At long last, winter is coming to a close. We’re all itching to get back into the garden to start making our outdoor areas look even better than last year.
After a few months of rain, wind, and snow, the wood surfaces in our gardens are looking worse for wear. Our fences, sheds, decking, and more all need some TLC, and we have the best exterior wood paint for the job.
So for a special series of blogs we’re going to talk about the best paint for wood, which surfaces need the most love, and how to get the perfect finish every time. Part one will cover the best decking paint and best fence paint, so if this isn’t what you’re looking for first, keep an eye out for the next parts that will have all the hints and tips you need!
What is the Best Exterior Wood Paint?
The short answer? Our paint! We only supply the highest quality exterior wood paints available, all at reasonable prices. That’s why we’re loved by both professionals and domestic painters.
Painting wooden surfaces is the best way to preserve them. Oils and varnishes work well too and are ideal if you prefer the more natural look, but they can’t hold a candle to a tin of quality wood paint. However, there are many types of wood paint to choose from, all with their own pros and cons. Some will work better than others, and when you’re painting a large surface like a fence gate, you want it to be spot on and last for a long time.
Thankfully, your choice of paint becomes much easier once you’ve decided on what you want to paint.
Best Exterior Wood Paint for Decking
Let’s start with the big one. Our decks go through a lot, not only rain and wind, but plenty of foot traffic when the weather is nicer. They’re also more at risk of insect and fungal attack, something that some paints and stains don’t help with.
Another issue is standing water. Unlike our fences and sheds, which have mostly vertical surfaces that don’t form puddles, decking will often be covered in water after it rains. Brushing water away is a great way to preserve your decking, but this only works for so long, and if you miss a few days you’ll start to lose the battle.
To help with this, you need a the best decking paint that’s tough and weatherproof. Our trade paints are ready to take on even the toughest conditions, and we have two main types to choose from.
The first is our water-based wood stain. If you’re a beginner, this is the best exterior paint for not just your decking, but other wood surfaces as well. It’s easy to use, dries quickly, and is free from any harmful odours and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which can still be an issue even when painting outside. The main downside of water-based paint is its lack of durability, but it’ll still look great for a long time.
If durability is what you want, our oil-based wood stain is the one you need. Its oil-based compound makes it repel standing water, so that it can’t soak into the surface and damage it from the inside. But oil-based wood stains aren’t ideal for everyone. They’re trickier to get the best out of compared to water-based wood paints, take longer to dry completely, so you’ll have to keep an eye on the weather, and it does have some harmful VOCs, always check the tin carefully before you get started.
Best Exterior Wood Paint Colour for Decking
Once you know which paint is best for your needs, it’s time for the most important decision of all: choosing the best colour for decking.
With a lot of our exterior paints, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to colour. However, in the case of our exterior wood stains, things are much more black and white, or brown and green in this particular case.
Very few people push the boat out when painting their decking. You want a colour that isn’t too bold and instead complements the rest of your garden. Our exterior wood stain comes in three shades: dark wood brown, dark green, and clear. The first two are classic choices for decking, very natural shades that suit your flowery borders and green grass. Both types of paint are semi-transparent, meaning the natural wood grain will show through, and it won’t have that plasticky look that some paints create.
There’s also our clear wood stain. This is one of our most popular options, as many decorators love the natural look for their decking. A clear exterior stain enhances the colour of the wood but still protects it from the elements.
Once your paint has arrived and you’re ready to get to work, check out our decking painting guide to help you get the best results possible. And remember that the paint you use will work on other wooden surfaces, so it’s often worth buying a large supply. Speaking of other surfaces…
Best Exterior Wood Paint for Fences
Painting a fence is one of the most satisfying painting projects you can do. As you follow each board with your fence paint brush or roller, you’ll transform your tired old fence into one that looks better than new. But only if you have the right fence paint.
As with decking, you have two types to choose from. Water-based paints for easy application and fast drying and oil-based paints for extra toughness and a slightly glossier finish.
Your fences will look great no matter which fence paint you choose, but there’s one extra product we provide that will make them look even better.
Our multi-purpose primer is the best way to enhance the look of your fences. Exterior surfaces can be difficult to paint, especially fences. This is because their rough grain makes it tough to get an even coverage without using excessive amounts of paint. And if you don’t clean the surface thoroughly enough beforehand, any imperfections and dirt will show through no matter how many layers you apply.
A multi-purpose primer puts a layer between the exposed surface and the paint itself. This adds extra protection against the weather, as well as insects and fungi, and makes it much easier to paint onto the surface. When the paint isn’t soaking into the wood, and instead clings to the dry primer, it makes the colour you chose stand out more and guarantees an even finish.
Just like with decking, we have a fence painting guide that will teach you more about the best exterior wood paint options and give you a few pointers for when you first dip your brush.
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 paint and oil-based paint. 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.
