How to paint your garden fence like a pro this summer

The tools, the wood paints and stains, the tricks that work and the shortcuts to avoid — and what to do if you make a mistake

For smaller projects like this palette feature, a brush or roller will suit better than a sprayer. Ronseal Garden Paint. Blackbird, Slate, Lime Zest, Sundial and Purple Berry. From €9.20 per litre, multiple suppliers.

There are few things more deeply, smugly, satisfying than painting up the garden fencing. It’s a relatively brainless job, but one that makes a big impression. All those big leery surfaces looking in and around the house and garden do. 

Like all painting jobs, it’s three-quarters prep and potentially just an hour of actual application if you’re using a spray pack.