House Painter Houston • Fence & Gate Painting
Fence & Gate Painting Services
Houston fences take direct sun, driving rain, and year-round moisture. Fence and gate painting that starts with pressure washing, treats mildew, and applies the right product for wood or metal.
Executive Summary: Fence & Gate Painting Services
Fence and gate painting covers the preparation, priming, and application of paint or penetrating stain on wood fences, cedar fences, iron gates, metal gates, and ornamental iron in Houston. The product choice — paint vs. penetrating stain — depends on the fence material, existing finish, and how long you want between recoats.
Standard wood fence system: pressure wash + mildew treatment on any organic growth + penetrating exterior stain or paint applied in 2 passes. Iron and metal gate system: wire-brush rust + DTM primer + 2-coat alkyd or epoxy topcoat. Most fence projects complete in 1–3 days. Estimated cost: $400–$6,000 depending on linear footage.
Wood fence prep requires mildew to be killed, not just pressure-washed off. Mildew washed off without a biocide treatment returns through topcoat within one Houston summer. We apply a biocide-containing wash solution before any stain or paint is applied.
The Fast Facts on Fence & Gate Painting Services
What does fence painting cost?
The short answer is an estimated $400 to $6,000 depending on linear footage, fence height, material type, and condition. A short residential wood fence run at the low end; a long cedar privacy fence with mildew treatment and full repaint at the upper end. Iron and metal gate pricing depends on rust scope and gate size.
Paint vs. stain — which is better for a wood fence?
The short answer is penetrating stain for most Houston wood fences. Stain penetrates the wood and does not form a film, so it does not peel. Paint forms a film that cracks and peels when wood expands and contracts seasonally. Penetrating stain requires more frequent recoating but never requires scraping — each new coat goes directly over the last.
How do you treat mildew on a fence before painting?
The short answer is a biocide-containing wash solution applied before pressure washing, not after. Pressure washing alone moves mildew around — a biocide solution kills the organism. We apply biocide wash, allow dwell time, then pressure wash. This is standard scope on any fence with visible black or green growth.
Typical Houston Fence & Gate Painting Services Projects
Three recent projects across Greater Houston.
Cedar Privacy Fence Repaint — Katy (77494)
March 2026 · 180 linear ft, 6 ft tall. Heavy mildew on north-facing sections. Biocide wash, pressure clean, penetrating TWP cedar stain. Two passes with brush. Mildew not visible at 6-month check.
Iron Gate Restoration — River Oaks (77019)
November 2025 · Two ornamental iron entry gates. Active rust on horizontal rails. Wire-brushed to bare metal, Rust-Oleum Stops Rust primer, 2-coat alkyd black topcoat. Gates operational and rust-free at 12 months.
Full Fence & Gate Package — Sugar Land (77479)
August 2025 · 240 linear ft fence + 3 gates. Wood fence recoated in solid stain, metal gate posts in DTM prime and alkyd. Combined scope completed in 3 days. Consistent color across all surfaces.
All prices are estimates. Final scope confirmed in your written quote before work begins.
Fence Paint That Peels Was the Wrong Product on the Wrong Surface
Paint peeling off wood fence within 2 years
Film-forming paint on wood fence cracks when the wood moves seasonally. The film cracks, water enters, and the paint peels in large sections. Penetrating stain is the correct product for most wood fences — it does not form a film so it does not peel. On fences that have existing paint, we assess whether repainting or stripping to bare is the right approach.
Mildew returning through new stain within 6 months
Mildew was washed off but not killed. Pressure washing distributes mildew spores across the fence surface — a biocide wash kills the organism before pressure rinsing. We apply biocide solution as the first step of fence prep on any fence with visible mildew or organic growth.
Rust on iron gate posts spreading under paint
Rust was painted over without removal. Rust inhibitor applied over active rust slows the process — it does not stop it. Wire-brush to bare metal, then DTM rust-inhibiting primer. We remove all active rust before priming on any metal fence or gate.
Schedule a Walkthrough
We assess fence material, mildew level, and rust condition before writing a number.
Our Process: Done Right the First Time
- 1On-Site Estimate & Surface AssessmentWe walk the full exterior, assess surface condition, identify cracked caulk, soft wood, mildew, and failing paint. You get a written, line-item estimate before we start — prep scope included, not added later.
- 2Full Prep: Wash, Scrape, Caulk & PrimePressure wash to remove chalk, dirt, and loose paint. Scrape all failing paint to bare surface. Caulk every joint, seam, and window surround. Spot-prime bare areas and repairs. Landscaping and hardscaping protected throughout.
- 32-Coat Finish & Final WalkthroughTwo coats of surface-matched exterior coating applied in appropriate weather conditions. We do not paint in direct Houston midday sun or when rain is forecast within 24 hours. Final walkthrough before we leave — no drips on concrete, no paint on windows.
What to Expect: Your Project Timeline
| Stage | When | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Estimate & booking | Within 24–48 hours | On-site surface assessment, written quote, color and product selection |
| Pressure wash | Day 1 | Full house wash; mildew treatment where needed; 24–48 hr dry time before paint |
| Scrape, caulk & prime | Day 2 | Scrape failing paint; caulk joints; spot-prime repairs and bare surfaces |
| First coat | Day 2–3 | First exterior finish coat in suitable conditions; not applied in direct midday sun |
| Second coat & walkthrough | Day 3–5 | Second coat; final inspection; concrete and landscaping clean before departure |
These are estimates. Wet weather or heavy prep can extend the timeline.
The Right Time to Schedule Fence & Gate Painting Services
The fence looks gray and weathered.
Weathered wood has lost its surface coating. A penetrating stain restores appearance and protection. Left untreated, weathered wood absorbs moisture freely and accelerates decay.
The iron gate has surface rust.
