10 Best Fence Paints Reviews + Buyer’s Guide

Fences can have a significant impact on the way you feel about your home as they are usually the first sight you behold once you get home after a busy day at work.

You also see them each time you look out the window. A beautiful and well-maintained fence will also help you enjoy your backyard if you’re lucky to have one.

On the contrary, a weathered, peeling, and worn fence can greatly affect the value of your home and become a big turn off for visitors, especially if you’re like me that receives a bunch of them all the time.

Therefore, if your paint is worn out and battered, it’s a reminder that it needs some attention.

In this article, we’ll look at the best fence paints at the moment. I compared quality, color, cost, and durability to give you my best fence painting recommendations.

Best Fence Paints | Comparison Table

Why Should You Paint Your Fence?

Fence maintenance is a tiring job that will drain the energy of even the most dedicated DIY individual.

But painting your fence every couple of years will help to preserve it for several years to come, not only refining the appearance, keeping the neighbors happy but also improving the value of your home.

Furthermore, because fences are outside where elements like rain and sunlight will always get to them, most of them tend to become cracked, faded, chipped, and damaged over time.

Luckily, by using the right fence paint products on it, you can keep your fence looking its best while also controlling rust and corrosion.

That said, let’s now review the best paint for fence on the market, so you’ll know exactly what you’re going into.

Types of Paints for Fence

Below are the types of paints that can be used for outdoor wood fence:

1. Oil-Based Paints

Also known as “alkyd,” oil-based paint is an incredibly durable paint that often lasts longer than water-based paints.

The only drawback to oil paint is that it takes pretty much longer to dry and will usually require paint thinner for cleanup.

However, if you want a rugged, enameled (satin, semi-gloss or glossy) paint finish that will endure outdoor exposure, oil-based paints is the answer.

2. Water-Based Paints

Also known as “acrylic,” latex paint is a water-based solution that makes a fantastic all-purpose paint formula.

Acrylic paint is highly flexible as it expands and contracts with temperature changes, thereby withstanding blistering and cracking. It might also interest you to know that latex paint is less toxic and is pretty much better for the environment.

3. Primer

A primer is simply an undercoat that is specially designed to create a bonding layer on a surface in order to seal it for painting. Aside from blocking mildew from moisture and stains from wood tannins, primers also give surfaces teeth to improve paint adhesion.

The good thing is that most exterior paint formulas out there are self-priming. But if the paint you’ll be using to paint your wood fence is not, then you will have to apply a quality primer first to achieve the best results.

Best Paint for Fence Reviews

1. Ready Seal 510 Wood Stain and Sealer

Featuring a high-quality, semi-viscous formula that combines both sealer and wood stain, this product will help to protect your wooden fence against external elements while also improving its appearance. It’s undoubtedly one of the best wood fence paints out there.

Because of its excellent combination of sealer and stain, the Ready Seal 510 Wood Stain and Sealer can add color as it dries and hardens, thereby forming a robust tinted coating.

What’s more, it’s pretty easy and quick to apply, and it doesn’t require any annoying extra steps such as back brushing or wet line application.

As I said earlier, this paint product has been created for application on wood to add tint and seal. However, it’s worth mentioning that, because of its advanced formula, this fence paint doesn’t require a previous application of primer.

Apart from adding color, once dried, this formula creates a hard coating that restrains penetration.

Furthermore, you can apply this fence paint using a sprayer, paintbrush, or roller. And that’s not all; its formula permits application at any temperature.

However, when properly applied, the paint will look great on your fence and will last you a long time without fading or cracking.

Another exciting thing about this product is that it has a golden pine color that brightens up and intensifies when it dry. At this point, it’s important to note that the Ready Seal 510 is not a quick-dry paint.

In most cases, most applications need about two coats with not less than 45-minutes between each.

However, because it does not require a primer and it equally functions as a sealer, this paint product will ultimately save you a tremendous amount of energy and time.

You can apply it at any temperature
Requires no back brushing or wet-line application
Resists high temperature
Can be applied using a paint sprayer, brush, roller
Color changes as it dries
Requires different coats to achieve the right color

2. KILZ Exterior Siding, Fence, and Barn Paint | Best Protective Barn and Fence Paint

Who isn’t attracted to a white picket fence?

However, if you decide to have one, keep in mind that white paint on wood requires lots of maintenance to keep it shinning.

Fortunately, this white fence paint has the capacity of keeping your fence look its best while also safeguarding it against harmful external elements.

