If your fence is looking a little rundown, a new coat of paint
may be the perfect solution. The first thing you need to consider
is if you want a natural or a traditional look. Do you want to
paint it the same color as it was before or do you want to match it
to the new coat of paint you used for your house?
If your fence is looking a little rundown, a new coat of paint may be the perfect solution. The first thing you need to consider is if you want a natural or a traditional look. Do you want to paint it the same color as it was before or do you want to match it to the new coat of paint you used for your house?
Doityourself.com suggests staining the fence instead of painting it when possible because it involves less preparation. However, the stain must be applied more frequently.
Usually you won’t have to cross your neighbor’s property, but if you do share a common fence, you will want to discuss it with him or her.
Cover any plants or fixtures with newspapers or a drop cloth to avoid getting any paint on them.
Before you begin, sand away the old paint and any rough edges.
You’ll also want to wash the fence. Doityourself.com suggests using a mixture of half bleach and half water to remove any mildew.
When painting the fence, it is best to chose a four- to six-inch-wide brush covering only a third of it with paint, according to a tutorial at eHow.com.
Use a smooth up-and-down motion to coat the fence. You can also use a paint sprayer.
Universal Forest Products (www.ufpi.com), which sells a variety of wood items, advises repainting the fence every two years to keep it looking good.
Do you have a home improvement question or suggestion for something that has worked for you? If so, we’d love to hear it. The home improvement tip runs on Wednesdays. Send your questions and comments to nm*****@**********rs.com or call (408) 842-6400 and ask for Nathan Mixter.
