Exterior paint is one of the most versatile types you can use for decorating the outside of your home. There are a lot of wood surfaces we can work on, from sheds and fences to decking and wooden furniture. Knowing what paint is best, and how to make the most of it, is essential if you want your garden to be the envy of your friends and family this summer.
This is part two of our best exterior wood paint blog series. Last time we talked about fence paint and decking paint, this time will be all about sheds and furniture. So let’s great straight to it and answer some of your burning exterior paint-related questions.
The Best Paint for Sheds
Nothing ruins our lovely gardens like a worn out, rotting shed in the corner. When we buy our sheds for the first time, they look great! A centrepiece of our outdoor areas that we also use all the time.
But after a few years of exposure to the elements, even the toughest shed starts to look a little tired. By giving it a fresh coat of paint, you’ll make your shed look better than new and also protect it from further wear and tear.
However, before you break out the paint brushes, you should inspect your shed thoroughly first. If it’s starting to rot, no amount of paint will fix it. And any imperfections will show through multiple layers, even with a primer. Make any necessary repairs before you start painting or you’ll pay for it later.
If you’re 100% sure it’s time to paint, we have the perfect paint for sheds – our aptly named acrylic barn and shed paint.
One of the key features of quality shed paint is its durability. If it washes off after a few showers, it’s not worth the money. Rest assured, our shed paints are some of the toughest available, protecting the wood surface for up to a decade before a new layer is needed. By pairing it with a layer of our multi-purpose primer, you can give the surface even more protection.
As with most exterior wood paints, you have a choice between water-based and oil-based. Our acrylic paint is water-based, meaning it’s easier to apply and comes in a wider range of sheen levels. On the other hand, our oil-based shed paint is more durable, but you’re limited to a glossier finish that might not look right on some sheds.
Both types of shed paint will look fantastic no matter what. Once you know which is best for you, it’s time for the most important decision.
The Best Colour for Sheds
With our range of shed paints, you can paint your shed or barn any colour you’d like. This is because both our acrylic and oil-based paints are part of our colour system. Simply enter an RAL or British Standard code and we’ll mix the perfect colour for your shed.
If this is too much choice, we can make the decision a lot simpler. Here are some of the standard colours we have available:
- Grey Shed Paint
- Brown Shed Paint
- Red Shed Paint
- Blue Shed Paint
- Black Shed Paint
- White Shed Paint
- Green Shed Paint
These are the most popular colours for sheds for a reason, but if you want to push the boat out, go for it! Bright colours look great on sheds, especially if you have a lot of colour in your garden. Sheds don’t have to blend in with the background!
Some people prefer the natural wood look. We agree that it looks fantastic, and you don’t have to sacrifice durability if you like that style. Our clear shed paint enhances the natural look of the wood, while still protecting it from wind, rain, fungi, and bugs.
The Best Paint for Garden Furniture
Just like sheds, our wooden furniture can start to let the side down if they’re left to rot. With a bit of luck we’ll see some sunshine in summer, so we want our furniture to be primed and ready for parties, barbeques, or just a quiet evening outside.
Instead of spending a fortune on a new set of deck chairs or tables, pick up a few tins of our affordable garden furniture paint and give them a freshen up.
If you’re new to exterior painting, wooden furniture is a great place to hone your skills. A table or chair is a quick job, and has both large, flat surfaces and fiddly areas that will teach you the ins and outs of wood painting.
For beginners, our acrylic based satinwood is the best exterior wood paint to start with. It’s water-based, meaning it will dry quickly, and is easy to apply compared to oil-based paints. It’s a great choice all round, especially if you’re a fan of bold colours.
If durability is your main concern, an oil-based paint will ensure your wooden furniture looks great for a few years longer than what water-based paints promise. Our oil-based gloss paint provides a high sheen level that makes your chosen colour really pop. If you want a less shiny finish, our oil-based satinwood will do the trick.
The Best Colour for Garden Furniture
Once again, our garden furniture paints are part of our colour system, so they can be any colour you can imagine. This is perfect for anyone with a strict colour scheme in their garden. If you’re proud of your lawn or your flowerbeds, paint your garden furniture green so that it doesn’t draw the eye, or a muted grey or brown that looks great but complements all others.
One thing to remember before you buy your satinwood or gloss paint is that the colour will look slightly different depending on the type of wood surface you’re painting. Lighter wood will suit brighter colours, but they might not look as bold when applied to a darker surface. Always test your paint before you commit to avoid disappointment.
More Hints and Tips for Painting Exterior Wood
And that’s part two done and dusted! We’re over halfway through now, but there’s still a few exterior wood surfaces we can talk about, so keep an eye out for part three so you don’t miss a thing!
If you’re keen to spruce up your garden before summer, don’t ignore your sheds and wooden furniture, and don’t splash out on new pieces when the old ones can be livened up again with some of our exterior wood paint.
FAQ's
How long does exterior wood paint last outdoors?
Exterior wood paint can last anywhere between 3 to 10 years depending on the quality of wood paint and how well the surface was prepared beforehand.
Higher-quality oil-based paints tend to offer longer protection, especially those designed specifically for harsh weather conditions, the best example of one of theses is creocote. However, factors like sun exposure, rain, and temperature changes will all impact longevity. Regular maintenance and proper application can make a big difference in how long your paint lasts.
Is water-based or oil-based paint better for outdoor wood?
Of course not all water-based paints and oil-based paints are the same, but in general there are differences that come down to preference and also painting experience.
Water-based exterior paints are easier to apply, quicker at drying, and have a lower odour, but they’re not as durable and long lasting.
Oil-based exterior paints are more durable, and they’re longer lasting, but lighter colours can yellow, and often have a glossy finish.
What is the best weather to paint exterior wood?
The best conditions for painting exterior wood are mild, dry days with little wind and no rain forecast.
Most paints perform best between 10°C and 25°C, as extreme temperatures can affect how the paint dries and adheres. High humidity or damp conditions can also cause issues, so it’s important to choose a dry window to get the best finish and longevity.
You also can’t just wait for 1 day of good weather to finally start painting exterior wood, as you need to wait for the wood to completely dry before you start painting, to avoid trapped moisture.
What is the difference between exterior wood paint and wood stain?
Exterior wood paint and wood stain serve different purposes, even though they’re both used to protect wood outdoors.
Paint creates a solid, layer that completely covers the wood grain, and gives protection against weather and moisture. Wood stain, on the other hand, soaks into the wood and enhances the natural grain while providing a more subtle finish. Stains are usually easier to maintain, but paints generally offer longer-lasting protection, particularly oil-based wood paints.
What should I look for in the best exterior wood paint?
There’s so many different types of exterior wood paint, and so many different brands, but the main things you need to look out for are the following:
- Weatherproof protection
- Long lifespan (5–10 years)
- Resistance to cracking and peeling
- UV protection to prevent fading
These are the key features of any quality exterior wood paint. There’s always going to be differences between each type, for example oil based fence paint is a lot more durable than acrylic fence paint, but you’re limited to a glossier finish.