Harris 102032400 Seriously Good Exterior Woodwork Shed and Fence Roller Frame and Sleeve, 4"

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Alternatively, you can use one of the best pressure washers, but you will need to wait for at least 24 hours for the fence to dry before recommencing the paint job. Regular spray paints are not recommended for exterior use, such as painting fences, as they can cause streaking. Use specially designed spray paint. Better yet, use a roller and apply the paint in thin, even coats. Using a Fence Paint Roller Like a Pro Using a paintbrush or narrow paint roller, begin to apply the paint in smooth, even strokes with the grain of the wood. Start at the top of each fence board and work your way to the bottom before moving to the next board. A paint sprayer can be used in place of a paint roller, but users will need to take further precautions to prevent the wind from blowing the paint onto nearby objects. You will also need to wear a high-quality respirator mask or supplied-air respirator if you choose to use a paint sprayer. If you are painting over an already painted fence that’s flaking, you’ll want to gently sand it down to achieve an even surface finish. A paint tray is necessary for holding the paint while you’re painting. It’s also helpful to avoid any paint spills. Paint Stirrer

Once your first coat is dry, apply a second coat, repeating the steps above. This will help to give your paint colour depth, ensures a longer-lasting finish and increases your protection benefits. Use a 2" paintbrush or a smaller 1" brush to cover any edges, corners or hard-to-reach areas near walls, plants or furniture. For a garden fence project, you’ll want to select a roller that’s specifically designed for use with an extension pole. It will be easier for you to reach the top of the fence. Also, you might need more than one roller. Paint SprayerEnsure that the area is still adequately protected from paint droplets or spray, and make any adjustments to the drop cloths, if necessary. As noted previously, latex exterior paint is best for previously painted surfaces, while oil-based exterior paint is better for unpainted surfaces. Bonnet says "If you have a brand new fence they often come pretreated, so all you will need to do before you paint is make sure your panels are clean and dry. Older fences, however, may require some sanding down to help remove the previous paint layer for a more even finish." 4. Apply your first layer of primer An exterior wood preserver is a product that can protect the fence from the elements. It keeps the fence paint from chipping and peeling, prolonging its life. Tarp or Plastic Sheeting Ensure to include all of the surfaces that you plan on painting. If you miss a spot on a fence panel, the paint will likely chip or peel off once it’s dry. Not Overlapping Your Strokes When Painting roller - this gives flexibility to use a slightly bigger roller that can be used both internally and externally

Bonnett agrees, "The best way to paint your fences is to work your way from the top to the bottom and follow the direction of the panel with your painting strokes. Don’t be afraid to use a lot of paint when doing this, just make sure all areas of your fence are equally coated." 6. Determine if you need a second coat If your fence panel is still wet when you start painting, the paint won't adhere properly to its surface. This can cause unsightly bubbles, and the paint simply won’t do its job properly. A paint stripper is a tool that can be used to remove old paint from a fence. This is necessary if you’re repainting a fence that’s already been painted. Exterior Wood PreserverBefore you start painting, it’s essential to prep the area. This includes removing any loose nails, debris or dirt from the fence and wiping it down with a damp cloth. Make sure all the flat surfaces are dry before you start. Step 3: Apply Primer Next up, use a medium pile standard roller to cover the larger areas of the fence. Work your way from top to bottom, using horizontal strokes for horizontal planks of wood and vertical strokes for vertical planks. Following the direction of the timber will give you a better, smoother finish and allows for a speedier application.

A ladder is necessary for painting fence areas too high to reach from the ground. Be sure to set up stepladders safely and correctly. Have someone hold it steady while you’re on it. Rags

Sand down rough areas to remove splinters, ensuring the panels are smooth enough for even paint coverage. Apply a priming product to protect the fence, like the Cuprinol Clear Wood Preserver, which is ideal for use under paints and varnishes. All manufacturers of paint roller sleeves offer varying roller sleeves for a range of jobs that are made out of different materials, such as foam and polyamide. These sleeves come in levels of 'nap', otherwise known as 'pile', which refers to the length of the fibres the sleeve is made out of.

Paint brushes are ideal for detail work or narrow and hard-to-reach areas of the fence that a roller won’t cover. A single fence panel should take you around 10-20 minutes to complete using this method, depending on how many edges you have to paint.

You have to look for the nook and crannies as well, so you can cover them using a small paintbrush. Look under the fence post caps and in between the slats. Start cleaning brushes and rollers to ensure the paint comes off easily and wipe down any plastic sheeting, to store it away ready for your next DIY. If you have paint left in the tin, add a label to say when you used it and ensure the lid is clean(ish) and on tight to stop it oxidizing. Store it out of direct sunlight and off the floor. Skipping or using a poor-quality sealant will result in a paint job that won’t last. Use a quality sealant and apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help your fence paint job last for years to come. Painting dirty and rough surfaces will result in a poor-quality paint job. Be sure to clean the fence surface before beginning to paint. Pouring Too Much Paint on the Roller A paint stirrer is used for remixing paint that’s been sitting for a while. This will help ensure that the paint is evenly mixed and won’t streak when applied to the fence. Sandpaper