Painting Fence Columns

For 2001, we added big columns to our graveyard fence. For 2002, David transformed the columns with a nice paint job.

Masking
Painting
Unmasking
For Later
Related Pages

Masking

David started by applying masking tape in somewhat random vaguely rock-like shapes.

[photo] Masked pillars, ready to paint.

Painting

All painting was done freehand with an industrial-type air-powered spray gun. The paint is latex exterior house paint. David used several different colors for variety of the "rock" surface.

[photo] The first coat provided some lighter highlights.

[photo] Additional layers, using different shades of gray/brown, provide rock-like detail.

[photo] David cut several different masks out of corregated cardboard. In some areas he shot the spray gun through those.

This mask makes rocks with horizontal striations.

Unmasking

David removes the tape, exposing the "mortar lines".

After unmasking, the entire outside is given a protective coat of Thompson's Water Seal.

For Later

The first time David looked at his completed handiwork, he commented that the "mortar lines" looked too straight and cartoon-like.

In our case, in a dimly-lit exterior haunt, this might actually be a feature: you lose a lot of detail in dim light, and exagerating details like the mortar lines helps keep them under operational lighting conditions.

We might do something to the mortar lines ... some other time.

Please see our other pages on fence columns:

Please see our other pages on PVC fences:

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