Garden fence colour ideas to paint the rainbow

Create a colourful backdrop that makes your planting pop.

Garden fence colour ideas

by Natalie Knowles |
Updated on

Let your imagination go wild with garden fence colour ideas that transform dull perimeters into vivid screening. Monet famously painted his garden... and so can you, literally. There's a kaleidoscope of exterior wood paints to uplift a garden fence and turn drab to fab. Embrace the art of garden colour coordination and expand your palette beyond flowers and foliage to delightful shades of outdoor paint.

Take inspiration from Modern artists such as Mondrian, Kandinsky and Rothko and see your garden fence as a canvas that can be painted like a simple mural of block colours and shapes. A trellis that's a menace can become a frame around trailing plants that enhances the colour of the blooms. Create contrast with a delicate pink clematis against the asymmetric lines of a fan trellis that's painted shocking purple, or try using colour wheel theory. Green will harmonise and unite, whilst allowing other colours to shine. Alternatively, hot colours spice up a space and work well against ornamental grasses or statement green foliage. Gardenpunk fans will love going wild with eco-friendly outdoor paints and creating an outdoor space with impact.

The best garden fence colour ideas at a glance

Best earthy green fence paint: Ditch The Tie Timeless Dark Green – View on Coat
Best classic white fence paint: Johnstone’s Garden Colours, White Orchid, Exterior Wood Paint, 2.5L – View on Amazon UK
Best pastel pink fence paint: Lick Pink 04 Exterior, 2.5L – View on Lick

Site-specific art refers to work that's created for a location and forms a relationship with that space. This concept is perfect for your garden too. Set the mood with relaxing pastel shades – a pale blue garden bench or pink patio wall, for example. This enhances the impact of your planting as bright blooms effectively get mounted against a colour choice that makes them stand out. Furthermore, combine colourways to add flow to a garden fence – go for scalloping or wavy lines to break up the area.

Painting garden fences has a practical purpose too. Untreated natural wood cannot withstand variable weather conditions and needs staining or painting to protect it. Over time, the paint may chip or peel, necessitating touch-ups or repainting. Choose a quality fence paint that's waterproof, UV resistant and non-toxic. Scroll to the FAQs for more know-how on how to paint a fence and colour theory.

Garden fence colour ideas

Best earthy green fence paint

For a rustic and earthy look that blends with nature, choose Ditch The Tie Timeless Dark Green. This paint is plant-friendly in more ways than one. This is a low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paint, and it's low odour too. In addition, it's solvent-free, child-safe and vegan. COAT paints are made to order and there's a recycling programme for empty tins so nothing goes to landfill. This elegant shade merges seamlessly with your garden's foliage with a matt finish.

Testimonial: "The Decorators Forum online kindly said 'This emulsion is genuinely perfect in every way'. COAT’s incredible hiding power saves precious time and money, with a flawless finish that lasts."

Pros

  • Water-based paint
  • B-Corp certified
  • Recycling scheme for empty tins

Cons

  • No customer review
Quantity:1L
Coverage:10m2 per litre
Drying time:2–4 hrs touch dry
  • Low sheen (20%)
  • Weatherproof
  • Low odour and VOC
  • Long-lasting

Best classic white fence paint

A timeless choice that brightens your garden, Johnstone’s Garden Colours, White Orchid, Exterior Wood Paint adds a layer of colour without losing the natural grain of the wood. This exterior paint is suitable for fences and so much more, including sheds, pergolas, trellis and garden furniture. For best coverage, prepare the timber before you apply the paint. Brush it clean of any dust. Wipe off grease or stains. It's also a good idea to treat any patches of mould with a fungicidal wash.

Customer review: "It dried fast but takes a couple of coats to get the colour through. Water bounces right off it so would say it's definitely good to protect the wood from weather."

Pros

  • Fade-resistant
  • Wood grain shows through
  • Long-lasting protection from the elements

Cons

  • Safety warning: contains chemicals that may cause an allergic reaction
Quantity:2.5L
Coverage:12m2 per litre
Drying time:2hrs touch dry
  • 4 year life protection
  • Large range of colours available

Best pastel pink fence paint

A soft, romantic choice for a delicate garden, Lick Pink 04 Exterior lets you channel your inner Lady Penelope with sophistication rather than kitsch. This is a multi-surface paint that can be used on wood, metal, masonry and brick. So it's ideal if you're upcycling old planters as well as your fence. We love that Lick has a strong environmental and sustainability focus. This breathable outdoor paint is also low VOC, non-toxic and safe to use around pets.

