Painting Interior Versus Exterior of Your Shed
Painting your shed can give it a fresh new look while protecting it from the elements. But before beginning this project, be sure to first clear away debris so that all sides and angles of the shed can be reached easily and protect nearby plants and grass from chemicals and sanding dust.
Painting the Interior of Your Shed
When painting the interior of your shed, select a light color such as white. This will open up space and make items easier to locate inside, as well as helping cover any stains left by furniture or other objects stored there. A roller or paintbrush are both good ways of painting with this technique; just remember to wear protective gear such as face masks and gloves while working with large amounts of paint!
Starting by sanding, remove any peeling paint from your shed and wipe down its surface to ensure its clean. Use a fungicidal wash or similar product to eliminate algae, moss, lichens and spider webs so the new paint adheres effectively.
Choose a high-quality primer designed specifically for the material of your shed, such as Regal Select Exterior Wood Primer or STIX Waterborne Bonding Primer (STIX Waterborne Bonding Primer is recommended) and follow manufacturer’s instructions on how to apply and cure.
Once your primer has set, it’s time to paint. Choose an overcast day as this will prevent your shed from heating up excessively while painting it; windy or rainy days could damage its finish and lead to cracking or blistering paintwork.
Before painting your shed, it is advisable to cover any plants, shrubs or landscaping around it with a tarp or drop cloth to protect it from becoming stained by paint. Also cover items that are attached such as shelves and hooks so as to avoid getting stained themselves.
Once finished, allow your shed to dry completely before returning it for use. As an extra measure for protection and to preserve its appearance for longer, adding sealant after painting may help extend its useful life and look good longer than regular varnish or paint jobs alone.
Painting the Exterior of Your Shed
Your backyard shed takes a beating from nature year round, being exposed to rain, dirt and sun for most of its existence. Therefore, painting it annually or whenever it begins looking worn or scratched would do wonders in protecting against denting and scratches while keeping moisture at bay. Befor you begin painting however, be sure to clean out and patch any holes or cracks as well as sand down its surface prior to painting for smooth results and removal of peeling paint from its surface. Once complete, thoroughly rinse away sanding dust then thoroughly wash with soapy water from either garden hose or soapy water source before painting again – annual maintenance!
If your shed is composed of wood material, select high-quality primer and paint that complement the substrate of the shed. For example, for uncoated or bare wood surfaces use Fresh Start(r) Exterior Wood Primer followed by Regal(r) Select Exterior Paint while for vinyl/PVC plastic sheds use STIX(r) Waterborne Bonding Primer with Regal(r) Select Vinyl Shed Paint as appropriate primer/paint combinations.
Before beginning painting, always cover all surfaces that shouldn’t get wet with a tarp or drop cloth – this includes windows, doors, trim and hardware such as handles or hinges on doors or windows. Also consider using painter’s tape to block off areas that shouldn’t be painted like handles and hinges of doors and windows.
As part of your painting preparations, it’s also essential that the weather be favorable. A sunny day allows the paint to dry quickly without blistering; windy days should be avoided as their gusts may create flaking that makes painting difficult; avoid painting on very hot days as this could dry the paint too fast and lead to cracking or peeling; wear protective gear including gloves and mask when painting the shed interior and exterior!
Choosing a Color
If you need some guidance in selecting a color for your shed, take inspiration from something in your garden that you admire, such as furniture or an element such as shrubs or flowerbeds that complement each other well. Use that item as a point of departure in choosing its hue; that way it will complement other features of the garden like shrubs, flowerbeds or planters that you have.
If your shed stands out like an eye sore in your yard, painting it in a bright color will help it blend in seamlessly with the rest of the surroundings. Lighter hues also make items stored within easier to find.
Sage green sheds are a timeless classic. This soothing hue blends perfectly with any foliage or flowers in the space and can easily be combined with other neutral colors for a harmonious design scheme. For something different, pair this hue with blues, yellows or oranges for an eye-catching pop of color!
Add functionality to your shed by installing a plywood workbench and shelves to store tools and supplies. Shelving provides space for pots and gardening equipment storage while the workbench gives a convenient workspace. A pegboard tool rack may also come in handy to organize everything.
Add rustic charm to your shed by decorating its windows with louvered shutters and flower boxes for an eye-catching rustic touch. Not only will this make your space more welcoming and appealing, but recycling old window frames is a bonus too. Finish it off with a cupola and weathervane for even greater charm!
Attractively matching or contrasting with the color of your shed’s doors can really set it off from its surroundings. Hinged doors are typically preferred; sliding or Dutch doors may also make an impactful statement. You can find premade options at home centers and hardware stores or even build them yourself to complement its style.
Making your shed more functional and visually appealing requires adding gutters and downspouts that will drain water away from the building and prevent it from pooling in muddy patches on the ground. Depending on your local climate, insect screens for windows might also prove valuable in keeping out flies and mosquitoes.
Getting Started
Prior to painting your shed, it’s essential that the area is clean. Sheds often become dirty due to weathering effects and can quickly become moldy over time. Use a general-purpose cleaner with hard wire brush to scrub down the exterior of your shed and remove any old paint that may have chipped off or flaked off, using either of these as tools for removal.
After cleaning the exterior of your shed, priming is often recommended before beginning painting. Priming ensures your new paint job will adhere and provides long-term protection to the wood structure. Be sure to follow any specific product’s instructions when priming; add wood treatment products as an extra measure to keep your shed looking its best for years!
Once the primer has set, it’s time to paint! Make sure that you choose high-quality paint that withstands moisture and weather conditions; apply multiple coats, allowing each one to dry before moving on; keep doors and windows open during this process to provide adequate ventilation, thereby avoiding paint fumes that might come out.
Even though painting your shed yourself may be possible, hiring a professional exterior painter is always the wiser choice. They have all of the tools, supplies, and knowledge required to get the job done quickly, efficiently and correctly.