Vinyl makes a durable fence that can withstand the elements for a long period of time but the color isn’t always the best. A simple paint job can make a great difference and all you need are a few materials and a DIY mentality. Here are the main tools and materials:
· Overalls
· Paint
· Paint sprayer
· Water
· Rollers and brushes
· Primer
· Sealer
Get the best paint. Vinyl does not need a lot of maintenance so your job here is simple; just look or a paint supplier/contractor and choose brand that promises longevity. You will need a primer and sealer as well. The supplier should have a working knowledge of paint and may recommend specific primers and sealants.
Prep the fence. If the fence is not too dirty a hose will do all the cleaning but if that doesn’t do the trick, spray soapy water on the fence and use a soft-brittle brush to clean it off. Alternatively, get a landscaping company to power-wash the fence: it takes less time than hose and scrub method.
Apply the primer. Use a primer that can resist mold and mildew and blend well with the vinyl. When selecting a primer, go for products designed for outdoor vinyl shutters and if your fence covers a wide area, use a paint sprayer to reduce the time spend priming.
Clean all the equipment. While the primer dries, you could take time to clean the brushes, sprayers and the rest of the equipment. It is absolutely important that you clean the equipment before moving on to the outer coating. You want a particular color on the fence and if there is a trace of leftover primer on the equipment it might get mixed up with the paint.
Review your work. Take time to inspect the fence and look for visible marks that the brush or roller missed, or drips and runs that need to be sanded down for a smoother finish.
Apply the paint. A professional paint contractor might break up the prepping, priming and painting into a three-day project, giving the fence one day to dry after cleaning, another day for the primer to dry, and another day to inspect the fence and fix minor holes or protrusions.
Clean up. A lot of paints are water-soluble and that makes it easy to clean up after a paint job. Just use a hose and wet cloth to clean up the equipment and that’s it, you have a new color on your fence.
