How to Customize Fences

A fence of many colors will stand out.

Fences are built to keep trespassers off of private property. There are a variety of ways to customize a fence. Fences can be painted solid colors or have designs painted onto them. For those who want a fence that looks like it came out of a fairy tale, there is a way to make moss grow on the fence. Customizing a fence is a simple project that will not cost an exorbitant amount of money.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Paint stirrer
• Paintbrush
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Moss
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup water
• Blender
• Mixing bowl

Instructions

Paint the Fence

1. Decide on a color--or numerous colors--to paint the fence. For example, the fence can be painted a solid green or be painted partly green and partly blue. Closed-plank wooden fences can have designs painted on them using a variety of colors.

2. Pry open the lid of the can or cans of paint with a flat-head screwdriver. Stir the paint thoroughly for 30 seconds.

3. If you're using a single color, paint the fence starting at the top, brushing the paint on with an up-and-down motion.

4. If you're using two--or multiple--colors, try measuring the height of the fence from the base to the crown, marking the halfway point with the pencil. Then paint the top half one color, using an up and down motion. Paint the bottom half another color, in the same fashion.

5. Paint freestyle images on fences that are made from closely spaced wood planks. Use a variety of colors and paintbrushes. The images are only limited by your imagination; your fence can have images of trash cans or barns or whatever you want.

Add Moss to the Fence

1. Create a moss-growing mixture to add to the fence. Place one handful of moss, 1 cup of buttermilk and 1 cup of water in a blender. Blend the ingredients to a smooth texture.

2. Pour the mixture into a plastic or stainless steel mixing bowl.

3. Dip a clean paintbrush into the moss mixture and paint the mixture onto the fence with an up-and-down motion. Completely coat the fence with the mixture. Moss will begin to grow on the fence in a week or two. The moss can grow in warmer climates in either sunlight or shade with little water.

Tips & Warnings

• Add moss to fences that are behind shrubbery to camouflage the fence.

• Wear safety glasses, gloves and breathing masks when painting.

References

• Southern Living: Painted Garden Fences Add Impact
• Walter Reeves: Moss Growing