How to Paint a Chain-Link Fence

Change the look of a chain-link fence with a coat of paint.

An old adage may state that good fences make good neighbors, but not everyone wants to completely cut themselves off from the people who surrounding their homes. Chain-link fences can provide the solution for this situation, marking boundary lines and keeping belongings, pets and children separated while still allowing face-to-face contact with those outside the fence. Over time these metallic boundaries can rust and fade, and a coat of paint may be in order to keep your yard looking good. A paint roller makes the best tool for painting chain-link installations.

Things You'll Need

• Drop cloths
• Wire brush
• Water
• Soap
• Towel
• Rust Inhibitor
• Paint
• Paint tray
• Paint roller
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Lay down drop cloths or pieces of cardboard on both sides of the chain-link fence to prevent paint from dripping onto the ground below. This is especially important if the fence is surrounded by grass or plants; chemicals from paint can kill plants.

2. Scrape away any loosened or flaking paint with a wire brush. Brushing the fence can also remove any heavy rust stains or dirt and grime buildup. If necessary, use a small amount of warm, soapy water to clean away dirt or grime; dry the surface immediately to prevent rust.

3. Inspect the fence for rusty areas. Treat rusted sections with a rust inhibitor; such a product often comes in spray cans for easy application. Allow the inhibitor to dry according to product instructions before continuing.

4. Pour your chosen paint product into a paint tray. Some paint products will come with rust inhibitors included; consider using one of these if your chain-link fence has a lot of rust.

5. Roll your paint roller in the tray to gather paint. Use a long-nap roller (at least ¾-inch nap) to allow for better coverage and to reach into the gaps. Roll the roller on the flat surface of the tray to remove excess paint; overloading the roller with paint will produce more dripping, running and wasted paint.

6. Roll the paint roller on the chain-link fence, covering all metal areas with paint. Roll slowly to reduce paint splatter. Re-wet the roller with paint as necessary.

7. Touch up missed areas, crevices and posts with a paintbrush. Inspect the other side of the fence; the long-nap roller may have covered the other side as well. If not, roll and brush the other side.

8. Keep all people and animals away from the fence for at least 24 hours as the paint dries. Your specific paint product may recommend a different drying time; consult product instructions for details.

Tips & Warnings

• If at all possible, do not use a paint sprayer or air gun to paint a chain-link fence. Because of all of the holes and gaps, you will waste a lot of paint and will end up with paint sprayed all over the areas beyond the fence.

• Find materials for this project at hardware and home improvement stores. Read all instructions and warnings on paint products, rust inhibitor and any other product with which you are unfamiliar.

References

• This Old House: Painting Chain-Link
• Paint-N-Stain Inc.: How to Paint a Chain Link Fence
• Aubuchon Hardware: Selecting the Right Paint Roller