Not all fences require paint. Wooden fences are a great example of a type of fence that works well as-is or with a coating of paint. Versatility is part of what makes wood so great. As wood already has a fantastic, natural appearance, it doesn’t need paint to look good. In many cases, whether or not a fence is painted or not is up to the owner’s sense of satisfaction with either style– beauty is in the eye of the beholder, after all. There are a few clear-cut advantages and disadvantages to painting a wooden fence, however.
Pro: Customizability
While wood looks great, the all-natural look isn’t for everyone. This is especially true for those who like to liven up their yard with a touch of color. Wood doesn’t have a lot going for it in lieu of a color scheme beyond black and brown. One advantage of painting your fence is in paint’s flexibility. Unlike wood by itself, if you’re unsatisfied with how it looks now, you can always strip the paint and try a different color. If you like to decorate for the holidays, you can finally beat the neighbors’ Christmas-themed house with a fence that reflects your love for the holidays, then change it back after Santa has come and gone. If you like bright, vibrant colors to spice up your lawn decorations, you can choose which colors best compliment them. Or, you could simply match a fence’s color to the color scheme of your house. Who doesn’t like a matching set?
Con: Flaky Patches
One downside of paint is its tendency to flake over time. If properly cared for, natural wood doesn’t chip or flake like paint can. Paint can peel, creating an unattractive lattice of cracked pigment and primer. You want a fence that looks like a fence, not a patchwork of web-like wood fissures. All-natural styled wood provides for a reduced need for maintenance over time, making it an ideal choice for those who don’t like the idea of routine maintenance. Re-applying paint takes time, effort, and money. No-one wants for their paint job to detract from the beauty of their fence, but flaky paint can turn a beautiful fence into a mismatch of smooth color and cracked complexion.
Pro: Fence Longevity
While it might make for less hassle to not prime and paint a fence, to not do so exposes your fence to hazards that it might otherwise have been protected from. Many primers, paints, and stains provide ingredients that shield your fence from the elements. Waterproofing is a particularly useful aspect of paint that would be sorely missed in the event that you decide not to paint your fence. Other forms of protection, such as from rot, are also included in many paints.
Con: Health and Environmental Risks
For those seeking an environmentally-friendly appeal, all-natural styled fencing is a great choice. Not only is its nature-friendliness in the name– all-natural— its void of paint means that it won’t contain any of the toxins and health hazards that painted fences can contain. This is a good way of reducing odor pollution as well; nobody likes the smell of paint. All-natural styled fences are held together almost entirely by organic materials. There’s no risk of a beloved pet or a young child getting their hands or tongues on a layer of slick paint, and thus saving them from potential harm, and saves you from both worry and the expense of a hospital visit. There’s a reason why paints have a toxin hazard warning displayed on the front of the can.
If you’re still on the fence about where or not to paint yours, give us a shout! You can give us a call on our phone (1-800-221-6425) or visit us at one of our convenient locations in Swainsboro, Vidalia, Statesboro, or Sandersville.
