Having a wood fence adds a touch of simplicity yet refinement to your property.
However, there’s an apparent dilemma of how to paint it. You can’t slap on any coat of paint and expect it to last a long time. So, to help you, we’ve narrowed down the best wood fence paints that are taking the market by storm.
We’ve also included an additional section to discuss how to apply the paint correctly and the types of colors that work best. It’ll provide you with a better idea with regards to taking care of your fence.
Therefore, please take out your brush, and let’s swoosh into the reviews.
5 Best Paint For Wooden Fences
1. Jetcoat Acrylic Outdoor Fence Paint
One of our top recommendations is the Jetcoat Acrylic Outdoor Fence Paint, which is highly popular, thanks to the fade-resistant ability. It consists of a water-based formula incorporated with UV inhibitors, which helps enhance the longevity of the wood. Furthermore, you’ll find it easy to use, meaning it can be sprayed on or applied with a brush or roller.
It doesn’t need more than one coat, which is sufficient for most wooden surfaces. You’ll find that it can effectively cover around 95-100 square feet per gallon, thereby proving to be cost-effective and ensuring you can quickly complete the painting.
Besides, you’ll love how it’s environment-friendly because of the non-toxic dry finish. You won’t have to worry about your livestock, and it can withstand the changing weather conditions to work well in most situations.
Pros
- Water-proof
- Affordable
- Fade-resistant
- Environment-friendly
- Easy to apply
Cons
- You may need two coats on uneven surfaces
2. KILZ Oil Based Exterior Fence Paint
If you liked our earlier recommendation, then wait till you get a load of this one. The KILZ Oil Based Exterior Fence Paint is known for its durable nature while adding a touch of class to your outdoor structures. You’ll enjoy the combination of beauty and longevity, which prevents the paint from peeling and delivers a stunning look.
Moreover, it consists of a mixture of water and oil, which has several benefits. It enhances the adhesive properties of the solution and offers protection against unpredictable weather conditions. Hence, you can use it on vertical wood surfaces without any difficulty.
Users were also pleased with how quickly it dries, thereby ensuring you get to complete your work swiftly. Plus, you get excellent coverage that varies anywhere between 200 and 500 square feet per gallon.
Pros
- Exceptional coverage
- Easy to apply
- Water and oil-based mixture
- Durable
- Can be used on vertical surfaces
Cons
- Not easy to clean dirt
3. Gardner Water Based Fence Paint
If you’re looking for a paint that caters explicitly to wood, then you can’t go wrong with the Gardner Water Based Fence Paint. But there’s no need to be worried as it delivers the necessary variety in your tasks as well. It’s primarily suited for use on wooden fences since it helps to protect against rot or decay.
Similarly, the anti-corrosive coating also allows you to use it for other applications. Many users have applied a coat to their metal pipes, storage tanks, and vertical masonry surfaces with success as it enhances the longevity of the structures.
You’ll notice that the adhesive ability ensures it doesn’t fade or peel off easily. It, therefore, presents an affordable option in the long run. No surprises then that it can effectively withstand outdoor elements, and you won’t have to worry about the color losing its intensity.
Pros
- Protects against rot
- Easy to use
- Weather-resistant
- Strong adhesive properties
- Anti-corrosive nature
Cons
- Very thick
4. Majic Paints Fence Latex Paint
For starters, the Majic Paints Fence Latex Paint is ideal for outdoor applications given that it comes with UV resistant abilities. It can endure the changing weather conditions, and you don’t have to worry about the color fading. Consequently, it presents an efficient option for use on wood, masonry, or metal.
You’ll love the consistent pigmentation, which in turn amounts to excellent color retaining properties. As a result, if you’ve got a barn fence to paint, this is the product to use. You can swiftly complete your work, thanks to the excellent coverage, which offers a maximum range of 250 square feet per gallon.
Not only that, but it dries quickly in under 30 minutes while ensuring bugs don’t get trapped in your freshly painted fence. Finally, it acts as a suitable option for most customers due to the flexible finish.
Pros
- UV resistant
- Fantastic coverage
- Dries quickly
- Affordable
- Consistent pigmentation
Cons
- Not suited for roofs and floors
5. Valspar Fence Latex Paint
Straight off the bat, the Valspar Fence Latex Paint offers a smooth texture which works well on most surfaces. No wonder it has received mostly positive responses, and a closer look reveals the free-flowing nature of the paint. It dries quickly and provides a tough finish that is high on durability.
