In the past we’ve created a few blogs about how to paint fences, and what is the best paint for that particular job. In each we always try to mention a few colours that might suit your fences but always find ourselves cutting the section short as there are so many fence paint colours to choose from.
So today we’re going to just talk about the best colours for fence paint, in plenty of detail, so you can pick the perfect shade for your garden.
Dark Paint Colours for Fences
Let’s start at the darkest end of the colour spectrum. When planning their project, many people avoid shades like dark grey and black fence paint, preferring something lighter instead.
This works for many people, but it might be the bold option you’re looking for. Black fence paint especially will be a start contrast to the bright greens and colourful flowers in your garden, highlighting them and making every other colour look brighter.
A muted shade can work very well for your fences, as you don’t want them to be the centrepiece, or distract from other parts of your garden. A high-quality black or grey fence paint can create the perfect border around lawns, flower beds, and shrubbery.
The type of fence you’re painting is an important factor too. Naturally we think of wooden fences first, but there are also metal fences which look fantastic after a few layers of black fence paint.
On the opposite side of the fence is the colour white. If you want the iconic ‘white picket fence’ look in your garden, we have white fence paint that creates solid colours without making the panels look plasticky. When behind flower beds, it will make your garden look like a painted canvas.
Natural Fence Paint Colours
Some of the most popular fence paint colours are the more ‘natural’ shades. These don’t look out of place in a garden and blend the man-made with the home-grown. Here are the most popular:
- Green Fence Paint
- Forest Green Fence Paint
- Sage Green Fence Paint
- Light Oak Fence Paint
- Medium Oak Fence Paint
- Dark Oak Fence Paint
Shades of green look great even in a garden without much foliage. Not every outdoor space suits trees, bushes, and plants, and green fence paint allows you to bring in that colour without the added hassle of gardening.
When talking about fence paint, you can’t go for long without mentioning brown. This is by far the most popular fence paint colours for wooden fences, as they always look great, regardless of what else you do with your garden.
Brown fence paint can also hide any imperfections in the wooden surface better than other shades. If your fences are full of knotholes, or have just seen better days, you can make them look invisible from a distance. And since our fence paints are renowned for their durability, they’ll protect the surface from further damage.
If you really want to maximise the natural look of your fences, you can go one step further…
Painting Fences without Colour
This might seem like an odd concept, but it is possible to paint your fences without changing their colour.
Our oil-based timber preserve can have a clear finish, practically invisible once applied to your fence panels. So, what’s the point? Well, some people love the way the wood of their fences looks without paint, with the natural woodgrain and texture on clear display. However, leaving your fences unpainted is asking for trouble – they’re at risk of rot, mould, and can be eaten by bugs and other pests.
The best solution is a clear wood varnish or timber preserve, which will not only give you all the benefits of paint; you won’t have to miss out on the natural texture you love so much.
Bright Colours for Fences
Now for the fun stuff. There are a lot of paint options for people who want a more muted shade, so that their fences disappear into the background of their garden. But what about people who want to do the opposite?
If you want your fence panels to be a highlight of your garden or outdoor areas, pick a bright colour that will make them look their best. Red, orange, yellow, and even pink fence paint can look fantastic, especially if you pick a sheen level that complements your chosen colour.
But the colour spectrum isn’t so black and white. There are hundreds of colour options that bridge the gap between natural shades and bold colours. For example, blue fence paint is very neutral and doesn’t create a contrast with greens and browns. You can go for a light sky blue or something darker if you feel like your garden gets plenty of light. Speaking of which…
Choosing the Right Colour Paint for your Fences
We’ve thrown around a lot of colour options in this blog and could easily talk about a few dozen more. However, no matter what colours we tell you about, the final decision will depend on two major factors.
The first is where your fences are. A colour like blue might look fantastic in a large, open area with lots of greenery, but the exact same shade could be out-of-place in a smaller garden. If they’re going to be mostly obscured by plants, one colour that blends in or another that creates a contrast could both work, and you have a tricky decision to make.
The second factor is personal preference. You have an image in your head of how your garden should look, and your fences are part of that. And if you don’t have one yet, pick a colour you’d love to see, or a colour scheme that will be featured throughout the space.
No matter what colour you choose, trust Paintmaster to provide the best fence paint, in any shade you can imagine. Our fence paints are part of our Colour System, simply enter a British Standard or RAL code at checkout and we’ll mix the perfect colour for your fences.
FAQ's
Is green a good colour to paint a fence?
We definitely recommend painting your garden fences green, mainly because with the right shade it is perfect for disguising your garden fence alongside its surroundings. Due the green fence paint blending into the surroundings it can give the illusion that the garden space is larger than it really is.
Is grey a good colour for a fence?
If you are wanting to achieve a modern, neutral finish to your garden fence or wooden panels we recommend choosing a grey fence paint. It’s bold enough to draw a boundary without dominating the space it borders. Also if you make sure you get a high quality grey fence paint then with a couple layers you should have no issue painting over darker colours, for example dark green, and brown already on the fence.
Is painting a fence white a good idea?
Painting your garden fences white will transform your garden and make it feel brighter and bigger. Although white fence paint will make your fences stand out in your garden, over time they will make dirt and mould be a lot more noticeable compared to darker colours. Therefore if your were to paint your fences white, you would have to clean them more regularly than other options, to keep them looking as bright and modern as when you first painted them.
Is painting your fence brown a good idea?
Similarly to some shades of green, brown fence paint will help your fences blend into the surrounding environment. Painting your fences brown will also look more natural in your garden especially if you have any trees, wooden furniture or a wooden shed. Even if the shade of brown paint you would like is similar to the fence panel shade, it is crucial that you still paint it to protect the wood from the elements.
Should I Paint My Fence Black?
Black fence paint can be a great addition for your garden, as black fences will absorb heat from the sun, which could help you out if you find yourself often feeling nippy outside. Painting your fences black will make your area seem more enclosed, which can be great for seating areas around a fire pit, however if you would like your garden to appear larger and more open we would recommend a lighter colour.
