If you don’t have a large enough tarp, move the tarp with you as you paint. Remove any decorations on the fence, along with the nails or screws holding them up. You can add new screws and nails when you finish painting.
It’s best to replace boards or panels if they’re splitting, bowing, or rotting.
Garnet sandpaper works best for sanding wood. [4] X Research source
If your fence is exceptionally dirty, power washing is an effective method to get rid of accumulated grime like mildew. [5] X Expert Source Andres MatheuCommercial Painter Expert Interview. 28 July 2020. Refer to your fence cleaner’s instructions to figure out how much to use and whether or not you need to dilute the cleaner. Make sure the fence cleaner is safe to use on wood (it will say on the bottle).
If it rains on the fence, you’ll also need to wait a day or two for the fence to dry, so keep an eye on the forecast.
Check the label for any special instructions when choosing a wood paint.
Paint often looks different dry than it does in the can, so make sure you love the dry color before you paint the rest of the fence.
Every primer is different. Check the primer’s instructions to see how long it will take to dry. Paint rollers generally cover more surface area than brushes, helping you get an even coat faster.
For horizontal panels, use horizontal strokes For vertical panels, use vertical strokes. Apply the paint liberally but avoid going over the same area multiple times. Aim for an even coat of paint.
Many paints need to dry overnight, so read the paint’s label and instructions to know when to add the second coat.
Airless paint sprayers usually come with different nozzles for specific projects—some even have fence attachments. [7] X Research source Unless you’re painting a small portion of the fence, use the largest nozzle first. Switch to a smaller nozzle for getting into cracks and crevices. Go with an oil-based paint safe for wood and exterior use. Work on a sunny or overcast day with little to no wind so the paint goes on evenly.
For horizontal panels, move back and forth. For vertical panels, move up and down. Move in straight lines and avoid making arcs at the ends of each stroke.
