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Fence paint

hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053
in Tools and techniques
i have a close boarded fence which I want to preserve. Spraying would be super quick. What sprayer and what make of paint should I buy?
'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I think you need specific paint for those sprayers hogweed. It's thinner, so that it comes through the nozzle.
    I also believe the sprayers aren't very good. I had a conversation with a chap delivering stuff to me one day, while I was painting my fence, and he said they're rubbish. I suggested that the makers will be happy enough because, by the time people realise that, they'll already have sold plenty. He totally agreed with me  :D  
    I expect a one off might be ok, but I don't know anyone who's used one for any length of time. I sometimes use an old roller - rough one - which helps. The small sized ones are particularly handy for little areas.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053
    Yes FG, a roller would be my choice. I am still thinking about whether, despite all the manufacturers claims, if paint really prolongs the life of a fence or not. To be honest, this fence has cost me so much grief and money that I could put a match to it, never mind paint it! 
    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    I suppose it depends on how much of it there is. I tried one of those sprayers a few years ago & can confirm it was useless, luckily it was from B&Q  & I took it back, and got my money back ! I stick to a wide brush made for the job.
    AB Still learning

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I use the big brush too ABoy, but the wee roller is quite handy, and they're dirt cheap to buy half a dozen or so. 
    I sympathise hogweed - I know that feeling only too well! 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • WaysideWayside Posts: 845
    I was looking at a hit and miss fence the other day that is at least 30 years old, and there was nothing wrong with it whatsoever.  It has never had any treatment.
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    The old pump pressure sprayers, similar to those used for weedkiller etc are pretty useless.  The electric ones are good and most will spray fence treatments without any need to thin it first.  I have seen some in Homebase but haven't looked at them closely.
    Spraying will be much quicker as it will only take about one minute per panel side once you get the hang of it.  Some of the problems people experience with powered sprayers is down to not cleaning them thoroughly after use.  If the paint is left to dry in the mechanism it's going to be a nightmare to fix.
  • stuart.dotstuart.dot Posts: 127
    Actually fences don't need preserving, it's only the foot of the posts that ever rot. Also, the grey weathered look seems to go with everything in the outdoors. Legoland fences I don't like  :)
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    stuart.dot said:
    Actually fences don't need preserving, it's only the foot of the posts that ever rot. Also, the grey weathered look seems to go with everything in the outdoors. Legoland fences I don't like  :)
    Fences can become very brittle over time and treatment does help to at least slow that process down.
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