Oh gosh. Sometimes I really feel like the name of my blog should be something like “What not to do so you don’t eff up your project”. Or something along those lines.
So the latest in my line of DIY mistakes (I’m on a roll lately) is such an elementary DIY goof up- yet one that I walked right into– that I can’t believe that sometimes I actually advise people on the internet how to fix up their homes.
Remember when I posted my dilemma on what color to stain my fence? Well, I ended up deciding to go an entirely different direction, and painting it white instead. I just couldn’t get that image of those roses climbing over that sweet white picket fence out of my mind:
After tons of research, we originally chose Behr’s Barn and Fence paint. It’s got fantastic reviews. But alas, our local Home Depot doesn’t carry it, so we ended up going with Valspar’s Barn and Fence Paint in Flat White in latex.
If you look at this paint, it says “self-priming”. So we thought…no primer needed. And if you read some articles online about painting a fence, they say that if you have self-priming fence paint, no primer is necessary.
Sigh.
And at first, it looked great, although it did take two coats to cover.
Sorry, these are unedited iPhone pics, but pretty, right?
We had some helpers painting who clearly weren’t the neatest (yup, just threw my boys under the bus there.) Also, obviously this is before I had cut in around our hardware. I decided to paint around all the hardware last.
Picture this little corner with some red and pink climbing roses spilling out over it 🙂
But then it rained. After the first rain, ugly brown spots and orange discolorations started showing through. As Michael said, it looked tobacco stained.
#dogbutt
Turned out, new wood really needs to be primed first. Like really primed #nocheatin’. Which you’d think someone that has painted as much as we have would have figured out. That pic, above, is after two coats. It doesn’t do a good job of showing the orange, but you can definitely see the dark spots showing through. And guess what? On the paint, it even says to prime new wood first.
So I guess “self-priming” only applies to “not new” wood.
I learned later that those ugly orange stains are probably from the tannins in the wood leaching through the paint.
So far, we’ve done 4 coats on the fence. 15 gallons. And it still needs more. Fifth times the charm?
I’ve said before, I kinda like painting. It’s therapeutic for me. But this fence has, as we say in the South, done whooped me. Never again.
Moral of the story? Don’t cut corners. If you’re painting a new wood fence- prime it first!
And if you need me any weekend or weeknight between now and eternity, you’ll probably find me painting.
Edit: We were never able to get rid of those stains. The fence looks white when it is dry, but is orange stained when it is wet. Please prime your fence before painting! One more thing: that fence was a bear to keep clean with two dogs! If I had to do it again, I’d stain it brown or black-never again would I paint it white!
Need paint supplies? Here is what I use and love!
LOVE the white! Sorry it has been such a struggle 🙁
Thanks! I think when it is finally done it will be really pretty. If we can ever get done with it 😉
Wow I read your post on the white fence paint, yup I ha e the same problem! Looks faded and as the dogs jump on it with dirty paws it’s even worse a doesn’t wash off! I feel that we did buy it cuz it was cheap and basic white ! But I didn’t read wear it says to prime it , my fault, we did use a sprayer, it didn’t go on well with a brush rough wood stockade fence. So I feel your pain! Wow your a trooper though, we’ve only done it once and that was like over 6 yrs ago, getting ready to repaint it this summer . I won’t purchase that same bare basic fence paint again! Will go with a sheen like satin? As well as do a patch test ! Too much money and work to be doing it as many times as you have . However, mine is privacy 6 ft fence around backyard. I do love your fence I think it looks better than mine , ha ! I’m currently painting my house now a sage color , I love the satin wood exterior sheen I have , looks new and good paint ! Good luck, I do enjoy outdoor painting, not inside! It’s relaxing and I get my arms in shape and tan at same time ! Hard work , but saving money .
Hi Tammy, thank you for stopping by! We are also having the same problem with dirty dog paws-just noticed that this week! So many things that I wish I had thought about before I chose white paint-those climbing roses better be worth it 🙂 A satin sheen probably will make a huge difference as far as durability and clean up too! Have fun painting your house, I’m glad that you enjoy it! The sage is going to be so pretty!
White is a great way to go. And you are correct. A good primer should be used, and even on older fences. I always say “do it right the first time” and still I make an unwise shortcut.
Hi, my picket fence is white – was white. Now each piece of wood is a shade of brown/ orange/ dirty grey and we did the same as you – no primer. It is pretty for a short time! Now, I’m thinking of giving in and going for sage. Did you ever find a solution? Please do let me know – I would prefer it white. Maybe if I paint it with PVA next coat and then paint???
Hi Mandy! Oh, I’m sorry you are having the same problem as us! We never found a solution after multiple coats of paint! We’ve sold the house, but still drive by it often and see that fence. It looks great when it is dry, but like a creamsicle after a rainstorm 🙁 Honestly I’d probably paint it a darker color if we still had it- I still cringe when I see it. Sage sounds beautiful though! I don’t know enough about PVA over latex for exteriors- to my understanding, PVA is usually used over drywall. I’d probably ask a paint specialist about that before trying it. Best of luck!
Thanks for your advice Beth! I’m glad you’ve moved on from your fence issues 🙂 Ours may continue for many years to come I think hahaha – we live and learn!
Ya. Same issue, not as many mistakes (yet). I’m going with a tinted primer over the first coat of paint as next choice. Hopefully that works. Was advised by a professional painter who did a great job on the home about the lack of primer… treatments on the wood seep through simple outdoor paint. I added 2 gallons to less than 100 sq ft of fence yet noticed within days of dry weather it looked the same. PRIME NEW FENCE!!