Fence contractor issues

[moi]

Hoping to get some input from the wise folks here. (Edited for clarity)

I had a 63 ft iron fence that rotted/rusted where the posts join the low brick wall on the perimeter. Got a reputable contractor with good yelp review to install a new fence. They used prefabricated fence, powder-coated black, and welded the prefab fence sections onto new posts that they installed. The physical installation looked good to me.

Then at the end they spray painted the fence.

Because the fence pickets have 4 inch spacing, I need to attach a 2.3ft tall wire fence (actual product link below) at the bottom to stop rabbits from coming through. The contractor advised letting paint dry 3 days prior to fastening the wire fence to the fence. I waited 9 days. Highest temp for those days was 80-100F+.

Picture of the wire fence product


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-2- ... /205960863

As I tried attach the wire fence to the fence, simply leaning the wire fence against it scratched off the paint. Apparently the contractor spray painted the paint (I assume only one coat) without primer.

Questions:

What is the correct way to paint a powder coated fence? Does it need a primer layer?

Now that there is a layer of paint already on top of the powder coated fence, would it be okay to directly put primer on top of that layer of paint, then add another layer of paint on top of the primer? Or does the existing layer of paint need to be removed first?

The contractor tells me that it's to be expected that the paint comes off easily, and he will only touch up the paint where it's scratched off. Does that sound right to you?

I paid $4800 for that 63 ft linear fence! Really want a properly painted fence that would last 15-20 years!

[Northern Flicker]

Not letting the paint cure for a couple of weeks before attaching the mesh would also be an issue.

[moi]

Not letting the paint cure for a couple of weeks before attaching the mesh would also be an issue.

The contractor advised letting paint dry 3 days prior to fastening the mesh (with zip tie) to the fence. I waited 11 days. Highest temp for those days was 80-100F+. Despite that, the paint came off

Do you think waiting 30 days for the paint to cure would solve the problem? (Google says exterior paint takes up to 30 days to dry).

[Sandtrap]

Hoping to get some input from the wise folks here. (Edited for clarity)

I had a 63 ft iron fence that rotted/rusted where the posts join the low brick wall on the perimeter. Got a reputable contractor with good yelp review to install a new fence. They used prefabricated fence, powder-coated black, and soldered the prefab fence sections onto new posts that they installed. The physical installation looked good to me.

Then at the end they painted the fence.

Because the fence pickets have 4 inch spacing, I need to attach wire mesh at the bottom to stop rabbits from coming through. The contractor advised letting paint dry 3 days prior to fastening the mesh to the fence. I waited 11 days. Highest temp for those days was 80-100F+.

As I tried attach the mesh to the fence, simply leaning the mesh against it scratched off the paint. Apparently the contractor applied the paint (I assume only one coat) without primer.

Questions:

What is the correct way to paint a powder coated fence? Does it need a primary layer?

Now that there is a layer of paint already on top of the powder coated fence, would it be okay to directly put primer on top of that layer of paint, then add another layer of paint on top of the primer? Or does the existing layer of paint need to be removed first?

The contractor tells me that it's to be expected that the paint comes off easily, and he will only touch up the paint where it's scratched off. Does that sound right to you?

I paid $4800 for that 63 ft linear fence! Really want a properly painted fence that would last 15-20 years!

Powder coated metal is difficult to paint over properly. The original powder coat finish is baked on and cured and is extremely hard.
The surface should be sanded to roughen it up for a physical bond, then solvent based primer or epoxy primer, etc, specifically for priming steel. The finish coat should be solvent based as well. Fully cure dry time is long.

If the contractor just used cans of spray paint to paint the "welded areas" and also the rest of the fence, then it will always be as "scratchable" as it is now, and the thin layer of spray paint won't last very long as well.

At best, lightly sand the areas that you are going to add mesh and zip ties to, IE: from base to 2 feet up on the whole fence, then properly prime and paint.

j

[lthenderson]

I agree with Sandtrap above, rattlecan spray paint over welded areas will always be scratchable, especially with metal mesh rubbing up against it. I think the right thing is for the contractor to touch up the paint which it sounds like he is willing to do. Now that the mesh is in place and once it has been touched up, I wouldn't lose a lot of sleep over things.

The ideal installation of powder coated fence panels would have been if they could have bolted it to an existing section to leave the much more durable powder coated surface intact. I'm assuming this was possible/feasible in this case.

