How to Paint a Wooden Shed

Before You Start - Choosing the Best Time to Paint Your Garden Fence

It’s important that your fence is fully dry so time your project for dry and warm weather. In the highly unlikely event of Irish weather exceeding 30 degrees, avoid painting, as this can lead to bubbling and blistering.

Tools for the Job

Step 1: Weather (New Sheds Only)

If your shed is new, allow several months before painting for the shed to weather. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to find out how much time is needed.

Step 2: Prep

Take measures to protect surfaces you don’t want to paint. Cover nearby surfaces and plants with dust sheets. Trim back unwanted foliage or tie back plants. Mask off handles and fittings with Deltec Purple Masking Tape.

Step 3: Clean

If you are repainting an existing shed, make sure that it is as clean as possible before painting. Start by washing it down with Fluxaf Pro-Clean. Note - this is a concentrated formula so read the instructions to find out how much dilution is needed before use. Then, scrub vigorously with a stiff brush and rinse. Tackle remaining mould, moss or dirt with Farbex Exterior Fungicidal Wash (again making sure to dilute by the amount specified in the instructions). Always leave sufficient drying time between each step.

Step 4: Sand

Use a sanding block or pad to remove old, flaky paint. Sand in the direction of the woodgrain so that you don’t miss any spots. Wipe down the shed afterwards to remove any remaining sanding dust.

Step 4: Spot-Prime (New Sheds Only)

To prevent knots from bleeding through your paintwork, spot-prime them with an appropriate shellac-based primer such as Ray’s Primer.

Step 5: Choose Your Paint (Topcoat)

For a quality paint that can be used as both primer and a topcoat, we recommend Ralston 3-in-1 Aqua Satin. Ideal for both painted and unpainted sheds, this product can be tinted to any colour of your choosing.

Cuprinol 5-Year Ducksback offers a wide range of attractive ready-made colours suitable for use on sheds. This product colours and weatherproofs sheds for up to five years.

Step 6: Paint!

Stir the paint well before use. Start by using an angled 2” brush to cut-in around any fittings, windows, doors, and edges. Then, use a 4” masonry brush or a long-nap roller to paint the remaining area – making sure to paint in the same direction as the grain. Once the first coat is dry, paint a second coat. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for information on drying times.