If you coat each side of a 6x6 panel with one layer of fence paint, you should be able to cover approximately four to five panels. The exact number of how much paint will depend on the intensity and coverage of the particular brand or type being used.
Best Fence Paint: All You Need to Know
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Revitalise your outdoor space and give it a glossy new look without breaking the bank by painting your fence. However, with so many types of paint on the market, knowing which one to pick can be tricky. Choose wisely and you'll have a stunningly attractive garden that will stand up to weathering for years!
In this article, we’ll explore the various options for the best fence paint – including factors such as durability, finish, opacity and colour selection – as well as providing tips on what to look for when selecting a product that is right for the job and how to paint your garden fences.
So let's get started!
Best Fence Paint: Our Top Picks
Cuprinol 5 Year Ducksback
Easy to apply, water-based, non-drip formula that provides long-lasting protection and rich colour with 5m² per litre coverage.
Ronseal One Coat Fence Life
Long-lasting all-weather protection, showerproofing in just one hour, wide range of colours with up to 6m² per litre coverage.
Johnstone's Garden Colours
High-performance, fade-resistant paint that takes only 1-2 hours to dry, providing up to 12m² per litre of coverage.
What is the Best Fence Paint?
Before you start painting your fence, it’s important to understand the different types of paint available. Primarily, there are two different paint varieties: oil-based and water/latex-based:
Oil-based paints
Oil-based paints are renowned for their superior finish and lasting durability, though they can be more challenging to apply than water-based varieties.
Water-based paints
Water-based paints are more straightforward to apply than their oil-based counterparts, yet they lack the lasting durability of them. They tend to be shinier and provide a more ‘modern’ look than oil-based paints.
Now let's check out some of the best fence paint options available:
| Product | Base | Coverage | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuprinol 5 Year Ducksback | Water-based | 5m² per litre | Matt |
| Ronseal One Coat Fence Life | Water-based | 6m² per litre | Matt |
| Wickes Shed & Fence Timbercare | Water-based | 6m² per litre | Matt |
| Bartoline Matt Fencing Creocote | Oil-based | 9m² per litre | Matt |
| Johnstone's Garden Colours | Water-based | 12m² per litre | Matt |
Cuprinol 5 Year Ducksback
Best Overall
The Cuprinol 5 Year Ducksback Shed & Fence Treatment is the perfect solution for updating and protecting your outdoor space. Featuring a wax-enriched, water-repellent formula, it provides long-lasting protection from harsh weather conditions, while also adding a rich colour to enhance the look of any fence or shed.
- Water-based
- Non-drip
- Easy-to-apply formula
- Quick drying time of 2-4 hours
- Coverage: 5m² per litre
Ronseal One Coat Fence Life
Dries Quickly
Ronseal One Coat Fence Life is the ideal choice for reviving and protecting your shed or fence with a fresh look. It offers all-weather protection, rain, frost and snow being no match for its durable finish. Best of all, it won't fade in the sun and will remain vibrant for years to come.
- Water-based
- Easy to apply with a brush or spray
- Showerproof in just one hour
- Wide range of colours to choose from
- Coverage: 6m² per litre
Wickes Shed & Fence Timbercare
Wickes Shed and Fence Timbercare provides long-lasting protection for exterior timber surfaces such as fences, sheds, and trellises. This formulation is fade and water-resistant with a three-year colour performance and protects against UV light and extremes of weather.
- Water-based
- Easy to apply - simply spread a thin, even layer using either a brush or roller
- Fade and Water resistant
- Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)
- Coverage: 6m² per litre
Bartoline Matt Fencing Creocote
Versatile
Bartoline Creocote Wood Treatment is an ideal solution for protecting and preserving your outdoor space. It provides excellent surface water repellence and restricts weather damage, while also improving grain definition.
- Oil-based
- Ready to use, no mixing required
- Suitable use type garden fences, sheds & trellis
- Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)
- Coverage: 9m² per litre
Johnstone's Garden Colours
Best Coverage
Johnstone's Garden Colour is a high-quality, fade-resistant paint designed to bring vibrant colour and life to outdoor spaces. It has been specially formulated to withstand the harsh weather conditions found in gardens, ensuring that your painted surfaces stay looking fresh and vibrant for longer.
- Water-based
- Wide range of beautiful shades
- Drying time 1-2 hours
- Long-lasting protection for up to four years
- Coverage: 12m² per litre
Benefits of Painting a Garden Fence
WEATHER PROTECTION
A new coat of paint can give your fence a beautiful makeover, but it does more than just that: painting helps protect the exterior wood from the elements and extends its lifespan.
ENHANCE CURB APPEAL
A new coat of fence paint can transform the appearance of your outdoor area, giving it a vivacious splash of colour and inviting charm.
INCREASE HOME VALUE
Sprucing up your wooden fence with a fresh coat of paint is an affordable and simple way to boost the value of your home, making it more desirable for prospective buyers - well worth the investment then we say!
Factors to Consider
Ultimately, no single answer will suit all; instead, just remember to trust your own judgement and do what looks best for you - it'll look great so don't worry!DURABILITY
When selecting paint, ensure that it is resilient enough to endure the elements; rain, wind and extreme temperatures should not be able to affect its integrity.
FINISH
Your paint finish is an important choice – should you pick a glossy or matte look? Make sure to consider your options thoroughly!
OPACITY
The opacity and coverage of the paint will determine the quality of the finish. If you choose a poor-quality paint, it is more likely to fade quickly due to weathering, ultraviolet light, or wear and tear. It is also important to select a fence paint with an impressive coverage rate so that fewer coats need to be applied for a better finish.
COLOUR SELECTION
The decision to choose the perfect shade of paint for your fence is ultimately yours, and should be based on how you wish your exterior space to appear. But it’s also important that other elements found in or around your garden - such as the colour of the house - are taken into account when making this selection.
Preparing the Surface
Before you get to painting, it's important to prepare the surface by following these steps...Clean the wood
First and foremost, you will need to give the fence a good scrub down with some warm soapy water and a soft brush or cloth. This will get rid of any dirt and grime that has accumulated on your fence over time.
Sand down the wood
You should also sand down the wood to give it a nice smooth finish before you start painting. Start with a medium-grit sandpaper to get rid of any splinters or rough patches, then move onto a finer grit for an even smoother finish.
Remove any existing paint
If your fence has been previously painted, you will need to remove any old or peeling paint before adding a new coat. Use a wire brush or chemical stripper to get rid of the old paint, then use sandpaper to smooth out any remaining residue.
Prime the wood
Once you have cleaned, sanded and removed the old paint from your fence, you should apply a primer coat to ensure that the new paint will adhere properly. A good quality primer is essential for getting the best possible finish when painting.
Paint
Now it’s time to get busy with the brush! Make sure to use a high-quality outdoor paint that is suitable for the type of wood you’re working with. Apply two coats of paint if necessary, and leave it to dry in between applications.
How to Paint Garden Fences
The Application...
Now that you are aware of the top factors to consider when selecting paint and how to prepare your fence, let's get into how it should be applied correctly.For an outstanding finish, a paint sprayer is your best bet.
Summary
Overall, painting your fence is a great way to update the look of your outdoor space and protect it from wear and tear. When selecting the optimal paint for your project, take into account aspects like longevity, finish type, transparency and colour range to ensure you make an educated decision.
And don't forget to prepare the surface before applying any coats – this will help ensure that your chosen paint adheres more effectively to the surface!
Now go ahead - get out there and unleash your inner Picasso!