Introduction
If you notice your fence is faded, weathered or stained, it’s something that you see daily but you might not want to repair. Painting a fence can create a new aesthetic for a property and ensure the protection of timber and metal surfaces from Melbourne’s weather. This guide details the preparation of the fence to be painted, types of paint to select, fence paint colour options, painting timber fences and Colorbond fences, painting fences yourself or hire a professional, and finding reliable fence painters in Melbourne.
Why Painting a Fence Can Improve Your Melbourne Property
A new coat isn’t simply about concealing wear. Painting a fence adds to the value of your street presence instantly and can help with selling or make your home’s front look cared for. It also rejuvenates an outdated and worn-out fence that has become dull or gray.
Painting a fence helps to prevent timber from being exposed to weather and slows the cracking, warping and rotting of the fence. The backyard looks better, and it will look more uniform with the same color as the house’s exterior if the color matches. After a proper painting of fence, it looks much better even for an older fence.
How to Choose the Right Fence Paint Colours
The ideal fence paint colour is based on your home’s exterior, the landscaping surrounding your fence and what neighbouring properties look like. A fence that doesn’t match the house makes it look disjointed and one that matches pulls it together. Some of the most sought-after house styles in Melbourne are:
- Soft greys and warm whites are neutral colours
- Charcoal and dark grey, an ideal choice for contemporary houses
- Warm colors for a more subdued appearance
- Using natural timber inspired colours which retain a warm atmosphere.
- Soothing colors and subdued tones to tone down a small yard .
Colour also affects the perception of a backyard. Darker colors have the effect of a closure on a fence while lighter colors create an opening. Monochromatic gates and trims are best matched with the fence of the home; contrasting gates and trims are a nice touch, but not too many. Painting a fence in the wrong colour is an easy mistake to avoid with a few test patches first.
Colourbond Fence Painting: What You Need to Know
The task of painting a fence constructed from Colorbond steel is very different to that of painting a timber fence. Prior to any paint touching the steel surface, it must be properly cleaned to remove dirt, salt residue and other contaminants. This is one of the primary causes of early failure of metal fencing.
When painting a Colorbond fence, look for areas that need repairs, such as damaged and faded parts or chalking, before painting. Exterior steel painting requires the right variety of paint products because regular exterior paint won’t adhere to steel. After application, sufficient drying is required before the fence is exposed to rain or heavy usage. A few of the most frequently made errors are using the wrong primer or drying too quickly, which shortens the life of the finish.
How to Prepare a Fence Before Painting
The final outcome of painting a fence is more of a factor of preparation than paint itself. Cleaning of the surface is important prior to painting a fence, as the surface must be free of dirt, cobwebs and general grime.
The old paint should be removed from areas where it is loose or flaking and sanding may be necessary in areas for the new paint to adhere. Mould or surface growth should be treated and damaged timber should be repaired first. Rust in metal fencing should also be inspected as it rarely gets better if painted.
Proper drying of the surface is as important as is protection of nearby plants and the prevention of overspray on the paving. Nearly always, painting a dirty, damp, or still peeling fence results in a less than uniform, peeling paint job which lifts again in a season.
Timber Fence Painting: Tips for a Better Finish
Painting a fence made from timber comes with its own considerations. The properties of new timber are different than weathered timber, and both require specific preparation before a coat is applied. The places where knots and imperfections are in the wood require more attention to ensure an even application of paint.
Application of the topcoat on a surface that has been sanded will aid in the bonding of the coating; most timber fences will lend themselves to a suitable primer prior to the topcoat. Coating timber with these specific finishes can also provide a more durable finish than exterior paint. Any space between palings, or any hard-to-reach areas, can also be missed if the work is rushed.
Moisture protection of timber is continuous work. Timber fence contractors can help prevent common issues and save time on larger or more complex jobs, particularly where there is a lot of damage or hard to reach.
DIY Fence Painting vs Hiring Professionals
Self painting a fence can be effective for smaller more simple projects, but the most common mistake made when painting a fence is to rush through the preparation phase of painting a fence. This generally includes purchasing the materials needed (equipment, paint and primer), preparing the site, and arranging access to both sides of the fence.