[tibbitts]

It's difficult for me to picture this fence, but I don't understand "soldering" (I assume welding?) here. It seems like that destroys the entire point of powder coating? Why not use extremely rust-resistant fasteners - maybe stainless steel? It wouldn't be 100% rust-resistant, as there will always be small scratches etc., but wouldn't it be better?

Maybe if small animals are an issue choose a different fence design the next time you do this?

[moi]

Hoping to get some input from the wise folks here. (Edited for clarity)

I had a 63 ft iron fence that rotted/rusted where the posts join the low brick wall on the perimeter. Got a reputable contractor with good yelp review to install a new fence. They used prefabricated fence, powder-coated black, and soldered the prefab fence sections onto new posts that they installed. The physical installation looked good to me.

Then at the end they painted the fence.

Because the fence pickets have 4 inch spacing, I need to attach wire mesh at the bottom to stop rabbits from coming through. The contractor advised letting paint dry 3 days prior to fastening the mesh to the fence. I waited 11 days. Highest temp for those days was 80-100F+.

As I tried attach the mesh to the fence, simply leaning the mesh against it scratched off the paint. Apparently the contractor applied the paint (I assume only one coat) without primer.

Questions:

What is the correct way to paint a powder coated fence? Does it need a primary layer?

Now that there is a layer of paint already on top of the powder coated fence, would it be okay to directly put primer on top of that layer of paint, then add another layer of paint on top of the primer? Or does the existing layer of paint need to be removed first?

The contractor tells me that it's to be expected that the paint comes off easily, and he will only touch up the paint where it's scratched off. Does that sound right to you?

I paid $4800 for that 63 ft linear fence! Really want a properly painted fence that would last 15-20 years!

Powder coated metal is difficult to paint over properly. The original powder coat finish is baked on and cured and is extremely hard.
The surface should be sanded to roughen it up for a physical bond, then solvent based primer or epoxy primer, etc, specifically for priming steel. The finish coat should be solvent based as well. Fully cure dry time is long.

If the contractor just used cans of spray paint to paint the "welded areas" and also the rest of the fence, then it will always be as "scratchable" as it is now, and the thin layer of spray paint won't last very long as well.

At best, lightly sand the areas that you are going to add mesh and zip ties to, IE: from base to 2 feet up on the whole fence, then properly prime and paint.

j

thanks for your helpful comments. I've updated my original posts with pictures to add more info.

The contractor used spray gun to spray the paint, and I am concerned that the paint job won't last and it'll be 1-3 years before the paint fail, and the welded areas will be exposed to moisture (mostly from the sprinkler) and start to rust and fail.

Do you think it's reasonable to ask the contractor to sand, prime, then paint? It doesn't sound like the contractor has intention to do that. Should I just pay a painter to do that so this new fence would last 10-15 years? I feel a proper paint job should have been included with the job

[bogles the mind]

I would inspect the welds yearly and touch up with Rustoleum spray paint as needed. Shouldn't be that many welds if done properly in the first place. Why did the contractor paint the entire fence? Seems only the welds should have been painted if the fence already had a powder coat finish. As mentioned, welds should have been avoided if possible.

[Sandtrap]

<snip>
<snip>
thanks for your helpful comments. I've updated my original posts with pictures to add more info.

The contractor used spray gun to spray the paint, and I am concerned that the paint job won't last and it'll be 1-3 years before the paint fail, and the welded areas will be exposed to moisture (mostly from the sprinkler) and start to rust and fail.
1
Do you think it's reasonable to ask the contractor to sand, prime, then paint?
2
It doesn't sound like the contractor has intention to do that.
3
Should I just pay a painter to do that so this new fence would last 10-15 years?
4
I feel a proper paint job should have been included with the job

1
unreasonable
2
If your contract specifically stated, "sand, prime, paint.." with details as to what paint to use, etc. Then there's no issue that would hold up in "small claims court". So. Not worth pursuing.
3
If you have the money and it is a concern and you will "sleep better" knowing it is "finished and done with", then...yes.
Sand, prime with solvent based primer made for metal application, paint with solvent based paint made for metal to match existing color.

Either now or wait until the paint peels or flakes from loss of adhesion or rust underneath since you have sprinklers.
It might be fine for a long long time, or not. Unknown.
Your choice.
4
Consider "no climb" metal fencing mesh material??

j

[lthenderson]

The contractor used spray gun to spray the paint, and I am concerned that the paint job won't last and it'll be 1-3 years before the paint fail, and the welded areas will be exposed to moisture (mostly from the sprinkler) and start to rust and fail.

