Alright, let us talk about fences. You have one, it is looking a little tired, and you are thinking a fresh coat of paint will do the trick. That is a great idea! A fence that is well-maintained does not just look good; it protects your property and it also makes your home look better from the street. But here in Coeur d'Alene, I have seen many homeowners make some mistakes that they could have avoided when they paint their fences, whether they are doing it themselves or they are hiring someone to do it.
As a local contractor here in Coeur d'Alene, I am here to tell you straight: planning and proper work are everything. If you skip a step, you will regret it faster than you can say "Lake Coeur d'Alene sunset."
Mistake #1: Ignoring the Weather (Especially Here in North Idaho)
This is probably the biggest mistake, and it is a big problem for any outdoor paint job. Our weather in Coeur d'Alene is beautiful, but it can be hard on paint. We get those hot, dry summers, and then we get freezing winters with heavy snow, and also damp springs. Painting when it is too hot, or painting when it is too cold, or when it is too humid, or when rain is coming soon is a recipe for disaster for your fence painting project in Coeur d'Alene.
- Too Hot: If you paint in direct sunlight during our 90-degree summer days here in Coeur d'Alene, the paint dries too fast. This causes streaks, and it causes uneven finishes, and also poor adhesion. It can even blister and peel too early.
- Too Cold: Painting when temperatures drop below 50°F (or even 10°C, depending on the paint you are using) means the paint will not cure properly. It will take a very long time to dry, and it will not form that strong, protective layer that your fence needs. You will see peeling and cracking much sooner on your fence in Coeur d'Alene.
- Rain and Humidity: High humidity traps moisture, and this makes paint dry slowly and it also increases the chances of drips and an uneven application. And do not even think about painting if rain is going to happen within 24 hours. You will wash all that hard work right off your Coeur d'Alene fence.
My advice: Aim for mild, dry days, usually between 50°F and 85°F, with low humidity. Spring and early fall are often your best times to paint your fence around here in Coeur d'Alene.
Mistake #2: Skipping Proper Prep Work
I can not say this enough: paint is only as good as the surface that it is put on. Many homeowners think a quick wipe-down is enough, but it is not enough for a fence painting project in Coeur d'Alene.
- Dirt, Mildew, and Old Paint: Your fence collects all kinds of dirt, especially on the north-facing sides where mildew likes to grow. Painting over dirt, or painting over chalky residue, or painting over peeling paint means the new paint will not stick. It will peel, and it will flake, or it will bubble.
- Not Repairing Damage: Paint will not magically fix wood that is rotten, or fix loose boards, or fix rust spots on metal fences. You need to take care of these problems first. Repair any damage, and replace rotten sections, and tighten loose nails, and sand rough areas. For metal fences, rust needs to be treated.
- Forgetting to Clean Thoroughly: You have to clean that fence. Power washing is often the best way to remove dirt, and to remove mildew, and to remove loose paint, but use low pressure on wood so you do not cause damage. Let it dry completely before you even think about putting on primer or painting.
My advice: Spend a lot of time on preparation. It is 80% of the job, and it is what makes the paint last a long time. If you are not up for it, hire a professional. Coeur d'Alene House Painters always makes sure the surface is clean and sound before we even open a can of paint for a fence painting job in Coeur d'Alene.
Mistake #3: Choosing the Wrong Paint or Stain
Not all paints are the same, especially for our weather here in Coeur d'Alene. Grabbing the cheapest can or using interior paint outside is a waste of your time and it is a waste of your money.
- Interior vs. Exterior: This sounds obvious, but I have seen it happen. Interior paint is not made to stand up to UV rays, or moisture, or temperature changes. It will fail fast on an outdoor fence in Coeur d'Alene.
- Quality Matters: Cheap exterior paints often do not stick well and will not hold up to our Coeur d'Alene sun and snow. Invest in a good quality exterior-grade paint or stain. For wood, an acrylic latex paint with UV protection or a good quality stain that lets the wood breathe is usually best. For metal, you will need paint that resists rust.
- Paint vs. Stain: Think about the look and the care you want. Paint gives a solid color and a thick protective layer, but it might chip over time. Stain soaks into the wood, and it lets the natural grain show through, and it tends to fade instead of chipping, but it might need to be put on again more often.
My advice: Read the labels. Talk to the experts at the paint store. Tell them it is for an outdoor fence in Coeur d'Alene. They will help you find products that are made for our specific conditions here in Coeur d'Alene.
Mistake #4: Not Considering Local Regulations or HOAs
This might not be about the paint itself, but it can definitely cause you problems later. Before you start, especially if you are building a new fence or changing how it looks a lot, check your local rules for Coeur d'Alene.
- City of Coeur d'Alene: The city has rules about fence height and where they can be placed. For example, fences in front yards are typically limited to four feet, and six feet in side and rear yards. There are also rules about vision triangles on corner lots in Coeur d'Alene.
- HOA Rules: If you live in a planned community like Coeur d'Alene Place, your Homeowners Association will have specific rules for fences, and this includes color, and style, and height. You will need their approval before you start painting your fence in Coeur d'Alene.
My advice: A quick call to the City of Coeur d'Alene planning department and a review of your HOA documents can save you a very big headache and possible fines. You do not want to paint your beautiful new fence only to find out you have to change it later.
Mistake #5: Underestimating the Time and Effort (or the Cost)
Painting a fence, especially a long one or a privacy fence, is a big job. It is not just putting on some paint.
- Time: Cleaning, and repairing, and priming (if you need to), and putting on two coats of paint or stain, with enough time for drying between each coat, takes days, not hours.
- Cost: Do not just plan for the cost of paint. Also think about cleaners, and brushes, and rollers, and tarps, and tape, and sandpaper, and any repair materials. If you are hiring someone, know that the labor is a big part of the cost, usually charged per linear foot or square foot, and it includes all that important preparation work for your Coeur d'Alene fence painting project.
- DIY vs. Professional: If you have the time, and the patience, and the knowledge, doing it yourself can save you money on labor. But if you rush it or use the wrong ways, you will end up repainting sooner, and that will cost you more in the long run. A professional like Coeur d'Alene House Painters has the right tools, and the experience, and the efficiency to get it done right the first time for your fence in Coeur d'Alene.
My advice: Be realistic. If you are going to do it yourself, set aside enough time and get all your materials ready. If you are hiring, get a detailed price quote that shows the preparation work, and the materials, and the number of coats. Do not go with the cheapest offer if it does not include proper preparation; that is a warning sign.
Your fence is an investment, and painting it correctly protects that investment. Do not cut corners on preparation, and do not ignore the weather, and do not use the wrong materials. Do it right, and your fence will look great and it will last for many years, standing strong against whatever our beautiful Coeur d'Alene weather throws at it.