How to Paint a Roof or Fence: Paints and Application

Painting is one of the most effective ways to protect both your fence and your roof from the ravages of Mother Nature.

Choosing the right paint for your roof or fence is vital. It will determine how effective the protection will be.

There are different paints and application techniques for your fence and for your roof.

Paint formulated for wooden fences can soak through and lock into the wood.

As the fence expands and contracts from heat and moisture, the paint will weather with the wood instead of peeling off.

Paint formulated for metal roofs is often more viscous. Most times, it also has self-levelling features.

Self-levelling refers to the ability of the paint to even out after application for a smooth finish.

It makes roofing paints less effective on fences. The colour will not be able to seep into the wood and will peel off faster.

The differences in the paints also determine the ideal application technique.

For instance, spray painting requires lighter consistency in the paint compared to dip coating.

Consult an expert roof or fence painter in your area to find out the best paint and paint application technique for you.

Types of Paint for Your Roof or Fence

The type of paint you choose for your roof or fence is just as important as the colour.

It will determine the quality and longevity of the hue.

The two major types of paint to choose from are:

• Water-based paint
• Oil-based paint

Water-Based Paints

Water-based paints, also referred to as latex paints, are the most popular on the market.

They contain a pigment, a binder (usually acrylic or vinyl), and water as the carrier.

Latex paints are easy to use, offer excellent pigment retention, dry faster and produce less odour.

Advantages of Water-Based Paints

• Stable colour that will not turn yellow or fade in the sun
• Flexible and elastic finish, resistant to cracking
• No need for pre-treatment
• Low levels of toxic emissions (VOC)
• Good for almost all surfaces

Disadvantages of Water-Based Paints

• Less durable than oil-based paints
• More difficult to apply uniformly

Oil-Based Paints

Oil-based paints use petroleum as a carrier and natural oil or synthetic resin as a binder.

These make the paint dry much slower but produce a smooth, glossy finish.

Cleaning up oil-based paints is much harder than water-based paints. It usually involves mineral spirits and turpentine. But the rich, hard-wearing finish makes up for it.

Advantages of Oil-Based Paints

• Hard-wearing and long-lasting
• Excellent with high moisture surfaces
• Give an attractive gloss finish
• Offer great self-levelling 

Disadvantages of Oil-Based Paints

• Fade faster in the sun
• Produce fumes and odours (high VOC)
• Harmful to the health and the environment
• Highly flammable

Choosing the right paint type means allowing your project and the needs of your fence or roof to guide you.

If uncertain, you can contact a certified painter in your area to get a quotation and help you decide which type of paint will best suit your needs.

Paint Application Methods

There are several paint application methods available, each with specific advantages and drawbacks.

Some application methods have different variations to suit individual circumstances.

Brushing

Using a paintbrush is the most common way of paint application.

Paintbrushes are readily available and very effective at getting into places that are hard to reach.

Brushing is also an effective method for repairs and retouching.

It is, however, not ideal for large surfaces as it is a slow and time-consuming method.

The success of a brush application largely depends on the consistency of the paint. Thick paint might pull and string under the brush, while thin paint might not adequately cover the surface.

Improper paint consistency will likely leave visible brush marks after painting and alter the quality of the finish.

Rolling

Rolling is a paint application technique better suited for larger surfaces. The process is a lot quicker and more effective compared to brushing.

Rolling is more suitable for flat surfaces. The roller cannot get into narrow and harder-to-reach places like between a picket fence.

Rollers come in various sizes and covers for different purposes.

Consider the size of the roller you get and the kind of surface you will be painting.

Mini rollers are great for woodwork and small areas, and larger rollers are better for bigger surfaces like fences and roofs.

Spraying

Spraying uses an atomised cloud or spray of paint to evenly coat surfaces.

It produces the highest quality finish of all the options discussed.

However, it requires more stringent regulations to achieve a high-quality finish.

You need a thorough cleaning to remove any debris or contaminants from the target surface.

Spraying is the most prevalent application method for fences and roofs. It produces a high-quality finish and can adequately cover large surface areas.

The different types of spray painting include:

1. Air Spraying

   An air spray consists of a conventional spray gun that combines compressed air with liquid paint to create a pressurised cloud.

   The equipment used for air spraying is highly adjustable to suit the job. Thus, air spraying is suitable for both the fence and roof.

   However, air sprays have poor transfer efficiency compared to other application methods, leading to the loss of paint.

2. Airless Spray

   With airless spray, the equipment forces the liquid paint through a narrow opening to create pressure.

   The airless spray propels the paint at a lower velocity than air spray, losing less of the colour through overspray.

   Airless spray presents several advantages over conventional techniques. But it also needs extra maintenance and specialised skills to operate.

   Spray painting is not a DIY job; in the hands of amateurs, things are bound to go wrong.

   Reach out to an expert painter and get a free quotation on spray painting your roof or fence here.

Types of Paint Finish

Sheen options vary from different paints and manufacturers.

The increasing paint quality in new paints motivates people to find new ways to incorporate different sheens in their homes.

The most popular types of paint finishes are:

Matte Paint

Matte is the least reflective sheen available. It has a velvety texture that offers excellent depth of colour and helps hide imperfections.

Matte is the standard sheen for wall finishing, although it can sometimes be challenging to clean.

Semi-Gloss and Gloss Paint

Gloss is the most reflective of all the sheens. It is highly durable and can withstand many cleanings.

Gloss and semi-gloss finishes are excellent for kitchens, bathrooms and accent trims.

They are bold and bright, although they can also highlight imperfections.

Satin and Eggshell Paints

Satin and eggshell fall between Matte and Gloss, although satin is slightly glossier than eggshell.

They have a little bit of reflectivity and offer high durability.

Satin and eggshell sheens are popular in demanding environments like kitchens and bathrooms.

They are easy to clean up and offer a glossy finish.

What is the Ideal Temperature for Paint Application?

Paint application can be a delicate matter. Favourable weather is necessary for success.

The rule of thumb when painting with oil-based paints is an ambient temperature of at least 7c for 48 hours. Water-based paints need a temperature of above 10c.

High humidity will compromise the protective qualities of the paint. Humidity reintroduces moisture to the paint, distorting adhesion, which can lead to peeling and bubbling of the paint.

When painting your roof or fence, the paint you choose will only be as good as the tools you use in the application.

Rollers and brushes might seem like a good idea to save money, but high-quality tools will yield the best results.

Don’t compromise with your home. Contact a professional paint expert to find out the best paint and application tools to use on your fence and roof today!