Surface rust on iron is early-stage and straightforward. Wire-brush, prime, and paint stops it. Structural rust that has thinned the metal requires a different evaluation.
The fence paint is peeling or cracking.
Cracking or peeling paint on wood fence means the film product failed. We assess whether the existing paint can be cleaned and recoated, or whether stripping to bare wood is the correct approach for a lasting result.
Best Time to Book
October through April is ideal for Houston fence work — lower humidity allows penetrating stain to absorb correctly.
The Henry Contractor Difference
Weather-smart scheduling
We do not paint in direct Houston midday sun, when rain is forecast within 24 hours, or when humidity exceeds coating manufacturer specs. Paint applied in the wrong conditions fails early — we schedule around the Gulf Coast weather, not around the calendar.
Full prep, no shortcuts
Pressure wash, scrape, caulk, and prime are standard on every exterior job. Skipped prep is the reason most exterior paint jobs fail in 3–4 years instead of 7–10. We do not skip steps to hit a low bid.
No hidden fees
Your written estimate includes the prep scope. If additional rot, caulk failure, or surface damage is found during prep, we document it and get your approval before expanding. Nothing changes without your sign-off.
Transparent Pricing for Fence & Gate Painting Services
| What Drives the Cost | Standard vs. Premium | Hidden Costs to Watch For |
|---|---|---|
| Square footage and number of stories; a single-story 1,800 sq ft home is a different scope than a two-story 3,500 sq ft home with multiple roof lines | Standard: 100% acrylic exterior latex, 2 coats. Premium: Sherwin-Williams Duration or Emerald Exterior for better UV resistance and longer repaint cycle | Wood rot found during prep — boards need replacement before painting; quoted and approved before crew starts |
| Surface condition; paint in good condition needing refresh vs. failing paint requiring full scrape and reprime | Standard: pressure wash, caulk, spot-prime, 2 coats. Premium: full scrape to bare surface, bonding primer, elastomeric or high-build topcoat | Lead paint testing for pre-1978 homes before any sanding or scraping begins |
| Access difficulty; single-story ground-level work vs. multi-story with ladder or scaffold requirements | Standard: one field color + trim color. Premium: multi-color scheme with accent body, trim, shutters, and door coordinated per designer or HOA spec | Failed caulk on all window and door surrounds adds material and labor time to prep |
Fences: $400–$6,000 depending on linear footage and material. Iron gates priced by gate count and rust scope. Written quote fixed before work starts.
Get an Exact Number
We confirm linear footage, material type, and condition before writing a number.
Fence & Gate Painting Services vs. DIY vs. Cheap Labor
| Feature | Henry Contractor | DIY | Cheap Labor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prep Work | Pressure wash, scrape, caulk, prime — every job, every surface | Wash and prime if motivated; scrape often skipped on hard-to-reach areas | Minimal prep to hit a low bid; failing paint painted over |
| Weather Scheduling | Scheduled around Houston heat, humidity, and rain forecast; no midday direct sun application | Painted on available days; weather conditions not assessed | Painted whenever crew is available; weather failures common |
| Product Selection | Surface-matched exterior coating; 100% acrylic or elastomeric by substrate | Mid-range acrylic; not always substrate-specific | Cheapest available exterior flat; wrong product for surface type common |
| Caulking | All joints, seams, and window surrounds caulked before paint | Caulked on request; gaps and failed caulk common after first rain | Not included; water intrusion through failed joints |
| Pricing Transparency | Written prep-inclusive quote; no mid-job add-ons | Estimate grows with prep scope clarification | Low headline; prep, caulk, and second coat add-ons mid-job |
Who We Partner With
Homeowners
Fences are the first thing visible from the street. Fresh paint or stain on a clean fence improves curb appeal immediately with no structural work required.
Property Managers
Rental and HOA properties with fencing need periodic maintenance. We handle both wood and metal fence types and maintain product records for future recoats.
HOA Boards
HOA fence standards require consistent color across all properties. We confirm the approved color spec before any work begins and document the formula for future repaints.
Proudly Serving Greater Houston
We proudly provide professional painting services to homeowners and businesses throughout the Greater Houston area, including: The Woodlands, Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, Cypress, Memorial, and surrounding neighborhoods.
See our whole-house exterior repaint to combine fence work with a full exterior project, or return to the exterior painting hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
The short answer is an estimated $400 to $6,000 depending on linear footage, fence height, material, and condition. A short residential wood fence run at the lower end; a long cedar privacy fence with mildew treatment and full repaint at the upper end. Iron and metal gate pricing depends on rust scope and gate size.
The short answer is penetrating stain for most Houston wood fences. Stain penetrates the wood and does not form a film, so it does not peel when wood expands and contracts. Paint forms a film that cracks seasonally in Houston’s humidity swings. Stain requires more frequent recoating but never peels, so future maintenance is always easier.
The short answer is a biocide wash solution applied before pressure washing. Pressure washing alone moves mildew around — a biocide kills the organism. We apply biocide wash first, allow dwell time, then pressure wash. This is standard on any fence with visible black or green growth.
The short answer is 3 to 5 years for solid stain on wood fence, 5 to 7 years for paint on prepared wood fence, and 7 to 10 years for DTM primer and alkyd topcoat on iron. Houston humidity and direct sun accelerate all exterior coating cycles. Mildew-prone north-facing sections fade and degrade faster than south-facing sections.
Yes, but the prep approach depends on condition. Lightly failing paint can be scraped, spot-primed, and recoated. Heavily peeling paint where the wood surface is compromised requires stripping to bare wood before staining. We assess the condition during the estimate walk and confirm the correct approach before starting.
Ready to upgrade your property?
Fill out the free estimate form at the top of the page to get started, or call us directly to schedule your on-site walkthrough.