There is nothing more infuriating than painting a fence and then finding it starts flaking or peeling long before you imagined it might. If this has happened to you, chances are your initial preparation was either incorrect or inadequate. The fact is that the best way to keep paint on a fence is to ensure the surface is properly prepared and to apply the paint the way the manufacturer stipulates.
But the reality is that many people have trouble ensuring paint doesn’t peel off fences. They just aren’t able to keep paint on their fences! So, if you are about to paint your fence and want to make sure the paint adheres to the surface and stays there, here are some tips to help you.
What makes the paint stick to a fence surface?
Even if you use the very best brand of paint, if you don’t prepare the surface properly you’ll run the risk that the paint won’t stick to the surface for any length of time. Always be sure to follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions.
How do you know the paint you want to use is compatible with the existing surface of the fence?
It’s not so much compatibility that matters, but rather surface preparation prior to painting that’s important. For instance, if your fence was previously varnished, chances are that no type of paint will stick to it. You’re going to have to remove the varnish, or at least sand it to provide a key for a suitable primer.
How do I know whether my paint is oil or water soluble?
If you aren’t sure, see what the label says about cleaning brushes and thinning the paint. If you have to use water then it’s water-based, if you have to use mineral turpentine, it’s oil-based. Just be aware that some paints require specially manufactured products to clean brushes or to thin the paint down.
If my fence was sealed before I decided to paint it, will this stop the paint from sticking to the fence?
Without a doubt, it will! But funnily enough, even an oil-based stain will stop the paint from adhering to your fence. Again, proper preparation is key in every sense of the word!
Can water affect adhesion of paint?
Totally! You cannot paint on wet surfaces, and if it starts to rain after you start painting, the rain is likely to wreck your paint job.
Generally, surfaces need to be clean and dry before you can paint them. Old surfaces usually need to be sanded, and depending on the paint you are using, primers are often required.
FenceWorks of Georgia is a fence installation specialist. We also undertake fence repairs and fence removals. How can we help you?