How to Paint an Outside Fence

Mow the lawn to clear out any weeds and overgrowth around the fence. This gives you easier access to paint.

Remove any hardware from your fence before painting. Sand off any chipped paint, then wash down the fence, because dirt can affect the quality of your paint job. Use a power washer or high-pressure hose nozzle, if possible, then let the fence dry completely.

Protect your wood fence from rot by using a preservative, available at home improvement stores. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for preserving. Let the treatment dry completely before moving on.

Apply primer to your fence. Primer causes a more vibrant, even paint job with fewer coats. Use a large brush for posts or large surface areas. Touch up crevices and corners with a smaller brush. Let the primer dry completely--typically overnight--before moving on.

Sand the primer lightly, using a fine-grain sandpaper. This step ensures a smooth, even finish. Pay attention to removing excess primer and smoothing splintered areas, if working with a wood fence. Dust off sanding particles and smooth nail holes by filling them with glazed putty and scraping smooth with a chisel or small tape knife.

Apply two coats of 100 percent acrylic exterior paint. Allow the first coat to dry slightly before applying the second for maximum coverage. Let the paint dry. Replace any removed hardware.