Painting Fences in Thatcham RG19 with Ronseal Charcoal Grey
- souttradesltd
- May 8
- 4 min read
Painting fences can be a rewarding way to refresh your garden and protect your wood from the elements. But when arthritis makes the task difficult, it’s time to think about smarter ways to manage the job. I recently faced this challenge with my fences in Thatcham RG19. I had to paint eight panels of a 3-foot-high fence on one side, six slatted 2-foot-high fences on both sides, and three slatted 3-foot-high fences on one side only. I already had paint and three buckets but was ready to get more from B&Q if needed. I chose to avoid spraying because I have artificial grass all over, and overspray would cause a mess.
In this post, I’ll share my experience, tips, and advice for anyone in a similar situation. I’ll also talk about the paint I used, Ronseal Charcoal Grey, and why it worked well for me.
Planning Your Fence Painting Project
Before you start painting, it’s important to plan carefully. This helps you avoid wasting paint and energy, especially if you have physical limitations like arthritis.
Assess the Fence Areas
I had three different fence types to paint:
Eight panels of 3-foot-high fence, one side only
Six slatted 2-foot-high fences, both sides
Three slatted 3-foot-high fences, one side only
Knowing the exact size and number of panels helped me estimate how much paint I needed. Since I already had three buckets of Ronseal Charcoal Grey, I was prepared to buy more if necessary.
Choose the Right Paint
I used Ronseal Charcoal Grey because it offers good coverage and durability. It’s designed for outdoor wood and protects against weather damage. The dark grey colour also hides dirt well and looks modern.
Avoid Spraying Near Artificial Grass
Because I have artificial grass, I didn’t want to risk paint overspray landing on it. Spraying can be quick but messy, so I chose to paint with brushes and rollers. This method is slower but more controlled.

Fence panel freshly painted with Ronseal Charcoal Grey
Step-by-Step Fence Painting Tips
Painting fences can be tiring, especially with arthritis. Here are some tips that helped me manage the work without overdoing it.
Prepare the Fence Surface
Remove any dirt, dust, or loose paint with a stiff brush.
Check for any rotten wood and replace if needed.
If the fence was painted twice in the last five years, a light sanding helps the new paint stick better.
Use the Right Tools
A good quality brush for edges and corners.
A roller for flat panels to speed up the process.
A paint tray and stirrer to keep the paint mixed well.
Work in Small Sections
I painted one panel or slatted section at a time. This made the task less overwhelming and allowed me to rest between sections.
Apply Two Coats
Since the fence had been painted twice before, I still applied two coats for a fresh, even finish. Ronseal Charcoal Grey covers well, so the second coat was quicker.
Take Breaks and Protect Your Joints
Arthritis can make repetitive movements painful. I took regular breaks and used cushioned gloves to reduce strain on my hands.
Why Ronseal Charcoal Grey Works Well for Fences
Ronseal is a trusted brand for outdoor wood protection. Here’s why I recommend their Charcoal Grey fence paint:
Durability: It protects wood from rain, sun, and frost.
Coverage: One litre covers about 8 square metres, so it’s easy to estimate how much you need.
Colour: The charcoal grey is modern and hides dirt well.
Ease of Use: It brushes and rolls on smoothly without drips.
If you want to buy more paint, B&Q stocks Ronseal products, making it easy to get what you need locally.

Applying the second coat of Ronseal Charcoal Grey on slatted fence
Managing Fence Painting with Arthritis
Painting fences is physically demanding. Arthritis adds extra challenges, but there are ways to make it easier.
Use Ergonomic Tools
Look for brushes and rollers with comfortable handles. This reduces hand strain.
Break the Job into Sessions
Don’t try to finish all at once. Spread the work over several days or weeks.
Ask for Help
If possible, get a friend or family member to assist with the heavier or harder-to-reach parts.
Consider Professional Help
If painting becomes too difficult, hiring a local garden maintenance service can be a good option. They have the right tools and experience to do the job quickly and safely.
Why I Chose Not to Spray Paint
Spray painting fences is faster but not always practical. Here’s why I avoided it:
Artificial Grass Protection: Spray paint can drift and stain artificial grass.
Control: Brush and roller give better control over coverage and avoid waste.
Clean-up: Spraying requires more preparation and clean-up, which can be tiring.
For anyone with delicate garden surfaces, brushing is a safer choice.

Fence painted carefully to avoid paint on artificial grass
Final Thoughts on Fence Painting in Thatcham RG19
Painting fences is a great way to keep your garden looking fresh and protected. Using Ronseal Charcoal Grey gave me a strong, attractive finish that lasts. Planning the job carefully and working in small steps helped me manage the task despite arthritis.
If you have artificial grass, avoid spraying to keep your lawn clean. Instead, use brushes and rollers for better control. And if the job feels too much, don’t hesitate to reach out to local garden maintenance services. They can take the pressure off and ensure your fences look their best.
At Easygardenshub.com, we’re ready to help with all garden maintenance jobs, including fence painting. Just fill out the form on our website and upload photos of the jobs you need done ✔️ thanks.
Painting your fences doesn’t have to be a struggle. With the right paint, tools, and approach, you can keep your garden looking great for years to come.



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