How To Use Microfiber Dusting Gloves To Paint Your Backyard Fence

If you have a microfiber dusting glove, then you likely use it to clean your blinds, lampshades, or other delicate items around your home. However, you can also use it to paint your backyard fence, as suggested by TikTok user @alexstubbs11. "Wish I'd tried this sooner! All you need is a washing-up glove, a microfiber dusting glove, and your fence paint," they explained in the video's caption.

Once you have what you need, slip on the dusting glove and dip one side into your paint. You can then apply the color by using the glove in the same way you would normally use a paintbrush. Not only does this hack make the task much easier, but it can also speed up the process. By covering a relatively large area in a short amount of time, you should be able to finish this job much faster. "Managed to get five panels done in half an hour, and it covers just as well as a brush," the TikTok user explained. Of course, to make this hack truly effective, you must ensure you're following a few key steps. If you don't, you might end up with a patchy, streaky finish on your fence, not to mention both a mess and a potential injury.

It's understandable to assume this TikTok hack is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is grab a microfiber dusting glove, cover it in paint, and slop it on your fence, right? Well, not quite. You actually need to opt for the right tool and proper technique. First, make sure to choose a glove that is thick enough to hold paint but not so absorbent that it soaks it up before you can apply it to the fence. You might also want a glove that has an elastic cuff so that it doesn't slip off your hand at any point during the task. To prevent paint from soaking through the dusting glove and getting on your hand, you can wear a rubber cleaning glove underneath.

When you're ready to paint, do your best to only dip the palm side of the glove into the paint and wipe off any drippy excess the same way you would with a brush. Move directly to the fence and swipe the paint onto one panel at a time until the entire fence (or however much you want) is done. While this extra TLC might seem a little unnecessary if you don't take the time to do things properly, you could end up with some serious — not to mention costly and painful — feelings of regret.

Along with following the previous tips for painting your backyard fence with a microfiber dusting glove, there are a few unfortunate outcomes to avoid. For instance, before you get started, you should check the status of the wood panels. If there are rough or missing pieces, you risk cutting or scraping yourself, not to mention getting splinters. Along with being painful, splinters can lead to inflammation, infection, and other serious issues, so it's certainly something to prevent if possible, according to American Family Physician. To do this, simply sand the wood down to give it a smooth surface before you paint.

You'll also want to avoid creating a mess in your yard while tackling this DIY. Fortunately, you can easily keep things tidy by putting a tarp, newspaper, or an old sheet down to keep paint off your grass, patio stone, or deck. If you have two tarps, place one under the fence and your paint can on the other. Finally, when applying the paint, you don't want to slap it on haphazardly. Instead, rub on an even coat in a smooth manner that follows the grain of the wood. Be sure to fill and cover any cracks, holes, or grooves. When you're done, tidy up the paint can, wash (or toss out) the glove, and enjoy the results of this fabulous hack.