How to paint a wooden fence

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Woodie's DIY will show you how to paint a wooden fence. These fences can be exposed to the elements so it's important to keep them in good condition.

How to do it

Step 1

Clean your fence to remove dirt, dust and debris. Remove any dirt, moss, fungal growth and lichens with a stiff bristle brush. Wear a suitable dust mask when sanding to avoid the inhalation of dust.

Step 2

Mask off any areas you don’t want painted e.g. fence posts or plinth. Lay a dust sheet under the area you will be working at to avoid any paint splattering on the ground.

Do not apply timber treatment in wet conditions or if rain is likely before the product dries. Do not apply in temperatures below 10°C or in high humidity. Do not apply in direct sunlight.

Step 3

Stir paint well before starting. If using a brush, paint the fence in sections. Paint the top edge and any vertical uprights first. Then paint the face of the fence. Start at the top and work your way down, painting in the direction of the grain.

Step 4

For larger areas you can use a sprayer. Pour the sprayable product into the tank of the sprayer. Turn it on and stand about 20cm back from the fence. Gently squeeze the trigger to start the sprayer. Spray the fence using the same method as you would if painting with a brush – top edge, followed by any vertical uprights, and then the face of the fence. Don’t spray on a windy day as it may drift to an adjacent garden.

Step 5

Leave paint to dry for time indicated in manufacturer’s instructions and apply a second coat if necessary. When finished remove any dust sheets/newspaper/masking tape from the area you were working in.