How to Repaint a Weathered Shed Exterior
An inexpensive update that will instantly transform your shed is new paint.
Weatherproof paint should be applied regularly on sheds that have been exposed to direct sun and rain, humidity fluctuations, or wildlife infestation.
Sheds provide crucial weather protection, so their exterior coating must be durable enough to withstand water damage, rot, and mold growth. Unfortunately, most standard exterior paints cannot withstand these demanding environments.
Preparation
No matter if it is made of wood, vinyl, or metal; sheds require preparation before new paint will adhere properly and provide long-term color durability. An important first step should be cleaning the surface; use either a pressure washer, damp cloth and warm soapy water to cleanse its surfaces thoroughly, wiping off all mud and debris from siding siding surfaces as you do so.
After you have cleared away any flaky or peeling paint from your shed, sanding it down will remove any flaking or peeling spots of paint. Depending on its age and condition, testing for lead paint might also be necessary; an easy-to-use lead testing kit from any Benjamin Moore retailer makes this task simple. Next, fine-grit sandpaper with sanding sponge may also help create an even surface – just remember to wipe away the dust first!
Once your shed is constructed, it is necessary to prime it with the appropriate primer based on its material. For wooden sheds, Fresh Start(r) Exterior Wood Primer works effectively while Ultra Spec(r) HP D.T.M Acrylic Metal Primer may be more appropriate – choose accordingly!
Once your wall has been primed, it’s time to paint! Be sure to select a color that complements both your home and backyard; if unsure, ask an expert at your local paint store for help with selecting an appropriate hue. Also remember to cover any plants or shrubs with drop cloths to prevent accidental overspray of paint onto them during application.
Alternatively, if the task seems overwhelming or you simply lack the time for completion on your own, consider hiring a professional exterior painter in San Francisco to complete this work for you. Depending on its size and complexity, most professionals can complete it within one day–including dry times!
Primer
As shed surfaces tend to be porous, primer is necessary in helping paint adhere and cover stains and neutralize dark colors so the topcoat can show its true colors accurately. Unless using self-priming paint or your shed is already white, one or two coats of primer must be applied prior to painting the shed surface.
Primers are made from water-based latex or oil-based shellac that’s available with low or no VOC options, sealing previously painted surfaces against moisture intrusion and inhibiting mold growth. They’re popularly used on brick, wood and masonry surfaces alike – as well as new construction sites or unfinished drywall walls – with glossy to flat sheen levels available to choose from – they even can be tinted the same hue as finish paint, thus cutting back on basecoat requirements!
Professional-looking paint jobs demand an outstanding sheen, and this can easily be achieved using high-quality primer. Certain products have built-in self-priming features which make this task simpler while saving time; however, it’s recommended that sanding the primer first will allow for any uneven surfaces or imperfections to be smoothed out before application.
If you’re painting over an existing painted surface, light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper or sanding sponge should do the trick to give the primer better grip on the shed surface and increase its lifespan. When painting vinyl or plastic substrates make sure that product compatibility is verified prior to application.
As soon as it’s time to paint, be mindful of both heat and wind when beginning. Loose paint may need to be removed, making work difficult in these conditions. Furthermore, to do a proper job it’s essential that sufficient time be allowed between coats of paint being applied on your shed.
Depending on the state of your shed walls and whether or not you plan to change their paint color, primer may not be required for long-lasting and attractive results. But in cases such as dirty surfaces, or covering light hues with darker ones, primer is an essential step for creating lasting and attractive paint jobs that last for many years to come.
Base Coat
Once you have removed any loose paint, repaired any cracks or chips, and sanded, wipe down your shed walls to eliminate any remaining sanding dust. While this step might take the longest, it’s essential that any loose paint be cleared away; otherwise, your new coat of paint could peel much faster!
Ascertain which primer and shed paint fits with the substrate of your shed. For wood sheds, Fresh Start(r) Exterior Wood Primer is an excellent high-quality option; when selecting metal shed paint it’s important to determine whether the structure contains ferrous (made up of iron) or non-ferrous metal (without iron), with magnet testing being used as an indicator; once identified the appropriate metal primer such as Ultra Spec(r) HP D.T.M Acrylic Metal Primer or Regal(r) Select Exterior Paint is the appropriate choice for metal sheds made out of either material type;
Be sure to cover nearby plants, flowers, shrubs or landscaping features with a tarp or drop cloth to protect them from paint drips. Furthermore, cut the grass around your shed project site and take steps such as removing planter boxes to make painting simpler.
Top Coat
Once the primer has had time to dry, it’s time for your shed to receive its topcoat. Before beginning, sand any areas where paint may have peeled away or chipped. Sand either by hand or power belt sander; wipe away sanding dust and clean your shed using damp cloths or garden hoses after each pass through with this step to help ensure that its new colors adheres well with existing ones.
Wood sheds should use an exterior latex wood primer such as Fresh Start(r) Exterior Wood Primer or Regal(r) Select Exterior Paint. When it comes to metal sheds, you need to identify whether your shed is ferrous (iron) or non-ferrous – if ferrous then use Ultra Spec(r) HP D.T.M Acrylic Metal Primer while non-ferrous uses STIX(r) Waterborne Bonding Primer or Regal(r) Select Exterior Paint depending on its purpose.
Avoid painting on wet or damp surfaces as this will shorten its lifespan and cause bubbled and peeling paint job. Plan your project during a dry and mild day when weather will allow, while protecting nearby plants with tarps or drop cloths from accidental paint drippings.