Gardening

Best Fence Paint: Top Picks for a Stunning and Durable Barrier

Written by Dale RichardsonUpdated: July 2, 2024

We may earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article

Ah, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of giving your garden fence a fresh coat of paint, is there? The way it instantly revitalises your outdoor space and brings life to the entire area. But, with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best fence paint for your needs? Fret not, my friend! I'm here to guide you through the maze of choices and help you find the ideal paint to make your fence the envy of your neighbours.

Here is a glance at the best Fence Paints before we review them in depth further down:

The Current Best Fence Paints In 2024

1. Ronseal Fence Life Plus+ - Sage

Overall rating (4.4)

Scored based on 5180 reviews

Water resistance (4.2)

Weatherproof (4.2)

Easy to use (4.2)

Value for money (4)

Easy to clean (4)

Durability (3.6)

Consideration Points:

Paint Type: This water-based paint is quick-drying, easy to clean up, and has fewer fumes compared to oil-based alternatives, making it more user-friendly.

UV Protection: Ronseal Fence Life Plus+ provides UV protection, ensuring that the colour stays vibrant and fresh for a longer period.

Coverage: Offering a coverage of up to 6 square meters per litre, this product provides less coverage compared to some other options, which might require additional coats for the desired finish.

Drying Time: The touch-dry time of 1 hour and a recoat time of 4 hours make this paint quick-drying, allowing you to complete your painting project efficiently.

Product Summary:

Ronseal Fence Life Plus+ in Sage is a water-based paint designed to provide excellent protection and a stunning finish for your fence. With built-in UV protection, your fence will maintain its vibrant colour for longer. The 5-year weather protection formula ensures that your fence remains in top condition, guarding it against rain, wind, and other environmental factors.

Though the coverage of up to 6 square meters per litre is lower than some alternatives, the quick touch-dry and recoat times make this product efficient and user-friendly. The ease of application with a brush or roller ensures a versatile painting experience.

One of the standout features of Ronseal Fence Life Plus+ is its wide colour range, allowing you to find the ideal shade to complement your garden design and personal taste. Combining protection, aesthetics, and ease of use, this product is a fantastic choice for your fence painting needs.

Read all user reviews on Amazon

"Fine on shed and fence but became on trellis within 2 months"

"Ronseal gave me a voucher for two more 5L tubs and didn't know why it came off the trellis. Followed all the instructions and applied 3 coats as the trellis well weathered."

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 September 2023

"Great colour"

"Great Colour, good quality paint. Went on easily and dried quickly. No smell. Put Two coats on. Great product."

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 September 2023

"Fence paint."

"Bit of a deep colour, but ok and does the job."

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 September 2023

2. Ronseal One Coat Fence Life - Harvest Gold

Overall rating (4.4)

Scored based on 4129 reviews

Longevity (4.6)

Water resistance (4.5)

Easy to use (4.5)

Easy to clean (4.4)

Sheerness (4.3)

Value for money (4.2)

Consideration Points:

Paint Type: This fence paint is water-based, which means it's quick-drying, easy to clean up, and has fewer fumes compared to oil-based alternatives.

UV Protection: While this paint provides some level of protection, it doesn't explicitly mention UV protection, which may result in the colour fading over time.

Coverage: With coverage of up to 6 square meters per litre, this product offers less coverage compared to other options on the market, which may require more coats to achieve the desired finish.

Drying Time: The quick drying time of 1-2 hours allows you to complete your painting project in a short amount of time and minimizes the risk of rain affecting your freshly painted fence.

Product Summary:

Ronseal One Coat Fence Life in Harvest Gold is a water-based paint designed to provide a fresh look and protection for your fence. While it doesn't explicitly mention UV protection, it does offer good weather resistance to help guard your fence against rain, wind, and other elements.

With a coverage of up to 6 square meters per litre, this paint offers less coverage compared to other options, which may require more coats for the desired finish. However, the quick drying time of 1-2 hours and ease of application with a brush or roller make this product user-friendly and efficient.

Available in a variety of colours, Ronseal One Coat Fence Life allows you to find the ideal shade for your garden design and personal preferences. While there are some limitations in terms of coverage and UV protection, this paint offers a decent combination of protection, aesthetics, and ease of use for your fence painting needs.

Read all user reviews on Amazon

"Revived my climbing frame"

"Used this on my kids climbing frame. It freshened it up and the result was better than I hoped for."

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 September 2023

"Fence cover"

"Great product"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 September 2023

"Terrific quality fence paint"

"A terrific quality paint at a great price"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 September 2023

Where to buy Ronseal One Coat Fence Life - Harvest Gold?

