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Fences are a valuable investment for any homeowner. It’s often the first thing visitors notice when passing by your home, and its appearance makes a lasting impression. Therefore, you should maintain the condition of your fence. However, painting a fence with a sprayer can be a difficult task.

A painted fence not only makes it look beautiful but also prevents it from harsh weather conditions or wear and tear. It must be everyone’s first priority as it’s just a simple DIY task if you perform it perfectly. Don’t leave the fence unattempt whether new or old, and make it attractive with spray paint.

Now, you need to know a few things before painting your fence. Fence spraying is covered in this comprehensive guide, which includes information about fence spraying equipment, techniques for painting fences with gaps, and all the necessary information. So, it’s time to get started!

How to spray paint a fence with gaps

How To Paint A Fence With A Sprayer?

If you follow the right instructions, painting wooden fences is very simple. People share several methods for fence spraying services on the internet. Some methods are hard to apply, and others are not so good. Don’t worry! We have tested several methods and shared the simplest electric fence sprayer with you. Check out all the steps of how to paint a fence fast mentioned in the following.

Important Tools & Equipment For Painting A Fence

Everything requires some tools and equipment to work properly. Make sure you have the following fence spraying kit before starting the work.

  • Wagner fence sprayer, Ronseal fence sprayer, Cuprinol fence sprayer, or your desired fence spraying gun.
  • An empty bucket.
  • Paint or Satin whatever you want.
  • Stir Sticks.
  • Masking tape, drop cloths, tarps, or plastic sheets.
  • Paint strainer bag.
  • Tip extension (Optional).
  • Cleaning rags.
  • Stiff brush for cleaning.
  • Other safety equipment.

Product Recommendations:

  • Spray Paint: Consider using products like Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover for wood surfaces or Rust-Oleum Universal for both wood and metal. These offer a wide range of colors and provide good coverage.
  • Spray Paint Gun: Brands like Wagner and Graco offer reliable spray paint guns suitable for various outdoor projects.

Fence Spray Paint Colors:

  • Classic White: Provides a timeless and clean look for any outdoor space.
  • Natural Wood Tones: Cedar, redwood, and other wood stain colors enhance the natural beauty of your fence.
  • Earthy Greens and Browns: These colors blend well with natural surroundings and create a rustic atmosphere.
  • Black: A black fence can be a striking contrast and complements modern and minimalist aesthetics.

Step 1: Preparation of Painting Your Fence

Ensure that you have all the suggested equipment and tools before starting the painting work. The next step is to prepare the fence before painting, and it includes many steps such as cleaning fence, trimming, and more mentioned in the following.

Step 2: Trimming

trim grass along fence
Trim grass along fence

Everything that is unnecessary around the fence should be removed, including grass, trees, bushes, and weeds. Don’t remove everything but only those which disturb your painting work. Such cleanup exposes all the areas of a fence and ensures a clear painting finish at the end.

Step 3: Take off The Old Paint

If the fence is old and you have already painted it in the past, you have to remove the old paint from it. Take the recommended tools and start removing them without destroying the wood. The removal of old paint helps get an even paint finish.

Step 4: Repair The Fence

Check the loose screws or nails and screw them properly. Inspect each and everything on the fence and repair the damaged parts. It is always recommended to repair the fence before starting the painting job. The paint after repair helps get the uniform paint finish and the best painting results.

Step 5: Clean The Fence

Cleaning wood fence with pressure washer
Cleaning wood fence with pressure washer

Pick up the brush and, remove all the dust, debris, and clean all the portions. If you have enough budget, use the power washer to clean the fence quickly and efficiently. Leave the fence for some time so that it can dry properly.

Step 6: Use Drop Cloths

To protect your favorite sidewalks, vegetation, and landscapes, use drop cloths. Also, use the drop cloth under the fence to save the ground and grass from dripping.

Step 7: Apply The Primer First

Suppose the fence has a dark color already; apply the primer first before the paint. When you apply the primer first and then the paint finish give you good result according to your requirements.

Step 8: Setting Up The Fence Paint Sprayer

setting up paint gun
Setting up paint gun

We don’t recommend using brushes or paint rollers because a paint sprayer does this job perfectly and easily. But, using the spray gun requires some setup. Primarily, it’s good to read the instruction manual for the selected paint sprayer and apply all of them. Also, choose the right nozzle after reading the manual.

Step 9: Spray The Fence

Follow some useful techniques to get good paint results. Spray the fence from a distance of approximately 6-8″ from the spray gun to the fence’s surface. Don’t leave the strokes behind. Paint horizontally and vertically by moving the gun up to down & right to left.

You can choose the painting pattern according to the wood type and texture. In the end, let the paint dry and check whether it requires another coat or not. Usually, the professional suggest you apply at least two coats to protect it for a longer time.

