Fence Maintenance: Four Practical Steps for Painting Your Picket Fence
Picket fences are ideal for home installation because of their authentic aesthetic appeal. The warmth of wood coupled with the traditional construction adds an attractive element to the residential exterior design. Unfortunately, if the fence is neglected, the appearance will deteriorate due to the weathering of the paint. Therefore, you will need to perform regular maintenance by repainting the surfaces every few years for ideal appeal and performance. Here are some essential tips to help you restore your worn out picket fence.
Choose the Right Paint You should select and purchase the most suitable paint for your picket fence. Poor products will deteriorate prematurely after application. Moreover, some low-quality products could cause damage to the wood. Ideally, you should look for paint intended for outdoor use. It should also be compatible with your fencing timber. It is also advisable to buy wood with additives such as UV inhibitors and antifungal properties.
Clean Off the Old Layers If you want to achieve a smooth and clean picket fence look, you should remove the old layers of paint from the wood. Scraping the surfaces will create a clean template for a fresh coat of paint. You should start by scraping the peeling paint from the fence. Once the old layers are gone, you can clean the wood with a power washer. When scouring the old paint, you should consider placing a cloth at the bottom of the fence. The fabric will collect the waste, making clean-up easier.
Prime the Surface You should prime the surface of the wood before applying your chosen paint. A primer is critical for a fence repainting project because it ensures that the paint adheres well to the timber. It also creates a level surface on the fence for a smoother look. If possible, you should apply a preservative before priming the wood. The chemical will repel water and limit the probability of wood rotting. Besides, it can protect the lumber from termite and borer infestation.
Paint the Fence Finally, you should apply the paint to your picket fence. When you begin painting, you should not expect to achieve a perfect look with one coating. Typically, the timber looks better with two thin coats of paint as opposed to a single thick layer. You should apply the first coating and allow it to dry for some time. Then, apply the second layer to finish the work. Repainting your picket fence can be a challenging process. Therefore, you should contact picket fencing contractors for professional assistance as needed.