3. Cuprinol Less Mess Fence Care - Woodland Green

Overall rating (4.4)

Scored based on 145 reviews

Easy to use (4.8)

Value for money (4.5)

Consideration Points:

Paint Type: This fence paint is water-based, which means it dries quickly, is easy to clean up, and has fewer fumes compared to oil-based alternatives.

UV Resistance: Cuprinol Less Mess Fence Care offers UV protection, ensuring your fence colour stays vibrant and fresh for longer.

Coverage: With coverage of up to 30 square meters per litre, you'll be able to cover a large area with just one coat, saving you time and effort.

Drying Time: The quick drying time of 1-2 hours means you can complete your painting project in a short amount of time and minimize the risk of rain affecting your freshly painted fence.

Product Summary:

Cuprinol Less Mess Fence Care in Woodland Green is a water-based paint designed to give your fence a fresh, vibrant look while providing essential protection from the elements. With built-in UV protection, your fence will maintain its colour for longer, and the weather-resistant formula ensures that your fence stays free from damage caused by rain, wind, and other environmental factors.

The coverage of up to 30 square meters per litre means you can paint a large area with just one coat, saving you time and effort. Plus, with a drying time of just 1-2 hours, you can complete your project quickly and avoid potential weather-related issues. The ease of application with a brush or sprayer makes this product versatile and suitable for various preferences.

The only downside to this product is the limited colour range, as it's only available in Woodland Green. If this colour suits your taste and garden design, Cuprinol Less Mess Fence Care is a fantastic option for a stunning, durable fence.

Read all user reviews on Amazon

"5.0 out of 5 stars Does the job!"

"Great product, just be careful when holding the holder (handle) as my one broke causing a mess on the floor."

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 September 2022

"Does the job!"

"Great product, just be careful when holding the holder (handle) as my one broke causing a mess on the floor."

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 September 2022

"Good coverage"

"Good colour and coverage"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 August 2020

Where to buy Cuprinol Less Mess Fence Care - Woodland Green?

4. Cuprinol Ducksback Waterproof Fence Paint

Overall rating (4.6)

Scored based on 5318 reviews

Easy to use (4.7)

Water resistance (4.6)

Value for money (4.6)

Longevity (4.4)

Consideration Points:

Paint Type: This fence paint is water-based, making it easy to apply, quick-drying, and producing fewer fumes compared to oil-based alternatives.

UV Protection: Cuprinol Ducksback offers UV protection, ensuring the colour of your fence remains vibrant and fresh for longer periods.

Coverage: With coverage of up to 5 square meters per litre, this product offers slightly less coverage compared to some other options on the market.

Drying Time: A drying time of 2-4 hours allows for a relatively quick completion of your painting project and reduces the risk of weather-related issues.

Product Summary:

Cuprinol Ducksback Waterproof Fence Paint is a water-based paint designed to offer superior protection and a beautiful finish for your fence. With built-in UV protection, the colour of your fence will stay vibrant and fresh for longer. The waterproof and frost-resistant formula provides outstanding weather protection, ensuring your fence remains in top condition despite exposure to rain, wind, and other environmental factors.

The ease of application with a brush or roller makes this product versatile and suitable for various preferences.

One of the standout features of Cuprinol Ducksback Waterproof Fence Paint is its wide colour range, enabling you to find the ideal hue to complement your garden design and personal taste. Overall, this product offers an excellent combination of protection, aesthetics, and ease of use, making it a fantastic choice for your fence painting needs.

Read all user reviews on Amazon

"Highly recommend"

"I was reluctant to purchase this paint after all the negative reviews but so glad I bought it. It’s also cheaper on Amazon and is more expensive in b&q. The paint tins were all individually packed and I had no leakage. I was stressing that due to my previous fence colour being dark brown my fences would need numerous coats but after one thick coat I have got the colour I desired a lovely dark grey. Definitely recommend!"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 September 2023

"ITS A FAIR PRICE FOR A FAIR PRODUCT"

"THE PRODUCT IS GOOD, HOWEVER I ORDERED 2 CONTAINERS OF THIS FENCE TREATMENT ONLY FOR IT TO BE DELIVERED STACKED ONE ON TOP OF EACH OTHER ALSO USIDE DOWN, ITS A GOOD JOB THEY WERE WRAPPED IN BUBBLE WRAP AS ALOT SPILT OUT, I WILL HOWEVER SAY THE SELLER DID SEND 1 NEW FULL TIN/CONTAINER FREE OF CHARGE, SO BEWARE OF PACKAGING . IT CAN GET MESSY"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 September 2023

"Can’t beat it."

