Shed Painting Tips
Is it a good idea to paint a shed?
Painting a shed is a great way to enhance its curb appeal while also extending lifespan. A well-applied exterior paint job serves as a protective barrier, shielding the wood from moisture, rot, and other environmental factors. By investing in a fresh coat of paint, you not only beautify your outdoor space but also ensure that your shed remains durable and functional for years to come.
Can you paint over old paint on shed?
If you are starting with a brand new shed, applying a paint for the first time needs little or no preparation. However, you may well be looking to smarten up an existing shed that has previously had woodstain or paint applied. In fact, the signs of peeling or faded paint are the indicators that it's time for a repaint.
You might be wondering, "Can I paint over a painted shed?" The answer is yes. However, the key to a flawless paint job lies in the preparation and the product you will be using.
How to prepare the shed for painting
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Thoroughly clean your shed and wash off all dirt and debris. A garden hose could help you do that especially if has a spray nozzle that allows you to adjust the pressure but that may require a lot of time, effort and too much water. However, if you have a pressure washer, you can get rid of all the dirt in no time.
Before you start painting, it's important to prepare the surface. If your shed or fence has any flaking paint or rough areas, sand them down until the surface is smooth.
Allow to dry and start painting. If you don't paint your shed, you're losing one layer of protection against the elements. Whether your area has rain all year round or a mix of sunshine and rain, the elements could damage your shed. When you pick the right paint, you can help protect the exterior of the shed and everything you store in it.
What's the best shed paint colour?
POPULAR SHED PAINTS
When should I be painting?
Painting a shed needs a dry day and decent paint. Spring and summer are both great times of the year to crack the paint out. Just make sure there's no rain forecasted for a good few days. The wood itself also needs to be completely dry before you can paint over the top.
What shed paint should I use?
Choose a Highly Durable Paint
Wooden shed stain is easier to apply. Plus, some people prefer the look of stain. That said, shed paint comes in more colours and is easier to clean – dust, dirt and debris is less likely to stick to paint. What's more, paint also tends to last longer than solid stain and provides better protection from sun damage.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Colour for Your Shed
One of the main factors you will want to take into account when choosing a style for your garden shed is how well the new colour will blend into the current colour scheme of your fencing, your house, garden furniture, and any other particularly large elements in your space.
Consider the Style of your Home and Existing Decor
It is best to coordinate the colour palette with these aspects to ensure you retain a sense of visual harmony in your garden. It would be possible to incorporate accent colours or opt for an altogether different style, this should be done carefully though, and certainly with the help of samples. More on that later.
TIPS
By this point, I'm sure you have a colour already picked out, however, there are a few considerations you should take before starting to make sure you get the most out of your shed upgrade.
Try a Tester Pot
Before you go ahead and purchase a large quantity of paint it is taking some time to test your paint colour. For an exterior project, the best way to do this is with one of our exterior tester pots. Don't just limit yourself to one colour and try a few different shades to see which best suits your space.
One pro tip is to leave it on for a few days and try to see it in different lighting conditions as it can make a big difference to its appearance.
Use Durable Paint
A fresh coat of paint not only offers a vibrant new appearance but also protects sheds from the elements. A very important consideration when taking on any exterior decorating project. This is where Shedcare's premium Royal Exterior paints come in. Specially formulated to perform reliably in harsh environments, our paints are very well-suited for your shed.
Add Creativity
Find the perfect shade for your shed is only part of the project here. This DIY project is also an excellent opportunity to imprint your own personal style preferences with little personal touches or decorations. Another way to do this could be by introducing an accent colour into the mix.
What shed paints are on the market?
The best paint for wooden walls is typically a high-quality latex or acrylic paint designed for exterior use. These paints offer durability, easy application, and a smooth finish on wood surfaces. Acrylic (water-based) are easier to clean up and dry faster, than oil based paints and are available in a wide selection of colours and finishes. There is no requirement for a primer, unless your garden shed has not been treated against rot and decay (tanalised). Should you need a wood treatment prior to painting then use our wood preserver plus.
Conclusion
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Well, that is our detailed guide to the array of colours you can choose to paint an old shed. As you will know if you have made it to this point there are many colours worth considering.
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Remember to take time to consider any considerations which can impact the best colour for your shed. Weather conditions and the level of maintenance you are willing to do will both play a significant role in how which colour you choose for your shed.