Painting a Colorbond Fence? Here’s What You Need to Know
Is your Colorbond fence looking faded, chipped, or outdated?
Many homeowners in Perth face this problem as the sun and weather take their toll on outdoor fences. Repainting fence can give your yard a fresh new look without replacing the panels.
In this guide, we’ll cover the key steps and tips for painting a Colorbond fence, from prep to finish.
We’ll explain how to clean and prepare the surface. You’ll learn how to pick the right Colorbond fence paint and apply it properly. So, you’re DIY-ing the job? Or hiring commercial painters in Perth? Understanding the whole process will help you avoid common mistakes and saves time (and money!) in the long run.
Can You Paint a Colorbond Fence?
Yes, you can repaint a Colorbond steel fence if it’s in good condition.
Colorbond steel is actually a prepainted steel product. It has a high-quality, baked-on finish straight from the factory. This finish is very durable. So, new Colorbond usually doesn’t need a new coat of paint. But if the original colour has faded or you want a different look, a proper repaint is possible.
Remember: Repainting will usually void the manufacturer’s warranty, so it’s best done when the fence is no longer covered by warranty.
What Paint to Use on a Colorbond Fence?
Choosing the right paint for Colorbond fence needs the right approach because the fence already has a factory coating.
Use a high-quality, water-based acrylic exterior paint to repaint your Colorbond fence.
It offers best adhesion and UV resistance. Avoid ordinary air-dry enamels, which can weather differently than the original Colorbond finish.
Many painters even repurpose Colorbond roof paint (used on metal roofs) since it’s formulated for long-term outdoor steel. Using a matching Colorbond paint ensures the finish will blend with the factory color.
Remember: Check the condition of your fence first. A newer fence under 1–2 years usually needs only cleaning, not painting. Older fences or faded panels can benefit from a fresh coat, as long as the base metal isn’t corroded or heavily damaged.
How to Prepare Your Colorbond Fence for Painting?
Preparing your fence before painting is important for a lasting finish.
- First, wash the fence thoroughly to remove dust, cobwebs, or chalky residue.
For brand-new fence, a simple mop or soft cloth with water and mild household detergent will remove any installation dirt. For older or weathered Colorbond panels, scrub them with a soft-bristle brush, soap or detergent, then rinse well.
We suggest using sugar soap or a specialised metal fence cleaner for the final wipe-down, as it cuts grease and lifts grime without damaging the coating.
- Secondly, if you see any rust spots, loose paint flakes, or dents, tackle those before painting. Use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove rust or peeling paint, then apply a rust-inhibiting primer to bare metal areas.
- Lastly, make sure all panels are intact and securely fastened. Tighten loose screws, and straighten or replace bent panels to maintain a clean, flawless look once painted.
Quick Tips to Clean Your Colorbond Fence Before Painting:
- Always wear safety gear during prep; gloves, goggles, and a mask if you’re sanding or handling chemical.
- Avoid pressure washing on full power, as intense jets can dent panels or blast off loose coating.
- Never use abrasive cleaners or wire brushes on the finish. These can damage the factory coating.
- Stick with gentle scrubbing tools and non-abrasive cleaners to protect the steel.
- Let the fence dry completely (at least 24 hours is safe).
Read more about fence painting basics and discover 9 important things you must know before starting your fence painting project in WA.
Choosing The Right Paint Colour for Your Colorbond Fence
Choosing a new Colorbond fence colour is a personal and stylistic decision, but here are some tips:
Lighter Colorbond paint colours (like Surfmist or Windspray neutrals) have become popular because they blend well with various home styles. They tend to hide scratches and are easier to clean than very dark paints. But they will show dirt more quickly. So, plan to wash a white Colorbond fence annually to keep it gleaming.
On the other hand, dark Colorbond colours (like Monument or Ironstone) absorb more heat and may fade a bit faster. In extremely sunny Perth, pick mid-tones or greys over black.
Tip: If you’re updating the fence to match a new home colour, sample a few shades on the panels. Paint looks different in sun, shade, and against greenery.