Step 10: Review The Painted Fence

After completing the painting job, cross-check all the parts and sections of the fence. There should not be any spots, extra paint, and other problems on the painted fence. It should pretend a new fence after painting. Apply the paint in thin layers to absorb properly into the wood. Mend the incomplete parts and portions of the fence and let it dry for about 24 hours.

How to spray paint a fence with gaps?

1. Begin by ensuring the space around your fence is free from any obstructions to prevent paint from accidentally reaching unintended surfaces. Protect nearby plants and objects with drop cloths or plastic sheets.

2. Choose the right outdoor paint, like exterior latex or oil-based paint, ensuring it’s well-mixed and in good condition.

3. Next, thoroughly clean the fence using either a pressure washer or a combination of soapy water and a scrub brush. This step will help eliminate dirt and loose paint, ensuring a smooth painting process.

4. Address any damaged or loose boards before moving on.

5. You may want to consider using a paint sprayer for even coverage, but be sure to do a test spray first. Maintain a 6-12 inch distance from the fence and use a steady, side-to-side motion, overlapping each pass slightly.

6. Pay special attention to gaps in the fence, aiming the spray directly at them. Apply a thin coat and wait until it’s dry completely before proceeding with the next one. This approach helps in achieving a more even and durable finish while minimizing the chances of drips and clumps. Afterward, clean the sprayer with the appropriate solvent.

7. Once the paint is dry, inspect the fence for any missed spots or gaps in coverage and touch up as necessary. These steps will help you give your fence a fresh and clean look.

How Long Does It Take To Paint A Fence With A Sprayer?

People use paint brushes, rollers, or sprayers to paint the fences. Using paint sprayers for fences is the quickest way to get this job done. Suppose you are using the paint sprayer to paint the fence; it takes 1-2 days to complete the project.

The reason is that usually, it requires you to apply at least to get a good finish. Furthermore, the fence has a beautiful and attractive look to impress your neighbors. Furthermore, always read the manufacturer’s instructions if you are painting the fence for the first time.

What is the fastest way to paint a fence?

The completion time of a paint depends on many factors such as wood type, wood conditions, cracks, number of coats, and more. If the fence is not large, we recommend you use paint rollers or brushes. Otherwise, go for the paint sprayers as they offer quality and high performance. If the fence is large, it’s a good decision to invest in buying a quality spray gun.

Fence Spraying Cost

What is the cost of spraying a fence? The budget usually depends on the size of the fence, the number of coats, and similar other factors. In particular, the average cost of fence spraying is about $1.89-$3.52 for one square foot. However, it can be varied with the conditions and circumstances.

Fence Spraying Tips

Follow the below tips to get best fence painting results:

  • Try to paint the fence in the summer.
  • Protect yourself.
  • Protect the surrounding plants.
  • Clean the fence thoroughly before painting.
  • Select the perfect spraying tip for better finish.
  • Use primer before the paint.
  • Take precautions to prevent dripping on the ground.

FAQs On Painting A Fence with A Sprayer

Can you use a paint sprayer for fence?

Can fence paint be sprayed is a common question by painters and DIYers. The answer is simple: you paint and spray the fence without any issues. Follow the right procedure, take all the precautions, and get a beautiful paint finish for the fence.

Is it better to spray or roll fence paint?

The professionals always suggest using a paint sprayer for the fence. There are several kinds of sprayers, but airless paint sprayers are ideal for this application. They consume very less time and are labor-intensive.

Can you use a water sprayer for fence paint?

The answer usually depends on the paint you are using. If you want to apply the normal paint, you can use water as a solvent. Don’t forget to buy water-based paints to make a thin paint layer on the fence. The water paint will work perfectly.

Can you paint a fence with a pump sprayer?

A pump sprayer is an ideal choice for painting the fence. The high-volume pump sprayers give the best finishing and painting results. They are also time-saving and able to be used for big fence painting projects.

Should you spray or brush your Fence?

Painting a fence protects it from harmful UV rays and other hard weather conditions. It also improves its appearance, but which one is better for painting: a brush or a sprayer? Definitely, a sprayer is a better choice because you finish the work 10x faster than a brush.

How much does it cost to dilute a fence for spraying?

Nowadays, professionals suggest using water-based paint because they are affordable and easily applicable in thin layers. The budget of fence painting relies on the size and length of the fence. Approximately, diluting a fence costs about $1-$2.50 per square foot or $3-$7 per linear foot.

Final Words On painting a fence with a sprayer!

In conclusion, painting a fence with a sprayer brings many advantages. It protects the fence from sunlight and also increases its lifespan. It’s recommended to paint the fence after every season passes to make it look beautiful. The reason is that a fence is the first thing to show off in front of the visitors.

Jennifer Marie-Holapaints writer

Jennifer Marie

Jennifer Marie is a general contractor with over the years of experience in home remodeling, DIY projects, and commercial painting projects. Her experience includes working with paint sprayers, painting tools, and other painting supplies. You can follow her on Facebook.

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