The durable nature is on full display, thanks to the ability to resist fading. The unpredictable weather conditions will no longer trouble you, and rest assured your fence will retain its beautiful look. Moreover, the product ensures fantastic versatility allowing you to use it on various surfaces.
You can get a nice coat of paint on exterior surfaces like metal, steel, aluminum, or masonry. Similarly, you’re guaranteed sufficient coverage with one gallon of color capable of covering a maximum of 400 square feet.
Pros
- Free-flowing nature
- Versatile
- Fade-resistant
- Durable
- Excellent coverage
Cons
- No gloss
Buying Guide
We thought that it’s essential for you to know about the types of paint most suited for use on your wooden fence. In that regard, it’s critical to bear in mind that a wood fence is susceptible to damage from the sun’s UV rays.
If you happen to live in an area that experiences extreme weather, it’s not enough to apply any coat of paint. It must be capable of lasting against adverse conditions to uphold the quality of the wood.
Therefore, we suggest you don’t leave the wood untreated, which may lead to premature rotting. Instead, you can try using a primer or acrylic latex paints for the best results. So, read on to find out how it helps keep your fence in prime condition.
- Primer
If you’ve erected a new wooden fence, you’ll have to consider the chemicals and tannins present in the material. Using any ordinary paint won’t help since it cuts through the coating, which causes the paint to crack.
To avoid this, you can apply an exterior acrylic wood primer to prevent the chemicals from escaping. It forms a firm seal and provides a tough finish, which allows the paint to adhere securely to the wood.
- Acrylic Latex
Another option you can try is using acrylic latex paint, the primary purpose of which is to protect against moisture. Therefore, it will help keep the wood safe and sound during the monsoon and even when you have to water the garden.
The main advantage of using it is the flexible nature, which allows the coat to expand and contract with the changing conditions. You won’t have to worry about UV rays, and we assure you’re safe against cracking or peeling of any sort.
How To Paint Wood Fences?
It isn’t enough to know what paint to use, but you must also learn how to apply it. While the painting isn’t challenging, it does involve a few intricate details, which we’ve highlighted below for your benefit.
- Before you can start painting, you’ll need prep work to clean the surroundings. First and foremost, you’ll need to bring out your machines and clear the grass using your lawnmower. Then remove all other garden accessories and cover nearby shrubs with a tarpaulin to avoid getting paint on them.
- Proceed to carry out a thorough check of your fence and make sure there aren’t any loose nails, screws, or cracked components. You’ll need to take down everything you’ve used to decorate the fence and remove the screws that are keeping it in place. Once you’re done with painting, you can put them back again, and similarly, remember to get the cracked boards replaced.
- The next step is ensuring the surface is smooth. For your purpose, you’ll require a scraper to get rid of the old paint that’s coming loose. Meanwhile, to even out the rough areas, you’ll have to sand it out.
- If you’re happy with the smoothness, use a fence cleaner, which can be applied with a brush, spray, or rag. Likewise, let it dry and make sure there’s no dirt sticking to the fence.
- And finally, it’s time to paint, for which you’ll need both a primer and your preferred coat of color. It has to be suitable for exterior use, and try to choose an oil-based solution for added durability.
- We suggest you paint one portion of the fence and leave it to dry overnight. If you like the results, you can complete painting the rest of your fence the next day. Furthermore, you can use a roller, brush, or spray the paint based on your convenience.
- It would be best if you remember to paint the vertical panels with vertical strokes and horizontal boards with horizontal strokes. Moreover, make sure the primer is dry, start painting from the top and make your way down slowly.
- Try not to paint the same area twice, and after completion, check to see if you’ve missed any spot. Apply another brush of paint to areas where the coat is thin, and you’re all set to enjoy your newly painted fence.
Conclusion
We’ve reached the end of our guide, and hopefully, you’ve got a better understanding of what paints to use.
Applying the right coat of paint will go a long way in maintaining the quality of your fences, metal pipes, and other objects. Moreover, you can choose from a range of options which will provide much-needed variety in your tasks.
It would be best to ensure that the paint has the necessary resistance against harsh conditions to avoid fading. We suggest that you pick a paint for wood fence depending on the type of weather you experience for the best results.
