How Much Does It Cost To Paint A Fence?

Cost factors for fence painting

A variety of factors go into a projected fence paint cost. The more surface area you have to cover, the more paint you’ll need to purchase. Paint cost is usually determined by gallons, and a gallon tends to cover up to 200 square feet of fencing. A gallon of stain usually covers around 160 square feet.

Prep work

If your fence is full of holes or in a state of disrepair, you’ll want it fixed as part of the process. A skilled professional is likely to charge you $15 to $35 per linear foot for repair work before they can start painting. First, you’ll need to clear your fence of any obstructions and clean off all dirt and debris.

Height and length

A four-foot fence has way less square footage than a 12-foot fence. You can expect to pay $2 to $7 per linear foot for a four-foot fence, with a gallon of paint covering roughly 33 linear feet of fencing. A 12-foot fence may cost between $7 to $15 per linear foot, as the added height triples the coverage needed. If you’re paying someone for the job, keep in mind that the larger the fence, the more time it will take, which will impact your labor cost.

Number of coats

You’ll need to prime the fence, then add two coats of paint. That'll give your fence the best protection while looking high-quality and vibrant. If you choose to only use one coat, you’ll save costs, but it may not turn out as well as you hope. For staining, you only need one coat (though some find that two coats offer added depth and longevity).

Labor costs

Your labor estimates may be written up either via square footage or linear footage. Either way, the average prices for fence painting costs are the same. On average, expect to pay $3 to $17 per linear foot or $8 per linear foot. Sixty percent of your paint fence cost will be labor when you hire a professional. Ideally, it’ll take them three to five days to complete the job.

Painting method

The method you choose to paint your fence will affect your time and material costs. Paint spraying in any form uses up more paint but takes less time. This may be your preferred option if you want the job done quicker. If you choose to go with a paintbrush and roller, you’ll use less paint in the long run but it takes a lot longer. If you need to rent a paint sprayer, this also adds to your cost.

Painting or Staining a Fence

Paint costs between $20 to $80 per gallon and covers a lot more surface area than stain does. Paint also requires more coats and a lot more prep work beforehand. An old fence with chipped or peeled paint will need that paint removed before applying the new coat. If the fence needs preparation work, this can greatly eat into costs.

Stain costs between $20 to $50 per gallon but doesn’t cover nearly the same surface area as paint. Stain also only needs one coat. Fence staining cost pays off over the long run. A previously stained fence needs very little prep before adding a new coat, even years later. You need more stain to cover a fence, but since it only requires one coat to refresh stained wood, you’re saving money in the long run.

Cost to paint or stain a fence by type

Painting or staining a fence costs anywhere between $300 to $4,800. This wildly varied range can make it hard to know what you’re looking at for costs. Here’s a list of some different types of fences, so you can better gauge your paint costs.

Wood picket

Picket fences tend to be pretty short, making the paint cost a lot better than most other varieties. If the fence is new or was previously stained, consider staining it. This involves a lot less preparation. If you’re choosing to paint, you’ll need to remove loose or chipping paint. If the old paint is in poor condition, you’ll need more budget for preparation. To paint a wood picket fence, aside from prep work, expect to pay between $2 to $5 per linear foot.

Privacy fence

A privacy fence is usually a minimum of five feet high, so the cost of painting is high due to the sheer surface area. If your privacy fence has latticework or a scrolling woodwork design, you can expect the job to take longer (and therefore cost more). On average, a privacy fence costs between $2 to $10 per linear foot.

Wrought iron

A wrought iron fence is difficult to paint, so consider hiring a professional. Brush wire is required to remove any rust from the fence, which is a process that costs up to $1,300. After that, painting tends to cost between $5 to $12 per linear foot, depending on if you’re using a brush or spraying.

Metal and aluminum

Metal and aluminum don’t rust like their wrought iron competitors, so there’s less of a prep cost upfront. You still need to remove any loose paint before adding anything new to these fences, so there’s still a preparation cost to factor in. Expect to pay between $4 to $10 per linear foot for these fences. Use an oil-based paint for the best results.

Shadowbox

The cost to paint shadowbox fences is between $4 to $14 per linear foot. This is higher than others due to the labor-intensive work required to paint the alternating slats. If this fence needs prep work, the alternating slats will also hinder this step, making your costs rise.

Steel pipe

These fences are mostly found in rural areas, such as farms or ranches. A professional will use a painting mitten, dip it in paint, and coat the steel to ensure full, quick coverage. Painting a steel pipe fence can cost between $3 to $10 per linear foot.