REAL PROJECT · ROTHBURY, CESSNOCK AREA
A peeling green metal fence, prepared and repainted in Monument.
I repainted this metal boundary fence in Rothbury over three days. The old green paint was peeling, so I pressure washed the fence and removed the loose paint before applying a Globalcote metal undercoat. I finished with two low-sheen topcoats in Monument, the colour chosen by the customer.
Updated 19 October 2026 · By Harry Sandhu, owner of Procover Painting.
In this case study: Starting condition · Three project stages · Preparation · Your fence quote
LOCATION
Rothbury
A residential metal boundary fence in the Cessnock area.
PREPARATION
Wash and undercoat
Pressure washing followed by a Globalcote metal undercoat.
FINISH
Monument
Two low-sheen topcoats to complete the colour change.
The starting point: green paint losing adhesion
The first photograph records the fence with patches of green paint and exposed metal across the panels. The problem was the condition of the existing coating, rather than simply a colour the owner wanted to replace.
When I inspected the fence, I found that the previous repaint had not used a suitable metal undercoat. I started by removing the loose paint and preparing the metal for the new coating.
The Rothbury fence in three stages
1. Wash and remove loose paint
Day 1: I pressure washed the fence and removed the peeling paint. The loose coating needed to come off before I could undercoat and repaint the metal.
2. Grey metal undercoat
Day 2: I applied a Globalcote metal undercoat to the prepared fence. The grey finish in this photograph shows the undercoat stage.
3. Monument finish
Day 3: I applied two low-sheen topcoats in Monument, the colour chosen by the customer. This completed the three-day repaint, taking the fence from peeling green paint to an even dark finish.
Why the preparation mattered on this job
A topcoat relies on the surface underneath it. When an existing finish is peeling, the first decision is how to deal with that failed coating and prepare the exposed areas. Adding more paint without resolving the underlying condition can leave the new finish dependent on weak layers.
Every fence is different, so I check the surface and any existing paint before choosing products.
What to check if your fence looks similar
- Look for peeling, loose edges or exposed metal, not just an uneven colour.
- Photograph close-up problem areas as well as the full fence line.
- Tell the painter whether the fence has been repainted before and which products were used, if known.
- Ask what preparation and priming are included before comparing the finishing coats.
Choosing Monument for a metal fence
The customer chose Monument for this fence. If you are planning a colour change, compare a physical sample with your roof, shed, paving and other finishes. Colours can look different in sunlight, shade and photographs.
Choose the colour you like, then check which primer and topcoat suit your fence. For ideas, see our exterior colour-combinations guide.
What to include in a fence-painting enquiry
- Location: your suburb and any access arrangements.
- Size: approximate length and height, and whether one or both sides need painting.
- Condition: wide photographs plus close-ups of peeling paint, exposed metal or other concerns.
- Previous work: any repainting history or product details you have.
- Finish: your preferred colour and sheen, or whether you need samples.
- Surroundings: nearby plants, paving, buildings or belongings that need protection.
Ask the quote to distinguish preparation, primer where required and finishing coats. That makes the proposed scope easier to understand than a price described only as “paint the fence”. For broader quote checks, see our questions to ask before accepting a painting quote.
Have a peeling metal fence in Rothbury or the Cessnock area?
See our fence-painting service or send me photos for a quote. Include your suburb, the fence size, any peeling areas and whether you want one or both sides painted.
Fence repainting FAQs
Can you paint over peeling paint?
Loose and peeling paint needs to be removed before repainting. On this fence, I pressure washed the surface and removed the peeling coating before applying the metal undercoat.
How long does a metal fence repaint take?
This Rothbury job took three days: one day to pressure wash and remove peeling paint, one day for the undercoat, and a third day for two topcoats. The schedule for another fence depends on its size, condition, weather and the drying times of the selected products.
Can I choose a different fence colour?
Yes. The customer chose Monument for this project, but you can discuss another colour for your fence. I recommend checking a physical colour sample beside the finishes you are keeping before making your choice.
