How to Paint Different Fences with a Spray Gun or a Roller

Painting a fence with a spray gun or a roller is easy, and anyone can do it. All it takes is the right tools, some paint, a bit of preparation, and the courage to get your hands dirty (protip: wear disposable gloves). If you have noticed that the colour of your fence has faded over time, then perhaps it is time to roll up your sleeves and get this fence painting project going. In this post, we will tell you all about how to paint a fence, such as:

Besides, have you ever used a spray gun before? It’s so much fun and so satisfying to watch. You can go on TikTok right now and watch a million spray gun painting jobs. That will surely motivate you. But painting with a roller or a plain old brush is lots of fun as well!

Prepare the fence for painting

Hold your horses! Before you start painting, it’s important to prepare your fence. This step is crucial. By preparing your fence, you ensure that you will do a good job. Here are the basic steps that you need to follow.

Go over the fence with a wire brush

Be it a metal or a wooden fence, go over it with a metal brush. The purpose of this step is to even out any rough spots and chipping old paint. If you just ignore this step and paint it as it is, you will end up with a finish that looks uneven. So take the time to smooth out the surfaces.

Use fine sandpaper if necessary

If you are dealing with an old metal fence with rusty spots, then you should go over it with fine sandpaper to make the surfaces even smoother. This will remove some of the old paint as well as any uneven rusty spots.

Clean the fence

Use a dusting brush to remove the fine dust from the fence. A damp cloth will also do the trick. But if you are painting a wooden fence, then it would be best to have it jet washed. Your garden hose will also do the trick.

Examine the fence for damage

Take a close look at your fence. In case you notice any damage, it would be best to repair it before the painting job.

Prepare the surrounding area

You don’t want anything in your way when you are painting, so clear the area around your fence. Remove any bikes, outdoor furniture, pots, and anything else that you can relocate.

Painting a fence can be a messy job if you are not particularly experienced. That is why it’s important to protect the surfaces and areas that the paint is not supposed to reach. So consider your surroundings. Cover those areas and surfaces with drop sheets.

How to paint a fence with a roller or brush

To paint a fence with a roller, you will need a brush as well. The roller is great for swiftly going over flat smooth surfaces, but it is bulky, so you won’t be able to reach some spots with it. This is where the brush comes in handy. It allows you to work on the details so you can get that complete finish that you are looking for.

Also, remember to choose the paint appropriate for the type of fence you are painting. If you are painting a wooden fence, then opt for outdoor acrylic latex paint. For metal fences, choose an outdoor oil-based paint.

Metal fences such as Colorbond, which are usually made from steel, or types made out of aluminium, are generally very smooth. All you need to do is establish a pattern of painting and follow it to achieve a smooth look.

Make sure to mention the square footage of your fence when you go to purchase some paint.

The amount of paint you will need depends on the size and dimension of your fence. Paint suppliers are experienced, and they will recommend just the right amount of paint that you’ll need. If you fancy doing a little bit of math, you can calculate the litres with this formula:

Multiply together the length and height of the fence, then multiply by the number of coats of paint, then divide this by the m²/litre number you’ll find on the paint can.

How to paint a fence with a spray gun

Painting is a lot more fun when you have a spray gun. This method is very efficient, but it takes a little getting used to. If you are wondering how to paint a metal fence quickly, such as Colorbond, or some kind of aluminium type, then you might want to reach for a spray gun. This is because spray guns are best for painting fences made out of wide solid metal segments. You can still paint an ornamental fence with a spray gun, but you will have to change its setting (if possible) from wide to narrow spreading of the paint so as not to waste any paint.

To paint a fence with a spray gun, you will need:

How to paint with a spray gun explained step by step

Takeaways

So, are you an experienced DIY painter yourself? Do you have any particular tips and tricks on how to paint a fence with a spray gun or a roller? Leave a comment and tell us about your experience.