How to Paint a Chain Link Fence

Chain link fences have a tendency to look alike. They all have the same textured surface, the same color and the same height. Homeowners looking to alter the appearance of their chain link fence can choose to add a coat of paint for a little variety. This can be a somewhat messy job, but you don't necessarily need to be a painting contractor to get it done.

Painting a chain link fence takes a lot of set-up, time and labor but the finished product will look bright, colorful and stand out from the other chain link fences.

• There is a lot of dripping involved when painting a chain link fence. Prepare for the paint drips by laying down tarps, moving objects out of the way of the fence, and covering areas you don’t want painted with tape or other materials.

• A heavy nap roller can be used to paint the chain link fence. A roller with a nap of an inch is recommended but any nap less than two inches will work just as well for painting chain link fences. Using a nap roller will require that you have to paint both sides of the chain link fence. Painting both sides of the fence will ensure that all areas of the fence are painted. 

• For faster painting a spray paint applicator can be used. Spray paint applicators will apply large amounts of paint to be applied in a short period of time. There is less dripping involved with using a spraying device. However, you will still need to lay down a tarp to catch excessive paint drippings when using a spraying device and both sides of the fence will still need to be painted.

• When using a spray paint applicator you will need to place a sheet or tarp on the other side of the fence to prevent paint from spraying all over the place. Tarps can be carried by another person and moved along with the painter, or a device can be rigged that holds a tarp in place and allows the painter to move it down the fence as they paint. 

• Some areas of the chain link fence may be missed when painting with a roller or using a spraying device. You may need to go back and touch up some of the areas with a bristled paint brush.

 
Painting a chain link fence can dramatically alter the appearance of the fence. With the right preparation both rollers and spraying devices can both be used to help apply the paint to the chain link fence.