Fence Paint Calculator
Estimate how much paint you need for your project and the total material cost.
You Will Need Approximately
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Estimated Paint Cost: $0
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Why Use a Fence Paint Calculator?
Painting a fence is a big job, and buying the right amount of paint is key to a successful project. Our calculator helps you avoid the frustration of running out of paint mid-job or the waste of buying too much. By getting an accurate estimate, you can budget effectively, save money, and ensure you have everything you need to give your fence a beautiful, long-lasting finish.
How Our Calculator Works
Enter Fence Details
Input the total length and height of your fence, and specify the type (e.g., solid, picket).
Specify Paint Job
Tell us how many coats of paint you plan to apply and the cost per gallon of your chosen paint.
Get Your Instant Estimate
The tool provides an immediate estimate of the gallons needed and the total cost for your project.
Project Pointers
Tips for Painting Your Fence
Proper Preparation is Key
Always clean your fence thoroughly. Power washing is ideal for removing dirt, mildew, and old paint flakes.
Use a Quality Primer
Applying a primer, especially on bare wood or metal, helps the paint adhere better and provides a more durable finish.
Sprayer vs. Roller
A paint sprayer is much faster for large fences, but rollers and brushes can provide a thicker, more controlled coat.
Watch the Weather
Paint on a mild, overcast day if possible. Direct sun can cause paint to dry too quickly, and high humidity can slow drying time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much area does one gallon of paint cover?
On average, one gallon of exterior paint will cover 350-400 square feet with one coat. Our calculator uses a conservative estimate of 350 sq ft to be safe.
Do I need to paint both sides of my fence?
It's highly recommended. Painting both sides seals the wood, preventing moisture from getting in and causing rot or warping. It also provides a more finished look.
What type of paint is best for a wood fence?
A high-quality acrylic latex exterior paint is the best choice for most wood fences. It's durable, flexible, and resistant to fading and mildew. For metal fences, use a direct-to-metal (DTM) paint.
How many coats of paint does a fence need?
For a long-lasting finish, two coats of paint are recommended, especially if you are changing colors or painting on new, bare wood. One coat may suffice if you are refreshing an existing color.
What's the difference between paint and stain?
Paint forms a film on top of the wood, offering maximum protection and color options. Stain soaks into the wood, highlighting its natural grain and texture while still offering weather protection.
How long should I wait between coats?
Always check the manufacturer's instructions on the paint can. Typically, you should wait 4-6 hours for latex paint to dry before applying a second coat.
Do I need a primer for my fence?
If you're painting bare, untreated wood or metal, a primer is essential for proper adhesion and longevity. If you're repainting a similar color over a clean, intact surface, you may be able to use a "paint and primer in one" product.
What Our Users Are Saying
"This calculator was spot on! I bought exactly the number of gallons it recommended for my privacy fence, and I had just a tiny bit left over. Perfect!"
- Noah Martinez
"Super helpful for budgeting our backyard project. The cost estimate was a great baseline to have before we went to the hardware store."
- Charlotte Campbell
"I love that it has an option for picket fences. Other calculators don't account for the gaps, but this one gave me a much more accurate (and cheaper!) estimate."
- Liam O'Sullivan
"Good tool for a quick check. The estimate was a little under what I actually needed, but it was close enough to get me started."
- Olivia Fischer
"Simple, fast, and does exactly what it says it will do. Saved me from buying way too much paint for our small garden fence."
- Lucas Dubois
"The cost breakdown is a nice feature. It helped me compare the prices of different paint brands more effectively."
- Amelia Kowalski
"I used this for a shadow box fence and it worked perfectly. It's great that it accounts for the extra surface area on that type of fence."
- Benjamin Nguyen
"A useful starting point. Just remember to factor in the cost of brushes, rollers, and tape!"
- Harper Rossi
"Very user-friendly and the interface is clean. It gave me the confidence to tackle this painting project myself."
- Henry Kim
"I have a very long fence and this calculator was a sanity check. It confirmed my manual calculations and saved me a lot of worry."
- Chloe Ricci
"Great tool! I just wish it included an option for painting both sides of the fence, as I had to double the area myself."
- Leo Petrov
"It's good for a basic estimate, but didn't account for the very rough texture of my old fence, which soaked up more paint than expected."
- Evelyn Chen
Have Feedback or a Question?
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