The Dos And Don'ts Of Painting A Wooden Fence
So, you just recently had a wooden privacy fence installed on your property; you want to prolong its life and reduce the amount of maintenance you need to do on it over the years, so you've decided to paint the fence as a means of protecting it from the elements. Before you begin painting, there are some things you need to know if you want to ensure the best possible results.
DO Prepare the Fence
Preparation is key any time you're painting a wooden structure; failure to properly clean and prepare the wooden surface can result in poor adhesion of the paint, which will result in chipping and peeling over time. The best way to prepare a wooden fence for painting is to give it a thorough power wash at least a day or two before you plan on painting it. This will remove any excess dirt and debris to ensure long-lasting results. Just make sure the wood has a chance to completely dry before you begin the painting job itself.
DO Be Mindful of Weather Conditions
Depending on the type of paint you've purchased, you may need to apply the paint in specific weather conditions. Be sure to read the paint can for specific instructions regarding this; for example, with some exterior paints, you'll need to allow at least a day for the paint to dry before applying a second coat and will need to make sure there's no rain during that time. Furthermore, some exterior pants will also require you to apply it in low humidity to ensure the best results with your project.
DON'T Forget the Sealant
These days, many exterior paints come with a built-in sealant, but this isn't always the case so be sure to check your paint to see whether or not it comes with a built-in sealant. If not, you might want to consider saving yourself some time by switching to a paint that does. Of course, you can always apply a separate coat of sealant over your finished paint job, but this will take more time and effort on your part. Regardless, your fence should be sealed if you want your paint job to last as long as possible.
Painting your own wooden fence can be a relatively simple DIY job, but it's important that you keep these tips in mind throughout the project if you want to have the best and longest lasting results.
If you need professional help painting an exterior part of your home, contact a business like Christopher Painting LLC.