Fence Painting: Timber & Colorbond Guide

Fences are the most weather-exposed painted surface on most properties — full sun, rain and, on the coast, salt. Regular coating keeps them looking fresh and stops timber rotting or Colorbond corroding.

Timber fences

• Paint — full coverage and a uniform look; lasts 5–8 years with good prep
• Stain or oil — shows the grain and never peels; needs redoing every 1–3 years
• Prep — clean, remove flaking finish, and let the timber dry before coating

Colorbond fences

Colorbond shouldn't be repainted with just any paint — it needs a purpose-made metal primer and finish to bond and prevent corrosion. If the colour is faded or scratched, a respray can restore it, but the surface must be clean and rust-free first.

What fence painting costs

Expect roughly $20–$40 per square metre depending on the finish, the fence condition and access. Spray application is common for fences — it's faster and gets even coverage across pickets.

DIY vs professional

A fence is a big, repetitive surface — which makes it a tempting DIY job, but also a long one. Spraying gives the best result, and hiring a pro with an airless sprayer turns a weekend project into a half-day job with a better finish.

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