How to paint a picket fence with a spray gun

Choose a calm, dry day with little wind and check the weather forecast before you begin. Avoid painting if rain is expected before the paint has had time to dry, as this can affect the finish and durability of the coating. Wind can also carry overspray onto nearby plants, vehicles and surrounding surfaces, so waiting for suitable conditions will help you achieve a cleaner, more even result.

Once you have a clear, calm day, start by brushing away loose dirt, cobwebs and debris, then, if needed, wash the fence with a pressure washer on a low setting to remove built-up grime. Allow the timber to dry completely before scraping away any loose or flaking paint. Lightly sand any rough areas and feather the edges where paint has been removed so the new finish blends more smoothly, then brush away any sanding dust. If you've exposed bare timber during preparation, check whether an exterior primer is recommended before painting.

Lay drop sheets along both sides of the fence and cover nearby plants, garden beds, paths and other surfaces with plastic sheeting to protect them from overspray. If there's anything directly behind the fence, attach plastic sheeting to the opposite side to catch paint passing through the gaps. For the best results, paint on a calm, dry day and keep an eye on the wind direction so overspray is carried away from surrounding areas. It's also worth checking the rain forecast to make sure rain isn't expected before the paint has time to dry. 

Pro tip: If you only have a small area of fence to spray, you can simply hold a piece of cardboard up behind the fence you’re spraying, to protect the foliage and the neighbours. 

Hold the spray gun about 20 to 30 centimetres from the fence, keeping it square to the surface as you work. Start moving the gun before pulling the trigger and continue the movement after releasing it to avoid heavy paint build-up at the beginning and end of each pass. Overlap each pass by around 50 per cent for even coverage, starting between the pickets and along the edges before spraying the front faces with long, continuous strokes. Work in manageable sections and, where possible, finish at a fence post or another natural break before stopping to help minimise visible overlap marks. 

Once the first coat has dried, apply a second light coat using the same technique. Two or more light coats will usually produce a smoother, more durable finish than one heavy coat and are less likely to result in runs or drips. After the final coat has dried, inspect the fence from different angles and touch up any missed or thin areas. 

Freshened up your fence? Keep the transformation going with our guide on how to paint a deck. 

What type of paint should I use on a timber picket fence?
Choose an exterior paint that is suitable for timber and designed to withstand outdoor conditions. Check the product instructions to see whether you need a primer, particularly if your preparation has exposed bare timber.

Do I need to prepare a picket fence before spray painting it?
Yes. Brush away dirt, cobwebs and debris, and wash the fence if needed. Allow the timber to dry completely before scraping off loose paint and lightly sanding rough areas. Good preparation helps the new finish blend more smoothly.

How do I protect plants and nearby surfaces from overspray?
Place drop sheets along both sides of the fence and cover plants, garden beds, paths and nearby surfaces with plastic sheeting. You can also attach sheeting behind the fence to catch paint passing through the gaps. For a small section, a piece of cardboard can be held behind the area being sprayed.

How far should I hold a spray gun from a picket fence?
Hold the spray gun about 20 to 30 centimetres from the fence and keep it square to the surface. Use long, continuous strokes and overlap each pass by around 50 per cent to support even coverage.

How many coats of paint should I apply to a picket fence?
Apply a second light coat once the first coat has dried. Two or more light coats will generally create a smoother, more durable finish and are less likely to cause runs or drips than one heavy coat. Follow the paint manufacturer’s drying and recoating instructions.