Wood Fence Painting — Pros and Cons
A new wood picket fence being painted white by hand with a 2-inch brush.
On the fence about whether or not to paint your fence?
We understand. Having a wood fence is a glorious thing. But it does bring about the question, “Should I paint my fence?”
There truly is something magical about a white fence with colorful flowers and landscaping.
In this post, we’ll dive into everything you want to know about painting wood fences like:
What are the pros and cons of painting a wood fence?
Does painting a fence make it last longer?
Should I paint my fence or stain it?
What is the best fence paint for a wood fence?
How long does paint last on a wood fence?
What are the best wood fence paint colors?
Fence painting ideas
How much does it cost to paint a fence?
Looking for fence painting near you in Columbia, SC?
At Boots On Enterprises, we handle wood fence painting, staining, sealing, and repairs. We can also tear down your old fence and provide the wood fence installation of your dreams.
Please contact us for a FREE quote.
Phone: 803-521-4978
Email: bootsonenterprises@gmail.com
A white picket fence with green shrubbery behind it, poking out a bit through the fence slats and a concrete walkway.
What are the pros and cons of painting a wood fence?
A wooden fence is a beautiful addition to your property. But to keep it looking its best, it needs a bit of TLC. That means sealing, staining, or painting.
But which one is best? Let’s look at the reasons people love a painted wooden fence and some of the downsides, as well, so you can make the right decision for you.
5 advantages of painting a wood fence
Painting a wood fence
Protects the wood from weathering and the elements, adding longevity.
Dramatically changes the look of your fence.
Provides many options for colors and creativity.
Is reversible.
Can help your fence to match your home and coordinate your yard’s aesthetics.
4 disadvantages of painting a wood fence
Painting a wooden fence
Will eventually chip or crack.
Needs more maintenance than wood stain or sealant.
Is not always environmentally friendly, depending on the paint.
Costs more than leaving it natural up front.
A dark stained wood fence halfway painted a cream color with white paint buckets and green grass in the foreground.
Does painting a fence make it last longer?
Yes, painting a fence does protect it from rain and UV damage so that it will last longer. Paint creates a coating over the surface of the wood. There are exterior wood paint options that have sealant in them, which are even better. Or some people apply wood sealant before painting.
It’s also important to remember to do a coat of primer before painting the fence.
Should I paint my fence or stain it?
Paint and stain each have their own pros and cons.
Stain lasts a lot longer than paint and doesn’t flake or chip, although it can eventually fade. And wood fence stain comes in a variety of beautiful color options, many of which also contain sealant. Stain also comes in different opacities — from clear to semi-transparent to more opaque. Stain also allows the beauty of the natural wood grain to still show through.
But paint provides more protection from the elements and provides opaque coverage with a much wider color spectrum. Many wood paint for fences also contains sealants to weatherproof your fence. The downside of paint is that it does need more maintenance than stain. But it also offers some benefits that stain doesn’t provide.
Ultimately, it comes down to your preference for the appearance and the maintenance of each treatment.
A picket wood fence painted white with landscaping bushes near a high-rise condominium building.
What is the best fence paint for a wood fence?
Acrylic latex fence paint is a great choice for wood fences because it provides a good barrier to prevent moisture from ruining your beautiful wood. It’s also more flexible than oil-based paint so it can handle temperature extremes more easily than oil-based paint can. Water-based fence paints dry faster, which is handy if there are concerns about rain in the forecast that night.
Oil-based paint (alkyd) lasts longer and is a lot more durable in the elements than water-based paint. It has a beautiful sheen. But it does take longer to dry and is a bit more difficult to clean up (you’ll need paint thinner). It often has more environmental issues than latex-based paint. And oil-based paint isn’t as flexible as latex paint.
Whichever type of paint you opt for, you’ll want to do a coat of primer first. Unless you choose a paint with primer included.
As a fence painting contractor, we like to use Behr exterior wood paint products, ourselves. An experienced fence painter near you can help you choose the best wood paint for your project.
How long does paint last on a wood fence?
Paint can last up to 5-10 years. The general recommendation from many paint companies is to repaint every 2-3 years. But it’s possible you can get a longer life out of your paint than that. Especially if you use a very high-quality paint with good prep work to start with.
The best way to check to see if it’s time for a new coat of paint is to pour a bit of water on the fence and see if it still beads up or if it absorbs into the wood. If the water doesn’t bead, it’s time to repaint your fence. Of course, if your paint is chipping or flaking, it’s also time to repaint your fence.
A closeup of a brand new natural wood fence with horizontal boards with dark green paint being applied with a paintbrush to one board.
What are the best wood fence paint colors?
By far, white is the most popular color choice for wooden fences. It’s a timeless classic. But there are some other colors that are also popular right now. Black is a very dramatic statement that adds a kind of stately elegance to your landscape.
Some other colors that are popular right now include gray and dark gray, fieldstone, forest green, sage, and several shades of blue. And for something extra cheerful, yellow!
Want to do something a bit more creative that really stands out? How about multiple colors?
A close-up view of a colorful painted wood fence with bright primary colors and green horizontal rails.
Fence painting ideas
When you want to paint a fence, the options are practically limitless. (Or, perhaps we should say, the options are only limited by your HOA policies or any laws in your area.)
If you are looking for something with a bit more pizazz than just a single-color painted fence, here are some inspirational prompts to consider if you are especially artistic.
Unique ideas to paint a wood fence
Go with a two-toned look for contrast.
Paint each board a different color in a pattern, as seen above.
Match the paint and trim color of your home and/or shed to make everything match.
Mix and match different colors of paint and stain for a very customized look.
Hire an artist to do a mural.
How much does it cost to paint a fence?
Current rates for staining or painting a fence according to Home Advisor:
Painting a wood fence often costs
$3-$14 per linear foot.
$1-$3 per square foot.
This translates into a range of $300 - $4800 for most fence painting jobs with an average cost nationally of $1700.
To get an exact price, contact a trusted fence painting company near you.
Note, these prices are for painting the fence one color. More complicated projects or murals would be more expensive. (And murals may require hiring artists.)
Factors affecting the cost of painting a fence include:
Fence height and length.
The style of fence.
How much prep work needs to be done first.
Whether you need tree or shrub trimming.
The number of coats of paint.
Whether you are using paint or stain.
The type of paint.
The painting method (brush or airless sprayer).
Any landscaping or upgrades like lighting.
In general, the more labor or materials that are required, the more complicated the project, or the more difficult it is to access the fence, the more the project will cost.
You may find that if you request your fence to be painted in the off-season, like fall and winter, you may be able to get a better deal, as well.
A fence painter applies a first coat of brown fence paint to an existing wooden fence.
Ready to talk about painting a fence in Columbia, SC?
At Boots On Enterprises, we can help with staining or painting your wood fence. We can also pressure wash your fence, driveway, patio, or other surfaces.
And we can handle wood fence repairs, landscaping, hardscaping, tree services, paving services, and more.
Please contact us today for a FREE quote:
Phone: 803-521-4978
Email: bootsonenterprises@gmail.com
We work in the Columbia, SC area including Lexington and Richland counties in South Carolina.