Professional fence painting services professionals come with definite benefits. Thoroughly prepares them, uses quality equipment and applies coatings uniformly. Usually, the coverage is more even, the job gets done quicker and painters that have experience know how to use various fence materials. There is no universal “best” choice, either one or the other. It’s just the size of the task: the time that you have: and your ease of preparation.
When Should You Hire a Fence Painting Company?
There are certain jobs that you can do yourself, but if you have a large, tall or difficult to access fence, perhaps you should hire a fence painting company. There’s complexity to consider too, with multiple gates and hard access which can significantly slow a DIY project.
Other indicators of the need to call in the professionals include extensive peeling paint, badly weathered timber or metal fencing that requires special treatment. When time is restricted, having assistance will make the process easier. If you’re considering hiring a fence painting company, consider their experience, past projects, how they prepare for the job, types of materials they use, and if they offer a clear written estimate.
Finding Fence Painting Near Me in Melbourne
When you’re looking for painting a fence near me, you’re likely to get a lengthy list of potential companies. Firstly, read the local experience and recent reviews as this is a good indicator of quality.
Take a look at the previously installed fence projects and (if available) at before-and-after photographs. Ask what materials they are using and how they are preparing it as this will have an impact on the length of the finish. Any written quote, information on areas covered and warranty information should be verified before starting work. A trustworthy fence painter Melbourne homeowners can rely on will be honest about this prior to beginning work.
How Much Does Fence Painting Cost in Melbourne?
The cost of having painting a fence in Melbourne varies rather than having one set price.There are various factors that determine the cost of having a fence painted in Melbourne rather than coming in with a fixed price. The length and height of fences influence the amount of materials and labour required, and the length and type of fences will influence the type of preparation required timber, Colorbond or other material will require different preparation.
The current condition also makes a difference. A fence that has peeling paint, or damage, will require more preparation than a fence that is faded. The number of coats, type of paint and how it is applied all help to determine the cost, as do access around the house. The scope may be expanded by what can be added to it, such as gates. When looking for the lowest bid, consider the full range of services that each home fence painting quote provides.
How to Get the Best Results From Professional Fence Painting
There are some simple steps to take before work begins that will make a difference. Keep access to the fence line clear, move outdoor furniture away from fence, and remove plants from fence.
Talk about colors selected before, if they are included in the number of coats, and what preparation is planned. Inquire about the products being applied and know what the weather is like because paint will not look the same if applied under the wrong conditions. When finished, review the work. The fence painting services professionals should be able to show you what was included in the job and answer your questions concerning the finished product.
FAQs
1. What is the best colour for a fence in Melbourne?
Ultimately the colour will depend on your garden, exterior of your home, landscaping, fence type and individual preference. Neutrals and darker hues are popular options, but when it comes to painting a fence, the color palette may differ based on the specific needs of the estate or local community.
2. Can you paint a Colorbond fence?
Absolutely, Colorbond fence can be painted. The surface should be cleaned, properly prepared, and coated with a system that is compatible with the original surface finish in order to assure the longevity of the paint.
3. How often should a painted fence be repainted?
This will vary in accordance with the fence materials, paint, weather conditions and preparation and maintenance. Older wood surfaces may require maintenance sooner than a maintained surface.
4. Is it better to spray or brush paint a fence?
They both have some good qualities when it comes to painting a fence. Spraying provides good coverage in large fences, and a brush or roller is more effective in detail areas.
5. Should I paint both sides of my fence?
Painting both sides renders a consistent appearance, but before starting, property boundaries, neighbour agreements and access should be taken into account.
6. How do I find reliable fence painters in Melbourne?
Before hiring a fence painting contractor, look at their past work, preparation techniques, materials they have used and read written quotes from their previous customers.
7. Can a timber fence be painted without primer?
It depends on the timber’s condition and paint system chosen. In many cases, new, uncoated or weathered timber may require preparation and priming before it can be treated.
8. How much does professional fence painting cost in Melbourne?
The pricing is variable and depends on the size, material and condition of the fence along with the paint system and access. The best estimate of a fence painting quote is one that has been done on-site.
Ready to Get Your Fence Painted?
When it comes to the appearance of a fence, and its lifespan, the right preparation, paint and colour can make all the difference in the world. The difference between getting a fence painted or not, and getting a painted fence that looks great, is all in the preparation. If you would rather leave it to professionals, get in touch with Sam Simon Painters for a straightforward quote on painting a fence at your Melbourne property.
