How to paint my crappy old fence

[Dayna14]

I’d like to paint this crappy old fence and trialed some colours out today, using Wattyl Solaguard (low sheen). This pic is just one coat of each colour and it wasn’t completely dry yet. 

I’ll purchase the cheapest paint gun I can and get stuck in but any tips before I go buy 10 litres of paint and the gun? Plan to stick with Wattyl Solaguard and maybe go the $49 Ozito spray gun? How do I keep overspray from hitting my neighbour’s washing lines / sheds etc? I’ve seen people holding some cardboard up to prevent that? 

Part of our fence is currently the very light grey colour and part of it is a terrible washed out green (and the very back fence is cream colourbond). 

Any and all tips very much appreciated! 

PS: I’ve been told this is not asbestos which is a relief! 

 

 

[EricL]

Hello @Dayna14 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about painting your fence.

The first thing that came to my attention was the material of your fence which reminded me of the old asbestos fences used many years ago. If you have had your fence tested and it came up negative, then painting over it should not be an issue. The Ozito spray gun should be sufficient to use for this particular project. My best advice is to clean the spray gun thoroughly after end of day use. Under no circumstances are you to allow the paint to sit inside the spray gun or the reservoir tank overnight. It will clog up the spray channels and will render your spray gun unusable.

I propose speaking to your neighbour about your plan. Tell them that you'll be covering part of their shed with painters drop sheet to protect the back of their shed and that you'll also be covering their laundry lines as well to protect it from overspray. Give your neighbour an exact date and time when you'll begin so that they can adjust their schedule as well. You can use masking tape along with bricks to prevent the painters drop sheet from flying off.  

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendation.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @Dayna14 

I've sprayed a few fenced including my own. Here are some tips that might be useful.

1. A mate of mine has that $49 Ozito and has been very happy with it. I have a  which has adjustable horizontal and vertical spray patterns which can vibe very useful in efficiency depending the the application. In your cads vertical shaped Super 66 Fence panels.

2. Ensure you follow the instruction on % dilution with water. I pour 3/4 paint directly into the gun's canister and then top it up with % water and stir.

3. With a super 66 fence, expect the first 2 coats will be absorbed, so a 3rd might be required. And yes go with the cheapest exterior paint. This one is good value.

4. Only spray on non-windy days

5. Paint the top 1/4 by fence brush to avoid overspray over the fence. Otherwise I use 2 tall stakes and a cheap tarp cable tied as a shield and move it along as required.

6. If you need a break, then wash the gun. out fully and start fresh. Allow 15min to do this properly. It avoid the nozzle etc gumming up. 

7. Do the paint refills in the shade so nothing dries out.

8. Clean the gun buy spraying fresh water through it, then dismantle and fully wash all parts in clean water. Check and clean the air filter.

9. Turn the music up and away you go.

Nailbag

[Dayna14]

Thank you so much for your help! 

[Dayna14]

Thanks so much @Nailbag - you are a complete legend! 😀