Fence paint/stain/preserver?

jem1276

Have got myself all in a muddle

I thought fence paint, other sites say not paint, it just peels off too quickly and you need to redo it often so go for a stain with preserver but there are too many types.

I have an old fence that is a bit warped and has not been painted in 6 years. I want it to be a mid to dark brown colour.

I don't want to use a sprayer as neighbours both sides have lovely flowers and veg etc... so want a paint on with a brush type.

What do you recommend?

[Deleted User]

Hi,

have a look here and here.

jem1276

Thanks frugalmacdugal.

The fence life says it can cover up to 47 fence panels (5L) and the ducksback says it can cover 6 fence panels for the same 5 litres!

Am confused as to how it can be so different?

It must be a typo? Think it should be 4-7?

[Deleted User]

Hi,

yes must be, 4-7 seems more like it, are you doing panels or fencing, there is a wee coverage calculator on the Ronseal page.

invisiblecabbage

if you are near a homebargains they have the big tub of ronseal fence stuff (dark oak - but ok when dried) for £5.99 BARGAIN:j

Just used 2 1/2 tubs to do 17 panels. Same stuff in B&Q was £13

invisiblecabbage

oh and its worth getting a fence painting brush £4ish as my OH left son just a wide normal brush to do fence and wondered why he was taking so long. After doing a panel himself he went and purchased the proper brush.

caz07

we have just finished our fence today we used Cuprinol Sprayable Harvest Gold 5L you can still use a brush it looks really nice

Vibrant

Of the water based fence life type products I have used, I would rate Cuprinol Ducksback as the best, for coverage and durability. The standard Cuprinol is reasonable as well.
Ronseal I found rather watery, taking a couple of coats to get a solid colour.
Wickes Timbercare (and the wax version) was hard work to apply, being very thick, like non drip paint. However the finish was good and seems reasonably durable.
Wilkinsons own brand was very thin and I wasn't impressed, returned for a refund.

You could also use creosote substitute, which will protect the fence far better than the water based products, especially if you mix in a little used engine oil. The disadvantages are that it doesn't go very far, with a 6*6 panel taking a litre.

I have only used proper fence paint a few times. The finish can look good. But it needs more preparation than other products.

Personally, I use creosote substitute on my own fence, as I like its preserving qualities and that after a few good treatments the finish lasts better than anything else.

Primrose

If you have a rather old fence it's probably not worth buying a very expensive product like Cuprinol but coating it with a weatherproof stain will make it look better and help extend its life. You'll find outlets like Wickes and B & Q do cheaper preservers that will do roughly the same job. I do recommend though that you buy a proper fence-size brush, otherwise it will take ages to do. Be generous with it when applying. If the fence has never been coated previously it will sop up the liquid like blotting paper!

jem1276

Thanks very much for all of the advice. :beer:

My neighbour popped round to lend me his fence brush earlier as I mentioned to him that we were painting it.

Will finalise what to buy and get cracking.

I have given more thought to this than I ever thought I could give to a fence :rotfl:it is starting to become addictive this garden lark!