What's the best fence paint?

With so many fence paints available on the market, it can be a bit overwhelming when deciding on the right one. It would be easy if there were one definitive answer to the question ‘What’s the Best Fence Paint?’, but it really depends on your fence and what look you want to achieve. Different fence paints are also formulated for different fence materials, conditions, desired finishes, and painting methods. So let’s delve into your options.

The best fence paint depends on your fence’s material, age, weather exposure, and your desired finish. Water-based paints suit smooth, treated surfaces and quick touch-ups, while oil-based paints are ideal for older, weathered wood.
There are two main types of fence paint: Water-based and oil-based. Water-based paints are easier to apply, dry faster and are more eco-friendly. Oil-based paints penetrate deeper, offer long-lasting durability, and are better for weathered fences.
What fence paint you should use will depend on your specific needs. For instance, when painting a fence in a wet climate, use water-resistant paints. For sun protection, water-based UV-resistant paints are ideal. For speed, use quick-drying paints or spray-compatible paints for faster application.

Oil-based vs. water-based paint for fences: pros and cons

There are two main types of exterior fence paint: water-based and oil-based. The main difference is that water-based paint bonds to the fence by adhesion, whereas oil-based paint bonds by penetrating deep into the surface. Each have their own advantages:

Water-based paint

Pros: water-based paint is a popular option for fences, especially for beginners, as it’s generally easier to apply and achieve an even finish. It dries quickly, is more UV resistant, and is flexible once applied, preventing any cracks from forming. It’s also more environmentally friendly as it doesn’t release as many VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) into the air when being applied, making it a much more positive painting experience.

Cons: can dry too quickly in hot weather, may need re-painting more frequently compared to oil-based paints, and are known for being less effective in sealing and protecting both weathered and untreated wooden fencing.

Oil-based paint

Pros: oil-based paint is known for its long-lasting durability, attractive sheen, and low maintenance. Oil-based paints penetrate the wood grain, which is part of the reason why they’re so good at increasing your fence’s lifespan and why they’re a better choice for old and weathered timber. They also work well on a wider variety of surfaces.

Cons: oil-based paints take much longer to dry compared to water-based, meaning they’re not ideal for quick touch-ups. They’re also more potent, will likely require solvent clean-ups and can crack and peel due to weather conditions.

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What’s the best paint for your fence?

Before choosing the best paint for your fence, you’ll need to consider which type is suitable. Each paint is designed with different materials and conditions in mind. For example, some paint is best suited to textured surfaces where it can work its way deep into the wood, while others lay down more effectively on smooth, treated surfaces. You’ll also get some options that work particularly well on pre-painted wood. To understand which is best for yours, always check the paint’s packaging as it’ll clearly indicate what type of surface it’s suitable for.

What’s the best paint for wet and sunny weather?

In the same way a tree absorbs water to grow, your fence can also absorb water, but this can cause issues if untreated. If your wood isn’t treated, wet rot and mould can form and cause a lot of damage, affecting both the look and structural integrity of your fence. Most fence paints are designed to resist water for this reason, but some are more effective in this area than others. Popular water-resistant paint brands include Cuprinol Ducksback and Ronseal Fence Life Plus, which repel water once applied to your fence, providing a barrier against wet rot and mould.

If you’re worried about warm weather, on the other hand, some paints are formulated to protect against UV light. When a fence is exposed to consistent UV light, it may cause the finish to fade and discolour, as well as become more prone to cracking while reducing its lifespan. Water-based paints like Wickes Shed & Fence Timbercare will help to prevent the effects of UV light exposure.

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Which fence paint should I use for an old fence?

Before painting an old fence, you’ll need to remove any dirt with a stiff brush and clean it thoroughly with a pressure washer or warm, soapy sponge. After this, most paints will work well on an older fence. If your existing fence is naturally dark or has been painted dark, you might want to sand it, prime it with a couple of coats of white or cream wood treatment and then paint your lighter colour over that.

Which fence paint will apply the quickest?

For quick application, you’ve got a couple of options. You can either go for a paint that needs only one coat, like Ronseal One Coat, or you can opt for a paint that’s compatible with a paint sprayer, the quickest way to paint your fence. Most paints can be used with a paint sprayer, but they’ll need to be diluted down first. Check your paint’s packaging to see if it’s compatible and to find out how much it needs to be diluted.

Which fence paint will dry the quickest?

If you’re looking for quick-drying paint, we recommend water-based. The water element in these paints will evaporate more quickly than the oil found in oil-based paints, so you won’t have to wait as long before applying another coat. This also means you won’t have to worry if the weather turns bad soon after painting; paints like Ronseal One Coat dry in as little as an hour, becoming fully shower-proof in that time.

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How to choose the right paint sheen for a fence

When choosing your ideal sheen for your fence, you’ll need to consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve, as well as the condition of your fence prior to painting and your ideal longevity time.

What are the different types of fence paint finishes available?

Matt: hide imperfections more easily while still maintaining a natural look, but won’t be as resistant to moisture and dirt.

Satin: this is a common choice for fences as it offers a slight sheen with optimum durability that’s easy to clean.

Semi-Gloss: extremely durable and easy to maintain, but can often highlight any flaws in the fence.

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Sprucing up your fence with a lick of paint isn’t as simple as just choosing any old fence paint. There are lots of factors to consider when finding the best garden fence paint to suit your needs, and various paints are formulated to suit different textures and conditions. Whether your fence is old or new, will be exposed to the elements, or you require a quick-drying solution for your next garden get-together, make sure you pick the right paint for the job. Not sure which colour or design to go for? We’ve put together a collection of fence painting ideas to spark your imagination.

FAQs

We wouldn’t recommend using fence paint on decking as it’s not designed to withstand foot traffic. Instead, use specially designed decking paint or stain to guarantee durability.

We would recommend you use a primer before painting a wood fence, as this can increase its lifespan, meaning you won’t have to repaint for a long while. Priming helps to seal the wood, giving you better adhesion when it comes to painting.

We recommend painting during a dry, mild day in either Spring or early Autumn. By doing so, temperatures won’t be too high.

Some of the most common fence paint colour ideas for a modern home include standard browns to complement the rest of the natural look of your garden, black to create a contrast and also blues and greens for a pop of colour or to create a cohesive look.

You should opt for paints with rust-inhibiting properties or primers with a top coat system. Our top recommendations include oil-based or alkyd metal paints, epoxy-based primers and specialist rust-prevention paints. Always check your paint’s label to ensure it’s suitable for a metal fence.

This’ll depend on the quality of paint, its exposure to harsh weather conditions and the preparation you undergo before painting but generally fence paint will last 3-5 years on wood and 5-7 years on metal.

Yes, your best option is low-VOC or VOC-free water-based fence paints that are formulated with more natural pigments and binders. Cuprinol is a good brand example that creates such a formulation.