The KILZ Exterior Siding, Barn and Fence Paint feature a unique formula that employs both water and oil as a base. It offers striking coverage capabilities.

Aside from being easy to apply and extra durable, this paint formula is insanely versatile as it does not only work with wood but also with stucco, masonry, and other sanded sleep surfaces.

Furthermore, the KILZ Exterior Siding Paint is undoubtedly a convenient and practical fence painting product. This is primarily connected to its easy-application formula.

It has a unique combination of water and oil, and it’s quite exceptional as it is both highly penetrating and covering, notwithstanding being thin and easy to apply.

However, consider the fact that depending on the porosity of the wood, this paint may vary in its coverage.

It’s cracking, peeling, and fading-resistant
Can be applied using a paintbrush, spray, or roller
Can be used on both porous and non-porous surfaces
Easy to apply
Needs a wet edge during application

3. BEHR 1-gal. Red Exterior Barn and Fence Paint

There is an evergreen beauty to freshly painted wood, whether it’s on fences or a warm deck chairs. You can also bring such beauty to your home with the BEHR’s Barn and Fence Paint.

This fence and barn paint uses a powerful formula to defy Mother Nature. With this paint, your fence won’t experience any form of fading, cracking, and peeling for years to come.

That’s not to mention its mildew-resistance, which will help your wood to stay sound and healthy. Interestingly, should you choose to use the paint around animals, it is equally livestock-safe.

However, it’s worth noting that, like many exterior paints formulated for wood, BEHR’s Barn and Fence Paint uses a mixture of latex and oil, so it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s recommendations if you’re repainting an old surface.

Additionally, this product has limited color options – currently available in just red and white.

Peeling, cracking, and fading-resistant
Mildew resistant
It’s livestock safe
Easy to apply
Limited color options available (red and white)

4. Ready Seal 125 Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer | Best Protective Fence Paint

The Ready Seal 125 Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer is one of the most popular paints for fences at the moment. It’s oil-based, semi-transparent insanely rich, and delivers an excellent result.

It does not require a primer, and it can penetrate the wood effectively in order to give it color. That’s not all; it also creates a coating that helps to protect the wood against external threats like rainwater, rust, UV rays, etc.

Requiring no wet lining or back brushing, this is a fence paint that’s insanely seamless in its application.

Unlike most other fence paints on the market, this one does not require sanding or priming before application.

Interestingly, it also works as a sealer, removing the need to buy any other product that’ll help you paint and protect natural woods. The application of the product is equally straightforward and easy.

It’ll also excite you to know that the Ready Seal 125 provides one of the best levels of protection among the majority of other similar products out there.

Despite being reasonably thin and oil-based, its formula dries slowly but surely, making sure that a tough and consistent protective coating is formed as a result.

Finally, this coat cannot be penetrated by debris, water, insects, etc. It also blocks harmful UV rays, eradicating the chance of sunlight damage, fading, and wood bloating.

Does not require a primer
Easy to apply
Offers excellent protection against damaging UV rays, mold, and mildew
Penetrates wood with ease
Can get relatively tacky
Includes a recycling fee in some states

5. Wood Defender – Semi-Transparent Fence Stain- Coffee Brown- 5 Gallon

The Wood Defender Fence Stain leverages impervious pigmentation at a minimized rate to achieve an unusual stained appearance.

The combination of unique pigment has been tested to confirm its unmatched UV protection. It also offers enhanced square-foot-per-gallon coverage – and a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Finally, through its several years of service by dedicated applicators, this paint for wood fence has become one of the highest-selling paint product, and I’m sure you’ll be happy with it.

3-year manufacturer warranty
Easy application
Great protection
Dries quickly
Some users complained that the color is untrustworthy

6. Valspar 3125-70 Barn and Fence Latex Paint, 5-Gallon, White

This is one of the best fence paints on the list. It’s easy to apply and has the flexibility of latex with water and soap cleanup.

The Valspar 3125-70 Barn and Fence Latex Paint is also self-priming in a two coat application – it dries to a flat finish – and is non-toxic.

The paint can cover up to 400 Sq. Ft. per gallon, and dries to touch in 20-minutes, and takes 4-hours before recoating.

The paint product is suitable for siding, fences, exterior wood (bare or previously painted), barns, primed metal, masonry, and weathered steel.

Finally, Valspar Oil and Barn & Fence Latex paint is weather and fade resistant, flows on smoothly, and dries to a tough, durable finish.

