Is your shed looking like it has seen better days? Well, before you decide it's beyond saving a quick clean, and a coat of shed paint could take that old shed and turn it into a chic addition to any garden.

There is no shortage of options available for DIYers who are keen to take on this task from opaque wood paints to wood stains that retain the natural grains of the wood.

This is a far more affordable option than if you were to have to buy a brand-new shed. A job you can even do on a weekend.

If this is a project you are interested in taking on but are just not sure where to start our actionable guide will show you what is required for this job.

Step by Step Guide to Painting a Shed

Check the Condition of your Shed

As sheds are an outdoor building they have to contend with all of the poor weather which over time can lead to them becoming damaged or a bit worn down, particularly if the wood has not been taken care of for years.

Here you need to be on the lookout for any missing panels, broken wood, and at the general condition of the shed. You will want to repair your shed to be in good condition before moving on.

There is no point in giving the shed a coat of paint if there are going to be unsightly aspects of your shed that draw the eyes.

Clean your Shed

Once your shed is in good condition it's time to give your shed a good clean. Over time your shed accumulates all sorts of dirt, mould, and organic matter such as algae. You need to clean that off to give yourself a clean, dry, and stable surface before you are able to paint.

To do this you will want to wash your shed with our hypochlorite solution, Homeenpoisto. This will take care of any mould or algae on the shed.

Prepare your Shed for Painting

Now that your shed is cleaned it is time to prepare it for painting. in this phase, you will need to cover any parts of your shed that don't intend to paint such as hinges, door handles, and windows. Also think about anything close by such as slabs, grass, or foliage as spillages can happen.

For this, you will need masking tape, some dust sheets, and potentially some newspaper to cover up a window.

Paint your Shed

Now it is time to paint your wooden shed. You want to ensure your shed is fully dry after washing before you start painting.

Here you have two main options, this is whether you wanted to opt for a wood stain or an opaque paint. This will come down to whether your shed has been previously painted, in which case you will need to opt for opaque paint and your own personal preference. We will talk about both options here though, so you are covered for both.

Paint

For an opaque finish, you should start with Ultra Primer. This acts as a primer for your shed creating a weatherproof seal that offers extra protection.

Next, apply two coats of Valtti Opaque. It is tintable to a wide range of shades with a stunning semi-matt finish. It is recoatable in only two hours allowing you to have both coats applied on the same day.

Wood Stain

If you want to retain the wood grain but want to adjust the colour a little or offer it protection from the elements a wood stain might be exactly what you are looking for.

There are a few options you can choose from our top picks are Valtti Color, or Valtti Plus Kesto. Just like with the wood paint you will need to apply two coats of either of these paint colours. Unlike the wood paint mentioned above, the stain will take a full 24 hours before you can apply the second coat. Not waiting until it is completely dry and cured will result in a far worse finish and could lead to the job being done again.

Applying the Paint/Stain

It is possible to paint your shed with a paint sprayer if you have one. However, if you don't intend to be doing many large-scale painting jobs then it would be worthwhile purchasing. If you are just planning to paint your own shed and don't have any larger projects coming up brushes and rollers will be more than enough for your needs.

Choosing a Shed Paint Colour

Now that you know how to paint your shed you may be wondering which colour of paint you should choose, especially if you have already seen our very expansive colour directory.

You may want to choose the same colour as your garden fence, or decking, or even pick something a little different to stand out.

Popular options include green, brown, or wood stains. However, if you are feeling particularly bold there is no reason you can't opt for something more vibrant.

When is the Best Time to Paint a Shed?

The best time to undertake this project is late spring until summer. You want the nicer weather on your side before you take on any exterior painting project.

Also, make sure you check the weather in advance. The last thing you want is bad weather affecting how well your shed looks after you finish.