What is the best paint for sheds? Even on gloomy days, we like to look outside and admire our garden. If you’ve done some decorating recently, the bubble of pride you feel can’t be matched. But one thing that can burst your bubble is a worn-out shed ruining the view. Today we’re going to talk all about how to paint a shed, and the best paint for shed painting.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Painting a shed helps to improve the look of your garden and protects it from wear and tear.
- There are multiple treatments for sheds, including paint, varnish, and wood stain.
- You can paint your shed any colour you imagine using our colour system.
- Follow our guide for the best results!
Do Sheds need Painting?
Buying a new shed is expensive. By giving it a fresh coat of paint, you can save yourself a fortune and the hassle of getting rid of the old one. Plus it’s fun to paint a shed!
Like any exterior surface, sheds are exposed to the elements 24/7, 365 days a year. After enduring wind, rain, and even snow, they’ll look worse for wear after a few years. Wood surfaces are also prone to rot, mould, fungi, and insect attacks.
You may think that the interior of your shed won’t need painting. This is partly true; the inside of your shed will stay fresher than the exterior. However, if your shed has any leaks, or has been sitting for a long time, the issues that affect the outside can sneak in.
With the right shed paint, you can not only make your shed look better than new, but also keep it protected.
The Best Paint for Sheds
There are a few different types of shed paint you can choose from, all with different pros and cons. These include:
- Barn and Shed Paint
- Metal Shed Paint
- Plastic Shed Paint
- Wood Varnish
- Wood Stain
Naturally, your options are affected by what your shed is made of. Plastic sheds, for example, need exterior plastic paint.
Since they have the most variety, let’s go over the different paint for wooden sheds.
Barn and Shed Paint
Firstly, our Barn and Shed Paint. This is acrylic based, creating bold colours without sacrificing surface preservation. It can be used on wood and metal sheds, so it’s a multi-purpose paint that works on a range of exterior surfaces.
Wood Varnish for Sheds
Wood varnish is a decent choice for fences, decking, and of course, sheds. It is available in a range of colours, and also lets the natural grain of the wood show through.
However, the main disadvantage of wood varnish is that it offers less protection than wood stains and specialised paint.
Wood Stain for Sheds
Wood stains are another option for sheds, offering great protection for exterior wood surfaces.
If you like the natural wooden look for your sheds, wood stains are great as they are translucent. This emphasizes the natural colour of the wood and the grain. This is great for many, but some people prefer bolder colours for their sheds. Speaking of which…
What Colour should I Paint my Shed?
For most people, sheds are purely practical. They sit in the corner of your garden, hoarding your tools and trying to look as inconspicuous as possible. But this doesn’t have to be the case. With the right paint, you can make your shed a centrepiece of your garden.
If you like bold colours, your shed is another blank canvas to paint your personality onto. With our acrylic barn and shed paint, you can create a stylish look in a range of finishes. You can paint your shed any colour you want thanks to our revolutionary Colour System. Simply enter in a British Standard or RAL code and we’ll mix the perfect colour for your shed.
With every colour of the rainbow available, it can be overwhelming trying to decide what colour to paint a shed. So here are some of the most popular:
- Green – For that natural look
- Blue – Muted blues look great on a sunny day
- Black – A unique choice, but some people love it
- White – For the European villa look, be sure to keep it clean!
- Red – Creates a stark contrast with your grass
- Gray – A classic that looks good with everything
- Brown – Works well next to tall plants and trees
- Pink – Why not do something really bold, or use a more subtle muted shade?
The other colours in your garden will be a major factor when it’s time to pick the best shed colour. For example, a lot of people like their shed to match their fence or use a contrasting colour so it stands out. The choices are endless!
And if your fence also needs a fresh coat of paint, check out our fence painting guide for some tips!
How to Paint a Fence – Fence Painting Guide
Now you know which paint is best for your shed, it’s time to get to work.