It’s nontoxic
Fade and weather resistant
Water and soap cleanup
Flows smoothly
Easy to apply
Some users complained that it became moldy within six months

7. DEFY Extreme Exterior Wood Stain | Best Wood Stain Fence Paint

This crystal-clear, water-based wood stain can incredibly beautify your fence or deck with its quick and straightforward application.

Protected with zinc Nano-particle technology, the DEFY Extreme Exterior Wood Stain can also reflect UV rays, prevent color loss, premature fading, and permanent damage.

It features high-quality resins and is insanely durable. It has shown to last a year or two years more than the average rival.

Read Also: Best Paint for Outdoor Wood Deck

Additionally, the nanoparticles used to repel UV rays equally helps to prevent mildew from forming on the wood. The DEFY Extreme Wood Stain also features high-quality resins as a significant part of its formula.

Interestingly, these resins can effectively penetrate different types of wood, adding color and tint in an organic way that doesn’t suffocate or damage the material.

Therefore, this is an excellent fence stain for natural wood structures like wood decks, fences, siding, outdoor patio furniture, playsets, etc.

One of the greatest strengths of the DEFY Extreme 1 Gallon Exterior Wood Stain is undoubtedly its advanced formula.

Providing a fantastic balance between sealing and staining capabilities, the advanced formula removes the need for purchasing additional products for the job.

It might also excite you to know that it uses zinc nanotechnology to offer excellent protection against various external threats.

Very durable and reliable
Protects wood against UV rays
Stains efficiently
Works well with a wood brightener
It’s relatively expensive
Doesn’t work well in high-traffic decks or floors

8. Diamond Brite Paint 31100 5-Gallon Oil Base All-Purpose Enamel Paint Black

Being one of the best paint for wood fence, the Diamond Brite Oil Based Paint offers a professional quality, mildew resistant, high hide, and alkyd finish with fantastic stain removal.

It is a durable gloss enamel that has the capacity of protecting both interior and exterior surfaces against rust, repeated abrasion, and a range of household chemicals.

This is an excellent paint product and can also be used in industrial, machinery or commercial applications. It dries tough – and will withstand surfaces that get high traffic and use.

The paint is suitable for wood, drywall, masonry, plaster, metal, brick, well-bonded wallpaper, concrete, cinder block, hardboard, and aluminum surfaces.

Below are some of the powerful features of this paint:

Provides a sturdy, durable surface
Has 6-8 hour dry time
24 hour recoat time
300 Sq. ft. coverage per gallon
Can be brushed, rolled or sprayed
Protect from freezing
Mineral spirits clean-uPerfect for both wood & metal fences
Resists fading, cracking, peeling, and scuffs
Peeling, crack, and fading resistant
Can be applied with a sprayer, paintbrush, or paint roller
Mildew resistant
Not very thick

9. Rust-Oleum 7787402 Chain Link Fence Paint, 1 Gallon, Metallic Silver

The Rust-Oleum 7787402 Chain Link Fence Paint, 1 Gallon, Metallic Silver is particularly meant for metal fences.

It’s typically a fence rust preventive paint, and it’s formulated to adhere to galvanized metal.

A few brush strokes can revive an old metal fence, and brighten up your neighborhood – providing unparalleled corrosion resistance.

Furthermore, it also has a chemical-resistant formula that helps to resist chipping and retains color.

Below are some exciting features of the metal fence paint:

Chip-resistant for a durable finish
Coverage for up to 400 sq. Ft.
The formula offers protection against rust
Easily cleans up with mineral spirits
Dries to the touch in about 120 minutes

Finally, it’s recommended to use the paint with a long-nap lamb’s wool roller for quick and easy application.

High-quality paint for fence
Good coverage
Perfect for old metal fences
Prevents rusting
Easy to apply
It’s somewhat challenging to clean
Some user’s complained of a strong odor

10. Majic Paints 8-0048-5 Latex Flat Barn & Fence Paint

Known for its remarkable weather-resistance and color-retention features, the Majic Paints 5 Latex Flat Barn is a high-hiding barn latex paint that combines excellent color-retention and long-lasting weather resistance.

This fence paint can be used on any properly prepared masonry, metal, or wood surface. This paint product is also fade-resistant – and is ideal for both new and previously primed wood or metal surfaces. Perfect for barns, fences, sheds, and silos.

Furthermore, this fade-resistant paint is high-hiding and dries bug-free within 30 minutes.

