How To Paint Chain Link Fence A Complete Guide
A chain link fence is probably one of the most difficult substrates to paint. Otherwise, you would not have landed here looking for answers. Before proceeding with your project, you must have some ideas on how to paint a chain link fence. Or else, you may just end up wasting your resources and time.
First and foremost, you must ensure to clean the fence from rust or old paint. Then, you can spray the chain link with a rust inhibitor. After which, you can apply the paint of your choice using a paint roller. Paint rollers are the most efficient and economical method for painting your chain link fence.
You will waste less paint if you use a roller than a sprayer. However, you might still need the help of a paint gun to paint the post of your fence and the other areas that the roller could not reach. Your best paint choices for your chain link fence are epoxy, urethane, and direct-to-metal acrylic paints.
Quick Navigation
Commercial And Industrial Applications
Black chain link fence can be found uses on commercial and industrial applications everywhere you look. Public parks and swimming pools are popular places to find it.
Athletic fields such as baseball and football fields use black chain link fence. Even large factories and businesses that surround their perimeters use it for security reasons.
Because chain link fence is more affordable than other fencing options, it used for large properties covering long lengths.
Because it is maintenance free, engineers and architects love to use it in their specifications for building project. Once it is installed, simply forget about it.
All Black Vinyl Coated Chain Link Fence
All black vinyl coated fence means that every component of the fence is coated black. This does cost more than a galvanized fence or the vinyl coated fabric only option above.
Coating the fittings and framework does add quite a bit more. However, choosing to upgrade your chain link fence to this option is still less expensive than choosing another material to have your fence built from.
Its hard to give a per foot price on how much more. The layout out your fence, how many end posts, corner posts, and gate posts can also greatly effect the price.
The number of gates will too. In my opinion however, the up charge is worth the investment if you can afford it.
For a more ornamental looking black fence, checkout our aluminum fence guide!!!
View our other Popular Posts
Also Check: Black And White Tree Painting
Black Vinyl Coated Fabric On Galvanized Framework
This is when posts, top rails, fittings, and gate frames are silver in color with the fabric being black. With this method, the price could be the same as a galvanized fence, or maybe slightly more.
The reason comes down to the gauge of the fabric. Black residential fabric has a 9 gauge thickness.
Usually extruded wire this means the actual wire core has a measurement of 11 gauge, when coated, brings it to a 9 gauge finish. BTW, the smaller the gauge number, the larger the diameter.
But 9 gauge galvanized fabric uses straight 9 gauge core wire. The cost of the thicker galvanized wire in many cases offsets the cost of the vinyl coated fabric with thinner core.
So in this case, the price can stay the same. If anything $1.00 per linear foot more than all galvanized would be an executable up charge.
Comprehensive Steps For Painting A Chain Link Fence

In all honesty, we all enjoy the security that comes with a well-fenced homestead. There are many ways to fence your compound. However, one unique fencing method is by using a chain link. Not only does the chain-link ward off rodents and other unwelcome creators into the compound, but it also adds a sense of beauty to the surroundings, especially when it is new. With that in mind, this article will help you learn how to paint a chain link fence black in the most effortless way. Keep reading!
You May Like: Best Paint By Number Kits
Brown White And Green Chain
The only difference between black, brown, green, and white is the color of PVC used. There are no other differences in price or use. Choose the color that best fits your home. You can find other colors like redwood, gray, and beige, though they are not commonly stocked at suppliers or home improvement stores.
Roll The Paint In An Even Motion
- Use a paintbrush roller on your chain link fence. Make sure to only use a little bit of paint at a time so the paint does not run at all. Rollers are beneficial because according to Security Fence Minneapolis experts, it only applies paint to what it touches and has no need to bounce back while applying a reasonable amount of pressure to leave paint behind.
- A roller is also a whole lot cleaner than using a spray paint or spray gun of any time because you wont get tons of overspray and wasted paint. Also a roller, especially those with a thick nap, will apply enough paint to generally cover both sides of the fence.
- It is best to start at the top and work yourself down, then up again. Make sure that your strokes are symmetrical to each other . This is important because every stroke you make is very visible, and wrong marks can ruin your entire paint job.
- You can paint both sides at once and on the same day, despite popular belief.
- Be sure to paint slowly to avoid spillage and to avoid the chemicals getting on other equipment. Some have used the rim of their painting pan in order to get the excess paint off. A few coats of paint will stick onto your fence better than one thick coat of paint will.
