Choosing the right paint for a palisade fence is crucial to ensure it looks great and lasts a long time despite the UK weather conditions. Seeking advice from experienced fencing contractors Aldershot can provide valuable insights into selecting the most suitable paint for your palisade fence, taking into account factors such as durability, weather resistance, and aesthetic preferences. There are a few key factors to consider when selecting fence paint:
- Weather resistance – Due to high rainfall and varying temperatures, the paint needs to stand up to external conditions year-round.
- Durability – A long-lasting paint formula provides protection and minimizes maintenance.
- Color – The right shade enhances aesthetics while coordinating with the home.
- Ease of application – Paint that goes on smoothly with minimal preparation produces better results.
- Affordability – Getting optimal value avoids overspending.
Types of Paint for Palisade Fences
When deciding on paint for a palisade fence, there are 3 main options each with their own characteristics and suitability.
Water-Based Paints
Water-based fence paints offer excellent adhesion, breathability, and protection. They are an excellent choice in many situations.
- Advantages
- Environmentally-friendly with low VOCs
- Water clean up
- Good flow and leveling
- Available in various sheens
- Fast drying time
- Disadvantages
- Longer curing time
- Not as durable as oil-based
- More prone to cracking
- Higher chance of water damage
- Requires more frequent repainting
- Best Uses
- New or previously painted wood fences
- Environmentally-sensitive areas
- Quick, simple paint jobs
- Small DIY projects
Oil-Based Paints
Oil-based fence paints provide unparalleled protection for wood while offering rich, luxurious colors.
- Characteristics
- Extremely durable finish
- Resistant to cracking, peeling
- Provides moisture barrier
- Available in gloss, semi-gloss sheens
- Long-lasting color retention
- Considerations
- Long cure time
- Strong odor during application
- Difficult cleanup with mineral spirits/solvents
- Not eco-friendly due to higher VOCs
Acrylic Paints
100% acrylic paint blends the performance of oil with the ease of latex paint making an exceptional product for fences.
- Overview
- Combines strengths of oil and latex formulas
- Ultra-protective acrylic resin
- High adhesion to various surfaces
- Soap and water cleanup
- Suitability for Fences
- Strong bonding ability
- Flexibility prevents cracking/peeling
- Microporous film allows wood to breathe
- Excellent fade resistance
- Durable in all weather conditions
- Application Tips
- Works on properly prepared wood, concrete, stucco, etc
- Ideal for spraying which provides smooth finish
- Use quality brush for cutting in edges
- Allow proper curing time between coats
Factors To Consider When Choosing Paint
Weather Resistance
The UK climate brings rain, wind, cold winters and warm summers – fence paint needs to withstand it all.
- Durability is essential for outdoor structures as repainting frequently is impractical
- The best choices feature acrylic resins for maximum adhesion and weatherproofing
- Gloss and semi-gloss oil-based enamels make an impervious moisture barrier
- Using top-quality primer improves bonding and creates a sound foundation
Durability
Many factors affect how long fence paint will last before needing to be redone.
- Paint film thickness – Multiple coats protect better than one light coat
- Application method – Brushing reaches crevices; spraying creates an even layer
- Surface preparation – Cleaning and sanding ensures paint adherence
- Primer coat – Seals the wood for enhanced durability
- Environmental factors – Sun, rain, pollution wear the paint over time
- Maintenance – Periodic inspection, spot repair extends paint life
Look for top-rated products that specify a 7-10 year lifespan. Proper prep and application techniques also boost durability.
Color Options
While white and natural wood tones remain popular, there is increased interest in using bold, unique colors.
- Vibrant paint shades transform ordinary fences into an eye-catching focal point
- Contrasting the fence against the home’s color makes it pop
- Complementary colors create a cohesive, polished look
- Neutral, earthy tones enable the fence to seamlessly blend in
- Match house trim for a cohesive aesthetic
Determine the desired visual impact when selecting a color. Neutrals work well in most settings while vivid hues make a dramatic statement.
Application and Maintenance
Achieving a professional-looking, long-lasting paint job requires proper preparation and application techniques. Maintaining the finish regularly also prolongs its lifespan.
Preparation Steps
Surface preparation makes all the difference for strong paint adhesion and durability on a palisade fence:
- Pressure wash the wood using a cleaning solution to remove existing paint flaking, mildew stains, dirt and debris
- Sand glossy areas to degloss and smooth down rough spots
- Use wood putty on small cracks and holes; replace damaged boards
- Prime bare wood to seal surface and provide foundation for topcoats
- Caulk gaps between boards if necessary
Application Techniques
- Brushing works for simpler, small-scale projects as it effectively coats grooves and indented areas. Use a high-quality, natural bristle brush.
- Rolling speeds up application on larger fences. Keep a wet edge and avoid blotchiness through backrolling.
- Spray painting delivers an exceptionally smooth, consistent finish. Airless sprayers work best for latex paints. Practice technique before tackling the actual job.
- Allow full curing times between coats. Lightly sand glossy areas to assist adhesion.
- Maintain a wet edge when applying to prevent lap marks. Work from top to bottom.
Maintenance Tips
- Inspect fence yearly; touch up any scratches, nicks or damaged areas
- Power wash gently to remove accumulated dirt
- Reapply protective clear coat every 2-3 years over original paint without fully stripping
- Completely repaint every 5-7 years depending on coating quality
- Catch paint failure early and address areas of cracking, bubbling or peeling
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended frequency for repainting a palisade fence?
- High quality 100% acrylic or oil-based paints last 5-7 years before needing to be completely redone
- Spot repair worn areas whenever they appear to maintain protective barrier
- Reapply clear protective coatings every 2-3 years over original paint to boost longevity
Can I use exterior wall paint for my palisade fence?
- While exterior house paints rely on similar resins and pigments, fence enamel formulas provide extra protection against wood cracking, warping, etc. caused by repeated moisture exposure. The specialized flexibility of fence paints allows them to expand and contract with the wood through hot and cold temperatures without failing.
- However, if choosing an exterior house paint, select a 100% acrylic formula for greater durability.
How can I protect my palisade fence from rust before painting?
- Remove rust completely through sanding, grinding or chemical rust removers
- Prime bare areas with a rust-inhibiting metal primer to prevent recurrence
- Opt for galvanized or stainless steel hardware when constructing the fence
- Use exterior-grade screws and fasteners
- Maintain fence paint to avoid rust formation
Is it necessary to prime the palisade fence before painting?
- Priming is highly recommended whenever painting raw wood. Primer:
- Creates a protective seal to prevent moisture absorption
- Provides a smooth, unified surface for topcoat adhesion
- Blocks stains from bleeding into finish coat
- Extends paint job durability
- For previously painted fences with intact existing coating, spot priming repaired areas or completely priming weathered, patchy surfaces helps refresh the wood.
What should I do if the paint on my palisade fence starts peeling?
If the paint finish starts failing through cracking, blistering or peeling:
- Identify and address the underlying cause – excessive moisture, poor preparation, inferior paint, etc.
- Completely remove all loose, flaking paint through scraping, sanding and pressure washing
- Spot prime any exposed raw wood
- Apply new topcoat of high quality 100% acrylic fence paint
- Consider incorporating a clear protective coat for added protection
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