To get the best result from this paint:

Make sure that the surface is dry and free of excessive chalk, peeling paint, loose rust, wax or mildew
Sand glossy areas of the fence and carefully wash the surface with water to get rid of dirt, sanding dust, pollutants, and chalk
Fill nail holes and cracks with patching compound and sand smoothWeather-resistant
Fade-resistant
Soap and water cleanup
Dries bug-free in 30 minutes
Not very thick

How to Choose a Good Fence Paint

Paint for fencing comes in various forms such as:

Lacquers
Paints
Sealers
Stains which offer protective coatings and helps to bring out the vibrancy of the wood

Now, instead of buying the cheapest paint, and simply purchasing based on the price, it is vital to reflect on other factors including.

The ability to cover up damages or defects
Weatherproof materials
The paints ease of application
How well it absorbs into the wood

These are a few of the many variables you might ponder on before making a buying decision (more on this later).

Additionally, the amount of rain or sunlight can also vary significantly, depending on where you live; when choosing paint for a fence, ensure you go for one that will help protect the fencing from these elements.

Apart from that, you also want to choose a paint that can last for many years to come and won’t fade or chip and crack after a short period.

With many different colors, brands, and varieties, it is of utmost importance to compare as many fence paints as possible.

That said, below are a few other essential things you should consider before buying a fence paint:

Factors to Consider When Buying Paint for Fencing

1. Protective

Like I mentioned earlier, choose a paint that can protect the fence material.

You don’t want a paint that will chip and crack within a short time, nor do you want one that does not build a sturdier structure. The idea is to opt for a paint that will protect the wood.

2. Dries quickly

The paint should be able to dry as quickly as possible after you apply it.

This not only helps to conform and preserve its color on the fencing, but is also handy if you live in areas that is rainy, windy, or very sunny.

The faster the paint dries, the less likely it’ll get damaged in any way after its application.

3. Safe for animals/plants

Choose a paint that emits low odors and is safe for both your animals and plants if they’re outdoors.

Because your fence is perhaps near trees or plants, the paint ought to be safe and should not pollute or cause any harm to the animals and plants around the fence.

4. Absorption rate

The paint should be able to naturally absorb into the wood – and should absorb as quickly as possible.

Furthermore, the best fence paints will only require single coating when you’re painting, to ensure that they’re stronger, will be durable, and will naturally blend with the wood surface.

5. Cover/touch up

If the fence has dents, nicks, or other defects, a quality paint product should be able to cover these up, and adequately protect them against future scratches.

Where Should You Store The Paints?

Before storing your paints, it’s important to carefully label and securely seal them.

You may wish to remind yourself where you used each paint type so you can easily recognize them for future touch-ups.

Additionally, you want to keep all the paints in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight or other sources of heat and equally off the floor so they won’t rust.

If you only have a little amount of paint left, consider pouring the remains into smaller containers in order to save storage space.

Finally, before you close the tops of the tins, always wipe them to prevent them from sticking too much and making it hard to re-access them.

Outdoor Fence Paint Colors

Here are some outdoor fence paint color ideas you should choose from:

Basically, some of the best fence paint colors to choose from are:

Black
Blue
Red
Brown
Green
Grey
Gold
Oak

Frequently Asked Questions about Fence Painting

What is the best paint for a fence?

All of the paints mentioned here are perfect for a fence. Just read through them and choose the one that’s suitable for your needs.

How long will the coverage last?

It all depends on the paint quality. Some paints last up to 1-year, while some can last up to 5-years or more.

It also depends on how well the paint absorbs into the wood you’re painting, and whether or not it suggests you apply more than a single coat.

When choosing a paint for your fence, ensure that you understand how long it will maintain its color.

Will fence paint be toxic to my plants and the wildlife in my garden?

Generally, fence paints are often water-based, and won’t be damaging to plants, wildlife, animals, or humans once they dry.

However, splattering paint on plants can be harmful to them, giving them an unsightly look.

The best approach is to cover the plants with a light object that’s also thick enough not prevent the paint from penetration – a dust sheet would be perfect.

And immediately the paint dries up, you can then remove the coverings, and the plants will be fine.

Are paints safe for wood?

You can apply most paints to most wood grain products, but some of them may need a sealer or other protective coating before applying the paint.

I’ll suggest you study the product label to know if it is safe for your fence or not, and how well it’ll blend into the wood material you wish to paint.

What paint color will make my garden appear bigger?

Darker paint colors will generally make your garden appear more prominent as they visually diminish into the distance.

That said, I personally think that the best fence paint color for a garden is a darker, natural-looking green or brown to complement your patio.

Is it best to stain or paint a fence?

