How much paint per panel?

A standard 6ft × 6ft (1.83m × 1.8m) panel is ~3.3 m² per face, so ~6.6 m² both sides. At 6 m²/L that is ~1.1 litres per coat per panel painted both sides.

Ideally yes for maximum protection. At minimum paint the weather-facing side. Both sides doubles the area and the paint required.

Every 2-3 years for water-based fence paint. Oil-based stains and creosote substitutes last longer (3-5 years).

How often should I paint or stain my fence?

Every 2-3 years for water-based treatments. Oil-based stains may last 3-5 years. Check annually and recoat when the colour fades or water stops beading.

Is it better to spray or brush fence paint?

Spraying is much faster for large runs but needs masking of adjacent surfaces. Brushing gives better penetration into the wood grain. A pump sprayer is a good middle ground.

GardenCalcs

Fence Paint Calculator — Coverage Estimate

Calculate fence paint or stain needed to cover your fence panels.

Number of Panels

Total fence panels to paint

Coats

Number of coats to apply (2 recommended for best protection)

Paint TypePaint type affects coverage, drying time, and durability

Sides to PaintPainting both sides gives maximum weather protection

How We Calculate This

Area = Panels × Height × Width × Sides. Litres = (Area ÷ Coverage Rate) × Coats. Coverage varies by paint type: water-based covers ~6 m²/L, oil-based ~5.1 m²/L (penetrates deeper so covers less), creosote substitutes ~6.6 m²/L (thinner, oilier so spreads further). Rough-sawn timber absorbs roughly twice as much as smooth-planed, so lower the Coverage Rate if your panels are very absorbent.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates based on standard gardening guidelines. Results may vary with soil conditions, climate, and plant varieties.