it will certainly include painting the wooden yard fence. Although the springtime may seem to be a good time to take on the project, the best time is in the fall. In either case make sure that the weather is not overly sunny and the seasonal insects are at a minimum. Take all the needed steps to do a good job, no shortcuts, so you are not re-painting earlier than needed. Overall the project of painting a wooden fence is easy. I would say that it is better classified as tedious, not much different than any other painting project. So follow these easy steps and things are sure to go as smoothly as possible.

What You Need:

A large piece of cardboard or a flattened old box that can be slipped between the fence and the grass underneath

A 4-inch paint brush and a 1-inch paint brush or an angled brush – select good quality brushes. The cheaper brushes will shed bristles and stick to the paint job and it results in a messy finish.

Good quality outdoor paint -Outdoor paints have ultra violet inhibitors that will keep up with your local weather conditions. These paints can come in all price ranges so go with what you can afford. Remember to measure your square footage so you have enough paint to complete the project.

Prepping The Fence:

Step 1 – Power washing the fence with water is a great way to remove debris, but you must also wait for the fence to dry before proceeding with the pain job. You could take a copper wire brush and scrub the fence down to remove spider webs, old chipped paint etc.

Step 2 – Check for any insect damage specifically termites. Replace any boards that may be damaged or warped. Ensure that all of the fencing is properly secured.

Painting the Fence:

Step 1- Work in sections of three to four feet, pain the top of the fence that has the open grain and then paint one edge and one side of the fence. Complete each board within the section and go back to the first board and paint the other edge and the other side. This will keep things organized and prevent missing any boards. Furthermore you will keep the paint on the fence rather than on all over your clothes.

Step 2 – After completing four sections, go back and check your work. Ensure that you have not missed any sections and that the fence is drying as per the manufacturers recommended drying times.

As you can see the process of painting a wooden fence is hardly complicated. Make sure you have good food and good music and you are pretty much guaranteed the project can be done quite enjoyably. If you can get a few helping hands, the fence can be painted in no time.