Who says faux finishing should be restricted to your home's interior? Personalizing and decorating your gates, fences or other outdoor living spaces can brighten up your yard year-round. Decorating your fence or gate is an inexpensive way to personalize your yard and it requires only a creative idea and few gallons of paint.

Here are some ideas and faux finishing tools for adding decorative techniques and color to your outdoor environment:

?Sponging. Sponging is a quick and easy way to add a decorative finish to any surface -- including your gate. For example, if your fence is stained a light color, use a sponge to blot a contrasting darker shade on top. Or do the opposite if your fence is stained a darker color.

?Stenciling. Shapes, lettering and even landscaping can be created with the use of stencils, and it presents an excellent opportunity to personalize your gate. Use shapes or images that appeal to you. If you love the water, stencil sailboats or fish. Or consider pairing your design with the rest of your landscaping. For example, if your fence surrounds a Japanese rock garden, consider stenciling Japanese lettering up the posts. Check your local arts and crafts store for pre-made stencils or-if you are feeling creative-make your own.

?Repetitive Patterns. A checkerboard, striped or plaid pattern on your gateposts might be the zip of color your backyard needs. Polka dots, diamonds or family initials are also great ideas for repetitive patterns.

Whatever technique you decide to do, make sure you prepare the surface properly before beginning your project.

1.First, wash the surface with a wood cleaner like Flood's Dekswood? Deck Cleaner