Customer review: "Great quality paint with amazing coverage. Would highly recommend to others."

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Weatherproof
  • Breathable
  • Odour free
  • Water-based

Cons

  • No specific reviews relating to the exterior paint
Quantity:2.5L
Coverage:10m2 per litre
Drying time:2hrs touch dry
  • For every tin of paint you buy, Lick will donate 178 litres to communities that lack access to clean drinking water
  • B-Corp certified

Best coastal blue fence paint

Evoke a serene beachside ambience with Wickes Garden Colour Matt Wood Treatment Sea Breeze. In addition to wood, this paint can be used on stone, terracotta and brick. Asters, cornflowers or sea lavender would provide pleasing planting against this bright and breezy shade. In addition, there's a range of complementary natural and pastel colours in the range.

Customer review: "Excellent paint. Well priced and good coverage. Needed two coats for the depth of colour I wanted. Washed out of brushes well. Lovely thick paint but make sure your stir it thoroughly. Would recommend to friends."

Pros

  • Fade-resistant colour
  • Water-based

Cons

  • Only available in 2.5 litre tin
Quantity:2.5L
Coverage:12m2
Drying time:4hrs
  • Low VOC content
  • 5 year weather protection for all garden wood

Best elegant black fence paint

Ronseal RSLOCFLTBO5L One Coat Fence Life Tudor, Black Oak adds a touch of sophistication to your outdoor space. Imagine elegant palms in sculptural ceramic planters outstanding against a dramatic black fence. The absorbency of the wood affects how much paint needs to be applied and the number of coats needed. The thousands of positive Amazon reviews state how easy this paint is to apply... and it does what it says on the tin.

Customer review: "Perfect for my railway sleepers, it states one coat, but I went over them three times as it had been many years since I had painted them. Very happy with the outcome."

Pros

  • Fade-resistant
  • Weatherproof

Cons

  • Needs more than one coat for effective coverage
Quantity:5L
Coverage:6m2 per litre
Drying time:Not specified
  • Use on rough sawn fences and sheds
  • Contains substances that may produce an allergic reaction

Best vibrant red fence paint

 Ronseal RSLGPMR750 Garden Paint, Moroccan Red
Price: £18.49

Add a pop of energy and excitement with Ronseal RSLGPMR750 Garden Paint, Moroccan Red. Plant Lime Green Zinnias next to your fence and feel the pep. This zingy exterior paint can be used on metal, brickwork, terracotta and stone, as well as wood. Best used in conjunction with a primer, this paint improves the water-repellence of the wood. Effective for up to ten years and made to withstand the Great British weather.

Customer review: "Does exactly what it says on the tin. Wish they did bigger tins as needed to buy quite a few."

Pros

  • Long term protection
  • Vibrant colour
  • Matt finish

Cons

  • Small tin size
Quantity:750ml
Coverage:Not specified
Drying time:1hr rainproof
  • Crack resistant
  • Contains substances that may produce an allergic reaction
  • 10 year protection

Best sunny yellow fence paint

Watching paint dry is anything but boring with this Cuprinol Garden Shades Dazzling Yellow Matt Exterior Wood Paint that radiates warmth and cheerfulness. Apply an undercoat first to get the best vibrancy from this paint and use a brush, roller or spray. Recoat after eight hours and enjoy up to four years of sunny fencing that would look lovely alongside pom-pom-headed Dahlias.

Customer review: "I love the colour on the whole collection but have learnt through past experience that a white undercoat is essential. Once applied on a white undercoat the coverage is brilliant and colour fantastic."

Pros

  • Water-based
  • Matt finish
  • Use on any exterior wood surface

Cons

  • Runny consistency
Quantity:1L
Coverage:12m2 per litre
Drying time:8hrs
  • Water resistant
  • 4 year protection
  • Low VOC level

Best charcoal grey fence paint

Imagine Silver Ivy trailing up a fence painted with Cuprinol 5 Year Ducksback, Silver Copse. A modern, sleek option for a contemporary garden this water-based paint is a non-drip formulation that's wax-enriched, providing waterproof protection for up to five years. Two coats are recommended on rough-sawn sheds and fences. Ducksback is part of a water-repellent range of exterior paints in autumnal shades.

