Transform Your Shed: Paint Over Old Paint

Painting a shed is a great way to give your garden a facelift and can be a fun DIY project. Before painting, it's important to prepare the shed by cleaning it with a pressure washer and removing any old hardware. If the shed is old, you may need to sand it to remove flaky paint and prime it. Once the shed is clean and dry, you can start painting. It's recommended to use good-quality paint and paintbrushes for durability. Learning how to paint a shed is a valuable skill for any homeowner, and with the right tools and preparation, it can be a rewarding project.

Prepare the shed by cleaning and removing old hardware

Before painting a shed, it is important to prepare it by cleaning and removing old hardware. This will ensure that the paint adheres well to the surface and that the final result looks neat and professional. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing your shed for painting:

Clear the Area and Protect the Surroundings:

Start by moving everything away from the shed to create a workspace. Cover the ground and surrounding areas with a tarp, plastic sheet, or newspaper to catch paint chips and drips, protecting your lawn and plants. Use rocks or bricks to hold down the coverings so they don't blow away while you work.

Remove Exterior Fixtures and Old Hardware:

Turn off the main power supply and remove any exterior electric fixtures, tape, and exposed wires. Take off any old hardware, such as broken locks, screws, or metal attachments, that you don't want to paint over.

Clean the Shed:

Use a pressure washer to thoroughly clean the shed's exterior. Wash away dirt, debris, cobwebs, mud, mould, and any other build-up. If there is flaky paint, use a scraper to remove it. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, especially if using a power washer, as it could damage the wood.

Sand the Surface:

Wrap sandpaper around a block and sand the shed's surface in the direction of the wood grain. This will help remove any remaining old paint and smooth out rough areas. Sanding will also help the new paint adhere better to the surface.

Fill Cracks and Holes:

Use wood filler or putty to fill any cracks, gaps, or holes in the wood. This step is crucial to ensure your shed can withstand harsh weather conditions and prevent water damage.

Let the Shed Dry Completely:

Before painting, ensure that the shed is completely dry. The drying time will vary depending on the weather conditions and the cleaning method used.

By following these steps, you will effectively prepare your shed for painting, ensuring a smooth and professional finish.

Choose good-quality paint and supplies

Painting a shed is a tedious but rewarding task. The first step to painting a shed is to decide on the paint colour and type. If your shed is made of wood, you will need a different paint than if it is made of metal. You should also consider the age of your shed. Unfinished wood will deteriorate from the elements if it is not protected with stain or paint. If your shed is old, you may need to repair it if pests such as termites have damaged it.

The next step is to choose good-quality paint and supplies. While you may be tempted to buy cheap paint, it is worth investing in higher-quality paint so that it doesn't need to be redone in a few years. Behr Marquee is a good option for paint that will last through all the seasons. You will also need a good-quality paintbrush with flexible handles and high-quality bristles. A paint pail is also useful, especially if you need to climb up and down ladders. If you are updating hardware, you may want to get some outdoor metallic spray paint.

You will also need supplies to prepare the shed for painting. This includes a pressure washer to clean the shed, a scraper to remove loose paint, and sandpaper to smooth down the surface. If your shed is made of metal, you may need a wire brush or belt sander to remove rust. If your shed is made of wood, you will need wood filler or putty to fill in any cracks, gaps, or holes. If your shed has been previously painted, you may need a primer to cover the old colour.

Sand the shed to remove old paint

To sand a painted shed, you'll need to wrap some sandpaper around a block. The type of sandpaper you use is important. Lower numbers indicate rougher, coarser sandpaper, so choose sandpaper with a grit of between P80 and P120, depending on the condition of your shed and how much paint needs to be removed.

Before you start sanding, make sure you've cleaned the shed of any dirt, bugs, debris, cobwebs, mud, mould, and old paint. You can use a diluted general-purpose cleaner and a hard wire brush, or a pressure washer, to give your shed a good scrubbing. Make sure the shed is completely dry before you start sanding.

When you begin sanding, always move in the direction of the woodgrain. This will ensure that you cover every bit of the shed and remove all the old paint. Sanding will not only help to remove old paint, but it will also remove the top layer of timber, revealing fresh wood that your new paint can adhere to.

If your shed is made of metal, be sure to sand any rust spots, too.

Prime the shed to cover the old colour

When painting a shed that is already painted, priming is an important step to ensure that the old colour is completely covered. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Clean the Shed

Before you start priming, it is essential to clean the shed thoroughly. Use a pressure washer to remove any dirt, debris, cobwebs, mud, mould, or any other build-up on the shed. This step ensures that the primer will adhere well to the surface. Let the shed dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Prepare the Surface

Inspect the shed for any loose or flaking paint, and scrape or sand these areas to create a smooth surface. Sand in the direction of the wood grain to ensure you cover every bit of the shed. Filling any cracks, gaps, or holes with wood filler or putty will also help create a smooth base for the primer.

Choose the Right Primer

Select a primer that is suitable for the surface of your shed. If your shed is made of wood, look for a wood-specific primer. If the shed is metal, choose a primer designed for metal surfaces. You may also need to consider the colour of the primer. A tinted primer can help cover dark colours or stains, while a neutral primer can be used for lighter colours.

Apply the Primer

Follow the instructions on the primer for proper application. Typically, you will use a brush, roller, or sprayer to apply the primer. Ensure that you cover all areas of the shed, paying extra attention to any nooks, crannies, and corners. Depending on the condition of the wood and the absorbency of the surface, you may need to apply more than one coat of primer. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to painting.

Prepare for Painting

Once the primer is dry, lightly sand the surface again to create an even smoother base for the paint to adhere to. Remove any dust with a tack cloth or a damp cloth. Now your shed is ready for the new paint colour!

By following these steps, you will effectively prime your shed, ensuring that the old colour is covered, and creating a smooth and durable base for your new paint job.

Paint the shed and let it dry

Painting a shed is a tedious but simple task. The painting process is not too different from painting anything else, such as walls or furniture. Preparation is the most important step, as it determines how well your final project turns out.

Before painting, you should clean the shed thoroughly. Use a pressure washer to remove dirt, debris, and dead bugs. If your shed is old, you may need to sand it to remove old and flaky paint. Wrap sandpaper around a block and sand in the direction of the wood grain to ensure you cover every bit of the shed.

Once the shed is clean and dry, you can start painting. Use a good-quality paint that will be durable and long-lasting. Choose a paint colour and type that is suitable for the material of your shed, as different paints are used for wood and metal. You may also want to use a primer to cover the old colour and any repairs.

After you have finished painting, make sure to let the shed dry completely. Cover the area around the shed with a tarp, plastic, or newspaper to catch any paint chips and protect your lawn or surrounding plants. Once the paint is dry, you can step back and admire your handiwork!

Frequently asked questions