Cost of painting fence

Skylarks

Morning all, 

This year, I’m going to get someone in to paint my fence and shed. I attempted to paint it last weekend and after painting half a panel, I had to stop as I could feel my wrist flare up due to RSI. 

A few years ago, I had some work done by Betel gardening service and the bloke told me, they charge £25 per panel. He said they cost a bit more because they have to send 2 guys together and cannot just send one person.

How much does it cost these days per fence panel? They are 5ft x 5ft panels. I’ll be supplying the paint.

Thanks.

steephill

How about just using a sprayer instead of a brush? Much faster and much less effort. Ronseal do one for about £20 and I am sure there are lots of other brands who do the same.

KT53

£25 per panel seems high, particularly if you are supplying the materials.  2 people, who presumably know what they are doing, shouldn't take more than about 10 to 15 minutes per panel, assuming both sides are being done.  The only reason I can see for the job needing 2 people is to remove the panels in order to do both sides.

If you do go the DIY sprayer route make sure you get paint compatible with sprayers - not all are, although that isn't always clear even when you read everything on the paint container.  That's the voice of experience speaking.  Fortunately it was my neighbour who discovered the problem when he tried to spray 'Ducksback' and it bunged up his sprayer.  It was only when he looked on-line he discovered it isn't compatible with sprayers.  I'd bought Ducksback in the sale so it was too late to take it back (I was planning to spray) so I've had to do 150 feet of fence by hand.

Lizzie27

We"ve never painted or put preservative on our fences - complete waste of time, effort and money in my opinion.I prefer the silvery colour they fade to in any case. Most fence panels last about 10 or 12 years whatever you do

Skylarks

Steephill, KT35 and Lizzie, thanks for taking the time to post.

I’ve had a look at the sprayers but have ruled them out. The Ronseal one because I have two different paints, Ronseal for fence and Cuprinol shades for the shed. Also had a look at the electric ones with a small reservoir, but they are also out as I think the combination of weight and vibration will set off my RSI again. 

Betel have to send 2 people because they are a charity who help people overcome their addictions and teach them a trade. Guess they keep an eye on and provide support to each other.

It’s just my personal preference that I want them painting. Plus, one is half done and is now irritating me 

Someone was supposed to come round and give me a quote, they’ve not given me a time and just said they would text beforehand. It’s now almost 3pm and I’ve still not heard from them 😡. 

If anyone does have an idea of how much they charge, please do post.

gjautos

We paid to have my Mums fence painted. Worked out roughly £15 per panel, 6x6, including paint.

gjautos

Should say, we used an odd job man rather than a gardener as it was cheaper

Biglad

If I lived anywhere near you @Skylarks, I'd nip round and do it for a sausage and egg butty tomorrow.

£25/panel does seem expensive to me. I'd say £10/panel would be reasonable but maybe I'm a tight northerner

Skylarks

Thanks @gjautos, and for the tip on using an odd job man. 

You’re a good lad @Biglad. £10 per panel does seem a bit on the low side, but if I can’t get an odd job man, I’ll offer it out at that rate to friends who might want a bit of extra cash 

delski

You are a very generous person wanting to support ex-offenders come round to your house. I wish you much good luck in getting the job done.

Skylarks

Thanks Delski.

If we don’t give them a bit of support, they are much more likely to return to their old ways. When I was 16, I could have easily have taken the wrong route myself, I was lucky with the people I met.