Customer review: "Excellent paint, covers brilliantly and brushes wash out very easily – all at a really good price 10/10."

Pros

  • Water-based
  • Water repellent
  • Long term protection

Cons

  • No bright colours in the range
Quantity:5L
Coverage:24m2 per tin
Drying time:1hr showerproof
  • 5 years protection
  • Wax enriched water repellent
  • Non drip easy application

Best regal purple fence paint

Create a dramatic backdrop for your plants with Dulux Trade Weathershield Quick Dry Exterior Satin Regal Purple. Yellow is opposite purple on the colour wheel, so go for marigolds, yellow snapdragons, or drumsticks for a striking contrast. This satin finish paint can only be applied with a brush; it's not suitable for spraying. Apply to primed wood and one coat should be enough, but you can apply more for extra vibrancy.

Pros

  • Durable mid-sheen finish
  • Water-based paint
  • Part of a range of Weathershield colours

Cons

  • No customer reviews
Quantity:2.5L
Coverage:20m2 per litre
Drying time:1–2hrs touch dry
  • Six year weather protection
  • Contains a fungicide to inhibit mould growth
  • Recoat in just 2–4 hours

Best zesty orange fence paint

Go big at home with this Bright Orange Gloss Paint that makes Austin Powers look like a shrinking violet. This zesty exterior gloss paint can be applied with a brush, roller or spray. It's suitable for a wide range of surfaces, including wood, fibreglass, metal and brick. It's a fast-drying multi-purpose enamel paint that provides a high gloss and waterproof finish. In terms of planting, go for purple flowers – such as Alliums – to complement this bold choice.

Pros

  • Cheaper to multi-buy two or three tins
  • Fast drying
  • UV fade resistant
  • Moisture resistant

Cons

  • Bear in mind it's a gloss finish
Quantity:5L
Coverage:8–10m2 per litre
Drying time:2–4hrs touch dry
  • Polyurethane white spirit based
  • Mould resistant
  • One coat coverage

FAQs: Garden fence colour ideas

How do I paint a fence?

To paint a fence and get effective coverage from your paint, there are a few steps to follow:

Before you start, you need to work out how many tins of paint you are going to need. Measure the height and width of your fence and multiply the dimensions to work out its area. For example, a fence that's two metres high by four metres wide has this area: 2m x 4m = 8m2. Next, look at the product specification of the paint so you know how much area that tin can cover. For example, coverage is referred to as 10m2 per litre. A five-litre tin of paint with a coverage of 10m2 per litre can cover a 50m2 fence once or do several coats.

When you're ready to begin painting, it's a good idea to cover immediate surfaces and nearby plants. Then you can prepare the surface of the fence by removing loose dirt and chipping paint with a brush or sandpaper.

Next, apply a primer to the fence, this stops your colourful paint from sinking into the wood grain if you have wooden fencing. In addition, a primer will help the vibrant colour of your paint to adhere, without the need to apply a second or third coat.

It's important to use a brush, roller or sprayer that applies the paint in even strokes. Aim for long strokes and work from top to bottom.

If you think a second coat is needed, wait for the first coat to be completely dry before applying. Drying times are indicated on the tin.

What type of exterior paint is the most environmentally friendly?

Some paints can contain chemicals harmful to the environment. The most environmentally friendly exterior paints are labelled as 'low-VOC' or 'zero-VOC' (Volatile Organic Compounds). These water-based paints have reduced or eliminated harmful chemicals that can be released into the air during and after painting. They are less polluting and have a lower impact on air quality.

Additionally, some eco-friendly paints use sustainable and natural ingredients, as well as reducing their environmental footprint. Look for paints that carry certifications like B-Corp for added assurance of their eco-friendliness and sustainability.

What is the colour wheel?

The colour wheel is a circular diagram used in colour theory to represent the relationships between colours. It shows the primary colours (red, blue, yellow) evenly spaced, forming a triangle. Secondary colours (green, orange, purple) result from mixing primary colours and are positioned in between. Tertiary colours arise from mixing primary and secondary colours and they are hues of the colours immediately next to them. Opposite colours on the wheel are complementary – blue and orange, for example.

The basic principle of the colour wheel aids colour selection, harmony, and understanding colour relationships.

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Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in garden trends. When she's not flexing her mow-how, Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.

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