"Literally does what it says. Covers well cleans off brushes easily. Looks amazing. Water runs off it like a duck’s back…. Ohhhh that’s why they call it…Ducksback! 😉"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 September 2023

Where to buy Cuprinol Ducksback Waterproof Fence Paint?

5. Cuprinol Ducksback

Overall rating (4.6)

Scored based on 5318 reviews

Easy to use (4.7)

Water resistance (4.6)

Value for money (4.6)

Longevity (4.4)

Consideration Points:

Paint Type: Cuprinol Ducksback is a water-based paint, which means it's easy to clean up and has fewer fumes compared to oil-based alternatives.

UV Protection: This paint offers excellent UV protection, ensuring that your fence maintains its colour and doesn't fade under harsh sunlight.

Coverage: With coverage of up to 5 square metres per litre, it's slightly lower than some other fence paints, but still offers decent coverage for your painting projects.

Drying Time: The drying time of 1-2 hours means you can finish your painting project quickly without waiting around for the paint to dry.

Product Summary:

Cuprinol Ducksback is a high-quality water-based fence paint that offers a variety of benefits, including excellent UV protection and weather resistance. Its waterproof formula ensures your fence stays protected against rain, snow, and other harsh weather conditions, maintaining its appearance for years to come.

With a drying time of 1-2 hours and an easy-to-apply formula that typically requires just two coats, Cuprinol Ducksback is an efficient choice for homeowners looking to update their garden fence without spending too much time on the task. The coverage, at up to 5 square metres per litre, is slightly lower than some other fence paints, but still provides satisfactory results.

One of the standout features of Cuprinol Ducksback is its attractive colour range, allowing you to find the perfect shade to complement your garden's design. If you're looking for a fence paint that provides excellent protection, easy application, and a variety of colour options, Cuprinol Ducksback is a top choice to consider.

Read all user reviews on Amazon

"Highly recommend"

"I was reluctant to purchase this paint after all the negative reviews but so glad I bought it. It’s also cheaper on Amazon and is more expensive in b&q. The paint tins were all individually packed and I had no leakage. I was stressing that due to my previous fence colour being dark brown my fences would need numerous coats but after one thick coat I have got the colour I desired a lovely dark grey. Definitely recommend!"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 September 2023

"ITS A FAIR PRICE FOR A FAIR PRODUCT"

"THE PRODUCT IS GOOD, HOWEVER I ORDERED 2 CONTAINERS OF THIS FENCE TREATMENT ONLY FOR IT TO BE DELIVERED STACKED ONE ON TOP OF EACH OTHER ALSO USIDE DOWN, ITS A GOOD JOB THEY WERE WRAPPED IN BUBBLE WRAP AS ALOT SPILT OUT, I WILL HOWEVER SAY THE SELLER DID SEND 1 NEW FULL TIN/CONTAINER FREE OF CHARGE, SO BEWARE OF PACKAGING . IT CAN GET MESSY"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 September 2023

"Can’t beat it."

"Literally does what it says. Covers well cleans off brushes easily. Looks amazing. Water runs off it like a duck’s back…. Ohhhh that’s why they call it…Ducksback! 😉"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 September 2023

Where to buy Cuprinol Ducksback?

6. Cuprinol Less Mess Fence Care

Overall rating (4.5)

Scored based on 707 reviews

Easy to clean (4.7)

Water resistance (4.7)

Easy to use (4.6)

Value for money (4.4)

Longevity (4.3)

Consideration Points:

Paint Type: Cuprinol Less Mess Fence Care is a water-based paint, which makes it easier to clean up and produces fewer fumes than oil-based alternatives.

UV Protection: This paint provides good UV protection, ensuring that your fence maintains its colour and doesn't fade under harsh sunlight.

Coverage: With coverage of up to 6 square metres per litre, this paint offers a good balance between coverage and the number of coats needed for your painting projects.

Drying Time: The drying time of 2-4 hours is a bit longer than some other fence paints, which might require more patience during the painting process.

Product Summary:

Cuprinol Less Mess Fence Care is a water-based fence paint that offers a range of benefits for homeowners looking to refresh their garden fences. With good UV protection and reliable weather resistance, this paint keeps your fence looking great and protected from the elements.

One of the standout features of this product is its coverage, which allows you to cover up to 6 square metres per litre. This ensures a balance between the amount of paint used and the number of coats needed for a successful painting project. However, the drying time of 2-4 hours is slightly longer than some other fence paints, so you'll need to be a bit more patient during the painting process.

