There are a number of methods for painting fence panels, whether one is painting newly purchased wood fencing or an existing fence. The entire process is no different than any other painting job, in that it begins with the prep work and concludes with the final coat of finished paint.
When painting raw lumber it is necessary to seal the wood prior to applying any paint. This will ensure the paint adheres to the wood, and it also saves on the amount of paint needed to obtain full coverage. For an existing fence, the panels and posts will need to be cleaned free of dust and debris in order to allow the paint to fully bond. Cleaning an existing fence can be done with a power washing system or with a garden hose and a wire brush.
The next step is to fill any unsightly pits or cracks in the new or existing fencing in order to obtain a uniform finish. This can be accomplished using a flexible plastic putty knife and wood Bondo. The plastic knife will conform to the texture of the wood and leave a more natural appearance than a metal putty knife. Once the fencing has been cleaned and filled, a water-based primer is applied to all surfaces. Under normal circumstances primer will dry completely in a few hours, and then an all weather finish coat can be applied.
The easiest method of applying primer and paint is with the use of an airless paint sprayer. The high-pressure spray nozzle forces paint into the crevices between the fencing and rails, and all but eliminates the need for any hand brush work.
Raw fencing pieces can be spread on sawhorses or a drop cloth and the primer can sprayed or applied with a roller. The edges of the pieces can be touched up with using a medium bristle brush. A good tip when rolling primer or paint, is to use them directly from a 5-gallon bucket rather than pouring into a rolling pan. This saves time and eliminates drips, and the bucket can be easily moved around by using the handle.
In addition, keeping the bucket close to the work will save time and steps. The idea is to roll a 3’ or 4’ section of fence, then move the bucket and repeat the process. It’s actually surprising how quickly one can move along a line of fencing by employing this technique. Any final detail touch up can be done using a brush and paint from a smaller bucket. When painting in this manner, it’s not necessary to wipe the brush after dipping it into the paint. Simply give it a light slap on each side of the inside the bucket, and this will ensure a full bristle of paint, which goes a lot further.