As with any exterior painting project, you need to choose a painting window that won’t be ruined by the weather. A couple of back-to-back sunny days with low wind are ideal.
Here’s everything you need to paint a shed:
- Shed Paint, Stain, or Varnish
- Exterior Primer*
- Roller
- Stiff Paintbrush
- Sandpaper
- Masking Tape
- Goggles
- Gloves
- Dust Sheets
*Will be necessary for some shed paint, but some have a priming element included.
Once you have everything to hand, let’s get started.
STEP 1 – How to Prepare a Shed for Painting
If your shed is looking worse for wear, it’s important to repair any damage. Cracks and imperfections will show through even multiple layers of paint.
Remember, quality fence paint will protect the surface, but it can’t repair it!
Small damage can be fixed with a wood filler. Anything larger will likely need fresh timber.
Finally, it’s a good idea to sand down as much of the wood as you can. This will help the paint stick to the surface, as well as remove any old paint and stubborn dirt.
STEP 2 – How to Clean a Shed before Painting
The most important part of the shed painting process is to clean the surface thoroughly beforehand.
You can use your paintbrush to remove any cobwebs and flaking paint. Then use a quality exterior wood cleaner to get rid of any dirt and grime. A jetwash is the best method for this, but some old-fashioned elbow grease works too.
Let the shed dry completely, then apply your masking tape around the edges. This can help you get those professional sharp-edges, and help you split the shed into sections for easier painting.
STEP 3 – How to Prime a Shed
As mentioned earlier, some shed paints contain a priming element that removes the need for a separate layer. However, we recommend adding a thin layer of primer anyway, as it adds extra protection and creates a smoother surface to paint onto.
Use your roller to apply an even layer of primer, making sure to overlap each stroke so you don’t miss any. This technique is important for painting too, so this is a great opportunity to practice getting it right.
Leave the primer to dry and then move on.
STEP 4 – How to Paint a Shed
Now for the fun part.
Test your paint in an inconspicuous area first. You won’t know for sure how it looks until it has dried, and you’ve seen it in different light levels.
The number of layers you’ll need to paint your shed will vary. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations on the tin before you commit. If it’s a single layer paint, make sure it’s nice and thick so the colour and finish are bold.
Try to follow the grain of the wood as much as possible, especially if you’re using a wood treatment instead of paint.
Drying times will vary. Once again, the recommended times should be on the tin.
STEP 5 – Admire your Work
Once the final layer has dried, take a step back and admire your freshly painted shed. How does it look?
If you’ve chosen a bold colour, your shed will now pop, adding vibrancy to your garden. If you went with a more subtle style, it’ll complement the rest of the space well.
The UK’s Most Trusted Paint Supplier
Don’t let your shed let the side down when you have guests over this summer. Painting a shed is great fun, and the results speak for themselves!
We’re the no.1 choice for tradespeople, with large quantities of paint available at competitive prices, and we’re loved by domestic painters too!
Check out our blog for more information, advice and guides about all things painting. If you have any questions about any of our products, please get in touch.
We look forward to hearing from you.
FAQ's
Can you Paint a Wet Shed?
Painting onto a wet surface will lead to a steaky or patchy finish. Make sure your shed is completely clean and dry before you start painting.
Does Painting a Shed make it Waterproof?
Most quality wood treatments will protect your shed from the rain. But if you are concerned about water damage, there are specialised water-resistant shed paints available.
How much Paint is needed to Paint a Shed?
This depends on the size of the shed, and how many layers of paint are recommended. We suggest measuring your shed beforehand, then ordering slightly more paint than you need so you have some spare. This can then be used for touch-ups in the future.
Should I Paint my Shed with a Roller or Brush?
Both! Use a roller for large areas, painting in line with the grain. Then use your brush for edges and any tricky to reach parts.
What Time of Year should I Paint my Shed?
You need a few back-to-back days that are warm and rain-free to paint a shed. So warmer months with low wind are the best.