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How to Add Colour to Your Garden with A Painted Fence

Is your garden fence looking worse for wear after winter? A fresh coat of paint can transform it in no time. Read on for a handy step-by-step guide on how to give your fence a facelift.

 

Before You Start - Choosing the Best Time to Paint your Garden Fence

It’s important that your fence is fully dry so time your project for dry and warm weather. In the highly unlikely event of Irish weather exceeding 30 degrees, avoid painting, as this can lead to bubbling and blistering.

 

 

Tools for the Job


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Step 1: Fix

Before painting, inspect your fence and repair/replace any broken panels.

 

 

Step 2: Clean

Hose down the fence and then tackle any remaining spots of mould or debris with a hard-bristled brush (a decking brush would do perfectly). If your fence still has moss, dirt or algae after all this, wash it down with Farbex Exterior Fungicidal Wash. Wait until fully dry.


See the image for a handy illustration of just what Farbex Exterior Fungicidal Wash can do.

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Step 3: Prep

  • Trim, tie back or cover nearby plants.
  • Move garden furniture out of the way.
  • Lay a dust sheet/card on the ground.
  • Remove any decorations hanging on the fence.

 

 

Step 4: Prime

If your fence has never been painted, you must prime it first. This helps strengthen the bond between the wood and paint, ensuring a more durable and attractive finish. If the fence has not been painted previously, you will need to prime the entire surface. 

If your fence has been painted previously, then you can simply spot-prime any bare patches. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to find out how much drying time is needed before moving on to the topcoat.

 

 

Step 5: Choose Your Product

Depending on the colour and finish you want to achieve, Pat McDonnell Paints has a wide range of products available to suit all tastes.

For a quality paint that can be used as both primer and a topcoat, we recommend Ralston 3-in-1 Aqua Satin. Ideal for both painted and unpainted fences, this product can be tinted to any colour of your choosing.

Cuprinol 5-Year Ducksback offers a wide range of attractive ready-made colours suitable for use on fences. This product colours and weatherproofs fences for up to five years.

Ralston Aqua 3-in-1

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Cuprinol 5-Year Ducksback

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Step 6: Paint

Regardless of whatever product you’re using, the same basic painting techniques will apply.

  • Focus on one panel at a time.
  • Work in horizontal or vertical strokes depending on its orientation.
  • Follow the direction of the timber grain to ensure a smooth, professional finish.
  • Always start from the top and work your way down so that you can catch any drips.


Tip: Remember to always stir paint for a minute or so before use with your trusty Pat McDonnell Paints stirring stick.



 

 

Have a question? Why not call into your local branch of Pat McDonnell Paints and speak with one of our experts! Fast & free delivery on all orders.

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    Please Note: Paint colours on-screen may vary from actual paint. If unsure, we advise purchasing a colour tester to ensure you are happy with your choice. Our tinted products are made to order and are therefore non returnable.