A wood fence can enhance privacy, security, and good looks to your house, but there are maintenance expenses to consider. Regular maintenance is the key to avoid rotting and weathering, as well as overall deterioration. If not maintained, wooden fences may become a mess and devalue your property. In order to avoid the need for structural repair or replacement, it’s a great idea to paint your fencing at least every two years.
Although you could avoid expenses by painting fences by yourself, the preparation and effort are a lot to take. It may not be worth the trouble if you are not physically in shape for the work. You can also avoid the trouble and let a professional fence painter do it for you.
A beautiful wood fence adds curb appeal and mostly increases the value of your property which is why you should maintain it properly. Here are some tips that guide you toward a successful fence painting.
Fence Painting Preparation
- Trim your lawn and other areas that are filled with green plants around and at the base of the fence.
- Clean any spiderweb, dirt, or dust from everywhere all around the fences.
- Power wash the fence. You can use a mix of 1-part bleach and 1-part water to get rid of fungus or mold spots. Allow drying carefully.
- Rub off the previous paint. If you’re dealing with a re-paint coat, then you should consider smoothing it.
- Look for termite infestation or damage.
- Tape all hardware and joints, tightening any slack parts as you move.
- Place a cover, drop cloth, or plywood pieces everywhere around the fenced area to keep nearby sidewalk, driveway, or lawn from any damage.
Additional Wood Fence Painting Tips
- It’s better to use quality materials. A low-priced paintbrush will lose its hairs and become hard easily. The exact same thing will happen for paint – the better the quality, the longer it will survive. You can use exterior UV-inhibiting paint to keep your wood fence from damage.
- Check the weather prediction! Plan your project when there is absolutely no rain in sight for at least 48 hours.
- Start early. Direct sunlight will make the paint dry too fast so it won’t be able to deliver proper protection. It’s also better for your skin if you don’t work in sunlight all day long.
- Work on the fence section by section.
- If tall bushes are growing close to the fence, slip half a sheet of plywood vertically between the fence and bushes. Move-in between the plywood and your fence and bend back on the board, pushing the bushes away from the fencing. The plywood carries on your weight so no branches break, and when you slip the wood out, the branches will be right back.
- Make sure that you’re in good enough shape for the work. You will be putting a high amount of tension on your back and shoulders, especially when you have a giant fence. You have to paint the front, edges and top of the fence, and put on two or three coats. It might be better to hire a professional painter in Melbourne to do the job for you.
