The best way to prepare your vinyl fence for a paint job is to clean it with warm, soapy water and rinse it with a hose or pressure washer on a low setting. Be sure to let it totally dry, then sand the surface before applying an epoxy-based primer. After the primer, you’re ready to paint your vinyl fence.
Can You Paint a Vinyl Fence?
If your vinyl fence no longer has that new sparkle, you might wonder how to restore it to its original glory—but can you paint a vinyl fence? Unlike other fencing materials, painting a vinyl fence isn’t straightforward and may result in noticeable scratches and peeling. This guide provides tips to get the best possible results if you choose to paint your fence.
Can Your Vinyl Fencing Be Painted?
Yes, technically it’s possible to paint a vinyl fence, but experts don’t recommend doing so for a handful of reasons. Painting over your vinyl fence can lead to voiding your warranty and ruin the curbside appeal of your setup. Generally, paint has a hard time adhering to vinyl surfaces and is more likely to chip and scratch.
If you decide to paint a vinyl fence despite these potential risks, you can take a few steps to increase the probability of successful results, like painting in the right conditions and using a primer that’s up to the task.
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3 Reasons You Should Not Paint a Vinyl Fence
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If you’re questioning whether or not you should try painting your vinyl fence, keep reading to find out about three of the biggest drawbacks.
Painting Your Fence Can Void Your Warranty
Many vinyl fence companies offer limited or lifetime warranties, so it can cost little to nothing to replace your setup in many cases. While painting itself won’t void your warranty, any damages incurred from the painting process (or trying to remove the paint later on) definitely will. If you’re still going to paint your vinyl fence, it’s best to do so after your warranty expires.
Paint Does Not Adhere Well to Vinyl Fencing
Wood can absorb paint easily, making customizing a wood fence with paint is easy. Vinyl, on the other hand, is not a porous substance and will not absorb paint in the same way. While starting with a layer of primer may allow the paint to adhere more easily in some cases, there’s not a lot you can do to change this. Even paint specifically designed for vinyl surfaces is likely to peel and scratch off a vinyl fence over time, especially outdoors where there’s less protection from the elements.
Increases Maintenance Costs
One of the biggest pros of vinyl fencing is just how low maintenance it is. It can’t absorb water, so there’s no risk of water damage. Also, its color won’t fade over time like a coat of paint might, so you can rest assured it will look great with infrequent care.
Once you paint it, though, there’s added upkeep to keep your fence looking nice. Suddenly your fence is more susceptible to sun damage and visible scratching and will need to be repainted every so often to keep up its best appearance, all of which requires extra effort and money.
Painting Your PVC Vinyl Fence? Read This First!
There are many reasons why you might want to change your PVC fence colour. Perhaps you’ve repainted the outside of your home and would like your fence to match, or you simply want to change up the look to suit your taste. The good news is that it’s possible to change the colour of your PVC fence, which means you can get the look you desire without spending thousands on a new fence. However, there are a few things to consider about whether the process is worth it.
Can you paint PVC fencing?
Can a vinyl fence be painted if you want to change the colour? The answer is yes – although it can be a little complicated. You’ll need to prepare the surface of your fence correctly and use the right products to ensure the paint sticks, but be prepared for regular touch-ups. We’ve shared some tips for painting vinyl fencing below and other things to remember before you go ahead.
1. Check your fence warranty
Because PVC fencing is so durable, it usually comes with an extended warranty – for example, Team Work Fencing offers a lifetime warranty on materials for our PVC fences. However, it’s imperative to note that painting your PVC fence can result in damage to the surface and may void your warranty. So always check your warranty terms before you start!
2. Painting vinyl isn’t easy
Can you paint a PVC fence? Yes. Is it always worth it? Not really.
Because vinyl is a smooth, non-porous surface, you’ll have difficulty getting the paint to adhere correctly. Scuff sanding your fence and using paint designed for use on vinyl will help (more on this below), but it’s still possible that the paint will peel and flake in the future.
3. Be prepared for more maintenance
The beauty of PVC fencing is that it requires little to no maintenance – a thorough hose down is usually enough to keep it looking fresh. However, if you choose to paint your PVC vinyl fence, be prepared for this to change! Paint is prone to chipping, flaking, warping and fading, especially when exposed to the elements. Once you paint, you’ll need to repaint it regularly to keep it looking its best, similar to a timber fence.
Still want to go ahead with painting your vinyl fence? What kind of paint should you use?
If the thought of more maintenance hasn’t put you off wanting to paint your PVC fence, check with your contractor to see if there’s a specific type of paint they’d recommend for the job. This is a good time to ask any questions about your warranty, too.
Generally speaking, you should always choose paint suitable for vinyl use. These are usually acrylic-based paints. It’s also best to choose a light paint colour for your fence, as dark colours attract heat and can warp. Finally, using a paint sprayer is a good way to get an even finish.
Before you paint, it’s important to prepare your surface. First, clean your fence using soapy water and a hose, and let it dry completely. Then, scuff sand the surface and apply a coat of epoxy-based primer before you paint – this will help the paint adhere to the smooth vinyl surface. An epoxy-based topcoat is also an excellent idea to improve the durability of your paintwork.
