How to Paint Your Shed the Right Way
Posted on July 31, 2019
Sheds provide a necessary place to hide lawn equipment and old gallons of paint. Don’t let a shed be an eyesore in your backyard, take an afternoon to give it a paint face lift. Here is how to paint your shed the right way.
Most sheds are traditional wooden structures, but there has been a rise in the metal versions as well. They are subject to all of the weather, pests, hazards the exterior of your home faces. You can protect the building with a coat of paint the same as you home.
Metal sheds will require painting more often than wooden. Either build will take proper preparation for a good paint job.
Paint a Wood Shed
Wooden sheds are very popular because of the natural material. It’s most important to make sure the exterior of your wooden shed is clean and smooth. Use a garden hose and detergent to remove mildew, dirt and grime that can build up over time.
Next, look over the structure and make sure there is no paint that is peeling or flaking. Scrape it off if there is. Repair or replace any loose or broken boards. Rinse the work down once again. Let the wood dry for at least 24 hours.
Now put an application of primer on. It’s recommended that you use acrylic latex paint for exterior shed painting. Use a brush or roller to apply it in thin and even coats. Most likely the project will take two coats of paint, unless you are covering a darker shade.
Paint a Metal Shed
Metal sheds will take upkeep more frequently to look nice. Begin the same as a wooden shed, with a good cleaning. Let it completely dry, and then do an inspection for any damage that needs repaired. If you find rust or stubborn dirt, get a stiff wire brush to remove it. Sand any rusty spots to remove it. If you find any cracks, dents or holes, now is the time to apply a filler, like that made for auto bodies. Press it into holes with a putty knife and sand once it’s dry.
Now it’s a good time to rinse down the shed with a detergent solution and allow an ample amount of time to dry. When you choose a primer for your shed, pick a rust-inhibiting primer made for usage on metal. To avoid rust in the future, some pros suggest an additional coat of primer. After it’s dry, use an oil-based paint manufactured for use on metal.
