Can you paint on a wet surface?
In this regard, what happens if it rains after you paint?
If it rains before the paint surfaces dry the rain will wash some of the paint off that were painted last. This is rarely a problem because the surfaces, when dry the next day, can just be repainted. Oil base takes longer to dry and therefore rain should not be in the forecast for about 24 hours.
Keeping this in view, can you paint a wet fence?
Wait for your fence to completely dry out from the rain. Depending on your climate, this may take several days. Paint will not adhere properly to wet or even damp wood.
2 Answers. I would paint after the rain and make sure there is a tarp over the deck before it rains. You need the manufacturer's guidelines but two simple rules to painting outside is not touching a damp surface - and it can take a few days for a deck to dry out and not painting within 48 hours of rain forecast.