How to Paint Chain Link Fences for Cyberpunk Scenery

Quick Answer

Paint your chain link fences with a dark metallic base, then apply rust washes and drybrush highlights for a gritty cyberpunk look that fits any dystopian tabletop.

Step-by-Step Painting Guide

1. 1. Prime the Fence: Spray the chain link fence with a dark grey or black primer. Hold the can 8–10 inches away and apply light, even coats to avoid pooling on the mesh. Let dry completely. Common mistake: applying too much primer clogs the mesh holes. Use short bursts from a distance.
2. 2. Base Coat with Dark Metal: Paint the entire fence with a dark metallic color like Gunmetal or Dark Steel. Use a large drybrush or a rattle can if available. This establishes the underlying metal look. Checkpoint: ensure the mesh is fully covered but not flooded. Thin paint if needed.
3. 3. Apply Rust Washes: Mix a wash of orange-brown (e.g., Ryza Rust or thinned Mournfang Brown) with water or medium. Brush it into the corners and along the bottom edges of the fence panels. Let it seep into the mesh for natural corrosion. Common mistake: applying wash over the entire surface makes it look muddy. Focus on recesses and lower areas.
4. 4. Drybrush Highlights: Load a drybrush with a bright silver or chrome and wipe off most of the paint. Lightly drag it across the raised edges of the fence posts and the top of the mesh to catch the highlights. Checkpoint: too much paint on the brush will cover the rust. Keep the brush almost dry.
5. 5. Add Weathering Details: Use a sponge or stippling brush to dab small patches of dark brown or black along the fence posts. This simulates chipped paint and grime. Optionally, add a thin line of neon color (green or magenta) along the base for a cyberpunk glow. Common mistake: over-weathering makes the fence look cartoonish. Less is more; step back to check balance.
6. 6. Seal and Assemble: Spray the fence with a matte varnish to protect the paint. Once dry, connect the sections using the included connectors to create your desired fence length. Checkpoint: test the connectors before varnishing to avoid scratching the paint. Assemble after sealing for a snug fit.

Product Used

• Chain Link Fences: Each Chain-link Fences box includes ten sections of fencing, plus enough connectors to make a fence four feet (120 cm) long. These accessories come unpainted. The unpainted mesh gives you a clean slate to apply your own cyberpunk color scheme, and the long length lets you cover large tabletop areas without multiple purchases.