A Guide to Refinishing Your Chain Link Fence

Chain link fences might not be the most aesthetically pleasing, but they are one of the most popular fencing options—and for good reason. Chain link is inexpensive, easy to install, and highly effective. Chain link fencing can also be refinished when the links and posts rust. You can also refinish your chain link fence if you wish to improve the fence’s aesthetic appeal. The following guide will take you through the process of refinishing a chain link fence. If your fence is severely deteriorated, contact a fencing company in San Jose to get a quote on a new chain link fence for your home or business.

Prepare the Fence

Start by trimming the grass along the edges and beneath the chain link fence as low as possible with a weed trimmer or grass clippers. Next, use a power washer to remove dust and debris from the fence. Remove rust and flaking paint from the fence with a wire brush. It’s important that you remove the original galvanized coating to ensure that the primer and paint properly bonds with the metal.

Apply Oil-Based Primer

Lay plastic sheeting or scarp cardboard underneath the fence and cover nearby flowers and shrubs with plastic sheeting to protect grass, shrubs, and flowers from paint. When ready, coat the fence with an oil-based primer designed for metal. Use a long-napped roller to spread the primer evenly along the fence and go back over bends and loops in the chain link mesh with a paint brush.

Paint the Fence

Allow a few hours for the primer to dry before applying your selected paint. Apply the paint in a similar fashion to how you applied the primer, starting with a long-napped roller followed by a paint brush. Start at the top of the fence and work your way down, and remember to paint both sides of the fence. If you discover that your fence is in worse shape than you thought, contact a San Jose fencing contractor about fence repairs or buying a new fence.