Best Exterior Wood Paint For Front Door
Your front door is one of the first things visitors see when they approach your home. It deserves to look its best.
If you have an older property, you may have a wooden door. These look fantastic if you like the rustic look, but there are some disadvantages. Older wooden doors are at risk of insect and fungal attack. You may think that this is only something to keep in mind for your fences and sheds, but your front door can be just as susceptible.
By using a quality wood paint on your front door, it’ll repel any bugs and fungi. This means it’ll look great for a long time, and you won’t have to worry about it being eaten from the inside.
The most important thing for your front door is durability. Naturally you also want it to look great, but if the bold colours and sheen don’t last long enough, it’s not worth it.
This is why an oil-based wood paint is the way to go. It’s more durable than a water-based equivalent, and the higher sheen is often a better look for a wooden door, but lower sheen options are available.
If you do have your heart set on a water-based paint, or if you absolutely want a matte finish, our acrylic based satinwood is almost as durable and provides the boldest colours.
We have multiple paints that are perfect for front doors. The first is our oil-based undercoat, which guarantees a streak-free finish on any wood surface. Apply an even layer onto a clean and sanded surface (more about that in a moment) and your next layers will look fantastic. Even the best oil-based undercoat should never be used on its own, it’s a complement to other paints.
Speaking of other paints, we have two that are perfect for that final layer. If you prefer a high sheen, look no further than our oil-based gloss paint. It’ll catch the light just right, and makes your door shine all times of year. If you’re looking to paint your door frames, this is the perfect paint for that job too.
There’s also our oil-based satinwood. This is the exterior wood paint we’ve mentioned the most in this series of blogs, and for good reason. It’s designed from the ground up to be perfect for wooden surfaces – your front door will suit it just as well.
Tips for Painting a Wooden Door
Just having the best paint isn’t enough, you also need to know how to use it. Most of this advice will be applicable for all painting projects, so don’t skim over them just because your door isn’t your next job.
The most important thing to do before you start painting is to prep the surface properly. In the case of a wooden door, you need to remove all hinges, handles, pet flaps, and letterboxes before you get started. This can be a pain, and it will make your home a little draughtier for a while, but it’s essential if you want to get at every millimetre of the wood surface and want to avoid ruining the metal and/or plastic you aren’t painting today. You could cover up these areas with masking tape, but you risk missing parts of the door.
You should also sand the door down if it’s made of wood. This will remove all previous paint and the dirt and grime that has built up over the years. For the best painting results you need the perfect canvas, a smooth, unblemished door is a great one to work with.
In a similar vein, make sure the paint brushes or rollers you’re using are right for the job. If the bristles are stuck together or the roller is lumpy, you won’t get the ideal finish.
Our last tip is always test your paint out before you commit. Until the final layer is dry you won’t be 100% sure how it will look, so try a streak on an inconspicuous area first.
Best Exterior Wood Paint For Windows
Painting exterior windows is a relatively quick painting job but the results speak for themselves. This includes both the windows of your home and shed windows, although if you have a more modern home the latter might be the only wooden windows you’ll find outside.
Thankfully, the types of paint we listed for your front door are also excellent choices for windows and painting window frames. As a reminder, that’s:
We won’t mention all their benefits again to avoid repeating ourselves. Instead let’s talk about…
The Best Colour for Exterior Windows
When choosing the colour for your windows or window frames, you have a big decision to make. Do you want your windows to stand out, or blend in with your walls?
A colour that complements your walls, without standing out too much, is what we’d usually recommend for exterior windows, but if you want to be bolder, don’t let us stand in your way!
All the paints we’ve recommended today are part of our colour system. You can enter a British Standard or RAL code, and we’ll mix the perfect colour for your windows. This allows you to perfectly match a different surface, such as your walls or front door, or create the colour you picture in your head.
If this is too much choice, here are some of the most popular colours, not just for windows, but for all exterior wood surfaces:
- Black external wood paint (Creosote)
- White external wood paint
- Grey external wood paint
- Red external wood paint
- Grey external wood paint
- Brown external wood paint
- Clear external wood paint
The Best Exterior Wood Paint
Phew! There are a lot of wood surfaces outside our homes that we can freshen up with some new paint. It can be tricky to know where to start, especially if your decorating time is limited by the weather and how available you are.
Thankfully, most exterior wood paints can be used on multiple surfaces. You could paint your fences on Saturday, then move on to your windows while each layer dries. This gets more decorating done in the same timeframe, and you won’t have to break the bank as you can just use a single tin of paint! Since we provide paint and painting accessories for both domestic painters and tradespeople, you can order large batches that suit your needs, at a price that won’t empty your wallet.
We hope this blog series has inspired you to get out in the garden this summer and paint your wooden surfaces. If you follow our advice, you’ll be the envy of your friends, family, and any nosy neighbours!
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.
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.