Do you think it's reasonable to ask the contractor to sand, prime, then paint? It doesn't sound like the contractor has intention to do that. Should I just pay a painter to do that so this new fence would last 10-15 years? I feel a proper paint job should have been included with the job

Thanks for the pictures. I thought they had painted over the welding but they painted the entire fence. I'm not sure why the fence wasn't powder coated in the color of choice to start with. It would have been the most durable finish. As Sandtrap said above, painting powder coated metal is difficult because powder coating leaves behind a smooth hard finish that is hard for paint to stick too. Really the only way to get a somewhat durable paint layer (still won't be as durable as the powder coated layer) is to sand and clean the surface really well before using a high quality primer and then paint color of your choice.

I wouldn't expect a run of the mill contractor to do any of this without specifically stating it in the contract. It is a lot of work to do a decent job due to the four sides and close spaces involved. It will be virtually impossible to do this by hand on site and get in all the crevasses and corners without spending days on just the sanding.

If you didn't specify it specifically in your contract, I'm guessing the best outcome is for the painter to touch up the paint but it will never be a durable finish. Those scratches in the paint are only aesthetical blemishes though as the powder coated finish underneath is still intact. No worries about rusting there. The only places you will need to monitor in the future will be where it was welded and destroyed the powder coated finish. You should probably inspect those areas every couple years or so and reapply paint as necessary.

[walkabout]

I’m surprised that your contractor sold you this solution (black powder coated fence to be painted white after installation) vs selling you a white fence in the first place. I agree with other posters that most paints (maybe all) won’t stick well to the powder coated surface without a fair amount of prep. I would think that prep would involve, at least, sanding - at least enough to roughen the surface, high bond primer, then a high quality paint. I doubt that many paint finishes are as durable as a powder coated finish would be.

[TexasPE]

Have you considered sand blasting the fence as installed, then priming/ top coating with a commercial paint sprayer?

[LotsaGray]

Hoping to get some input from the wise folks here. (Edited for clarity)

I had a 63 ft iron fence that rotted/rusted where the posts join the low brick wall on the perimeter. Got a reputable contractor with good yelp review to install a new fence. They used prefabricated fence, powder-coated black, and welded the prefab fence sections onto new posts that they installed. The physical installation looked good to me.

Then at the end they spray painted the fence.

Because the fence pickets have 4 inch spacing, I need to attach a 2.3ft tall wire fence (actual product link below) at the bottom to stop rabbits from coming through. The contractor advised letting paint dry 3 days prior to fastening the wire fence to the fence. I waited 9 days. Highest temp for those days was 80-100F+.

Picture of the wire fence product


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-2- ... /205960863

As I tried attach the wire fence to the fence, simply leaning the wire fence against it scratched off the paint. Apparently the contractor spray painted the paint (I assume only one coat) without primer.

Questions:

What is the correct way to paint a powder coated fence? Does it need a primer layer?

Now that there is a layer of paint already on top of the powder coated fence, would it be okay to directly put primer on top of that layer of paint, then add another layer of paint on top of the primer? Or does the existing layer of paint need to be removed first?

The contractor tells me that it's to be expected that the paint comes off easily, and he will only touch up the paint where it's scratched off. Does that sound right to you?

I paid $4800 for that 63 ft linear fence! Really want a properly painted fence that would last 15-20 years!

Powder coat isn’t intended to be painted. Powder coat is a highly durable finish coat. You should have used a white powder coated fence or left it black.

You can rough up the powder coat and then probably a expoxy paint might work. That is more than I would expect from contractor. OTOH, I would not expect a contractor to paint a powder coated fence.

[illumination]

The contractor should have known painting over a powder coat finish like that would have issues. If you want that color, it's probably going to have to be something you touchup every few years if it's not done right. There's specific products and primers/epoxys made for applications like that. When you say "spray paint" was applied, was it literal disposable aerosol cans or was it from an real spray gun?

And the quality of the powder coating can also vary quite a bit. I had what I thought was a reputable company install a pool fence that was powdercoated black. It started rusting like 2 years in and rapidly faded. No idea what the process was, and I went on their Yelp page and almost everyone else was also complaining. I tore it all down when the kids were old enough, but it really became an eye sore. I suspect it was the absolute cheapest Chinese junk iron they could find, I live in the desert and this thing was literally an orange crumbling mess in certain spots.

