Preparing a Painted Fence for Repainting

Mow along the fence line. Use a weed eater to remove taller grass or weeds at the base. This will expose the entire area of the fence so you can paint it completely.

Clean the existing fence to remove any dirt and debris that will cause new paint not to adhere properly. Use a pressure washer for the fastest results. If you have an older fence, try the pressure washer on a small area to ensure it doesn't cause damage; otherwise, wash the fence by hand with a bucket of water and a scrub brush.

Place drop cloths along the fence line to catch any debris and drops of paint as you work.

Remove loose paint patches with a paint scraper if the existing paint is peeling. Use the scraper carefully to avoid gouging the fence. A power washer can help remove loose paint as well.

Sand rough patches on the fence to smooth them out. Any rough patches left on the fence can cause the paint to look rough or bumpy. Wipe down the fence with a rag to get rid of the dust residue before painting.

Replace any boards or sections of the fence that are rotten or damaged.