I have a 3-year-old cedar fence that was previously stained, but I'm thinking about painting it this time. The bottom boards are a little dirty, so I'm wondering if I need to pressure wash it or do any prep work before I start painting. Can I just go ahead and paint it, or is there something else I should do first? Also, what type of paint is best for protecting the wood?
2 Answers
If you're considering painting, just be aware that it might not be the best long-term choice. Once you paint it, you may find it needs repainting in about a year, which could make it look worse over time. A lot of folks recommend just restaining instead, as it’s typically less maintenance down the line.
I get why you're thinking about painting, but restaining is a simpler option. If you do go the painting route, make sure to clean the fence first—pressure washing is a good idea to get rid of dirt. As for paint, a quality exterior acrylic would be best to protect the wood.