A freshly painted fence can dramatically boost your curb appeal, improve property value, and protect your outdoor surfaces from Colorado’s unpredictable climate. But as many Thornton homeowners have discovered the hard way, fence painting isn’t as simple as grabbing a brush, a can of paint, and heading outside.
At Xtreme Painting Plus, we’ve seen it all—from drippy finishes to peeling paint within a few weeks. Whether you’re painting a picket fence in Windsor or sealing a wooden fence in Greeley, here are the most common fence painting mistakes we see—and how our team avoids them to deliver flawless, long-lasting results across the Greater Front Range.nhi
1. Skipping Surface Preparation
The Mistake: Starting with a dirty or damaged surface prevents proper adhesion. Dirt, mildew, pest residue, or flaking paint creates barriers that make your fence paint job fail—fast.
Our Approach: Every project starts with professional-grade pressure washing. We remove dirt, dust, soil, mold, and loose old paint to ensure a clean surface. Then we sand the wood using sandpaper and wire brushes, making minor repairs as needed. This prep work improves adhesion and promotes longevity.
2. Using the Wrong Paint Products
The Mistake: Using interior paint, generic acrylic paint, or stains not formulated for exterior use leaves your fence vulnerable to moisture, UV rays, and temperature swings.
Our Approach: We only use premium exterior paint and fence stain and sealer from trusted brands like Sherwin-Williams. Whether it’s oil paint, latex, or enamel paint, our selection depends on the wood type, desired aesthetics, and climate in Thornton, Greeley, or Windsor. This ensures the finish resists wear, moisture, insects, and mold.
3. Ignoring Weather Conditions
The Mistake: Painting in the wrong conditions—such as high heat, humidity, or rain—leads to bubbling, poor coverage, or streaks.
Our Approach: Colorado’s climate can be tricky, so we only paint under optimal conditions (50°F–85°F, low humidity, no rain in the forecast). Our painters keep a close eye on the weather and schedule accordingly to ensure the paint and primer cure correctly.
4. Skipping Primer
The Mistake: Skipping primer is a shortcut that reduces waterproofing and makes it difficult to cover stains or drastically change colors.
Our Approach: We apply a high-quality primer to bare wood, pine, or metal fence components. Primer helps seal porous materials, blocks stains, improves color vibrancy, and enhances the adhesion of the final coat—especially important when switching from a dark to a light color or dealing with challenging surfaces.
5. Applying Thick, Uneven Coats
The Mistake: Slathering on thick paint with a brush or sprayer leads to drips, cracking, and uneven coverage.
Our Approach: We use professional painting tools—paintbrushes, rollers, and sprayers like the Wagner Flexio 2500—for thin, even coats. Each layer is allowed to dry fully before the next is applied, creating a smooth, flawless finish that enhances aesthetics and performance.
6. Not Allowing Proper Drying Time
The Mistake: Rushing the drying process leads to poor adhesion, peeling, or tacky finishes—especially in shaded areas or humid conditions.
Our Approach: Our team follows manufacturer-recommended drying and curing times. We factor in soil moisture, humidity, and sun exposure to ensure every coat is ready before we move on. Patience here prevents premature wear and ensures lasting results.
7. Overlooking Maintenance
The Mistake: Assuming the paint job will last forever without touch-ups or upkeep leads to fading, chipping, and mold growth.
Our Approach: We educate homeowners on routine maintenance, including seasonal cleaning with mild detergent, removing insects or debris, and inspecting for damage. Applying clear fence treatment or reapplying sealant every few years helps extend the life of your investment.
Xtreme Painting Gets It Right—Every Time
Our team at Xtreme Painting Plus brings over 50 years of collective experience in painting services to every fencing project. Whether you’re looking for shed paint, deck staining, or full fence restoration, we’re the exterior painting experts homeowners across Thornton, Greeley, and Windsor trust.
- Premium Supplies: We select the right wood stain, paint stripper, or oil-based coating for your lumber.
- Expert Application: From masking tape to wire brushes, we use professional tools and techniques.
- Customer Satisfaction: We aim for flawless finishes and happy homeowners every time.
- Communication & Reputation: Our reputation is built on reliable service, strong communication, and a warranty that protects your home improvement investment.
Our painters understand every detail—from how landscaping and plants affect paint drying to the best way to paint a fence around a lawn, fire pit, or garden bed. We even factor in surrounding furniture, flooring, or shrub placement to prevent overspray or damage.
Whether you’re protecting against pests, planning for new landscape design, or simply updating aesthetics, Xtreme Painting delivers lasting, beautiful results.
Ready to Refresh Your Fence?
Let Xtreme Painting take the stress out of your next fence painting or staining project. From prepping wood and applying primer to delivering a durable, weather-resistant finish, we’re your trusted fence staining company near you.
Contact Xtreme Painting today to schedule your free estimate and see why homeowners across the Front Range—including Thornton, Greeley, and Windsor—choose us for their most important fencing and exterior painting projects.
FAQ: Fence Painting Mistakes
1. How do I know if my fence needs to be repainted or restained?
Look for fading color, exposed lumber, mildew, or peeling. If your fence hasn’t been touched in over five years or shows visible wear, it’s time for an update with fresh paint or wood stain.
2. Can I paint my fence without pressure washing it first?
We don’t recommend it. Pressure washing removes dust, old paint, pest residue, and debris—giving your paint or fence stain and sealer a clean surface to bond with.
3. What type of paint is best for Colorado fences?
Exterior-grade oil paint, latex, or acrylic paint formulated for wood fencing works best. We help you choose the right product for your fence’s material, location, and exposure to climate stressors.
4. How long does fence paint take to dry?
Most paints dry to the touch within a few hours but require 24–48 hours to fully cure. Always factor in temperature, humidity, and shade when planning your paint job.
5. Should I hire a professional for fence painting?
Yes. Professional painters like Xtreme Painting ensure proper prep, product selection, and application techniques to protect your investment and avoid common DIY mistakes.
