Introduction
Melbourne fence painting is important because a fence is one of the most visible components of your property, and it is subject to sun, rain and changing weather year-round. Exterior paint applied correctly can transform the look of a worn-down fence and can help to preserve the wood or metal of which it is made.
This article will explore the nature of fence painting, the importance of fence painting over aesthetics, and when it may be best to hire a fence painting service.
What Does Melbourne Fence Painting Actually Involve?
To sum up, Melbourne fence painting is not just painting with a fresh colour on top of an existing paint. It is a process which begins with the evaluation of the fence, continues through cleaning and preparation, and ends in a proper, properly applied coating for the fence type.
A common illustration is an old timber fence with faded, greyed-out exposed palings and other darker, original sides facing away from the sun, for instance, those that are shaded by a hedge or shrub. A coat of paint is not enough to even out that fence. Must be prepared in a method that treats the lighter and darker areas uniformly.
Inspecting the Fence Before Painting
A painter will also normally go around the perimeter of a fence before any work is done to inspect for loose or peeling paint, soft or rotten wood, rust on metal fittings and moisture or mould around the fence. This inspection is used to determine the realistic length of time that the job will require for preparation.
Cleaning, Sanding and Preparing the Surface
The surface is dusted and debris, which is inherent from the surface, is removed thereby allowing paint to adhere to the surface. This could be the task of scraping flaking paint, sanding rough or weathered timber or treating rust on metal fence components. One of the most frequent causes of a fresh coat going bad in a year or two is by skipping this step.
Priming and Applying the Fence Paint
The topcoat is sometimes applied to bare or repaired wood or metal requiring a special surface treatment called a “primer. Finishing coats are then applied, to dry under appropriate conditions, with regard to even covering of the palings, rails and posts.
Why Fence Painting Melbourne Matters for Kerb Appeal
Fence painting Melbourne homeowners invest in will have a larger impact than they think in the first place because they are one of the first things a visitor or passer-by will notice, being at the front of the property. An old or broken down boundary fence can make a once-clean house look older, or give the impression that it hasn’t been properly cared for.
- Exterior walls
- The roofline
- The driveway
- Gates
- The garden beds and landscaping are nice.
- Outdoor living areas
It is important to select a colour that suits these features, not that it clashes with them, so that the whole frontage looks more considered. This is a visual and presentation value, not necessarily a value added to a property, so think of it that way.
How Melbourne Weather Affects Painted Fences
A painted fence in Melbourne faces a wide range of challenges in just one year, from extreme summer heat to rain in the winter and it’s exposure has an impact on the performance of the coating over time. Applying an appropriate exterior coating to a well-prepared surface can help to reduce this process by providing a protective layer for the timber or metal from the sun and moisture.
However, painting a fence does not render it maintenance free and even a fence painted properly will require some attention at some time. The type of protection offered by a fence will depend on how well the surface has been prepared and whether the correct product has been selected for the type of fence.
Timber Fence Painting and Weather Exposure
Timber will swell and shrink due to moisture and temperatures, causing paint to loosen over time if it is not applied properly. This movement can be slowed by using a suitable exterior coating that will mitigate exposure to rain and sun.
Metal Fence Painting and Rust Prevention
Metal fences should have any paint that is loose or flaking removed and existing rust treated before the new paint is added, as rust will continue to grow under the paint. This could be the application of a suitable primer to bare metal, a treatment of existing paint if the fence is not to be painted, or no treatment at all.
What Should Fence Painting Services Melbourne Include?
Any fence painting service should encompass the whole process – not just the application of paint. When considering the price of painting your fence, homeowners should take the following factors into account, or simply ask if the service includes these extras:
- Initial survey of the fence and condition of fence.
- Surface preparation involves cleaning the surface to remove debris and surface finishes, such as oil and grease.
- Smoothing or clearing with sanding or scraping as necessary
- Priming as necessary with surface.
- Careful paint application
- Surrounding garden beds protection, paving and structures protection
- A final check of the completed piece of art
- Clean up after the work has been finished
If you are comparing quotes, it’s better to look at the entire project rather than just the price so that you don’t end up with two quotes for the same fence — but with two different levels of preparation and finish.
Surface Preparation and Minor Repairs
Typically, preparation is done by cleaning, scraping, sanding, priming, but bigger structural repairs like replacing rotted palings, or straightening leaning posts can be outside the scope of painting.
Paint Application, Coverage and Clean-Up
The amount of paint required for a fence will depend on the product type, existing color, condition of the fence surface and the desired color finish. Not all fences require the same amount of coats. A good painter will also safeguard surrounding garden areas, paving, paths or walls when painting, and pick up the area after the painting is complete.
Fence Painting Cost in Melbourne: What Affects the Price?
