How to Paint a Chain Link Fence
If you’re wondering how to paint a chain link fence, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’re going to look at how to paint a new chain link fence and one that’s been installed for a while. We’ll also look at other things you need to know about how to paint a chain link fence.
Why Would You Want to Paint a Chain Link Fence?
The first thing you might consider when you are learning how to paint a chain link fence is why you might want to paint a chain link fence at all. There are several reasons.
One common reason why chain link fences are painted is for security reasons at sites like prisons or military bases.
Galvanized chain link, especially when it is new, can reflect a lot of light. This makes it harder for security personnel to see through the fences, particularly from certain angles. When those fences are painted (often a matte black), it’s a lot easier to see through the whole fence line, even from a distance.
Another reason why you might want to paint a chain link fence is because you want a color that is not commonly available. You can’t purchase a purple chain link fence, for instance. But you can paint a chain link fence purple if that’s what you want to do!
Choose the Right Paint for Chain Link Fence
The first thing you need to do – whether you’re painting a new chain link fence or one that’s been around for a while – is to choose the right paint.
There are very specific paint products that work on galvanized steel, and if you want your paint to stick and not flake off and look terrible, you need to get the right products.
A good industrial paint supplier should be able to advise you about the best products, which will usually include a galvanized iron pre-cleaner if you are painting a new fence, some kind of primer (often an etch primer) and then a color coat.
Be sure to consider the coverage for each product and the manufacturer’s recommended application instructions. Following these properly will ensure you get the best possible result.
Painting New Chain Link Fence Material
If you want to paint new chain link fence material, you have a few advantages and disadvantages over painting an existing chain link fences.
On the plus side, you can paint it indoors, so you don’t have to worry about the weather when you’re painting. You also don’t have to deal with dust, dirt and other on-site problems.
The downside to painting a new chain link fence is that you will have to do a little more work to remove the greasy layer that is usually present on new galvanized steel. This layer, called passivation, is applied after the steel is dipped in zinc. You can ask for non-passivated galvanizing if you are having your fence structure hot dip galvanized yourself, but that’s not common.
The steps to properly paint a new chain link fence are as follows:
- Calculate how much paint you will need, and purchase the right paint products
- Clean all the galvanized chain link fence material with galvanized iron pre-cleaner
- Apply a primer, and allow the primer to dry for the recommended time
- Lightly sand the surface of the primer, and then remove all sanding dust
- Apply the first coat of paint, and allow it to dry for the recommended time
- Lighting sand again, and clean all dust off the surface
- Apply the finish coat and allow to dry for the recommended time
You can usually choose the application method for painting new chain link fence. Brushes and rollers take longer than spray painting, but they will generate a lot less waste.
Once your fence materials are painted and have dried for the required time, they’re ready to install. Don’t forget to have some touch-up paint on hand to fix any areas that might chip or scratch during installation.
Painting An Existing Chain Link Fence
If you are wondering how to paint a chain link fence that’s been installed for a while, you’ll also face some unique challenges and have some project-specific benefits.
On the plus side, galvanized steel chain link fence that’s been installed for a while will have weathered enough to remove any grease on the surface. This means that you can skip the step of cleaning the fence before priming.
The negative elements of this process are that you will have to plan your painting according to the weather and that you might have to deal with dust and debris on your new paint job.
Here’s how you would go about painting an existing chain link fence:
- Wash the chain link fence to remove spiderwebs, dirt and other debris (a pressure washer works well), and leave it to dry thoroughly
- Apply primer to the fence, taking care to get it in crevices and corners
- Allow the primer to dry for the recommended time
- Apply the first coat of color, and allow to dry for the recommended time
- Finish with the second coat of color
While there is a lot of waste, you will often get a more consistent and fuller coverage by applying paint to existing chain link fences by spraying. However, you can also use brushes or rollers if you prefer.
Can You Hire Someone to Paint a Chain Link Fence?
It may very well be possible to hire someone to paint a chain link fence for you. Be sure to ask for references, and make sure that whoever paints your fence uses the right products and application methods. It’s also a good idea to ask about warranties and touch-ups that might be required later.