Here are the best paint rollers that are optimized for chain link fences:
While all three links above are to rollers available on Amazon that are great for this purpose. If you are in a hurry and need it today, you can get something similar from your local paint or hardware store.
Don’t Miss: Can You Paint Metal Roof
Chain Link Fencing Usage Style & Details
Standard chain link fencing has a galvanized finish with no top-coat. Painted fencing is given a high-grade powder-coat finish that is very durable and should last 15+ years before a new coat is needed. Vinyl-coated chain link is also available and comes in a variety of colors. For residential use, fencing is available in heights from 3 to 6. Most mesh panels use 11 gauge wire with openings in the mesh from 2 1/4 inch to 2 3/8 inch mesh openings. Chain link gates for walkways or driveways can be easily integrated into the fencing.
For light commercial and industrial use, thicker 9 and 6 gauge wire is used, with heights up to 12 feet. Heavier top rails and posts are used as well. In some settings, barbed or concertina wire can be added to the top for additional security.
Heavy Mil Finish For Chain Link Fence
Heavy mil finish is another way of coating the framework and fittings for chain link fence. In this process, colored powder is applied and baked on.
Heavy mil coatings are thicker and have more of a rubbery feeling.
So which one is better? They are both good. It really comes down to there are just two different ways to coat the pipe and fittings.
Both methods are widely used and expected as industry standards. Where your fence contractor purchases material from may determine wether they offer light mil or heavy mil coatings.
Don’t Miss: Waterproof Outdoor Paint For Wood
Can Chain Link Fence Be Painted
A chain-link fence or barbed wire fence is a type of fence that is composed of multiple tightly interconnected metal links. It is a popular fence because it is effective in preventing trespassing and it is relatively easy to paint.
Chain link fences can be painted in a variety of colors to give them a unique look. Painting a chain-link fence is an easy way to spruce up your property and make it more visually appealing. You dont need any special skills or tools for the job, just some basic paint and a brush.
Can You Paint A Chain Link Fence With A Roller
For me, using a paint roller to paint your chain link paint is the most efficient and economical way. Many say you will waste more paint when using a sprayer. It may be true to some extent. However, there hasnt been any experiment proving it. The way you operate the sprayer also matters when you talk about efficiency.
However, I still prefer using a roller for this particular job. I have my reasons, and I will share them with you. You dont need to agree with them, but you might actually like some of them. Check out the bullets below.
- Using a roller does not expose you to paint much as using a sprayer. The paint is all over the place when spraying in the air.
- Using a roller is not as messy as using a sprayer. The paint is not spread all over the area. You can control it in your paint pan and your roller.
- It is faster to use a roller than to use a paintbrush. You will probably get muscle cramps if you work on a big painting project.
- A paint roller is a lot less expensive than a paint sprayer.
- A paint roller can evenly distribute the paint over your fence than a paintbrush.
Those are some reasons I prefer using a roller over anything for painting chain link fences. Long nap rollers are the best to use as they can spread the paint on the other side. When you switch to the other side of your fence, you would likely require less paint to cover the area.
Also Check: How To Match Wall Paint
Tools And Materials You Require
You will need to find the right type of outdoor paint that is weather and pet-resistant, whether you have pets or not.
The next item is a paint roller. You can use a ¾ roller that allows for better coverage.
This may seem counterintuitive at first, but a paint roller is the best tool to use in painting a chain-link fence.
Also, you will need some drop cloths that you can put on both sides of the fence to protect the grass and you are ready to start.
Rust Oleum 11 Ounce American Accents Spray Paint

If you have worked with paints before then you must get introduced to the famous paint manufacturers Rust Oleum. They have a very good reputation in the market, especially for producing chain fence paint.
I had not painted my fences for the last 10 years. This time I decided to paint my fence to start my new year. So I purchased the paint from Rust Oleum. And believe me easier than I thought. The paint stays on the surface and does not require a second coat.
The paint is long-lasting enough to preserve the fence from weather and rust. When the metal comes into touch with air, it rusts quickly. However, the long lasting protection coating aids in the removal of severe rust.
You do not need to guard the fences and wait for it to dry after painting it, so that no one touches it. Because this only takes 20 minutes to dry and one bottle can cover more than 12 square feet.
Most Liking Features
It gives the darkest metallic aluminum finish and a gorgeous metallic texture. This spray paint is popular for painting both interior and outdoor gates as well.
Probable Drawbacks
This provides a metallic finish, but few people prefer glossy and shiny finishes for their gate.
