Can you paint privacy screen panels?

[Noel37]

Hello. We would like to install a screen in an outside area, but do not like the rusted colour of the "Jack Outdoor Oxy-Shield Screen Panels", nor the black of the recycled "Matrix 1830 x 915 x 10mm Privacy Screen Panels".

Is it possible to paint either of these in a light colour, and if so, what is the preparation process, please.

[EricL]

Hi @Noel37 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's marvellous to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about painting your privacy screen panels.

I've just been in contact with our supplier, and they have advised that painting is not recommended as conventional paints will not adhere to the surface without pre-treatment with a gas fired flame torch. 

However, the Matrix panel come in different colours such as the Matrix 2410 x 1205mm Stone Coolabah, Matrix 2410 x 1205mm Rivergum Coolabah and Matrix 1810 x 905mm Off White Tangle. These are much brighter panels and might work with your design plans.

There is also the option of using Lattice Makers 1800 x 900mm Falling Leaves Screen Panel, Lattice Makers 1800 x 900mm Midnight Garden Screen Panel, Lattice Makers 1800 x 900mm Inverted Diamond Timber Screen and Lattice Makers 1800 x 900mm Hardwood Slat Screen. These are timber panels that can be painted or stained to your preferred colour.

Would it be possible for you to post a photo of the area you are trying to cover? This will give our members a chance to assess its location. We can then make recommendations on what you can use as covering options.

Here are some discussions regarding screening that you might find helpful:

• Pergola privacy screen by @Bankzee 
   
• 7 ways to add privacy to your outdoor area.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Noel37]

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Hello EricL

The photo shows a recess, or step down, between the deck on the left, and double doors on the right. The double doors are rarely used.

The pot plants were placed here to create a visual barrier.

We would like to put a screen between the pot plants, and the double doors, to further fill in this space, and make it a little more attractive.

We do not want a solid screen, which would block out light, nor do we want a solid, bright, colour, but something which can be painted to match, or blend in, with the existing paint scheme.

The screens mentioned in my question appealed, but if they cannot be painted, we will consider other options.

Any comments you may have are welcomed.

Thank you for your time, and assistance. If more photos would help, I can send them.

Noel37

[EricL]

Hello @Noel37 

Thanks for that photo of the area you are trying to cover with a screen. I propose using Lattice Makers 1800 x 900mm Falling Leaves Screen Panel. It covers all of your requests regarding a screen. It can be painted or stained to your preferred colour. It blends in with its surroundings because of its plant leaf design. It lets light through so it it will not totally block off the double doors. 

In order to make it stand independently, I suggest building some legs at the bottom so that there will be no need to anchor it on the floor or wall. I've placed a sample image below to give you an idea of what it could look like. Please tell me what you think.

Let me call on our our experienced members @redbournreno, @craftyhopper and @lifestylebymari for their recommendations.     

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Noel37]

Hello EricL.

Thanks for that. We had seen that product on the web site, but didn't consider it because on the Features tab it says " able to withstand Australian outdoor conditions for up to 18 months."

It's the "18 months that bothers us. Is that in it's raw, untreated, state? And if painted, will it last longer?

Thank you.

Noel37

[EricL]

Hi @Noel37 

You are absolutely right, without any alterations or coating the screen is rated to last 18 months. But if you were to paint the panel, it would add a first line of defence against the weather. Just by covering the screen panel with two coats of paint it will extend its service life. If on the other hand you were to stain it, I would recommend adding a coat of marine polyurethane to protect the timber underneath. 

If you decide to use this product, I strongly recommend painting it so that it will be protected from the weather. I propose having a look at Dulux Weathersheild or Taubmans Sunproof.

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric

[Noel37]

Hello EricL. Thanks for that. We'll have a look at the screen, and how to attach it, next time we are at Bunnings. It mat be a few days, so I'll let you know how it goes.

Thank you for your time.

Noel37.

[Noel37]

Hello EricL. Looking at the Lattice Makers panel, it would have been a nightmare to paint, with all those narrow edges,so we ended up using the Matrix Acacia panel. The black colour fits in, and we are happy with the result. Please see the attached picture. Thanks for your help. Noel37

[MitchellMc]

That looks terrific, @Noel37, well done!

Many thanks for sharing your results.

Mitchell