The paint is designed to be less messy and easy to apply, making it a convenient choice for homeowners who want to avoid spills and drips during their painting projects. Additionally, Cuprinol Less Mess Fence Care comes in a variety of attractive colours, giving you plenty of options to find the perfect shade for your garden fence. Overall, this paint is a solid choice for those seeking a user-friendly, protective, and attractive fence paint.

Read all user reviews on Amazon

"reliable product"

"The product is fine, I've used it before, but the first I knew it had been delivered was from an email from Amazon asking if the delivery was OK. I found it behind my garage in a safe (if damp) place the day after it had been delivered. It would have been nice if the driver had left a note telling me where it was."

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 September 2023

"Best fence care"

"I've been using this fence care for years...very good...and lasts a long time"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 August 2023

"Love it"

"Love it!"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 August 2023

Where to buy Cuprinol Less Mess Fence Care?

7. Cuprinol Spray Fence Treatment - Autumn Gold

Overall rating (4.4)

Scored based on 1123 reviews

Easy to clean (4.5)

Easy to use (4.3)

Value for money (4)

Water resistance (3.6)

Longevity (3)

Consideration Points:

Paint Type: This water-based paint is quick-drying, easy to clean up, and has fewer fumes than oil-based alternatives, making it more user-friendly.

UV Protection: Cuprinol Spray Fence Treatment features Colourfast technology, which protects the colour from fading due to UV exposure.

Coverage: Offering coverage of up to 15 square meters per 5-litre container, this product provides better coverage compared to many other options on the market.

Drying Time: With a drying time of just 2 hours, this paint allows you to finish your painting project quickly and efficiently.

Product Summary:

Cuprinol Spray Fence Treatment in Autumn Gold is a water-based paint designed to provide excellent protection and a vibrant finish for your fence. The Colourfast technology ensures the colour remains fresh and resistant to fading due to UV exposure. This product is also weather-resistant, safeguarding your fence from rain and wind damage.

The ease of application, with the choice of using a spray or brush, offers versatility and convenience to suit your preferences. With a variety of colours available, you can select the perfect shade to complement your garden design and personal taste. Overall, Cuprinol Spray Fence Treatment combines protection, aesthetics, and ease of use, making it a top choice for your fence painting needs.

Read all user reviews on Amazon

"Does what it says"

"Used to treat my fence"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 September 2023

"One coat great"

"Use this In my sprayer was easy went on well looks great old fencing looks like new again 10/10"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 September 2023

"Good fence paint."

"This has always been my colour rich cedar."

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 September 2023

Where to buy Cuprinol Spray Fence Treatment - Autumn Gold?

8. Ronseal Fence Life Plus+ Charcoal Grey

Overall rating (4.2)

Scored based on 1744 reviews

Easy to use (3.9)

Water resistance (3.8)

Value for money (3.6)

Consideration Points:

Paint Type: This water-based paint is easy to apply, dries quickly, and has fewer fumes than oil-based alternatives, making it more environmentally friendly and user-friendly.

UV Protection: Ronseal Fence Life Plus+ provides reliable UV protection to ensure long-lasting colour and minimize fading.

Coverage: With coverage of up to 6 square meters per litre, this paint offers great value for your money, allowing you to cover a larger area with fewer coats.

Drying Time: The quick 1-hour drying time ensures that you can complete your painting project efficiently without lengthy waiting periods between coats.

Product Summary:

Ronseal Fence Life Plus+ Charcoal Grey is a water-based paint that offers excellent protection for your fence, shed, or other rough sawn wood surfaces. Its UV protection ensures that the colour remains vibrant and resistant to fading, while the weatherproof formula shields your fence from rain and wind damage.

Additionally, the quick 1-hour drying time enables you to finish your project efficiently.

Application is a breeze, as this paint can be applied with either a brush or a spray, providing flexibility to suit your preferences. The range of available colours allows you to choose the perfect shade to complement your garden and outdoor space. Overall, Ronseal Fence Life Plus+ Charcoal Grey is a top choice for protecting your fence while adding a touch of style to your garden.

Read all user reviews on Amazon

"Great delivery and excellent product"

"Excellent product and good coverage"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 September 2023

"Ronseal one coat"

"Used this product to paint the shed. Use ronseal because it just needs one coat, easy application, hardworking, covers well and looks good once dried."

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 September 2023

"It did a great job."

"Painted garden fence and very pleased with the end result."

