For the most part, the fence paint colour may look a little different to the swatch colour when first applied, but when dry it’s a better match; however, the ‘Autumn Red’ dries slightly more orange than you might expect. The paint dries as either the water or solvent dissolves, and both types of paint have their advantages and disadvantages. Water-Based Paint

In terms of colour, this paint is available in nine different hues. I’ve chosen to focus this review on the ‘Silver’ Copse finish which is a matt, dark grey fence paint – it results in a modern, contemporary look. It’s the best fence paint for keeping mess to a minimum, and can be applied with either a brush or a spray gun. Although it achieves good coverage most of the time with just one coat, there are some instances where two coats might be required. For example:

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This fence paint is intended for use on rough-sawn timber, so it’s suitable for painting a lot of different exterior wood like wood stores, sheds and fences. However, it’s not recommended for smoother wood like garden furniture.

This fence paint is wax enriched, which helps with repelling water from the surface, and it offers an all-weather barrier to protect exterior wood. The ‘Ebony Wood’ is perfect for anyone wishing to create dark, striking fences.Also remember that colours may also come out darker than expected, especially once dried, which can really change the look of a garden. After painting, wash all brushes and paint sprayers thoroughly with warm water. If using a solvent-based paint, you may need to wash brushes in white spirit to remove the paint. Some of the best fence paints are versatile enough to be used on several different surfaces. Look for paint that can be used on wrot timber as well as rough-sawn timber if you want to paint furniture as well as fences.

The number of coats you need to apply also depends on the manufacture’s instructions for weatherproofing. For a lot of fence paint brands, one coat is enough to protect your fencing. However, do read the small print before making your choice – there are some paints that may require you to use two coats to fully protect the wood. Who said that fences and sheds had to be standard colours like brown or green? If you are looking for something a bit jazzier for your garden, the ‘Bold Plum’ option in the Johnstone’s Garden Colours makes a striking impact. It’s the best fence paint to make a colourful statement in the garden. Cuprinol will likely need to be heavily diluted if used with a paint sprayer, so there is a possibility that another coat will be required in that case. Two coats might also be needed if painting over a darker colour, or applying the paint on fresh wood.

There are several colours in the Ronseal Fence Life range including: Gold, Medium Oak, and Dark Oak. I’m focusing this review on the Dark Oak colour which dries as a dark chocolate and has a matt finish. It’s a rich, warm colour to use in the garden. One coat should be sufficient on most rough-sawn timber if painted over a lighter colour. This fence paint is designed to offer long lasting protection to your fence – it contains algaecides and fungicides to fight off mildew and will also help prevent weather damage. As a result, this is the best fence paint for those living in exposed areas, helping protect the wooden fence from rain, frost and snow. It also has good resistance to sunlight, retaining its rich colour even after a long summer. Make a creative statement: choose any colour from the rainbow. You can use any bright colour to make a creative statement in the garden, and these paints can be applied in any number of ways. You could decorate fences with an ombre colour fade, contrast trellises, contrast fence posts, or paint one fence to make a statement area in the garden. Contain less VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that solvent-based paints. Extended exposure to VOCs can cause health problems, and VOCs are also considered bad for the environment – they can contribute to the increase of ground-level ozone (smog) which can lead to global warming. When fence painting with a brush, you should work with the direction of the wood grain. If painting with a spray gun, you should work in sections, moving the paint sprayer left to right over the section whilst working either top to bottom or bottom to top.