Repainting your shed is a great way to improve it from an aesthetic standpoint. Many homeowners prefer the shed’s hues to match the home’s exterior wall and trim colors. Because most sheds are not sold in the correct hues for this purpose, repainting is necessary. Other homeowners prefer a shed that is painted a bright, standout hue. Repainting the shed periodically is also critical to maintaining its condition.
Paint is more than a cosmetic addition to your shed’s exterior surfaces. It also performs the critical function of sealing the wood components to protect them from weather-related damage. Because paint can deteriorate over time, you may need to repaint your shed multiple times over the years.
While this project may seem rather simple to complete, it can be labor-intensive. Following a few essential steps can help you to enjoy an easier process and improved overall results.
Gather the Right Supplies and Tools
Before you begin any aspect of your shed paint project, make a list of the supplies and tools that are needed. It is best to have all supplies on-hand before you begin painting. This ensures that you can complete the project in the most efficient and convenient manner possible. Some of the materials and supplies that are needed for most shed painting projects are:
- An eight-foot ladder or taller
- A power washer
- A scraper or sandpaper
- Wood caulk
- Cleaning Rags
- Painters’ tape
- Paint rollers suitable for the type of finish on your shed
- An extension pole for the roller, if needed
- Four-inch paint brushes for the trim
- One-inch paint brushes for the grooves in the paneling
- High-quality exterior paint
Choose Your Paint Carefully
The longevity of your shed’s paint is directly related to the type of paint that you apply. In addition to looking for the desired color of exterior paint, look for a product that is mildew-resistant and fade-resistant. Depending on the type of material that your shed is made out of, either latex-based paint or oil-based paint may be suitable. Consult with your paint professional for assistance with your paint selection. Remember that it may be worthwhile to invest in the higher-quality paint than to choose the most affordable option. Higher-quality paint may last longer and may offer better protection than cheaper paint. If you are painting a lighter color over a darker color, you may also need to buy primer to apply as an initial coat.
Also Read: 5 Pro tips on how to paint your house right
Prepare the Surface
If your shed is brand new, there is likely little that needs to be done to prepare the surface for the application of paint. Simply ensure that the material is clean and that all cracks and crevices are sealed. If your shed is older, you should begin by power washing the exterior to remove caked-on dirt, mildew, and other general grime. By doing this, you will be able to easily spot rough areas that should be scraped or sanded. Applying wood caulk in the seams and crevices is important because it protects the interior of the structure. Caulking also gives your finished project a more professional, flawless look. You may need to wash the surface again after these steps to remove any wood or paint flecks. Because you need the water to dry, you typically need to wait at least several hours before applying the paint. If you have vegetation growing close to the shed, trim the vegetation back so that you have easy and direct access to the structure.
Choose the Right Day
Depending on the size of your shed, you may be able to complete the project over the course of a few hours or over a full weekend. Choose a day or weekend when no rain is expected. It is also wise to choose a day when strong winds are not forecasted. Strong winds can blow dust and other debris into your wet paint. Ideally, this will be a day when pets and kids can easily be kept away from your shed as well. While you could paint small sections over the course of several weekends, this is generally not necessary.
Paint the Lighter Color First
Once you have taken these steps, you are ready to start painting. You may be inclined to paint the walls first and to follow up with an application of paint on the trim. However, this is not always the best strategy. A smart idea is to apply the lighter color of shed paint first. This is because you can freely paint these spaces without concern of paint getting onto the areas that you intend to paint a darker color. It is easier to cover over light-colored paint with a dark color than vice versa. Use a roller to apply paint efficiently to the large surface areas. Use the smaller paint brushes for smaller surface areas. Take your time with the edges and trim pieces to ensure smooth, clean lines. If you are not confident in your ability to create smooth lines with your free hand, you can always use painter’s tape on these surfaces. Remember to allow the first paint color to dry completely before applying the second paint color.
Also Read: Interior House Painting Tips and Tricks
Repainting your shed is a great way to improve the aesthetics on your property as well as to maintain the condition of your shed for years to come. If you have a larger shed, like a garage shed, keep in mind that this can be a strenuous, time-consuming project. It may be helpful to recruit a friend or family member to help you.
