Create An Accent Wall On Your Fence To Totally Elevate Your Outdoor Seating Area

Having a fenced-in yard or patio is a valuable asset for any home. Fences add privacy to our yards and outdoor spaces, they keep pets or small children from wandering into the street, and they also serve as a physical line dividing your property from your neighbor's. While their purpose is rather utilitarian, that doesn't necessarily mean they have to be devoid of any style or personality. In fact, if you think of them in terms of being a large blank canvas, the potential to turn them into stunning works of art is seemingly endless. One idea? You can paint a stunning accent wall on your fence that will totally liven up your outdoor space.

There are a couple of methods you can use to create a trendy paint pattern or beautiful mural on your fence (if you need some inspiration, check out these accent wall design ideas). To create a large-scale design, you could use a wall stencil such as this PINKIPO harlequin stencil from Amazon for about $26, which would add a slightly retro pop of pattern. This STENCILIT fern stencil, also from Amazon, costs about $39 and would lend a lovely garden vibe to your outdoor area. 

Another method you can use to create a design on your fence is called chalk transfer. This allows you to print out any design, such as this tropical mural template from Etsy for around $14.99, onto paper and transfer the design to the fence using chalk outlines.  We're covering both of these methods in detail, so you can choose which one would work best to create your accent wall.

Before painting, it's best to give your fence a cleaning to remove any dirt, mold, mildew, or algae, all of which could prevent the paint from adhering properly. Use either a pressure washer or attach a bottle of cleaner such as Microban Outdoor Surface Care (available for about $19 on Amazon) to your garden hose and spray down your fence. Rinse and then allow it to dry completely. Afterward, sand the fence with medium-grit sandpaper and wipe off the sanding dust with a broom or brush.

If using a wall stencil to add artistic flair, tape it to the fence with painter's tape. Apply exterior paint in the negative spaces of the stencil using a roller or paintbrush. Allow it to dry, and then carefully peel the stencil off the fence to reveal the painted design. To continue the pattern, line up the stencil with the area you just painted, tape it in place and apply paint. Continue painting in this manner until you've covered the desired area of the fence.

If you opt for chalk transfer, print your design onto paper or across several pieces of paper and tape them together. Coat the backside of the paper with chalk, and tape it to the fence. Firmly trace over the outline of the design with a pencil, then peel off the paper to reveal your transferred design on the fence. Paint the areas of your design with exterior paint, and enjoy the view!