Treated 3-Rail Split Wood Fence - Paint or Natural?

[Pettrix]

I installed a 3-rail split wood fence at my property entrance a few years ago. The wood was factory pressure treated but the Arizona sun has done a number on the wood, it has caused splitting, dry rotting, and discoloration.

It is only about 75 feet of fencing but I was considering painting it with a Sherwin Williams exterior wood latex paint. I have used that paint before and it does an excellent job in protecting the wood and it puts a nice brown color to the wood.

Even if I don't paint the fence, it should remain standing for years but painting it should preserve it for the long term.

What do you guys think? It is a rural area so it looks good and rustic but should I paint it or leave it be?

 

[Soundguy]

i like asphalt fence paint. tough.. cheap and bug/rot/sun restant.

however.. the black and brown latex fence paints are also a good 2nd, if spendy, choice.

 

[Garybake]

There are some great solid or semi-transperant stains that will presserve and give that natural look and easy to apply.

 

[Wnc3]

Stain...it fades instead of peels. Much easier over the long haul, just keep spraying as needed.

 

[Soundguy]

asphalt fence paint doesn't peel. it will slowly erode over the course of a couple decades though.. kind of like a water, bug, rot proof stain, but opaque, and on steroids, cheaper and easier to apply..

soundguy

 

[jimmyj]

I leave all mine rustic. I like the look better and it's way less work. Some places look nice painted but I feel it's only required if you have a fancy look to your fences vs a rustic look.

 

[Western]

Look into Linseed oil, may be an option for you.

 

[jinman]

Look into Linseed oil, may be an option for you.

How about spraying with a mixture of diesel and used motor oil? . . . Oops! Sorry EPA! I was just kiddin'.

 

[Western]

How about spraying with a mixture of diesel and used motor oil? . . . Oops! Sorry EPA! I was just kiddin'.

EPA???! on yeah the " European Per Acre" calculator

 

[KennyG]

Personal opinion is that split rail only looks right natural. So let it age a year or so until it uniformly grays out, then put on clear, non glossy preservative if you want. At least that's what I would do.