Looking to spruce up your outdoor space? Treating your fence to a new lick of paint is the perfect way of breathing new life into your garden. You can keep things simple with fence paint that's the same colour as your garden furniture and or mix things up with an eclectic palette.
Thinking about overhauling a small garden? Stick to muted shades when painting fence panels to create neutral-coloured surroundings that won't make your garden look smaller than it is.
Prefer a more contemporary finish? Experiment with bright colours or opt for a black fence to create a striking backdrop for hanging baskets and an effective contrast to lightly coloured paving stones.
The right choice of paint colour can turn even the most uninspired outdoor space into something truly special. At Tikkurila, you'll find an expansive range of premium paint colours to help make your garden design dreams a reality. Read on for some handy tips on what to consider when choosing the best colour for garden fence panels.
How to Choose a Fence Paint Colour
Unsure of whether to stick with dark brown and neutral shades or experiment with something altogether more vibrant? Before choosing the perfect paint colour for your fence, you'll need to consider the space you're working with.
Style of Your Garden
If you're a fan of traditional outdoor spaces, it's best to stick with a neutral palette. Dark colours are particularly versatile, working well with just about any style of outdoor furniture.
Are you a fan of contemporary design and have recently invested in a vertical garden? Monochrome colours are perfect for framing these leafy installations and can make more dynamic colours pop.
When in doubt, stick with timeless grey and green paint colours. These natural-inspired hues look perfect alongside plant life and will serve you well, whatever the season.
Size of Your Garden
For small gardens, neutral fence paint colours are the way to go. Just about anything from the green colour family will open your space, blending nicely alongside shrubs and other plant life. Zoning isn't always practical in compact gardens, so stick with a colour that will create synergy and give the illusion of additional space.
A light blue paint can also work wonders in a smaller garden. During the warmer months, your blue fence will blend seamlessly with the cloudless summer sky. What's more, in the autumn and winter, your outdoor space will benefit from a much-needed pop of colour.
Don't be afraid of darker colours when treating your fence panels to a new lick of paint. A black or dark brown fence might prove overwhelming in a courtyard-style garden, but it will create stylish contrast in a slightly bigger outdoor space.
Which Fence Colour Makes a Garden Look Bigger?
If you're looking to create the illusion of space, it's tempting to reach for whites when repainting fence panels. While a coat of white paint will certainly refresh your fence panels, it's the only way to make a small space feel bigger.
If you're a traditionalist, why not play it safe with a cream colour scheme? Like white paint, cream will give your garden a light and airy feel, while also providing your flowerbeds and shrubbery with a brilliant backdrop.
Green is also ideal for giving the impression of more square footage than you actually have. For best results, stick with a shade that's lighter than your lawn. You want to avoid overwhelming existing plant life and shrubbery with an identical hue.
Furthermore, green is incredibly versatile. It will work nicely with greys and monochromes, as well as natural stains. As such, you'll have no issues when reconfiguring your garden with new outdoor furniture or decorative pieces.
Black might not seem like an obvious choice if you're looking to give the impression of added space. However, it's perfect for creating contrast and allowing the natural hues of your garden to shine through.
If you're thinking about creating a more contemporary exterior, black and slate greys are well worth considering. These darker shades are also neutral, meaning you've plenty of freedom when it comes to selecting furniture and garden ornaments.
Which Colour is Most Popular for a Fence?
Are your fence panels in desperate need of a makeover? Below, we've picked out some of our favourite outdoor paints that will leave your garden looking like new.
Grey is an easy choice for any outdoor space. Cool and contemporary, grey paint is perfect for transforming tired panels and will provide you with a gorgeous backdrop for plants and greenery.
Seagull F496 is ideal if you're looking for something more muted. This classic off-white shade has subtle hints of blue, making it an all-natural choice for any outdoor space.
If you're looking to make a statement, go with Surf S500. Moody and misty, this rich grey is perfect for creating contrast and will look right at home in compact, contemporary gardens.
A natural-inspired palette will work well in just about any garden. If you're looking to create synergy with your flowers, trees and natural accents, earthy browns make the perfect choice for fence panel paint jobs.
If you're a fan of dark ochre, you'll love Primeval Forest M460. This eye-catching brown works well alongside natural greenery, but will also team nicely with monochrome furniture and lightly coloured paving stones.
Searching for something softer? Go with Chalet N485. This warm and inviting brown shade has subtle hints of grey, making it a low-key choice for repainting fence panels that have seen better days.
Green fence paint pairs effortlessly with any garden. Perfect for making a compact garden look bigger, green paint will also ensure your outdoor space looks vibrant and full of life, whatever the season.
Want to achieve an elegant aesthetic? A paint colour like Fjord M442 will make a welcome addition to any garden. With its misty green and grey character, this premium paint colour will turn any fence into a real focal point.
Searching for something more understated? Go with Basilica M384. This earthy paint shade pairs well with browns and forest greens, making it an effective choice for leafier outdoor spaces.
Natural Wood Stains
If you're looking to revitalise fence panels made from lighter wood varieties, a natural wood stain may be a better option than paint. At Tikkurila, we stock a first-rate selection of wood stains that will give your fence panels an instant lift, without masking their original colour and natural textures.
Should I Paint or Stain My Fence?
If it's a low-maintenance makeover you're after, a wood stain might be the better option. However, your fence panels will need to be in fairly good condition to realise the best possible results. Provided your fence panels are in decent shape, a wood stain will make them look like new again, showcasing their natural grain and colour.
For a more dramatic makeover, go with fence paint. You may need to perform more regular upkeep to ensure your new colour of choice remains looking its best for longer, but it's the only way to go if you're keen to inject some character into your outdoor space.
How Often Should I Paint a Fence?
As a rule, you should aim to repaint a garden fence once every couple of years. Depending on the conditions your fence panels are exposed to, you may need to repaint them once every 12 months.
For best results, keep on top of any imperfections like cracking and peeling as soon as they appear. To minimise the amount of repainting required, make sure you fully prep your panels before reaching for a paintbrush. You'll need to clean each panel thoroughly, as well as identify any signs of moisture damage that may lead to rotting.