How to Paint Your Colorbond Fence? The Right Painting Technique
After preparing your fence, plan your paint application method.
Professional painters use an airless spray gun for big fences, which coats panels quickly and evenly. If you use a spray system, select a fine spray tip for smooth finishes and practice even strokes. Remember, spraying needs covering nearby plants, fences, or paving with dropcloths or plastic, and wearing respiratory protection.
DIYers with small fences or trim work use rollers and brushes. A good-quality ¾-inch nap roller covers flat panels nicely. Use a natural-bristle or nylon/poly brush for edges and grooves. Roll or brush on 2 thin coats rather than one thick one; this reduces runs and ensures durability.
Work methodically panel by panel or section by section, maintaining a wet edge so you don’t leave lap marks.
Drying Times, Curing & Maintaining a Painted Colorbond Fence
Follow the paint can’s instructions for drying. Typically, water-based acrylic fence paint is touch-dry in 1–2 hours and can be recoated after 4–6 hours, depending on conditions.
Allow at least 24 hours of good weather for the fence to harden before letting dust or contact. Full curing (achieving maximum hardness) may take up to a week.
During the first week or two, avoid leaning equipment or hanging anything heavy on the fence. After that, maintenance is minimal: just keep it clean.
Colorbond repels grime well, so regular cleaning with mild detergent and a soft brush is usually all it needs. Plan to rinse or wash the fence once a year (more often if you’re near the coast or have lots of dust) to prevent build-up.
Dos & Don’ts of Painting a Colorbond Fence
When repainting your Colorbond fence yourself, follow the below given dos and don’ts for flawless finish:
Dos | Don’ts |
Cleaning Fence Before Painting: Remove debris and cobwebs from the fence. Wash with soapy water or a gentle pressure rinse, then let it dry completely. | Skipping Prep: Don’t paint over dirt or chalky residue. Always clean and dry the fence first to ensure proper paint adhesion. |
Sanding Lightly: Sand the fence surface lightly to help primer and paint adhere better. Rinse off dust and let it fully dry before painting. | Using the Wrong Paint Type: Don’t use wood or standard house paint. Use a water-based acrylic exterior paint (designed for metal) and apply at least three thin coats. |
Protecting Surroundings: Lay drop cloths or tarps under and around the fence to catch spills or drips. | Painting in Bad Weather: Avoid painting on extremely hot, cold, or wet days. Aim for a dry, mild-weather day to help the paint dry properly. |
Applying Thin Coats: Apply multiple thin, even coats (e.g. 3+ coats) of paint for uniform coverage. Allow each coat to dry fully before the next. | Applying Thick Coats: Don’t apply a single thick coat. Thick paint is prone to sagging, drips, and takes much longer to dry. |
Using Proper Tools: If possible, use a paint sprayer for a smooth, even finish. If brushing, use quality brushes or rollers and a steady technique. | Using Poor Tools & Technique: Don’t rush or overlap lazily. Using the wrong nozzle or brush can cause lap marks or trap dust in the paint, ruining the finish. |
Following Instructions: Read and follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions for dry times and the ideal temperature range. | Ignoring Guidelines: Don’t skip the paint label advice. Neglecting recommended wait times or temperatures can cause paint failure. |
Maintaining the Fence: Periodically clean the painted fence to remove dirt or plant growth and protect the finish. | Neglecting Maintenance: Don’t let dirt, leaves, or mildew accumulate on the fence. Over time this can etch or dama |
Still on the fence about tackling your painting project yourself?
Hire the Pros for Flawless Colorbond Fence Painting | Save Time, Skip the Hassle
Final Touch Paint & Décor are Perth’s local experts in exterior home and commercial painting, including Colorbond fences. We handle everything from full exterior home painting jobs to Colorbond fence makeovers with precision.
Our commercial painters in Perth uses top-quality primers and paints suited for metal surfaces, ensuring a smooth, long-lasting finish.
So, don’t risk patchy DIY results or wasted paint, contact us today.
Explore more about > How to paint a wooden fence like a pro