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 August 2023

Where to buy Ronseal Fence Life Plus+ Charcoal Grey?

9. Ronseal Fence Life Tudor Black

Overall rating (4.4)

Scored based on 1145 reviews

Weatherproof (4.5)

Water resistance (4.2)

Easy to use (4)

Value for money (3.8)

Easy to clean (3.4)

Durability (3)

Consideration Points:

Paint Type: Ronseal Fence Life Tudor Black is a water-based paint, which means it's easy to clean up and has fewer fumes compared to oil-based alternatives.

UV Protection: This paint offers excellent UV protection, ensuring that your fence maintains its colour and doesn't fade under harsh sunlight.

Coverage: With coverage of up to 6 square metres per litre, this paint offers a good balance between the amount of paint used and the number of coats needed for your painting projects.

Drying Time: The drying time of 1-2 hours is on par with some of the faster drying fence paints, allowing you to finish your painting project quickly.

Product Summary:

Ronseal Fence Life Tudor Black is a high-quality water-based fence paint that provides a range of benefits for homeowners seeking to revamp their garden fences. Boasting excellent UV protection and weather resistance, this paint ensures your fence stays looking great and protected from the elements.

One of the standout features of this product is its coverage, which allows you to cover up to 6 square metres per litre. This ensures a balance between the amount of paint used and the number of coats needed for a successful painting project. The drying time of 1-2 hours is also a plus, allowing you to complete your painting project quickly.

The paint is easy to apply, making it a convenient choice for homeowners who want a hassle-free painting experience. However, the colour range is limited to a specific shade, which may not suit everyone's preferences. If you're looking for a high-quality, easy-to-apply fence paint with excellent protection and the specific colour of Tudor Black, this product is a great choice to consider.

Read all user reviews on Amazon

"Value for money"

"My fence hadn’t been painted in years one coat of this paint made my fence look new"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 September 2023

"covers wellnl"

"Painted fencing while weather dry, used one coat covered excellent."

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 August 2023

"Great paint"

"this deserves a recommendation 👏 Cheap and very easy application, great finish"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 June 2023

Where to buy Ronseal Fence Life Tudor Black?

Why are fence paints better than their alternatives?

Now, you might be wondering, "Dale, why should I use fence paint instead of, say, wood stain or varnish?" Great question! Let me explain why fence paint is your best bet for that stunning garden backdrop.

  1. Long-lasting protection: Fence paints offer an opaque finish, which means they provide a solid layer of protection against harsh weather, UV rays, and moisture. This, in turn, increases the life of your fence. Clever, right?
  2. Wide range of colours: Unlike wood stains, fence paints come in a wide variety of colours, allowing you to unleash your creativity and find the perfect match for your garden's style. Who doesn't love a bit of personalisation?
  3. Easy to apply and maintain: Fence paints are generally easier to apply and maintain than their alternatives. Most of them can be applied with a brush, roller, or even a sprayer. Plus, when it's time for a touch-up, simply apply a new coat – no need for sanding or stripping.

Consideration points when buying fence paint:

With so many options on the market, choosing the right fence paint can be a bit overwhelming. But worry not, as I've got your back! Here's what to look for when selecting the perfect paint for your fence:

  1. Type of paint: There are two main types of fence paint: water-based and oil-based. Water-based paints are eco-friendly, easy to clean up, and dry quickly. On the other hand, oil-based paints offer better durability and are more resistant to weather. Consider the climate in your area and your personal preferences when deciding between the two.
  2. Coverage: Look for a fence paint with good coverage, so you won't need multiple coats to get the job done. This will save you both time and money in the long run.
  3. Drying time: Some paints dry faster than others, which can be a crucial factor if you're working on a tight schedule or in unpredictable weather. Check the drying time on the product label before making your decision.
  4. UV resistance: To keep your fence looking vibrant for longer, opt for a paint that offers UV resistance. This will help prevent the colour from fading due to exposure to sunlight.

And there you have it, folks! With these expert tips and advice, you're well on your way to choosing the best fence paint for your garden. So, go on, give your fence the makeover it deserves, and watch your garden transform before your very eyes. Happy painting!

The current best fence paints in 2023

Get Cashback Faster & Earn Free Fraffle Tickets

Shop at your favourite stores and enjoy cashback in days, not months. Plus, sign up today to get 5x Free Fraffle tickets!

JOIN THE FAST CASHBACK REVOLUTION
ALDI logo
B&Q logo
Adidas logo
Argos logo
North face logo
Currys logo
Pets-at-home logo
AA logo
AO logo
BT logo