How to Paint a Weathered Shed Exterior

Paint can transform a shed quickly and efficiently. Plus, its protection from weather damage makes this an invaluable solution.

Other simple and creative shed makeover ideas include laying mulch and creating a pathway; installing battery-operated lights; and building a workbench.

Primer Coat

Repainting is the perfect way to keep your shed looking its best for many years to come, not only as an aesthetic boost but also because it protects from the elements, prolongs its lifecycle and makes upkeep easier.

Before painting begins, however, you’ll first need to clean the surface of your shed and remove any loose or flaking paint. One effective method for doing this is pressure washing using a delicate to medium nozzle with water pressure of 25 PSI to 40PSI in order to wash away debris, dirt or grime present; use a wire brush or scraper if any remaining loose paint chips remain after this step has been completed.

After you have cleaned and degreased your shed, it is essential that it fully dries before beginning the painting process. Protect any nearby plants, flowers or shrubs with a tarp or drop cloth to prevent paint drips dripping onto them. If using a sprayer to apply your paint, make sure it has an appropriate nozzle for this task and follow manufacturer’s instructions to achieve an even coat.

Primers aid topcoats to adhere securely to shed surfaces and provide a solid base for new colors to come. A primer coat also covers imperfections, conceals stains, neutralizes lower hues and promotes true colors displayed by top coats. Finally, good primer coats can reduce the number of coats necessary to cover an existing color, saving both time and money on paint projects.

Wood sheds require primer coats when transitioning from dark to light colors or when existing bare areas or dings and scratches need filling in. Plastics and masonry surfaces also benefit from additional protection offered by quality primers.

Before applying a topcoat to most primers, they should be left to dry for a certain length of time – usually between 24 hours and two weeks depending on their product.

Preparation

Prep work for shed painting projects is paramount to its success, ensuring that paint adheres to its surface properly and prevents chipping or peeling too soon. When working with wood sheds, first caulk any small holes before using medium-grit (120 to 150-grit) sandpaper with a sanding sponge to sand its surface evenly and wipe away dust after each pass with medium grit sandpaper (120 grit to 150 grit) to sand its surface before cleaning with damp cloth and warm soapy water (or using garden hose or pressure washer). Finally use wire brushing to wipe loose paint chips before cleaning again after each pass with warm soapy water.

Metal sheds require more preparation than their wood counterparts. Primers and paint must be selected based on whether the shed is ferrous (iron) or non-ferrous metal; to determine this, use a magnet. Once this determination has been made, metal can be painted using either ferrous- or non-ferrous primer, followed by premium acrylic exterior paint such as Ultra Spec HP D.T.M Acrylic Metal Primer or Regal(r) Select Exterior Paint for best results.

Base Coat

Dependent upon its age and climate, repainting may be necessary to preserve both curb appeal and protect from moisture and insect damage. A fresh coat of paint adds curb appeal while providing moisture control and protecting from insect invasion.

No matter whether it’s made from wood, metal, or vinyl, any shed surface must be prepared properly before being painted. Either use a pressure washer, or scrub it down using warm soapy water and a brush; scrape loose paint off before sanding any rough areas to ensure that new paint adheres. Finally, give the shed another good cleaning to ensure its new paint sticks.

Caulk can help seal off cracks and gaps where water may enter, fill any rotted sections with new wood and eliminate any areas where moisture could collect. With metal sheds, use wire brushes or power sanders to scrub down their surfaces regularly to get rid of rust that forms on them and any loose debris.

An exterior primer of superior quality will not only help your new shed paint adhere, but it can also cover up any flaws in its existing finish. When selecting your primer, take into account which material it covers – wood-based products like Fresh Start Wood Primer or Ultra Spec HP D.T.M Acrylic Metal Primer are appropriate options.

Once your primer has completely set, begin applying an exterior shed paint coat in a color that complements both your house and landscape design. Make sure that you follow all recommended curing times on the can for best results.

Once completed, your shed will be back to everyday use again. Protect any plants or flowers near it with a tarp, plastic sheeting or newspaper so paint drips don’t land on them as this will save time from having to pull weeds and scrub down again later! Also remember to cut grass around it beforehand in order to make cleanup simpler as well as avoid paint chips getting onto lawn or plants down the line.

Top Coat

It is recommended to paint the shed every five to ten years to protect it from the elements and add curb appeal to your home. Painting your shed can be an easy DIY project; in fact, some materials and methods used in painting the exterior of a house can also be applied when repainting a shed. Before beginning this task, use a pressure washer to clear away dirt, debris, loose paint chips, etc. Additionally if your shed is made from wood fill any cracks with wood putty or knock down large dents/rust spots before beginning this task if necessary before beginning this job if possible before beginning this task.

After cleaning the shed, use medium-grit sandpaper or sanding sponge to smooth any rough areas and remove any peeling paint from its surface. Do this manually using hand tools; or rent a power belt sander; once finished wiping off dust left from sanding with damp cloth or garden hose before leaving to dry completely.

Before painting your shed, it is a good idea to test its colors at various times of day; lighting can alter how a certain hue appears. Also make sure that you allow enough time for this project; stripping and washing can take hours while priming and base coat application may require even longer.

Select a paint that complements the material from which your shed is constructed — wood, metal or vinyl — when selecting its paint color. You can find appropriate products at your local paint store or online.

Once it comes time to paint the shed itself, referring to your chosen paint can for drying and curing times can vary based on weather conditions. While your shed dries out, protect surrounding grasses, flowers, shrubs with tarps or drop cloths so paint chips don’t drip onto them during drying times.