Change of fence colour - is black a good idea?

Plantminded

Hi there, early next year I'm planning to paint/stain the fence in my back garden.  I'm in the process of trying to cover it with greenery, but it's taking time!  It was various shades of brown when I moved in due to several runs of mismatched panels and is currently a light stone/grey colour.  It definitely lightens up the garden, especially in winter. 

I wondered whether a black paint/stain might give the plants more prominence or would it be a bit oppressive? The photo shows the garden in April last year before most of the perennials and grasses had emerged.

I'd welcome your thoughts please, especially if you have recently changed your fence colour and been pleased or disappointed!  Thank you.

Topbird

I love a black fence - lighter and variegated foliage and flower colour really pop against black. It also makes the fence sort of fade into the background and merge with any darker foliage rather than standing out as a feature.

The only thing to be aware of is if the fence is very shaded. It can get a bit green with algae which also seems to stand out more on a black background.

From your photo I think you'll be ok and I think it will look very smart. I'd go for it🙂

Uff

Me too, I love the black stain. How about editing your picture Plantminded and blacking the fence, you'll see what it would like.

Plantminded

Thank you @Topbird, I'd like the fence to fade into the background, so that's very reassuring!  A very good point about algae so I'll keep that in mind.  Roll on those  warmer, drier days so that I can get started!

Plantminded

That's a good point @Uff, thank you.  I'll try to figure out how to do that this afternoon!

Fairygirl

I've had black for years. Dark grey is also good.
All my raised beds are black, and I only re do the fence now and again, as they have foliage on them most of the year. Unfortunately, when the plants are dormant, it isn't usually suitable for painting, so they get left.

BobTheGardener

Black/dark grey works really well in the garden. The only problem I could see is if the new paint/stain will adhere sufficiently to what is already on there.  If you know what was used for the current coating, you should be able to look it up on the manufacturer's site or ask their advice.  Things can go horribly wrong with peeling and the original colour showing through over time etc., if they are incompatible coatings.  You could try and get a small pot of whichever colour you decide on, and test it on an inconspicuous area for a few months first, if you don't know what was used for the stone colour.

Hostafan1

bear in mind that whatever colour you use, MAY bleed through to the other side of the fence, especially top / overlaps.

Plantminded

Thank you @Fairygirl, that's good to know - if it works for you it will work for me! @BobTheGardener, your support for black is also appreciated, thank you.  I painted the current stain so I know what it is and will match it with the black equivalent. Thank you also @Hostafan1, I'll be as careful as I would expect my neighbour to be on the other side!  I'm now confident to get painting next year so thank you all for your comments.

Fire

I would say that personally it seems like a contemporary look. I like the weathered wood look for myself. My inherited shed has black barn paint on (I can highly recommend Barn paint). It's taken me years to get used to it (perhaps more a reflection on me that the shed). I've never repainted in ten years and it looks pretty new.

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You can see it here close up in this little vid made this summer for family overseas.

I know a shed isn't the same as a fence, but it might help give you a sense of how the colour might feel in your garden.

Best wishes with your choice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvS3gbTJ8L0

Plantminded

Thank you very much for your response @Fire and for including your video - you have a delightful garden, well tended and much loved no doubt!  You got your timing just right for the filming, with that gentle breeze and active insects - much appreciated, thank you!