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How To Fix The Fading Paint On Your Fences

Newtown, PA

11/09/2023 09:14 PM

How To Fix The Fading Paint On Your Fences in Newtown, PA

Over time, even the most beautifully painted fences can start to fade and eventually lose the spark they once used to have.

Having faded paint on your fences will not only diminish the aesthetics and overall appeal of your property but can also leave your fence material vulnerable to the elements.

But, it's a good thing that fixing the fading paint on your fences is not as daunting as it may seem.

So, without further ado, here's How To Fix The Fading Paint On Your Fences in Newtown, PA.

1. Assess Why Your Coat of Paint Has Faded

Before going into the actual task of applying a fresh coat of paint on your fences, you'll want to take a step back first and look at the bigger picture - and this is to assess why your coat of paint has faded in the first place.

Observing and assessing first why the coat of paint on your fences has faded is important since this gives you crucial information regarding where you might have possibly gone wrong with your initial paint application, and to essentially avoid that this time.

For a brief overview, your coat of paint usually fades due to the following:

A lack of primer application prior to applying the coat of paint;
Using low-quality paint;
A lack of proper surface preparation beforehand;
Fluctuating weather patterns and extreme weather conditions;
A general lack of proper maintenance

Additionally, the coat of paint on your fences could have faded naturally over time, which means two things: that it has been a while since you last painted your fences, and that they're overdue for a fresh coat.

2. Gather Your Materials

After knowing why the coat of paint on your fences might have faded, you'll now want to start gathering the painting materials you'll need for your project.

To help you, here is a basic list of things you might need for your project:

Paint scraper or wire brush
Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
Exterior primer
Exterior paint
Paintbrushes or a paint sprayer
Drop cloths or plastic sheeting
Safety equipment (goggles, gloves, mask)

While getting all your materials at once seems like something unnecessary to you, you must remember that having all the materials ready will ensure you smooth and efficient process for your project.

3. Prep the Fence Surface

Next, you'll want to prep your fence surface for a fresh coat of paint.

Because your fences are outside of your home, they will be vulnerable to tons of external factors such as dirt, dust, and other kinds of debris.

These can accumulate on your fences over time and might cause the fresh coat of paint to adhere poorly.

So, to prep your surface, here's what you'll want to do:

Inspect Your Fences For Any Signs of Damage: Inspect your fences for any physical damage on their material, and make sure to get the appropriate fix for them.
Sand the Surface: After inspecting and fixing any damages on your fences, you'll want to sand the entire surface of the fence. Begin with medium-grit sandpaper to smooth out rough areas and then switch to fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth finish. Sanding not only removes imperfections but also helps the new paint adhere better.
Clean the Fence: Use a pressure washer or a garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle to clean the fence thoroughly. Remove dirt, dust, and any remaining paint chips. Make sure to dry your fences properly before proceeding.

4. Apply Exterior Primer

Primer is another essential aspect in your process of fixing the faded paint on your fences.

A lack of primer application prior to adding your fresh coat of paint could lead you back to your initial paint problem, paint fading, which is why skipping primer is a mistake you should avoid this time.

As an added tip, you should make sure to acquire primer made for exterior painting, as this will provide your fences with better protection against external elements that might cause paint problems such as paint fading.

5. Apply The Fresh Coat of Paint

With the primer in place, it's time to give your fence a fresh coat of paint.

To do this, you'll want to:

Stir your paint to ensure a unified color and texture.
Using a paintbrush or paint sprayer, apply an even coat of paint to the fence. It will be better to work in small sections, painting from the top first and working your way down.
Pay attention to details like corners, edges, and any intricate parts of the fence. A smaller paintbrush may be useful for these areas.
Allow the first coat to dry completely, usually within a few hours, before applying a second coat if needed. Two coats will ensure better coverage and a longer-lasting finish.