Painting a Fence to Protect It?

Question

What are the options I would have? I am installing a wood picket fence and was thinking of painting it. However, I'm pretty sure that if I do that, it will have to be painted every couple of years. Is there a paint, stain or sealant I can use that will hold up longer? Or maybe I should just let it age naturally without putting any type of coating on it. Thanks for any suggestions.

Answer 1

Sound like you already got the fence but if you don't want to paint your fence you should have gone with those new plastic fences.

They look like wood but aren't.  I have seen them in only white.  They will last forever and they look sharp.  Like the other guy said, they aren't cheap.

If you let your wood fence age naturally than it won't last as long.  Bugs and rot will destroy it over time starting nearest the ground.

Answer 2

You have a choice - oil based, or a coating that you need to keep applying.

Anything oil based will soak into the wood, preserve it for 25 years+.

Any coating will last for 5 years +, but the wood will rot from the inside, at the botom, in corners, and the posts.

I don't really care what people think of creosote - don't spill it, don't eat it, and it does the job with less overall pollution than other methods.

A coat of creosote on the timber about a week before you put up the fence will make it last a lifetime. Farmers use a barrel, to soak the ends of the posts in, but a generous brush and a bucket is fine.

There is light and dark - your choice, but the dark lasts longer.

Telephone poles are boiled in tar - so seems to work for them doesn't it?

Answer 3

You might want to consider a material that is a composite (engineered wood) that looks & feels like real wood. Now it may be a bit more expensive, check your local Hardware stores as some products come with a choice of colors. Now this material is used more widely for decking it can be used for fencing. Meanwhile check out the alternative manufactures websites, I personally have used Trex products.

http://www.trex.com/

http://www.polywood.com/

Answer 4

Ask your local Home Depot for preservative.

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Answer 5

is this treated? or is it regular pine?

if you got a chance , id almost go with cedar, last longer then most wood with paint , stain, or sealant.

there is a clear stain out that allows your to be protected, and at the same time show its grain, or texture of the wood.

you may want to go to diy, or even home depot for some answers?

look at the prices of paints and stains, and see whats more economical for you