The cost of painting fences Melbourne wide is not a set amount, as there are various factors to take into account, which will influence the amount of money. These typically include:
- The overall length of the fence
- The height of the fence
- The type of fence material (timber or metal)
- The condition of the surface at this time.
- What does it take to prepare?
- Access to the fence
- The type of paint or coating that is chosen
- The amount of coats required
- Gates whether included or not
- Whether the person or people are being painted on one side or both sides
Once these factors are considered, the fence’s cost can vary significantly between the two fences of identical size. A short sound timber fence with easy access will usually require less preparation and painting and will be less costly than a longer fence that has peeling paint, is difficult to access and has gates that are also to be painted.
Fence Size and Access
The longer the boundary fence, the more labour and material it will take, that is, time and cost will be the factor involved. Narrow side passages, a sloping block, garden beds near the fence, as well as limited access to the back can also be time-consuming issues.
Fence Condition and Preparation Requirements
A relatively clean fence that has good existing paint may require only a light clean up and a simple repaint application. A fence that has been severely weathered with peeling paint, mould and rust or timber rot will generally require significantly more preparation before you can start painting the exterior.
Fence Painting Companies: How Should You Choose One?
When comparing fence painting companies or looking for fence painting companies near me, it is best to disregard the price and focus on what is being supplied. Things to look for include:
- If the quote is clear and written down.
- The process of preparation.
- The type of coating being recommended.
- Experience working with fences in a relevant context.
- The entire scope of work.The complete scope of work.
- What is the number of coats?
- Access requirements and how they are managed
- If they will be protected, how will they be done?If they are to be protected, how?
- What clean up is supplied
- Simple business information like an ABN and contact information.
There is no easy way to compare the rankings of fence painting companies because you have to ask questions and compare answers. Even though it may be more expensive, a detailed and clear scope of work is more valuable in the long term than just the lowest quote. The more detail, the better it will be and the less risk of unforeseen costs or a rushed job.
When Is the Right Time for Fence Painting in Melbourne?
The weather really does affect fence painting Melbourne, as for paint to cure properly, there must be the right conditions. Some factors which may impact the performance of a coating include rain, high moisture, poor drying conditions, direct harsh sunlight, and surface temperature outside of the product’s recommended range.
No month is perfect and Melbourne can have a very different climate throughout the year. What’s really important is to consult the manufacturer’s application directions, watch the weather to ensure an appropriate dry period, and consider the condition of the fence when the project was being installed as well as the forecast weather, too.
How A1 Premier Painting Approaches Fence Painting
Homeowners living in Melbourne can use fence painting service from A1 Premier Painting as part of the exterior painting job or as a standalone service. The overall process involves a site inspection of the fence and fence condition, and then preparation suitable to the type of fence ( timber or metal ).
After preparation the correct colour for the fence type and condition is chosen and the fence is carefully painted, ensuring caution around garden beds and neighbouring paving. This last review is performed after the work is completed to ensure a job is covered, completed and ready to be deemed finished.
FAQs
What is Melbourne fence painting?
Melbourne fence painting is a process of preparation and painting of fences to enhance the look and preserve the fences from the local weather.
How much does fence painting cost in Melbourne?
The cost of Melbourne fence painting depends on the size, condition, material, preparation and the type of paint being used.
How often should a painted fence be repainted?
The average lifespan of painted fences ranges from 5–10 years depending on the quality of the paint, type of fence material, exposure and Melbourne weather.
What type of fence paint is suitable for Melbourne homes?
Most exterior acrylic paint or specialised timber fence paint will work on Melbourne homes as it is durable and weather proof.
Can an old timber fence be painted?
Of course, an old timber fence can often be painted by cleaning and repairing the damaged sections and adequately preparing the surface for painting.
Should I hire a fence painter near me?
Using a local fence painter will offer a convenient site evaluation, understanding of local conditions, and professional preparation and application.
What do fence painting services Melbourne include?
The typical fence painting services in Melbourne involve cleaning, preparation, repair (if needed), priming, and painting the exterior with the right type of paint.
How do I compare fence painting companies?
Research fence painting companies based on experience, preparation process, past projects, customer reviews, inclusions and written quotes.
Does painting a fence improve kerb appeal?
Yes, painting a fence can make it look new, enhance its exterior colour scheme with your home, and make it look better and have a cleaner appearance.
Can fence paint protect timber from Melbourne weather?
A quality exterior fence paint can certainly aid timber fight off moisture, sun and peeling and general weather damage if used correctly.
Ready to Refresh Your Fence?
When your fence is fading, peeling or just looking tired and rundown compared to the rest of your property, it’s important to know what’s involved in the process to help you determine when and whether to have your fence repainted and how it will look.
A1 Premier Painting’s fence painting services Melbourne homeowners can trust for a well-prepared and well-assessed look. Use A1 Premier Painting’s contact page to request a quote for your fence and discuss your options with them.
