Should You Paint Your Fence?

Whether for the sake of privacy, safety, or curb appeal, many homeowners find wood fences to be worthwhile investments. Choosing the colour of your fence, however, is not always an easy task. After all, your optimal shade may depend on multiple factors, including price, upkeep, and appearance.

To Paint or Not To Paint?

Before you pick a hue for your wood fence, you must first decide how you will colour it. Namely, will you use paint or stain? One of the perks of using paint is that you can access a wider palette of colours, giving you a great degree of control over the final appearance of the structure. Additionally, paint is often very affordable.

Unfortunately, paint does have its drawbacks. First and foremost, this medium doesn’t stay in top condition for very long. After just a couple of years, you may notice the paint starting to peel off, chip, or crack. To resolve this problem, you must scrape off the existing layer of paint. After preparing the surface, you are then ready to apply a brand-new coat. 

The Benefits of Staining

Unlike paint, stain is relatively easy to maintain. This is largely because stain doesn’t separate from wood the way paint does. Stain simply wears off and allows colour to fade over time. Thus, you won’t have to reapply stain as often as you would paint. Additionally, the process of reapplying stain is much less involved.

One of the downsides of stain is that it can be quite a bit pricier than paint when you first buy it. Additionally, stain comes in fewer varieties. Many stains are semi-transparent, meaning they change the overall hue of the wood but still allow the underlying patterns to peek through. Although this is a desirable quality for some homeowners, you may be able to find solid stains in some shades.

Other Colour Options

Bear in mind that paint and stain are not your only two options when it comes to finishing your fence. You could leave the wood as it is or apply a clear stain. The former allows the wood to age subtly over time, while the latter preserves the original appearance of the wood. 

In some situations, it may also be worthwhile to invest in a material other than wood. Vinyl, for instance, comes in different colours and requires virtually no maintenance other than an occasional cleaning.

Choosing a Colour

Supposing you decide to paint or stain your wood fence, you must now determine which shade fits best with your house and the surrounding property. One approach is to select a colour that matches the trim of your house. If your trim is white, for instance, the picturesque white picket fence may be a good option for you. As an added bonus, the white pairs well with brightly colored flowers and plants.

If you don’t want your fence to be the centrepiece of your property, consider painting it black. This way, you receive all the benefits of having a barrier around your yard without detracting from the beauty of your landscaping. Yellow, blue, gray, and plum can also be good choices, as long as they are compatible with the overall colour scheme of your house.

How We Can Help

At your local Handyman Connection, we can handle your fence installation in Victoria from start to finish. We are equipped to work with various kinds of wood, as well as other materials, such as vinyl, PVC, chain link, and wrought iron. We offer high-quality fence repair services, as well, and are happy to assist you with power washing, staining, painting, and repairing gates and latches.

Are you ready to instantly boost your home’s curb appeal with an eye-catching fence? Give Handyman Connection a call to receive a consultation and estimate.