Basically, staining a fence is somewhat more forgiving than painting as it may not need primer unlike painting. And you also won’t find it difficult to get a uniform color while staining.

Is it better to paint a fence with a brush or roller?

You can use either a brush or a roller to paint a fence. However, it’s often best and more time saving to use both of them. Paint all the flat surfaces with a roller, and use a brush to paint the edges and fiddly bits.

Can you use a roller to paint fence panels?

Yes, you can paint fence panels with a roller. You can begin your fence painting project by using a paintbrush to paint any small cracks and grooves, then move onto the main area of the fence panels with a roller.

Do I need to remove algae from fence before painting?

Absolutely, you need to get rid of the algae before painting your fence. Treat the fence with any good anti fungicidal wash before applying the paint.

Will this protect the fencing material?

Most paint products show that they not only hide defects and color differences but can also offer a protective barrier to the fencing material.

Therefore, go for a paint that looks natural and will equally protect the surface you are painting.

Finally, here’s a short video that shows how to paint a wooden fence:

What is the best fence paint on the market?

The best paint for fences to buy in 2021

Ronseal One Coat Fence Life: Best fence paint for quick and easy application.
Cuprinol Garden Shades: Best all-purpose paint for adding a splash of colour.
Wilko Timbercare: Best cheap fence paint.
Hammerite Direct to Rust Metal: Best fence paint for metal.

Which paint is better cuprinol or ronseal?

Cuprinol offers a few more years of protection on some of their fence paint ranges. They also offer more colour options for fence paints too. Cuprinol has lovely pastel colours, bold, bright colours and then plenty of traditional paint colours too. Ronseal, though, is still a very good fence paint.

Which fence paint is best UK?

Top 7 Best Fence Paint in UK

Cuprinol 5L Spray Fence Treatment.
Cuprinol Ducksback Shed & Fence Paint.
Cuprinol Less Mess Fence Care.
Ronseal One Coat Life – Quick Dry Garden Shed & Fence Paints.
Sadolin Shed & Fence Woodstain.
Cuprinol Garden Shades.
Dulux Weather Shield Quick Dry Satin Paint.

What is the best paint for wooden fences?

Latex paint is naturally breathable, won’t trap moisture, and is less likely to crack than oil-based paint. It sits on top of the fence surface. Latex paint is often recommended for wooden or vinyl fences, masonry (brick, stone, and stucco), as well as siding and roofs.

Is cuprinol Ducksback any good?

5.0 out of 5 starsQuality product that is easy to use, with great coverage! This was purchased to paint over existing fences which already had this Autumn gold color. After painting 7 fences with two coats each, the tin was used up.

Is Creocote any good?

Excellent stain,easy to apply and the colour is fantastic and you can tell it’s quality stuff..my cabin looks great now I’ve used this creocote. Excellent stain,easy to apply and the colour is fantastic and you can tell it’s quality stuff..my cabin looks great now I’ve used this creocote….

What colour fence makes a garden look bigger?

A cream or off-white fence paint colour will create a bright, airy feel which naturally forms the illusion of a larger garden.

What is Ducksback paint?

Cuprinol Ducksback has an advanced, wax enriched and non-drip formulation, that colours and weatherproofs sheds and fences for up to 5 years. Cuprinol Ducksback is quick drying, low odour and safe to use around plants and pets.

What colour is best for garden fence?

Ash Read, design expert and founder of Living Cozy, explains that it’s better to use light blue as opposed to white or cream in a small garden. ‘It is true that ‘lighter colors are more reflective so give the illusion of more room, whereas darker colors will absorb more light and make a space feel a little smaller.

Is Sadolin fence paint any good?

5.0 out of 5 stars It works !! 1st coat poorly covers and you must wait 6 hrs for the 1st coat to dry and harden. But then the 2nd coat is a doggle and looks a very professional job when finished. One tin did a 8 * 6 shed and a 4 * 2 shed both bare wood and was given 3 and 4 coats.

Best Paints for Wooden Fence | Conclusion

Painting your fence will not only help to restore its appearance but can equally improve the level of protection given to your wooden fence.

That’s not all; it will also increase curb appeal as well as help bring the exterior of your home together.

Before choosing paint for fencing, ensure that you know which products provide the highest levels of coverage, quality, and the best protection on the fencing material you’re painting.

Finally, your fence can undeniably make either a good or a bad first impression on any visitor to your home. Luckily, using a reliable fence paint is a great way to brighten up your fence and make it look its best all year round.

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