My opinion is the contractor is at fault here if you were upfront about everything, but I think it's unlikely they'll concede that. If it's chipping like that now, it will look really bad a few years from now. I would maybe ask for a refund for the paint part of the job and see if something can be worked out and have someone else redo it.

[moi]

<snip>
<snip>
thanks for your helpful comments. I've updated my original posts with pictures to add more info.

The contractor used spray gun to spray the paint, and I am concerned that the paint job won't last and it'll be 1-3 years before the paint fail, and the welded areas will be exposed to moisture (mostly from the sprinkler) and start to rust and fail.
1
Do you think it's reasonable to ask the contractor to sand, prime, then paint?
2
It doesn't sound like the contractor has intention to do that.
3
Should I just pay a painter to do that so this new fence would last 10-15 years?
4
I feel a proper paint job should have been included with the job

1
unreasonable
2
If your contract specifically stated, "sand, prime, paint.." with details as to what paint to use, etc. Then there's no issue that would hold up in "small claims court". So. Not worth pursuing.
3
If you have the money and it is a concern and you will "sleep better" knowing it is "finished and done with", then...yes.
Sand, prime with solvent based primer made for metal application, paint with solvent based paint made for metal to match existing color.

Either now or wait until the paint peels or flakes from loss of adhesion or rust underneath since you have sprinklers.
It might be fine for a long long time, or not. Unknown.
Your choice.
4
Consider "no climb" metal fencing mesh material??

j

What is a “no climb” metal fencing material? Right now my thinking is to affix some kind of fencing material that hopefully won’t scratch the paint off.

And also every year look at the critical welds and see if they need to be repainted.

[moi]

I would inspect the welds yearly and touch up with Rustoleum spray paint as needed. Shouldn't be that many welds if done properly in the first place. Why did the contractor paint the entire fence? Seems only the welds should have been painted if the fence already had a powder coat finish. As mentioned, welds should have been avoided if possible.

The contractor bought premade, already powder coated black fence, then welded them to the posts inserted into the low brick wall. The HOA requires a specific color so the whole fence was painted. My guess is the contractor doesn’t do the powder coating themselves, they just buy it off the shelf.

Thanks for that inspection yearly idea. Instead of doing a whole fence sand and paint job I’ll inspect and repaint as needed. That sounds like the most cost effective solution.

[Sandtrap]

1
unreasonable
2
If your contract specifically stated, "sand, prime, paint.." with details as to what paint to use, etc. Then there's no issue that would hold up in "small claims court". So. Not worth pursuing.
3
If you have the money and it is a concern and you will "sleep better" knowing it is "finished and done with", then...yes.
Sand, prime with solvent based primer made for metal application, paint with solvent based paint made for metal to match existing color.

Either now or wait until the paint peels or flakes from loss of adhesion or rust underneath since you have sprinklers.
It might be fine for a long long time, or not. Unknown.
Your choice.
4
Consider "no climb" metal fencing mesh material??

j

What is a “no climb” metal fencing material? Right now my thinking is to affix some kind of fencing material that hopefully won’t scratch the paint off.

And also every year look at the critical welds and see if they need to be repainted.

"no cliimb" "fencing material comes in rolls, The rectangular openings are made in such a way that verious criters can't climb it.
For light use, it comes coated.
j

[moi]

The contractor used spray gun to spray the paint, and I am concerned that the paint job won't last and it'll be 1-3 years before the paint fail, and the welded areas will be exposed to moisture (mostly from the sprinkler) and start to rust and fail.

Do you think it's reasonable to ask the contractor to sand, prime, then paint? It doesn't sound like the contractor has intention to do that. Should I just pay a painter to do that so this new fence would last 10-15 years? I feel a proper paint job should have been included with the job

Thanks for the pictures. I thought they had painted over the welding but they painted the entire fence. I'm not sure why the fence wasn't powder coated in the color of choice to start with. It would have been the most durable finish. As Sandtrap said above, painting powder coated metal is difficult because powder coating leaves behind a smooth hard finish that is hard for paint to stick too. Really the only way to get a somewhat durable paint layer (still won't be as durable as the powder coated layer) is to sand and clean the surface really well before using a high quality primer and then paint color of your choice.