Key Features
- Give a smooth finish on the surface
Also Check: Musou Black Car Paint Price
Fused And Bonded Chain Link Fence Fabric
Fused and bonded chain link fence uses a process to actual fuse the polymer coating to the wire.
While it is the thinest of the coatings, it is also the strongest.
Fused and bonded coating can take more abuse than the others and is the least likely to peel or crack. As a result, it is also the most expensive. Generally used for industrial applications.
Paintbrush On Chain Link
Taking a paintbrush to a chainlink fence is a comedy of errors. The bristles bounce back too quickly and too enthusiastically to be much good, but you will wind up with a wide range of paint splatters around your fence and a few sections of wire that have changed color on one side. Paintbrushes are not helpful in painting a chain link fence.
You May Like: How Much Paint Do I Need To Paint My House
Painting A Chainlink Fence
Ostensibly, the answer is yes. You can paint a chain link fence. Chain link fences are typically made of steel and can be painted as can any other metal item. However, actually getting paint onto the grid of woven steel wires is more complex than you may have initially realized. If youve ever tried to take a paintbrush to a chain link fence, you will have quickly discovered that it works, but not well. Painting a chain link fence can be challenging and fraught with splattered or wasted paint unless you know the trick.
Diy Vs Hiring A Fencing Contractor
Chain-link fences can be great DIY projects for the handy homeowner. Doing it yourself saves you half of the project costs or about $8 to $20 per linear foot. However, it will take an experienced DIYer at least 20 hours, almost three full work days, to install 150 feet.
Plus, it can end up costing you more than a simple install if a professional needs to fix any mistakes. Find a local chain link fence installer to compare costs before starting your DIY project.
Don’t Miss: Colors To Paint House Exterior
Black Chain Link Fence A Worthwhile Upgrade
Adding a color coating to a chain link fence makes is look nicer and allows it to blend in better with its surroundings. Black chain link fence is the most popular of the available colors.
Green, Brown and White are other popular color choices. Even custom colors are available for addition setup charges. But black is the most popular.
It blends in well with most surroundings. Virtually disappearing in wooded lots where shadows are cast by trees. The black color goes well with almost any color of house.
In Northern climates during winter months, when nothing else is green, it looks much better than green chain link fence against the white background of snow.
It simply takes away the commercial that is associated with chain link fences.
General Information About The Painting Process:
If you decide to follow through with the process of painting your chain link fence on your own, you are looking at about $55 total for the entire process. If you decide to hire a professional, you will be looking at around $199 on average to prime and paint 150 square feet of fence . That includes labor and material.
Chain-link Fences last about fifteen-twenty years. If your fence is older than that, it is best to just replace it before trying to repaint it.
The paint on your chain link fence will last for about four years, but be sure to touch up your fence every two years to make sure it looks the best it can be.
Recommended Reading: Parking Near Ppg Paints Arena
How Much Does It Cost To Paint A Chain Link Fence
The cost of having a chain-link fence painted is determined by a number of factors, including the type of fence, the location, and the size.
Wrought iron, aluminum, and chain-link fences all have different costs based on the materials and labor involved in the project.
A chain-link fence that is two feet in width will generally cost less to paint than a fence that is six feet in width. A chain-link fence that is four feet in height will generally cost more to paint than a fence that is two feet in height.
Painting a chain-link fence is an expensive task. It costs between $5 and $15 per linear foot to have the paint job done properly. Some factors that could increase the cost of painting a chain-link fence include the size and complexity of the fence, weather conditions, the number of coats necessary, and the experience of the painter.
The painter should be experienced and have references. The painter should take into consideration the weather conditions and the type of fence.
The painter should also have the proper equipment to complete the job. It can take around two days for a chain-link fence to be painted.
Read More
Keep In Mind These Painting Tips:

- Use personal protection as much as possible while working with your fence. Specifically masks and gloves. Many products you use will have strong fumes or dangerous chemicals.
- If you can, always have a second set of hands there to help you in the process.
- Budjet out the job ahead of time to know what to expect financially.
- Prep the work area and make any necessary repairs BEFORE painting.
- Keep the surface as dry as possible both before and after your work is finished. Cut back any brush that is close to touching the fence and keep dirt away from the fence as much as possible .
- Paint your fence on a day with low humidity and low winds. If its too hot or too cold it could cause problems. About 60 to 80 degree fahrenheit range is optimal. Check your local forcast.
You May Like: Most Expensive Van Gogh Painting