How to Paint a Cedar Garden Gate

Wash off all dirt, dust, grass stains and other debris with a power washer. Allow the cedar garden gate to dry thoroughly for up to 48 hours.

Replace broken or missing slats of cedar in the garden gate with new cedar boards using a hammer and corrosion-resistant nails.

Fill large cracks or holes in the garden gate with wood putty. Smooth the surface of the wood putty with a putty knife so it is the same level as the surrounding cedar wood. Allow the wood putty to dry for as long as the package directs.

Insert a plastic, disposable paint liner into a paint tray. Pour a can of water-repellent preservative into it. Dip a paintbrush into the preservative and brush evenly onto the cedar garden gate. Make sure you apply the water-repellent preservative to both sides of the cedar garden gate, as well as the small nooks and crannies. Allow the water repellent to dry on the cedar wood for as long as the package label states.

Remove the disposable paint liner from the paint tray and insert a clean one. Pour stain-block primer into the paint tray. The primer will provide a base for the paint.

Dip a clean paintbrush into the stain-block primer and spread an even coat onto the cedar garden gate. As before, coat both sides of the gate and the small nooks and crannies. Allow the stain-block primer to dry for the recommended amount of time.

Remove the paint liner containing the stain-block primer and insert a new, clean paint liner. Pour 100 percent acrylic, exterior paint into the paint tray.

Dip a clean paintbrush into the acrylic paint and brush it onto both sides of the cedar garden gate and all the other surfaces, as you did with the other coats. Allow the first coat of paint to dry completely before brushing a second coat of paint onto the cedar garden gate. It may take longer for the coats to dry if the weather is cool or damp.