How To Paint a Chain Link Fence

If you have a chain link fence that’s ruining your backyard view, you’re not alone. According to the Department of Commerce, half the fences sold in the United States are chain link fences. They’re popular for their low cost and durability, but the industrial look is better suited for construction sites than homes.

The rusted chain link fence we inherited at our current house was an eyesore in an otherwise beautiful backyard. We couldn’t afford to replace it, so I painted it black — an inexpensive and DIY-friendly way to quickly blend the fence into the landscape and make it look like new.

If you have a chain link fence you’d love to make disappear, check out the tips and techniques in this step-by-step guide to painting a chain link fence.

Assess the Condition of Your Chain Link Fence

Before you jump in and start painting, it’s crucial to assess the condition of your fence.

• Inspect for damage: Carefully examine the fence. Make note of missing wires, loose posts, broken links or bent rails that need repair. Check gates as well for loose hinges, bent frames or broken latches.

• Check for rust: A rusted fencing can be painted, but fence parts disintegrating from rust should be replaced. In particular, replace rusted fence posts with holes or thin spots, which could compromise the structural integrity of the fence. Here are a few tips for painting on rusted metal.

• Evaluate previous coatings: If your fence has been painted already, remove any loose paint with a wire brush or pressure washer. This provides a clean surface for the new paint.

Here’s a list of the best paints for outdoor fences.

Repair Your Chain Link Fence

• Loose post: To remove a loose or broken post, detach it from the fence panels and dig up the concrete base. Set the new post into the existing hole, set it to the correct height and level. Fill the hole with concrete, brace the post for 24 hours, then reattach the fence panels.

• Bent rail: Depending on the damage, bent rails can be repaired or replaced. To replace, remove the damaged rail, cut a new railing to length, and attach it to the fence. To repair, use a reciprocating saw to remove the damaged rail section. Cut a new rail piece and connect the old and new rails with rail sleeves.

• Damaged mesh: To repair, straighten the top and bottom wires on the edge of the damaged area. Unwind the wires from the fence and remove the damaged section. Measure the size of the replacement mesh and weave it back into the existing fence. Bend the top and bottom wires to secure your repair.

How to Prep a Galvanized Chain Link Fence for Paint

Applying paint to a clean surface is critical to a long-lasting project.

After completing any repairs, use a stiff bristle brush and all-purpose cleaner like Greased Lightning to scrub both sides of your fence. Clean off any dirt or grease that may prevent paint from sticking. Use a hose sprayer or power washer to rinse, then wait until the fence is completely dry before painting.

How to Prep the Area Around a Chain Link Fence Before Painting

While waiting for the fence to dry, protect nearby surfaces from paint. Cover all ground areas at least eight feet from the fence on both sides, including grass, pavement and concrete. Protect any windows, walls, decks, sheds and garages from overspray with tarps and plastic sheeting.

If your fence is really long, arrange a mobile set-up of 10 to 20 feet of drop cloths that you stop and move as you progress along the fence.

Tools and Materials for Painting a Chain Link Fence

To paint a chain link fence, you’ll need:

• Drop cloths;
• Paintbrush;
• Airless cup sprayer;
• Extension cord;
• Painter’s tape;
• Water for thinning;
• Mineral spirits;
• Plastic sheeting.

Best Paint for a Chain Link Fence

The choice largely depends on the condition of the fence. If it’s in good shape, an acrylic direct-to-metal (DTM) paint is all you’ll need.

Lee Pitrat, owner of Florence Paint & Decorating Center in Florence, Massachusetts, recommends Benjamin Moore’s Ultra Spec High Performance (HP) DTM acrylic enamels. This product offers strong adhesion to metal surfaces without requiring a separate primer.

For rusty fences, Pitrat recommends an alkyd-based paint like Benjamin Moore Super Spec HP DTM. Like Ultra Spec, this alkyd or oil-based paint doesn’t need a separate primer either. The Benjamin Moore technical data sheet lists Super Spec as a rust-inhibitive paint with “superior” rust control.

Both paints come in black.

How to Paint a Chain Link Fence

Using a brush and roller to paint a chain link fence is a slow, tedious process with middling results. It will work fine for touch-ups or small sections. For an entire fence, go with a paint sprayer for better coverage in less time.

An airless cup paint gun like the Wagner Spraytech FLEXiO 570 is inexpensive and DIY-friendly. To use, fill the sprayer cup with paint (thinned according to the manufacturer’s recommendation), plug it in and pull the trigger for a continuous spray. Practice on a piece of scrap board so you can adjust the nozzle opening to the desired spray flow.

To paint your fence, aim the sprayer 12 to 14 inches from the target and work from the top down in a side-to-side motion. Providing a continuous spray, work in a slightly overlapping pattern to apply an even coat to all fence parts. To avoid drips, don’t stay in one place for more than a second or two.

Repeat this process across both sides of the fence, making sure to cover all post sides and the undersides of the top rails.

One coat will give sufficient coverage, but two coats will increase durability and protection. If you choose to do a single coat on the fence, it’s a good idea to still do two coats on gates and gate posts that receive more wear and tear.

Clean Up and Maintenance of Your Painted Chain Link Fence

When finished, thoroughly clean your paint sprayer. Gently clean the cup and sprayer head with soap and water.

To clean the interior, fill the cup with clean water and pull the trigger until the spray is clear. This will prevent frustrating clogs the next time you use it. Follow the same process for alkyd paint, but use mineral spirits instead.

Next, remove plastic sheeting and drop cloths from protected surfaces and step back to admire your “new” fence.

To keep your painted chain link fence looking good, clean it yearly with soap and water and touch up any bare spots.