I wouldn't expect a run of the mill contractor to do any of this without specifically stating it in the contract. It is a lot of work to do a decent job due to the four sides and close spaces involved. It will be virtually impossible to do this by hand on site and get in all the crevasses and corners without spending days on just the sanding.

If you didn't specify it specifically in your contract, I'm guessing the best outcome is for the painter to touch up the paint but it will never be a durable finish. Those scratches in the paint are only aesthetical blemishes though as the powder coated finish underneath is still intact. No worries about rusting there. The only places you will need to monitor in the future will be where it was welded and destroyed the powder coated finish. You should probably inspect those areas every couple years or so and reapply paint as necessary.

Thanks very helpful comments. I’ll monitor the welds and repaint as needed.

Do you have any suggestions for what kind of fencing or material I could affix to the fence without scratching off the paint? Just trying to stop the rabbits from coming through.

[moi]

The contractor should have known painting over a powder coat finish like that would have issues. If you want that color, it's probably going to have to be something you touchup every few years if it's not done right. There's specific products and primers/epoxys made for applications like that. When you say "spray paint" was applied, was it literal disposable aerosol cans or was it from an real spray gun?

And the quality of the powder coating can also vary quite a bit. I had what I thought was a reputable company install a pool fence that was powdercoated black. It started rusting like 2 years in and rapidly faded. No idea what the process was, and I went on their Yelp page and almost everyone else was also complaining. I tore it all down when the kids were old enough, but it really became an eye sore. I suspect it was the absolute cheapest Chinese junk iron they could find, I live in the desert and this thing was literally an orange crumbling mess in certain spots.

My opinion is the contractor is at fault here if you were upfront about everything, but I think it's unlikely they'll concede that. If it's chipping like that now, it will look really bad a few years from now. I would maybe ask for a refund for the paint part of the job and see if something can be worked out and have someone else redo it.

It was painted with a spray gun. The contractor knew from the beginning this was to be the HOA specified color and the solution sold was off the shelf black fence painted over later. It’s frustrating as I expected a durable solution, and there was no mention the paint would come off that easily.

[LotsaGray]

I would inspect the welds yearly and touch up with Rustoleum spray paint as needed. Shouldn't be that many welds if done properly in the first place. Why did the contractor paint the entire fence? Seems only the welds should have been painted if the fence already had a powder coat finish. As mentioned, welds should have been avoided if possible.

The contractor bought premade, already powder coated black fence, then welded them to the posts inserted into the low brick wall. The HOA requires a specific color so the whole fence was painted. My guess is the contractor doesn’t do the powder coating themselves, they just buy it off the shelf.

Thanks for that inspection yearly idea. Instead of doing a whole fence sand and paint job I’ll inspect and repaint as needed. That sounds like the most cost effective solution.

But white powder coat is available. Seems to me that is what should have been specified in the contract. Then all the painting that was needed would be the weld metal (and maybe some around that.) This bare weld metal would be much easier to paint in a lasting way. And since very small amount, likely could have specified and used epoxy paint or similar. And that assumes that efforts were not made to avoid welds (but still any visible connection metal would have needed to also be painted.

[LotsaGray]

Thanks for the pictures. I thought they had painted over the welding but they painted the entire fence. I'm not sure why the fence wasn't powder coated in the color of choice to start with. It would have been the most durable finish. As Sandtrap said above, painting powder coated metal is difficult because powder coating leaves behind a smooth hard finish that is hard for paint to stick too. Really the only way to get a somewhat durable paint layer (still won't be as durable as the powder coated layer) is to sand and clean the surface really well before using a high quality primer and then paint color of your choice.

I wouldn't expect a run of the mill contractor to do any of this without specifically stating it in the contract. It is a lot of work to do a decent job due to the four sides and close spaces involved. It will be virtually impossible to do this by hand on site and get in all the crevasses and corners without spending days on just the sanding.

If you didn't specify it specifically in your contract, I'm guessing the best outcome is for the painter to touch up the paint but it will never be a durable finish. Those scratches in the paint are only aesthetical blemishes though as the powder coated finish underneath is still intact. No worries about rusting there. The only places you will need to monitor in the future will be where it was welded and destroyed the powder coated finish. You should probably inspect those areas every couple years or so and reapply paint as necessary.

Thanks very helpful comments. I’ll monitor the welds and repaint as needed.

