A TikTok user has shared a cost-effective and speedy method for painting garden fences using a standard yellow sponge, which costs as little as 46p per sponge. The hack, demonstrated by @mrsclarehoops, eliminates the need for paintbrushes or sprayers and has been hailed as 'genius' by viewers.
The Sponge Method
In a video posted to TikTok, Clare, who has over 130,000 followers, explains the process: 'Just a reminder, if you're painting fences this weekend, you should try the sponge method. Take a big yellow sponge, I like to chop it in half, but you could use it full. So then you have two sponges. It's a bit messy, so you are going to want some rubber gloves.'
Clare then dips the sponge into paint and spreads it evenly across the fence, noting that the sponge 'just glides on and gets into all the really bumpy bits.' She adds, 'I've tried so many different methods of painting fences over the years, and this is by far the fastest. It might not be the neatest, but it's the fastest.'
Cost and Availability
Large yellow sponges are widely available at DIY stores and supermarkets, with prices starting at 46p each. The hack has been described by Clare as the 'quickest fence painting hack,' and viewers in the comments section have expressed their agreement.
Viewer Reactions
One user commented, 'Those sponges are such good value considering the myriad of uses they have.' Another said, 'Good hack.' A third remarked, 'This found me at just the right time! Thank you.' A fourth shared an alternative tip: 'A rag does it too! Like an old t-shirt!'
A social media user added, 'Thank you for this. I have to do mine this year, and I use a big brush, but it's always so uncomfortable.' Someone else noted, 'This is absolutely genius, paints fences in minutes, but I would recommend cleaning the fences of algae first.'
Practical Benefits
Painting a garden fence not only improves kerb appeal but also protects the wood from weather damage. While traditional methods with brushes or sprayers can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially for large fences, the sponge method offers a quicker alternative, albeit with less precision.
