Park Road Timber & Hardware have put together a handy guide step-by-step instructions on how to paint a fence.

Which tools will you need?

Before you start any job, it’s important to have the right tools to set yourself up for success. We recommend:

• a paint roller or large paintbrush
• a large tarp
• power washer or fence cleaner (optionally)
• a wire brush for scouring
• Enough paint to cover the job

When it comes to the fence paint itself, you’ll need to make sure it’s durable enough to survive being out in the elements for years to come. The two main options will be either an oil-based paint or a water-based paint, with oil-paints being the more durable option but taking much longer to dry (hours to even days).

If you live somewhere that the weather won’t allow this, a water-based paint might be best as they tend to fare better in climates with fluctuating temperatures due to their ability to expand and contract with the wood.

When is the best time to paint your fence?

The weather can have a huge impact on the quality and longevity of your paint job. For the best results, you want a day that is dry and clear – making spring and summer the best time of the year to attempt it.

If the day is too warm, then you run the risk of the paint drying too quickly, which doesn’t allow for it to soak into the wood properly and won’t last nearly as long. Ideally you’ll want to wait until your fence is in the shade (if possible) before you start painting, so that the wood isn’t already too warm before you begin.

Steps to painting your fence.

Now that you’re properly prepared with the right paint, painting equipment and time of day/year – you can get to painting! Here are the steps you’ll need to take as you bring life back into your fence.

Prepare the surroundings.

Preparation is key for any good paint job, and outdoor fences have a few extra considerations to take on board. It’s a smart idea to inspect your fence for any noticeable damage or issues that may get in the way when you’re painting or sanding. This can be the obvious stuff (like the missing slat you’ve needed to fix for years now), or it could be the occasional nail that has worked its way out of the wood over time.

Hammer that nail back in place, and replace the slat – start the job off right!

Cleaning a fence before painting is also advisable, preferably with some sort of high pressure water cleaner and a brush to get the tough grime off before the paint goes on. 

You’ll also want to make sure that any flowers or plants that are growing alongside the fence are sufficiently protected from any of the paint that’s about to be applied, either by pegging them back (which will be fine for a short period of time) or by temporarily covering them with a tarp.

If your fence has previously been painted, you may need to sand it back to remove any traces of the old paint layer and make sure that your fresh coat goes on evenly. Newer fences often arrive pre-treated and won’t require this step.

Time to paint.

The first step when it comes to actually beginning to paint the fence is to apply a primer layer. Some see this step as optional, but it will protect your fence against mould and provide a better surface for your paint to stick to.

Once this layer is completely dry, you can apply your first coat of paint. The best way to paint a fence is to start at the top and work your way down to avoid any drips, and always brush in the direction of your panels (horizontal for horizontal panels, and vertically for vertical panels). Don’t be afraid to use a lot of paint, but always aim for an even finish. Allow this layer to dry completely and then check to see if it needs another coat.

Your paint supply experts

If you have any questions about how to apply paint to your wooden fence, the expert team at Park Road Timber & Hardware is here to help with all the advice and equipment you’ll need to get the job done right.

Get in touch on (03) 03 9909 5397, fill out our online contact form or visit us in-store today!

If you want to start keeping chickens but don’t know how to build a chicken coop on your own, the Park Road Timber and Hardware team is here to help. Planning out your chicken coop is just as important as building it, which is why we have highlighted the three essential things to consider before you get started.

Location

One of the most crucial things to consider when building a DIY chicken coop is the best location to provide good hygiene and protection for your chickens. It is best to either elevate your chicken coop or build on higher ground in order to avoid flooding, mud and water buildup. 

When building a chicken coop, it is a good idea to choose a location close to your home or in a spot that people frequent to deter predators such as foxes. These predators can also hide near plants and foliage, so you may want to clear the area around your coop.

It is important to choose a location that has both shade and sunlight exposure depending on the time of day, as sunlight encourages chickens to lay eggs. You can use natural shade such as trees or something artificial, whether that be shade created by a building, fence or a tarp.

Size

How much room do chickens need in a coop? This is a common question asked by DIY coop builders, and the answer largely depends on whether your chickens will have an outdoor run to roam beyond the coop. If this is the case, you should plan for your coop to have around 3 square feet per chicken, with an additional 4 square feet per chicken for the outdoor run space. Should there be no outdoor space, each chicken will need 8–10 square feet inside the coop. For happy, healthy chickens, outdoor space is highly recommended.

The last thing you want for your chickens is overcrowding, which can lead to numerous issues. Being in a cramped space will usually result in chickens fighting more, causing injuries and having some birds that don’t get enough food or water due to being lower in the pecking order. A crowded coop can also mean that bacteria and droppings build up faster, increasing the risk of your chickens getting sick.

Materials

There are many different options available when it comes to what materials you will use for your chicken coop. Two of the most effective coop types are metal and concrete, although the materials can be more costly. These coops are easy to clean, sturdy and offer excellent predator protection. 

Materials for hardwood, softwood and plywood coops are generally easier to get and are more affordable, but lice and mites have more cracks and joints to hide in, and it may be more difficult to clean the coop out.

Whether you’re looking to build a coop that will stand the test of time, or something a bit more simple, Park Road Timber and Hardware has all the supplies you need as an official store of Mitre 10. Chicken coop builders can trust our team to supply everything you need to create the perfect DIY home for chickens.

Park Road Timber & Hardware has everything you need

If you are ready to get started on your DIY chicken coop, the team at Park Road Timber and Hardware is here to help. We stock a huge range of items from Dewalt power tools to hardwood. Check out our catalogue or visit us in-store for everything you need, whether it’s hardware, timber or tools.

With click and collect available, it has never been easier to get exactly what you need for your next DIY project. Visit us at our Cheltenham store for all your timber and hardware needs or give our friendly team a call on (03) 9909 5397 for our expert advice. Alternatively, you can book a free consultation with us online.