Do you have any suggestions for what kind of fencing or material I could affix to the fence without scratching off the paint? Just trying to stop the rabbits from coming through.

Unless the paint has cured and bonded better, anything I can think of would scratch the paint as originally shown/described. Just the installation activity would scratch it. But if is has since cured and bonded better, even if not perfect and still "fragile", I would recommend non-metal, probably plastic, installed with non-metal connections. Maybe something as simple as a plastic "screen" attached with zip ties. When you inspected the welds you would also inspect this as it will 'wear out' and animals will chew through.

[moi]

Thanks very helpful comments. I’ll monitor the welds and repaint as needed.

Do you have any suggestions for what kind of fencing or material I could affix to the fence without scratching off the paint? Just trying to stop the rabbits from coming through.

Unless the paint has cured and bonded better, anything I can think of would scratch the paint as originally shown/described. Just the installation activity would scratch it. But if is has since cured and bonded better, even if not perfect and still "fragile", I would recommend non-metal, probably plastic, installed with non-metal connections. Maybe something as simple as a plastic "screen" attached with zip ties. When you inspected the welds you would also inspect this as it will 'wear out' and animals will chew through.

Super helpful. I think I’ll try these plastic screens.

[Jeepergeo]

Not letting the paint cure for a couple of weeks before attaching the mesh would also be an issue.

The contractor advised letting paint dry 3 days prior to fastening the mesh (with zip tie) to the fence. I waited 11 days. Highest temp for those days was 80-100F+. Despite that, the paint came off

Do you think waiting 30 days for the paint to cure would solve the problem? (Google says exterior paint takes up to 30 days to dry).

In your OP, you said 9 days.

The pic suggests the wire fabric was scraped across the newly painted fence, which seems to be on you. Why didn't you have the fence contractor install the wire fabric?

Also, at $75/ft, you paid dearly for prefabricated steel fence panels.

[Jeepergeo]

Hoping to get some input from the wise folks here. (Edited for clarity)

I had a 63 ft iron fence that rotted/rusted where the posts join the low brick wall on the perimeter. Got a reputable contractor with good yelp review to install a new fence. They used prefabricated fence, powder-coated black, and welded the prefab fence sections onto new posts that they installed. The physical installation looked good to me.

Then at the end they spray painted the fence.

Because the fence pickets have 4 inch spacing, I need to attach a 2.3ft tall wire fence (actual product link below) at the bottom to stop rabbits from coming through. The contractor advised letting paint dry 3 days prior to fastening the wire fence to the fence. I waited 9 days. Highest temp for those days was 80-100F+.

Picture of the wire fence product


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-2- ... /205960863

As I tried attach the wire fence to the fence, simply leaning the wire fence against it scratched off the paint. Apparently the contractor spray painted the paint (I assume only one coat) without primer.

Questions:

What is the correct way to paint a powder coated fence? Does it need a primer layer?

Now that there is a layer of paint already on top of the powder coated fence, would it be okay to directly put primer on top of that layer of paint, then add another layer of paint on top of the primer? Or does the existing layer of paint need to be removed first?

The contractor tells me that it's to be expected that the paint comes off easily, and he will only touch up the paint where it's scratched off. Does that sound right to you?

I paid $4800 for that 63 ft linear fence! Really want a properly painted fence that would last 15-20 years!

9 days or 11 days?

[bogles the mind]

Dry and hard are 2 different things with paint. Hard can take much longer.

[YeahBuddy]

Sounds right to me! Contractor is willing to touch up the paint. Accept that offer. Often times, we expect perfection and when slightly less than that is experienced, we want to take drastic action when that's not reasonable.

[walkabout]

This is not very helpful, but I’ll say it anyway.

The whole solution sounds so wonky.
Metal posts installed in retaining wall. Fine.
Black prefabricated steel fence panels welded to posts. Why?
Posts and panels painted white. Double why?

We have had two similar fences installed around our pool. One 20+ years ago. One installed 2-3 years ago during pool remodel. We picked the exact color we wanted. Fence is a system whereby the panels fit into slots in the posts and then screwed to secure them. No welding.

I hope your fence works out, but I think you are in for a lifetime of scratched paint.

To at least reduce the amount the additional wire fencing scratches the paint, maybe something like this would help:

Vinyl coated hardware cloth.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Fencer-Wire ... /330186655