1. Getting prepared

Good preparation = longer life + better finish.

What to check & do:

• Is the fence brand new timber? If yes, allow time for the timber to weather (8-12 weeks) so that tannins, oils or treatments are drawn-out.

• Is the timber older, greyed or weathered? Then the surface needs a thorough clean, either by waterblasting or using an exterior cleaner like Procoat Exterior House & Deck Wash.

• Has it been previously stained or oiled? Make sure the previous coating has sufficiently weathered.

Steps for preparation:

1. Clear the area: Remove plants, obstacles, or items leaning against the fence.

2. Remove any loose and flaking paint: Use a wire brush, or sand any areas where any previous paint is flaking. This will ensure the paint adheres to the surface.

3. If required, clean the fence: Waterblast, or use a quality exterior cleaner like Procoat Exterior House & Deck Wash to remove dirt, moss and mould.

4. Rinse and let dry thoroughly: Ensure there’s no cleaner residue left on the surface.

5. Mask and protect: Cover adjacent surfaces (e.g., house wall, plants, concrete) with drop-sheets or masking as required.

2. Choose your product

Procoat have 2 products ideal for painting fences—Procoat Fence Paint and Procoat Universal Paint.

When to use Procoat Fence Paint vs Universal Paint:

• Procoat Fence Paint is a dedicated exterior fence paint: waterbased, formulated especially for NZ timbers and weather conditions. The low sheen finish is ideal for painting new or previously painted timber fences.

• Procoat Universal Paint is a multi-purpose exterior paint: self-priming, waterbased paint enriched with linseed oil for penetration. Suitable for timber but also for other substrates—ideal if you’re painting a metal, galvanised iron or concrete block fence.

3. Get painting

Now with surface prepped, apply your chosen Procoat product.

A. Using Procoat Fence Paint

• Stir thoroughly before use with a broad flat paddle, using an up and down scooping motion.

• Apply 1-2 coats, allowing about 2 hours between coats.

• Use brush, roller or sprayer to apply. Note: if painting a large area, especially rough-sawn timber, a sprayer will be most efficient.

• Watch weather and temperature conditions: Avoid applying if the timber is wet, in direct blazing sun, high wind, or if rain is expected.

B. Using Procoat Universal Paint

• Stir thoroughly before use with a broad flat paddle, using an up and down scooping motion.

• Spot prime any bare areas (as required), with Procoat Universal Paint or Procoat Primer Sealer Undercoat.

• Apply 2 coats, allowing at least 2 hours between coats.

• Use brush, roller or sprayer to apply.

• As with the Procoat Fence Paint system, avoid applying in poor weather or when dew/rain is imminent.