If you have an aluminum fence on your property, and you wish to paint it a different color, the job can be done quite easily on your own with a few household tools. Painting your fence can enhance its beauty and help keep it protected from damaging weather. Here are some instructions for you to use to help you go through the steps needed to paint aluminum fences.

Materials You Will Need

• Pressure washer
• Bucket of soapy water
• Sponge
• Wire brush
• Rust-inhibiting spray
• Paint thinner
• Oil-based primer
• Paint in desired color
• Paint sprayer
• Paint roller
• Paintbrush
• Tarp

Cleaning Your Fence

Before you add color to your fence, it will need to be cleaned thoroughly so the paint adheres to the surface without having obstructions in the way. Use a sponge to apply a mild detergent mixed with water to all portions of your fence. Scrub any areas that have embedded dirt, removing it from the surface. Use a pressure washer to rinse off the soap from your fence. Allow the fence to dry completely.

Preparing The Surface

If your fence was previously painted, any spots with wear will need to be scraped off of the fence before you add new coloring. Use a wire brush to scrape off bubbled or peeling paint. Rinse your fence with your pressure washer again to help in removing any pieces your scraper could not totally remove. Allow your fence to dry.

Preparing Your Fence

If your fence was painted before, it will not need a primer coating. Instead, apply a coating of rust-inhibiting spray and allow it to dry overnight. If the fence was not previously painted, it will need a coating of primer before painting.

Add some paint thinner to oil-based primer according to the instructions on the back of the primer packaging. Apply primer to all surfaces of your fence using a paint roller. Use a small paint brush to place primer on any corners or areas the roller can not reach. Allow this to dry for a full 24 hours before applying paint.

Painting Your Fence

Apply paint to your fence using a roller or a sprayer. If you decide to use a sprayer, place a tarp on the ground on the alternate side from where you are painting to help keep paint off of your landscaping. After you have added color to the entire fence, touch up corners and hard-to-reach areas using a small paintbrush to get into crevices. Allow the fence to dry overnight and add another coating.