Painting a garden fence can be a time-consuming and messy job, especially when you’re dealing with drips, awkward corners and a lengthy clean-up afterwards. However, it’s an important task that not only improves your garden’s appearance and boosts kerb appeal, but also helps protect the timber from the elements.
Fortunately, there’s a simple trick that can make the job much quicker and easier. According to TikTok user @mrsclarehoops, who regularly shares DIY tips and hacks, this method requires neither brushes nor paint sprayers. Instead, she recommends using a sponge.
The TikTok user said: “Just a reminder, if you’re painting fences this weekend, you should try the sponge method.
“Take a big yellow sponge. I like to chop it in half, but you could use it full. So then you have two sponges.
“It’s a bit messy, so you are going to want some rubber gloves. I’ve tried so many different methods of painting fences over the years, and this is by far the fastest. It might not be the neatest, but it’s the fastest.”
Clare then demonstrated the technique to her viewers. She simply dipped the yellow sponge into her chosen paint before spreading it evenly onto the fence.
She said: “It just glides on and gets into all the really bumpy bits. So it’s not the neatest, but it’s definitely the quickest, and sometimes speed is what you need.”
‘Genius’ 46p fence painting method takes ‘minutes’ (Image: Getty) This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Large yellow sponges are readily available from numerous DIY retailers and supermarkets for as little as 46p per sponge.
The technique has been dubbed the “quickest fence painting hack” by its creator, a verdict that commenters enthusiastically echoed.
User @dryad.girl wrote: “Thank you for this. I have to do mine this year, and I use a big brush, but it’s always so uncomfortable.” @dan.smith said: “This is absolutely genius, paints fences in minutes, but I would recommend cleaning the fences of algae first.”
How to prepare a fence for painting
According to Wickes, preparation is key before painting a fence. Picking a day where you have dry weather is essential before painting.
Gardeners should clear away furniture, plants and anything attached to the fence, then clean the surface thoroughly and allow it to dry. Repair any cracks or damaged panels, including sanding the wood and applying a wood preserver if needed.
Finally, protect nearby patios, furniture, and fixtures with dust sheets or tarpaulins, and use masking tape to cover gates or other areas you don’t want painted.
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